Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own Eragon, Murtagh or anything Inheritance. It all belongs to Christopher Paolini. (ALL HAIL CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI! bows)
A/N: Wow I finally finished typing this. I've had it written for I don't know how long but never got around to typing it. Personally I'm happy how this chappie turned out. Well, enjoy.
Chapter Two: Urû'baen
A soft summer breeze whistled through the leafy forest carrying the aromatic scent of summer blossoms. Sunlight bathed the earth in a golden radiance making crystal clear ponds sparkle happily, attracting many forms of beautiful wildlife. Somewhere nearby in the forest, a Chickadee called out, adding its voice to the beautiful melody of the forest.
The beauty and wonder of this summer day were lost on the bandits as they tromped towards the capital, not caring what they stepped on. Their silver captive, still being led by the chain, limped pitifully, just barely staying ahead of the pull. If she thought the five she was traveling with before were brutal, she had no words to describe these savage bandits. For three days they had beaten her mercilessly with cane and foot, usually for no reason at all. As well, she had been starved. She had not seen even a stale crust or a drop of water for three days. If she didn't get at least some water soon, she would be dead long before they reached Urû'baen.
At the front of the procession of bandits the leader, Kradar, stopped. He turned his scarred bald head towards his crew, surveying them with devilish black eyes. His black eyes could strike fear into the heart of almost any man and give them nightmares of demons for weeks to come. His eyes were how he had earned his name; "Demon Eyes" Kradar, leader of the Hellians.
The small group of Hellians he was leading to the capital fell silent under their leader's gaze. "We'll rest 'ere for an hour then continue on 'till the dead o' night." The men and a couple of women began lounging around stuffing themselves with cheese, salted meats and candied fruits while gulping down brown ale. The female wolf limped towards a nearby pond. The water looked so inviting and she was so thirsty. Glancing over at her handler lounging on the grass with a few of his buddies, she crawled to the sparkling spring for a drink of the precious liquid.
Reaching the edge of the pool, she took a long, satisfying drink. She never thought water could taste so sweet! Never again would she take water for granted. She lapped it up greedily, finally getting her fill of the life-giving liquid.
Once she had drunk her fill, she sat back on her haunches and looker on the grass around her for something to eat. She spotted a clump of dandelions nearby and quickly nibbled off their heads. Despite wolves being typically classified as carnivores they are, in fact, omnivores.
A sharp tug on her chain sent her sprawling on her side. "Behave you stupid mutt!" She had developed a very strong hatred – and fear – of her handler, Canarn. He was "Demon Eyes" younger brother, but he could never live up to his Kradar's reputation. Even though he was the leader's younger brother, he was only third in command. Kreada, a nimble female with flowing auburn hair and eyes like chiseled ice had taken second in command and Kradar's heart. This made Canarn burn with jealously for he too desired Kreada. Though Kreada was pleasing to the eye and no one would suspect any danger from her, she was an extremely skilled fighter whose daggers and wit were as sharp as she was beautiful.
When she was the way Canarn was treating their silver prize she quickly came over and cuffed him in the back of the head. "You dolt!" she hissed. "Do ya want the beast ta be bead 'afore we get 'er to Urû'baen? Give the mutt some meat 'afore she starves ta death 'afore we get 'er ta the King." Kreada's accent was thick, but no one was quite sure where it came from. Most assumed it was from growing up around other ill-educated bandits, but since she was quite knowledgeable, they just accepted it as it was.
As Canarn grumbled while rummaging around for some spare meat, Kreada glided off to where Kradar sat surveying his crew. The wolf had heard Kreada's remark and shuffled slowly up to Canarn for her food. Contemptuously, he threw it in her face then turned around and began drinking his brown ale again.
The wolf happily ate her food. It wasn't a cooked meal or a fresh kill but what did she care? It was food! Watching Canarn, Kreada, and Kradar closely, she finished eating her food and lay down to the grass. They were just at the fringe of the forest and Urû'baen was still a good four days away, so she decided to rest before they pushed on once again.
For four days, they pushed on ruthlessly, only feeding the wolf enough to keep her alive for the king. It rained for a day and a half, but they continued on anyways. When they were a day away from the capital, they began seeing more people. For the most part, they ran when they set eyes on Demon Eyes, even the soldiers didn't bother the small group of Hellians. Kradar passed where he pleased undisturbed and with overwhelming confidence. The only people who would bother him were a large group of soldiers and none were currently to be found.
When they reached the city limits they were stopped by the guards at the gate. Kradar muscled his way to the front of the group with Canarn and the wolf in tow. He stood smirking at the two pitiful guards who bared his way.
"What is your business here?" one guard questioned. His voice was strong but his eyes betrayed him. They shifted nervously, looking anywhere but Kradar's eyes.
"We 'ave a gift for King Galbatorix." He motioned for Canarn to bring the wolf forward. With a sharp tug, Canarn dragged her forward to show the guards. "Unless, of course," he continued, "you don't want to let us pass." The guards, not wanting to feel the wrath of Demon Eyes Kradar, cast each other a nervous glance before letting the bandits pass through the gates of Urû'baen.
Turning her head left and right, she took in the sights of the Capital while at the same time being afraid for her life. Now that they had finally reached their destination, they would surely take her to the king. From what she had heard though the hushed conversations of those around her, the king was a tyrant who enjoyed power and did not put up with any opposition. She had also heard that the Empire was at war with a rebel group called the Varden and that they had a dragon rider amongst heir ranks. His name eluded her, but she was sure that was bad news for the Empire. Of course, the Empire was said to have two dragon riders, including the King himself. For having been in Alagaësia for only a short amount of time, she was quite pleased with her knowledge of the area. Even so, she highly doubted that her knowledge would be of any use for this upcoming predicament.
As they walked through the crowded streets many people stared at them or shot them nervous glances. The common folk who didn't travel very much were not accustomed to seeing bandits at all, let alone in their home city. A path cleared immediately with Kradar in the lead. Though some of these people had never heard of Demon Eyes or his Hellians, the mere sight of them told the city-goers that they were dangerous. Several soldiers walked along with them quietly, escorting them to the palace.
The wolf kept her head low and her tail down as she walked near the front with Kradar, Kreada and Canarn. As they approached the palace doors, she knew her fate was sealed.
Two guards opened the palace's double doors to permit them entry. Once inside they walked down an elaborate hallway and off into a small antechamber. One of the soldiers turned to Kradar. "Wait here," he ordered. Normally Kradar didn't let anyone order him around, but he let this one's impudence slide this once. Walking to another set of double doors the soldier spoke to a guard and then proceeded to enter, closing the doors behind him.
Kradar motioned Kreada and Canarn towards him. Since she was still attached to the chain in Canarn's hand, she came along as well.
"You three will come see the King with me. This wolf must be worth a lot so I think we can ask for a lot." All three eyed the poor female worth, thinking of how far they could push a deal with the King. "That…band thing on 'er neck," Kradar said, pointing. "I think it's made out of gold with real silver inlaid in the engravings. And the gems. The colours are swirling so they must be magic or something." The other two nodded faithfully along with their leader.
The wolf looked down at the large gold band around her neck. It was indeed pricey, but the trio had no idea of its true value.
Behind them the doors opened once again and the guard that had left reentered. He paused for a moment before speaking. "King Galbatorix will see you now." Kradar smiled a menacing smile before the three followed the soldier into the throne room.
The silver wolf tried to resist the pull of the chain but a sharp yank from Canarn forced her before the King. Slowly, she lifted her head to meet the King's gaze. Her violet eyes met with the King's and she slowly looked away again. There was hatred and madness in those eyes. She could see now why he ruled over Alagaësia. She could also see why there were those who fought so hard to free their homeland.
The King's sharp voice cut through the silence, forcing them all to pay attention. "What brings the great Demon Eyes Kradar to my humble castle?" Sarcasm was obvious in his voice as he mocked the bandit leader before him.
"So your majesty has heard of me." The King looked Kradar right in the eyes. He didn't flinch or turn away. He didn't seem affected at all. This deeply unnerved Kradar.
"I, uh, came to deliver a gift." He motioned Canarn forward. He had never seen his to brother act like this before. It was rather unsettling.
As Canarn brought the silver wolf forward the King's frown grew deeper. "What is this filthy creature?" Kradar was lost. Hadn't the King been expecting a gift? Even if he wasn't, it still looked like it was worth something.
"Your highness, surely this silver wolf is a magnificent gift. And this gold neck band it wears is pure gold!" Kradar didn't like the way this was going.
Galbatorix glared coldly at Demon Eyes. "All I see is a worthless mutt wearing a piece of scrap metal." The wolf went cold inside and her legs felt like they had vanished beneath her. Galbatorix turned to one of his soldiers. "Escort them out of the city and take the wolf out back."
"Yessir." The soldier nodded his head then went about doing his King's bidding.
Seething, Kradar allowed himself to be led out. The wolf on the other hand, stood deathly still. Canarn had dropped her chain but fear kept her in place. She knew what the King had in store for her; death.
A soldier approached her and grabbed her chain. Immediately she started resisting the pull. In her weakened state, all she could do was struggle.
By the time they were outside the wolf had worn herself out completely. Now she followed the pull of the chain obediently, resigning herself to death.
When they reached the designated spot, they stopped and the soldier turned towards her, drawing his sword. His face showed no emotion to the gruesome task her was about to perform. All the wolf could do was lower her head, exposing her neck, and close her eyes. This was the end for her. To think her fate would be to die at the sword of an errand-soldier in an unfamiliar land. Great Rain she didn't want to die this way!
Unseen to by both the wolf and the soldier was a third person watching the proceedings. He had heard the King's conversation with Demon Eyes and followed the soldier and the wolf outside. When he set eyes on the wolf, he couldn't help but feel sorry for it, a feeling was a little unfamiliar to him. It was going to die just because it had been captured as a gift for a ruthless King. There was also something odd about the wolf. It seemed far more intelligent and aware of its surroundings and situation then any other wild animal he had seen.
When he saw the soldier raise his sword to strike a death blow, Murtagh called out to the soldier against his better judgment. "Soldier!" The startled man paused and turned in his direction. The surprised wolf looked up as well.
"What do you want dragon rider?" he answered back.
Murtagh didn't say anything until he reached them. "The King has changed his mind," he explained. "He ordered me to take the wolf back into the palace." The guard looked at him skeptically. "Or, I can go fetch Galbatorix if you want and you can ask him yourself." That settled the matter.
"That's fine," he replied hastily. Handing the chain to Murtagh he quickly sheathed his sword and headed back into the palace. Standing there with the chain in his hand, he started at the wolf for a moment. She looked back curiously. Was he telling the truth? Had the King really decided to keep her? She couldn't decide which fate she cared for less.
Finally Murtagh turned back to the palace. "C'mon," he said. He began walking and the wolf followed. Something in his voice erased her fears and she went after him without question. Besides, she was curious as to what was going on.
Inside, after they passed the throne room, she really began to wonder. She no longer had any idea as to what was going on. Eventually they stopped at a door and Murtagh proceeded to enter. When she was what lay inside her confusion left her. It was his living quarters. Now she understood what going on. He had saved her from an execution under no orders from the King.
Once inside, Murtagh kneeled down and removed the muzzle and chain. He deposited them on one side of the room then turned back to her. She just stood there staring at him with confused eyes.
Why had he done that?! Murtagh began mentally berating himself. It was just a wolf after all, just a stupid beast that belonged in the wild. He should have listened to the King's wishes. If Galbatorix ever found out about this he would kill him for sure.
However, this wolf had no chance in the wild. She was starved, injured and exhausted. She wouldn't be able to hunt and would almost certainly die within a few days.
Sighing, he walked over to a chair and sat down. The wolf limped over to him and sat in front of him, her eyes still questioning him. "You're welcome to stay here until you heal," he told her. He knew it sounded strange to talk to a wolf, but he also knew she would understand him.
At his words, her eyes shined and her ears perked up. She would live, and now she was somewhere she was welcomed. Murtagh looked around the room. A new problem had just presented itself in his mind.
"What do I do for a bed for you?" This question seemed to amuse her. By way of answer, she limped over to a corner of the room and curled up. Inwardly she smiled to herself. For the first time in a while, it was time for her to get a peaceful nights rest.
End of Chapter 2
A/N: Well yes. I hoped you enjoyed. Thank you to BlackxValentine for reviewing. It was much appreciated. One review is enough to make happy ) Look forward to chapter 3: Raine
Hiks