Chapter 8: A Quick Battle
Murtagh was looking around the battlefield, searching for the blue hedgehog. He didn't see anything so he yelled at the top of his lungs, "Where is the blue hedgehog? My master Galbatorix wants to know and is certain that he is here. Hand him over and no one shall be harmed."
Eragon looked at Sonic. How did the king know about you?
Earlier this week when I first got here, some Ra'zac ambushed me, Sonic told him. They must have gone back to Galbatorix and told him about me. Fortunately, I'm not a blue hedgehog anymore. He'll be in a shock when he find out what I am now!
Sonic flapped his wings and took to the sky. He saw Thorn and roared loudly, issuing a challenge to the evil Rider and dragon. Murtagh looked shocked at the sight of another dragon but quickly masked his surprise and reached out with his mind to speak to Sonic.
I didn't expect to see another dragon here, he said. However, you are foolish to challenge me. Now tell me where that damned blue hedgehog is!
You're looking at him, Sonic said in a cocky voice. Murtagh's eyes widened, surprised to find out that the blue hedgehog that the Ra'zac had sighted earlier was now a gigantic dragon even bigger than Thorn! He growled in anger and glared at Sonic.
Even if you have somehow transformed into a dragon, it does not mean you are more powerful than me or my master! Murtagh shouted at Sonic. Thorn was also looking at Sonic, eyes blazing with hatred. He roared at Sonic, who roared back. The two dragons flew at each other, blowing fire. Thorn growled and clawed at Sonic but the blue dragon dodged the attack and bit Thorn in the neck, digging his fangs into his scaly hide. Thorn roared in pain as Sonic let go, blowing another jet of flame at the evil dragon.
The blast of fire engulfed Thorn. He roared when he felt the heat of the blast wash over him. When the attack ended, smoke was coming up from Thorn's scales. He roared at Sonic and blew fire at him. Sonic dodged the blast and clawed at Thorn's underbelly. The dragon roared in pain as he was wounded. Murtagh also felt the wound and gasped in pain. He looked at Sonic in hatred.
You may be stronger than us but that will soon change! he told Sonic. We will battle again, and the next time, you won't be so lucky.
Sonic growled as he saw Murtagh retreat. He landed on the ground and snorted, looking at Eragon. They got away, he said. Do you want me to go after them?
Eragon shook his head. There will always be another battle, he told the dragon. Don't be so impatient, Sonic.
Impatient is my middle name, Sonic said. I'm more used to taking action, not waiting for something to happen. He let out a low growl. I suppose you are right. We'll battle again soon and I intend to finish what we started. Where is Murtagh headed now?
My guess is that he and Thorn are heading back to Galbatorix. I assume that he will tell the king what he saw. If I am right, Galbatorix shall be alerted of your presence here and will keep an eye out for you.
Let him, the dragon told Eragon. It is only a matter of time before he knows who I am. If I want to help you, then I must make my presence in Alagaesia known.
Eragon nodded. That is a very smart idea; now Galbatorix will have two dragons to deal with instead of one. Come; Nasuada wishes to speak with you. He turned away and started walking back to the mountain. Sonic followed him, eager to tell the Varden what he knew.
Meanwhile, Thorn and Murtagh had landed back in Uru'baen. The rider dismounted his dragon and walked into the throne room. He kneeled before Galbatorix and bowed his head.
"Rise," Galbatorix said, and Murtagh did so. "Have you captured the hedgehog?"
Murtagh hesitated. "We failed to do so, your highness. However, we did find something interesting during battle."
Galbatorix leaned against his chair. "What did you find?"
"The hedgehog, my lord. Only...he wasn't a hedgehog anymore. We saw that he had been transformed into a dragon."
"What? How is that possible!" Galbatorix exclaimed. "Someone can't transform into an animal unless it's through some sort of magic spell. Did he say how he had been transformed?"
Murtagh shook his head. "He only told us that he had been transformed into a dragon; he did not say how. However, we did find out his name."
"What is his name?"
"Sonic."
Galbatorix grinned. "It is possible that Angela transformed Sonic into a dragon. Now that we know who and what he is, I plan to use him for my bidding. Bring Angela here; I know she can tell me about Sonic."
Murtagh nodded and left. When he was gone, Galbatorix leaned against his throne in silence. Now that he knew about this new dragon, a new plan began to form in his mind. Galbatorix chuckled evilly, wondering why Angela had transformed Sonic into a dragon. He had to get rid of Sonic soon or turn him evil. One way or another, he would find out what to do with Sonic.