Chapter 10: Capturing Angela
Back in Uru'baen, a plan was forming in Galbatorix's mind. He knew that the witch Angela has summoned Sonic here and transformed him into a dragon. Now he thought that if he could use Angela's spell to his advantage, he could do the same thing! Galbatorix stood up and called for Murtagh, who walked in and bowed at the king.
"You sent for me?" Murtagh asked.
Galbatorix nodded. "I want you to go to the city of Teirm and capture a witch named Angela. It was she who summoned Sonic here and transformed him into a dragon, I am sure of it. Capture her and bring the witch to Uru'baen so that I can probe her mind and learn the spell that she used so that I can turn it to my advantage. Also, when you reach the Teirm, be sure to burn it to the ground. I do not want Angela to escape from the city. Do you understand what I need you to do, Murtagh?"
"Yes, my King."
"Good," Galbatorix sneered. "Now, do not fail me!"
Murtagh nodded and walked out of the room into the courtyard. He saw Thorn and nodded. The dragon bowed his head as Murtagh got on his back. Murtagh sighed in exasperation and sent out a mental thought to Thorn.
We have orders from Galbatorix, the Rider said. He wants us to go to Teirm and capture the herbalist-witch Angela.
I assume that it has something to do with this new dragon that we fought? Thorn asked.
The Rider nodded. Galbatorix wants to use her magic to summon more people from Sonic's world and transform them into dragons. I do not know how he will do that but I am not going to question him. You know that we do not like working for the king but since we are under his command we have no choice. When we get to Teirm, burn down the entire city and we will look for this damned herbalist.
Thorn snorted and let out a loud roar, launching himself off the ground and into the sky. The Rider and dragon flew for miles, passing many mountains, cities and valleys. A few hours later, they saw a mountain range in the distance and knew that they were close. Soon, the town of Teirm appeared and Thorn let out a mighty growl to alert the citizens of their arrival. Many people saw them and screamed in terror, running away as soon as they saw the dragon. Thorn landed on the ground with a thud and Murtagh got off of his back, drawing his sword.
"People of Teirm," Murtagh shouted. "I have come to seek the herbalist Angela. Kindly tell me where the hell she is or I will have my dragon burn this city until there is nothing left but ruins."
The citizens were shocked. They knew that Angela lived here in her shop but no one was about to tell Murtagh where she was. The Rider waited patiently for a few minutes but no one spoke. Finally, he sighed in resignation and glared at the citizens angrily.
"Fine; you had your chance. Now watch in terror as Thorn destroys your damn city!"
He nodded at his dragon, who flapped his wings and hovered in the air. Thorn took a deep breath and exhaled, letting loose a stream of flames that engulfed the entire city. People screamed as they were burned alive. Buildings collapsed as they were set of fire; some even crushed a few people to death as they toppled to the ground. Murtagh watched the destruction with pride and grinned evilly. Thorn continued to blow fire out of his mouth until Teirm was completely destroyed. Then the dragon landed behind his Rider and snarled.
Suddenly a bolt of magic came out of nowhere and hit Murtagh in the chest. He doubled over in pain and looked up to see Angela standing in front of him. He chuckled and lunged, slashing his sword towards the woman. Angela dodged the attack and sent out another bolt of magic. The two dueled for a few minutes before stopping to talk.
"You must be Angela," Murtagh said. "I have orders from Galbatorix to capture you. Come with me or I will have to use force."
Angela stood silent for a moment and then spoke. "Your king is only using you, Murtagh. I sent Sonic here for a reason, and he will help us defeat you two!"
She sent a bolt of magic again but Murtagh circled around, sending out a magical attack himself. The attack hit Angela and paralyzed her instantly. Murtagh chuckled again and sheathed his sword.
"I am much more powerful that you think," he said. "This spell is only temporary but it will stay in effect long enough for me to take you back to Galbatorix."
He picked Angela up and threw her onto Thorn's back. Then he got on his dragon and chuckled.
Time to go, Murtagh said to Thorn.
The dragon snarled and flew up into the sky, heading back to Galbatorix. Murtagh grinned, knowing that his mission was a success. When they got back to the castle, Galbatorix stood in the courtyard and waited for the dragon to land.
"I have the witch, my king," Murtagh said.
Galbatorix grinned. "Take her to the dungeon."
Murtagh nodded and walked into the castle holding Angela. Galbatorix chuckled evilly, already planning what he would do to make Angela give up the spell he needed.