No, it's not a simple repost so I can get views and brag on teh internets. Actually, I feel that the previous chapter and the next one were so tied to each other that keeping them separate was sad for me, lonely for them. Tell me what you think about it.
A fountain of crimson red liquid that matched the color of Zar'roc was released the moment the sharp tip of the sword pierced through the golden scales and the solid bone which made Glaedr's skull. The quick strike ended the life of the great golden dragon instantly, yet no roar, no growl or even a faint whimper announced his demise as his limp body fell towards the ground. Dragon blood splashed on Murtagh's body, changing the color of the black leather armor that protected him, yet the human seemed not to pay any attention to it. Murtagh's dark brown eyes were staring into a deep, unknown abyss, for no flicker of thought was present in his blank stare.
The long, high-pitched yowls mixed with roars of pain and agony released by the red dragon did little to snap Murtagh from his trance-like state, for his features remained as impassive as ever. No emotions, no feelings, no reactions of his face muscles betrayed any hint that the Rider was not the morbid, realistic work of an expert artisan.
"Graaarrghhhhh," screamed Murtagh as the king's presence vanished from his mind in an instant, allowing him to resume control over his actions.
His face quickly acquired a cherry red color as Murtagh struggled to breathe in as much air as he could, as if he was not allowed to breathe for an extended period of time.
His body was wracked by a cold shivering, and his limbs felt unusually stiff. But, among his feelings, there was one that forced him to scream in agony: pain, intense pain which kind was never experienced before crippled Murtagh's body. It felt like a part of his own body was tore off, leaving behind a bloody wound which could not be mended in any form.
The powerful air currents zipped past the red dragon and his Rider as the two slowly descended from the high altitude they were flying at. After the pain seemed to subside a bit, Murtagh slowly turned his head and his body around so he could look behind. A loud scream of pain escaped him the moment when his tear-drenched eyes fixed themselves on Thorn's tail. The once long elegant tail of the red dragon lost a considerable part of its length as a large stump which never ceased to ooze blood replaced the slim tail tip.
"wai-waise...he-hel," murtagh whispered, slowly extending his right hand towards the bloody stump. Seconds passed and nothing seemed to happen. Another loud roar reverberated through the sky, temporary silencing the shouts and cries of the battle that was raging below.
"Waise…heil!" he said with conviction.
Immediately after his incantation, Murtagh's gedwey ignasia glowed red as the healing spell began to take effect. His strength quickly began to subside and Murtagh almost cursed himself for his stupidity and forgetfulness as he broke the spell almost as quick as he began casting it.
Thorn roared in pain the moment when a part of his wounds closed, stopping most of the terrible bleeding which affected his tail.
Murtagh quickly grabbed a spike with his hand and held hard as the red dragon's flight became more irregular as Thorn began to wobble. His body angled to the right, then to the left as Thorn struggled with his flight. His large wings which were powerful enough to maintain him in the air were flapping slowly, but this was not enough in preventing a collision with the buildings of the city.
Murtagh touched the mind of his partner-of-heart-and-soul, but he drew back in an instant as a powerful wave of pain prevented him from speaking with his dragon.
Curse that golden beast for doing this to my dragon, thought Murtagh with malice.
Extending his mind towards the eldunarya, Murtagh drained a small part of their energy to replenish his strength. Then, he switched his attention towards the damaged tail, but could do nothing as Thorn's body suddenly angled downwards, dangerously close to a dive.
Murtagh recoiled in surprise, but did not give up as he muttered the needed words for the healing spell. A loud roar of pain was released shortly after, and among the red scales and trails of blood Murtagh could notice the fast approaching ground.
"Blast it!" he shouted as he began to utter a silent incantation.
Murtagh's words were lost in the frenzy of the battle as different screams could be heard coming from the battle field. Stray arrows whistled through the sky, some of them even hitting Thorn as he quickly descended. And then….
A loud booming sound reverberated through the buildings of the city, shaking off the dust on the paved roads as the red dragon crashed into a wooden booth, smashing the wood into smaller pieces, his body being dragged on the stone covered ground a short distance before it came to a stop.
Surprisingly, the impact was not as devastating as it seemed, for Murtagh used one of his spells in the last moment before crashing. Shaking his head and brushing the dust in front of him with his hand, Murtagh quickly dismounted from the saddle and jumped on the ground.
Please be alright Thorn…I can't… I just cannot bear losing you, he thought as he walked with quick steps towards his partner's head.
As he expected from the harsh impact he just experienced, Thorn's eyes were closed and his breathing was slower than usual. Murtagh gently patted the smooth red scales on the dragon's neck, running his hand along until he reached the side of his head.
Thorn, I know I am asking much of you, but you need to recover quickly. It will not be long until the elves will discover us here, he said, his solemn stare faltering as he looked at his dragon. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this because of me…because of my weakness to oppose Galbatorix. It's because of me that you were forced into a miserable life of slavery, said Murtagh as he fell onto his knees, sobbing quietly.
Suddenly, a low rumbling growl escaped from the red dragon, making Murtagh flinch back in surprise. It is…not your fault, came the frail, yet calming voice of his partner-of-soul. Quickly wiping the tears that have gathered in his dark brown eyes, he moved towards Thorn and hugged his neck as hard as he could, You have no idea how grateful I am for being able to speak to you, Thorn. After Galbatorix has… killed that dragon, I felt your pain and tried to contact you but…
Thorn released a low growl, Do not dwell too much on it, little one, for that moment belongs in the past now.
Murtagh gently patted and scratched the side of Thorn's face, you are right, as always. I told you many times that I will be lost without you, Thorn. You are the only good thing that has happened in my miserable life ever since I was born.
Thorn growled faintly at the pleasant contact, but Murtagh quickly retracted his hand as a loud cry of pain was heard from somewhere nearby. Quickly getting onto his feet, Murtagh scanned the surrounding area. He was located in a small area which was surrounded by buildings. A few bloodied corpses could be seen on the stone paved ground, aside from the few wooden booths and chairs that were placed around. From the looks of it, this was a small trading point as the booths had all kinds of comestibles on them, ranging from different colored fruits to red meat.
That shout definitely came from somewhere nearby. If it were not for these buildings we would be found already, stated Murtagh.
I share your concerns, Murtagh, but the fight with the elder dragon weakened me greatly, for my wings feel weak and my limbs frail.
The frail and weak voice of his dragon concerned Murtagh. Quickly turning the attention towards Thorn, Murtagh circled him and inspected his body for any injuries that might have been missed. It was not easy to notice them as the blood was almost the same color as his scales, but at the same time it was impossible missing the large, circular punctures that pierced Thorn's left hind leg.
Murtagh gasped at the unpleasant sight as coagulated, sticky blood covered most of the scales completely. The smell was also hard to bear, but Murtagh paid no attention to it as he moved, feelings of anger and vengeance towards the golden dragon filling his mind.
I am going to heal your hind leg Thorn, but you need to stay as quiet as possible. We can't risk your roar giving away our position, said Murtagh.
Thorn growled in acknowledgement. Immediately after that, Murtagh drew energy from the eldunarya and cast the healing spell. Only a hiss of pain could be heard from Thorn as the wounds were quickly mended.
After finishing the spell, Murtagh turned his attention towards Thorn's tail. That was another thing which greatly concerned him, yet he could do nothing about it. Galbatorix briefly explained him the healing spells and mentioned little about replacing a lost arm or any part of a human's body, invoking the excuse that the spells were too dangerous and wasted too much energy to be reliable.
Lost in his musings, Murtagh did not notice that Thorn slowly lifted his body off the ground and brought his snout close to his face, letting his feelings of appreciation flow across their bond, I am grateful that you took care of that pestering wound, Murtagh, but you know how much I dislike when you use the energy of my enslaved brethren.
Murtagh rubbed thorn's snout affectionately, I know, but I prefer to use them rather than see you suffer.
Thorn hummed in delight at the pleasant, delicate touch of his snout.
Murtagh leaned his head against Thorn's snout, the warm breath ruffling his hair with each exhalation. The short moment of relaxation came to an end as Thorn quickly retracted his snout, growling fiercely.
Jumping back at the sudden disturbance, Murtagh's eyes fixed themselves on the source of the disturbance, which was an armored elf. His bow was aimed straight at Thorn, and the tense bowstring was ready to release the arrow upon the chosen target.
"Vindr Skolir!" shouted Murtagh with alacrity. In the next moment, a strong current that brushed away anything in its path air surrounded him. Murtagh quickly muttered another spell to protect himself against the circular wind and ran towards the elf with great speed. The elf, which lost his bow due to the powerful cyclone that had been created quickly, moved his hand towards the sword which rested at its hip.
Murtagh was faster, however, as he planted his sword through the elf's chest. A sickly cough escaped his enemy as his eyes closed, his body falling limp towards the ground.
Curses, they found us already, thought Murtagh, picking the elf's bow from the ground and the quicker which was placed on the elf's back.
Murtagh ran towards Thorn, who bended his body slightly and extended his wings in expectance of his Rider. I am not sure how high or for how long I will be able to fly with the little strength I have, little one, said Thorn.
Do not worry about it, for I will use my bow and my spells to protect you, answered Murtagh as he got onto the saddle
A few silent whispers followed by quiet footsteps could be heard somewhere nearby. Recognizing what it was, Thorn quickly alerted his Rider, there are more elves coming our way. I can smell at least three different scents, even if the foul smell of death permeates this city.
Murtagh quickly dismounted and drew his bow, I know, Thorn, but let me handle them. I don't want you to exhaust yourself more than you already are.
Thorn growled threateningly, I will not stay away like a wounded beast when there is a strong chance that these elves might overpower you.
You can assist me if you wish, Thorn, but do not engage them directly, finished Murtagh, readying his bow.
Soon enough, three elves appeared from between the shadow of the buildings. Two of them were male, each carrying a single sword in their hands. The other one, which was a female, was holding a bow and also had a small dagger which rested at her hip.
"Elves, I have no quarrels with you. Allow me passage and I give you my word as a Rider that I will not hurt anyone after my departure," spoke Murtagh quickly, hoping for an easier way to escape.
The female took a step forward," We saw what you did, Shur'tugal. You ended the life of the last Rider of Old as easily as you would kill a simple soldier," she said on a serious voice which did not betray any hint of her feelings, same as her impassive face.
"That was not what I wanted, elf, for I had no choice over my action the moment Galbatorix uttered my true name. He is the one to blame for what happened, for it was he who killed the Rider."
"Do not taint me with your lies, traitor. It was your blade that ended Oromis and the fangs of your dragon that killed Glaedr."
Does she think that Thorn did it? Murtagh asked himself before looking back at the elf, frowning.
"I do not try to deceive you. It was Galbatorix who assumed control of my body and killed the Rider," he said in the ancient language.
I will have a difficult time defeating them should they attack, thought Murtagh, analyzing each elf with his eyes should it come to the worse.
"I do not care what you convinced yourself to think, for you bear the same guilt as that snake-tongue killer. Prepare to meet your end!" she said, readying her bow.
Just as I expected, thought Murtagh, bringing his bow up and firing the arrow that was prepared with great speed. The elves barely had time to react and the arrow reached its target, but it bounced off harmlessly inches away from the female's neck.
Murtagh quickly drew Zar'roc as the two swordsmen ran past their leader, engaging Murtagh in a sword fight. Their blades moved with incredible alacrity and skill, and Murtagh was forced to back off constantly to avoid being hit by the deadly blades.
An elf made a quick slash at Murtagh's shoulder and the other one made a similar slash at his head. Murtagh leaned his body, avoiding the two blades which met Zar'roc as they clashed once again.
Little to no offensive hits came from Murtagh who was pushed heavily into defensive. The glimmering blade passed inches away from his throat as he gracefully bended his body, only to be intercepted by another slash to his torso. Murtagh brought his sword upwards and jumped back, extending his hand.
"Empowered wind-" suddenly, an arrow was about to hit him straight in his heart until it bounced off harmlessly at the impact with an invisible force. The female prepared another arrow and the two males moved forward, attempting another tactic. While one of them was keeping Murtagh busy with powerful, yet quick slashes, the other one moved past him, searching for whatever opening he could find in his blind spot.
Realizing what was about to happen, Murtagh quickly rolled on the ground and prepared an arrow.
"Brisingr!" he shouted, coating the arrow's tip with a whirling fire. Releasing the bowstring, the arrow went straight towards the two elves, exploding in a brilliant spec of orange flames.
Murtagh readied his sword and moved to finish them off when a few words he knew very well were whispered upon the winds.
An invisible force coalesced out of thin air and impacted with his body, drawing the breath out of his lungs. Murtagh's body fell onto the stone covered ground as the powerful force that pushed him subsided.
Murtagh groaned in pain as he slowly recovered. Lifting his body off the ground, he could see the two elves moving towards Thorn, who expelled a torrent of blazing fire in an attempt to get rid of his attackers. The female did not stay idle as she fired arrow after arrow at the red dragon, which made Murtagh's blood boil with anger.
Drawing even more energy from the Eldunaria, Murtagh quickly muttered a spell to delay the two elves, but it was futile as their wards deflected it.
Switching Zar'roc to his left hand, Murtagh slowly lifted his right hand as he began to speak in the language of power. His gedwey ignasia shortly began to glow red, and soon the spell he uttered took form. Violent, whistling winds which passed by Murtagh's ears temporary coalesced into a single point. Encasing all the energy and the power of the wind in a small space created with his magic, Murtagh launched the ethereal projectile at the unsuspecting female.
The force of the wind brushed the dust off the stone pavement as it made its way towards the elf, unleashing its powers in a circular blast of wind energy that exploded at the impact, distorting the somewhat still atmosphere with its booming sound. Only a faint scream could be heard from the elf before she was violently pushed into a building, a sickening crunching thud announcing her demise.
Smiling in contentment, Murtagh gripped Zar'roc with his right hand and ran towards the two elves that stopped their attacks and looked at the broken form of their comrade with disbelief.
Little one, it would be better to avoid unnecessary killing. These elves, although aggressive towards us, did not attack me like they would want to take my life, even if they are probably mad with grief because of our actions, spoke Thorn as he looked at Murtagh with his brilliant ruby eyes.
We did not kill them, Thorn, sighed Murtagh.
"I'd suggest you to leave if you don't want to share her fate," said Murtagh, casting a quick glance at Thorn. Surprisingly, the red dragon acquired no extra injuries as no arrows could be seen piercing through his protective red scales.
The two elves looked at each other like they could not believe Murtagh's words.
"Wait," said Murtagh. The two elves looked towards him.
"I want to know why you did not attack Thorn with the true extent of your abilities. I know very well the amplitude of your powers and you could easily kill my dragon in his weakened state."
Thorn growled fiercely, summoning the attention of the two elves that drew back slightly.
Murtagh ignored him, eyeing the two elves expectantly.
They spoke among themselves for a couple of moments before one took a few steps forward," You may have committed terrible crimes such as killing Oromis and Glaedr, Shur'tugal, but we could not bring ourselves as low as to kill Thorn. He is one of the few remaining dragons in this land, and if we let our petty conflicts cloud our judgments, then their race might never again flourish, and our world will be a different place."
The other elf moved forward as well," The rest of our people may not understand this or receive your heinous acts well as long as you remain in Galbatorix's service, but know that some of us do not want to see you dead, son of Morzan," the elf concluded.
"Your words are wise as well as your way of thinking. Now go, go before others will come," said Murtagh as the shouts of battle seemed to get closer.
The two elves bowed and quickly ran between the buildings, disappearing in the shadows.
You made the right decision. Murtagh, for these elves will help us greatly once we change our true names, said Thorn as he moved towards Murtagh, nuzzling him with his snout.
I could not refuse you so easily, could I? replied Murtagh as he stroke his snout with his left hand.
"… and you let him go away so easily?..."
"…does not want to…against his will. You must understand that."
"No! I will definitely not understand that. He killed our masters and made a mockery out of the name of a Rider, just like the king. He brings shame to us all bear the name of a Rider and he does certainly not deserve the chance to live!"
Murtagh recognized one of the voices as belonging to one of the two elves he spoke with earlier, but the third voice, which was angrier and more commanding, belonged to an unknown elf.
Murtagh, quickly, let us fly away before they arrive here, growled Thorn as he lowered his body in a crouch.
No, they will be able to attack us before we are able to depart. If I could hear their voices, then they are just behind these buildings, said Murtagh, moving over to one of Thorn's saddlebags.
I cannot sense any scents nearby. They must be using magic to camouflage their presence. It is futile to fight as long as we do not know their numbers.
Thorn failed to convince his Rider as Murtagh rummaged through the pack with his left hand, then pulled out a brown colored eldunari as large as his palm, then we must finish them all at once before they manage to strike first.
Thorn growled indignantly and pushed Murtagh with his snout, you know not what you are speaking of. There is a reason why they decided to mask their arrival, Murtagh, and we waste precious time in squabbling over this useless matter.
Murtagh looked briefly at the eldunari. It was a simple object, and one could confuse it with a crystal ball with ease, but only few knew what this really was. Inside rested the soul of a deceased dragon, one that was bound to Galbatorix's will and abused endlessly for the energy it provided. For the dragon inside there was no escape and no possibility to break free until its eldunari would either be freed or shattered.
A memory of Murtagh quickly flashed before his eyes as the Rider scowled, his eyes still looking at the eldunari.
The creation of a shade begins when the spirits of the ones who perished take control of a living host. This happens when a magic user recklessly tries to subdue powerful spirits to his will by thinking that their energy can be easily wielded. But they are wrong… they are so wrong, Murtagh. Spirits are more powerful than you can even imagine, and breaking and subduing them to your will is no easy accomplishment. That is why a man possessed by spirits, a shade, loses its previous identity. There is no longer that person who is in control of its body, but the multitude of spirits that dwell in its flesh.
However, spirits do not always need a human body to take residence in. Once summoned, they will either pass into the void or remain in our world, roaming around helplessly.
But spirits can also be procured from a living host. By having an ample knowledge of magic that dwells far further than what the scared, pitiful elves refuse to understand, one can sever a target's soul from its body. Unless you know exactly the spells needed in order to make use of its energy, such magic might weaken you greatly and offer no benefits in return.
I have been experimenting with spirits, Murtagh, for their energy is almost as valuable as that of an eldunari, but I still cannot contain them long enough to harvest that energy. As long as there is a consciousness more powerful than them, they will try to assume control over it, and that makes them too dangerous to try and subdue them to your will.
Still, I have found a way to contain them without having to bind them to my will. The eldunari of a dragon is a special object that still has many undiscovered properties. It is not known how it generates its energy or how the consciousness of a dragon can reside in this object once its body perishes. It is also notoriously hard to break into their minds if they avoid lending you their energy, for their souls remain as strong as ever.
It is only because that power that an eldunari can resist, although for a short period of time, against an overwhelming amount of spirits that would try to control it. After that, it is rendered useless. I do not know the cause of it precisely, but if you try to infuse an eldunari with living spirits, it will shatter. It may be the raw power that breaks it, or the strange nature of this combination, but even one spirit is enough to break an eldunari. Perhaps it is the nature of this object to preserve a dragon's soul only.
Murtagh, you can't possibly, Thorn tried to break his musings, but Murtagh threw him a scornful look.
I know what I have to do, yet… Murtagh thought, ignoring Thorn's previous remark. There is a way…
A feeling of dream swayed from Thorn, who added worriedly, that is beyond your capabilities, and no matter who we fight with, such magic should never be unleashed.
Murtagh bit his lip, drawing blood, You cannot persuade me this time, Thorn. I will use the spell Galbatorix has taught me. It is the only way for us to escape from here alive, and I said it already that no stranger's life is more important than yours.
Thorn bared his teeth, placing his snout inches away from Murtagh's face, do you know what that spell implies or the cost it will take after it is used? That is dangerous magic you are speaking about, Murtagh, and I have the feeling that Galbatorix did not tell you everything there is to know about it, said Thorn with conviction, desperately trying to persuade his Rider
I cannot fight with all of them at once, Thorn. I'm sorry, but I have no other option. I must do this, for both of your sake and mine, said Murtagh as he gently patted the side of Thorn's snout, whose snarl lessened considerably.
I will not forget about this, Murtagh, and when the time will come I will ask for something in exchange,growled Thorn as he raised his head.
I have no objections against that. Now, get ready and defend my mind while I begin the first stages of the spell.