You are leaving? It wasn't a question.
She was taken aback by the invasion of a deep, gravelly voice in the chasm of her mind usually reserved for Obsidian alone.
That was the original plan, although it seems I shall have to amend it slightly. She replied, coolly, too familiar with the ways of dragons to feel intimidated by him. Any minute now, Murtagh would come running across the lawn towards her, his face twisted in anger. I assume the alarm has been raised?
No. Murtagh must never know that I spoke with you tonight. The dragon growled, dangerously, and she blinked at him in confusion, unsure if she had heard correctly. She walked forwards slowly until she was close enough to touch him.
Would you care to repeat that?
If Murtagh discovers that I let you leave, Galbatorix can take advantage of his hold over him and force him to talk. I do not intend to endanger him like that.
You are letting me go? She asked, not daring to believe what she had just heard. But...why?
I do not care for you much, Rider. In truth, I despise you more than any human, save Galbatorix. You have brought Murtagh nothing but heartache, and you continue to hurt him by leaving. However, he snorted, reluctantly, I do care for Murtagh. More than I do my own life. And he loves you dearly. If he was given the choice, I know he would not stop you from fleeing. He did not speak to me for a long time after I wounded you on the battlefield, Lady Rider. If I stopped you now, Murtagh would never forgive me.
But...not that I am complaining...but I was under the impression that you too are required to obey Galbatorix. Have I been misinformed? She asked, curiously.
You have not. Galbatorix has complete control over Murtagh and myself...but he has said nothing to me of you. The only way my Rider and I will ever be free of Galbatorix's grasp is through death, and I would much rather it was his death than Murtagh's or my own. You and your dragon must return to the Varden, in Surda. I saw you in battle and if our orders had been to kill you rather than to retrieve you alive, you would most assuredly be dead right now. You must train harder; you must master the art of spell-weaving and Obsidian must be taught to fight as dragons should.
Katharean digested this and nodded, understanding the dragon's intentions. He would know that she could never hurt Murtagh, as Eragon would. She was his greatest hope of freeing them from their terrible bond.
No pressure. She thought, dismally. Thorn bared his teeth in what looked to be an appreciative grin, and she smiled half-heartedly. Thank you, Thorn.
The dragon nodded, obligingly. Go now. And do not return to this place. If you hurt him again, I will not be so courteous.
Then I pray we do not meet again until Galbatorix is dead and buried. She reached out a hand and rested it on the side of his snout. Take good care of him, Thorn.
He snorted in reply and nudged her towards the tent.
What was that about? Obsidian asked, bewildered.
I do not know. She pushed past the entrance flap. But I...Oh dear lord...Obsidian, you're huge! How are we supposed to escape without people noticing??
Obsidian groaned, tugging at his chain pointedly. Shaking her head, Katharean climbed onto his wide back with more difficulty than she ever had before, and took the chain in her hands. She tried several enchantments, but the chain held fast.
There is magic surrounding this. She frowned.
Try the sword...Eragon said the blade held some manner of enchantments...perhaps if you-
The till of clanging metal cut off the rest of Obsidian's words and he growled happily as the chain slid from his neck.
I like this sword! Katharean beheld the weapon with appreciative eyes as she brandished it with a flourish before sheathing it. The sound of ripping cloth filled the tent and a large section of the side fell away to reveal Thorn attacking the material with his talons.
Obsidian turned his head to fix Katharean with a single, violet eye.
Can we trust him?
We have no choice. I think trust is a strong word...but we can use him. And besides...look how small he is next to you. It's almost laughable.
Size is not everything.
Not everything, perhaps, but it can be enough.
Obsidian snorted and crouched low to fit through the opening. Once outside, he shook his entire length, and Katharean clutched one of his spikes to keep herself from being thrown off.
Well...it seems I'm not the only one who is stronger than before. She said, pointedly. We're going to have to watch that we don't hurt ourselves or anyone else accidentally with this new strength.
She turned to Thorn, who had begun to back away from them. He clawed the ground in agitation.
You should leave now. Murtagh will wake soon, and if you are still here when he does, he will have no choice but to...
"I know. Thank you, Thorn. May the stars watch over you and Murtagh." She replied, soberly.
Thorn grunted and Obsidian rippled past him, stretching his wings gratefully in the open air. Katharean could tell he was eager to take flight. Wait. She insisted.
"I'm truly sorry, Thorn." She said, wheeling around in her perch to face him. He shook his head dismissively. No...I'm sorry, Thorn. He looked at her curiously, and she smiled, apologetically. "Slytha." She commanded, and the red dragon fixed her with a look of horror, before collapsing to the ground with an earth-shattering thud. He was sound asleep. "Malthinae." The chain which had held Obsidian sprang to life and one end rose up and coiled itself around the red dragon's neck while the other buried itself deep into the ground, tethering him in place.
"Like I said...I am sorry, Thorn. But now, we are even." She whispered, pleased with herself.
Murtagh was right...those spells should have drained me...but I feel perfectly normal. She insisted.
Yes, well, just be sure to remember that it is Galbatorix you have to thank for that. It is no gift, Katharean. Obsidian snorted, derisively. With a single beat of his enormous wings, he lifted them both into the air. All of their worries seemed to remain far below them as they rose higher and higher into the starlit sky. Where to, my lady? Obsidian asked, giddy with relief and joy.
To Surda!