Disclaimer: I do not own The Inheritance Cycle. I only own the OC Michael/Ancalagon.

"You?!"

Murtagh flinched from Brom's exclamation and Ancalagon let Saphira go to approach. Murtagh's eyes watched the black dragon warily while the old man continued with his blade now drawn as he slowly advanced. Eragon had his drawn as well but looked very confused along with Saphira.

"Why are you here boy?! Serving the king? Were you hoping to turn us in yourself? Well, you need to face me first!" Murtagh tripped and fell onto his back as Brom poised to strike before he found his face full with a black muzzle. Ancalagon stood his ground over the fallen boy, his wings spread and he let loose a single growl while his eyes locked with Brom';s surprised ones.

The sins of the father should never be visited upon the children. I know who this boy is, who his father is, what he means, but your feud is done. What do you think his mother would think of you if you were to slay her child? What would she see when you join her? Ancalagon asked seriously.

The old man backed off, the tip of his sword dragging on the ground and his shoulders slumped. "No.. you are right, Ancalagon. The past is the past and the boy is innocent. It seems not even I can flee from ghosts. Come boy, there's enough for another in our group, that is, if you want to travel with us." He made his way to the campfire the Ra'zac made while Ancalagon moved from over Murtagh. He looked at the boy before wrapping his tail under one of Murtagh's arms and pulled him to his feet.

Ancalagon looked at Eragon, telling him to speak to Murtagh for him. The young Rider looked confused. "Why can't you do it?"

His mind is shielded, so I cannot enter it.

Eragon sighed but nodded before addressing Murtagh. "He says you've to join us. No arguing. He says he knows who you are but still expresses for you to join us."

Murtagh glanced at Ancalagon who watched him blankly before he used his tail to nudge the boy forward, indicating he move now. Ancalagon then walked past him and over to Saphira, who was quick to press herself against his side and he draped his wing over her again. She looked at him curiously but Ancalagon shook his head, telling her he'll explain later.

"What are you doing here?" Brom asked, cutting in to Eragon and Murtagh's conversation.

"Was hunting the Ra'zac." Murtagh explained. "You're not the only ones who are enemies of the Empire.

"You know who they are?" Eragon asked.

"Yes. Anyway, I started hearing rumours of a Dragon Rider, and I knew that was my lead to the Ra'zac. I found them at Dras-Lenoa, but I couldn't get my shot in due to the soldiers. But when they chased you out of the city, I followed. All the rumour and gosspit spoke of a Rider and a dragon, but they never said anything about a second dragon... and one that looks like-"

"Don't." Brom and Eragon quickly cut in as Ancalagon started to growl in annoyance. Brom patted the dragon's leg before looking at Murtagh. "He may have black scales... but he doesn't like to be compared to the King's dragon."

"The blue one is Saphira, she's my partner." Eragon said with a fond smile. "And the black terror she's cuddled up to is Ancalagon. He's a wild dragon and has been with us since the beginning."

"A wild?! I thought all the wild dragons were hunted down and killed by the King! Did he miss one?" Murtagh asked in surprise, getting a snort from Ancalagon. "I thought wild dragons were exactly that... wild."

Brom barked out a laugh. "Make no mistake, boy. Ancalagon is fierce and dangerous as his kin, but he is intelligent. He answers to no one and has proven to be a formidable foe."

"Right..." Murtagh said slowly, watching the black dragon and curiously noting the way Saphira was cuddled up to him. "Guess he's got to be to protect the ones he cares about. Saw how he protected her, I take it they are... mates?"

Eragon and Brom burst out laughing while Ancalagon and Saphira snapped their heads back. "No. but they are close." Eragon said after getting his laughter under control. "Wouldn'e be surprised if everyone would look at them and think of that first."

Ancalagon growled in slight annoyance before he lightly smacked Eragon with his tail, causing the boy to hold the back of his head and glare at the black dragon who snorted smoke at him.

"We should get some sleep." Brom said, noting the sky going black. "Tomorrow we're up early and moving."

Everyone agreed and settled down to sleep. Ancalagon lifted his wing, allowing Saphira to get comfortable against his side before he draped it over her again and closed his eyes, not even opening them when he felt Saphira place her head atop of his.

The next morning, after packing up camp, they were on the move again. Brom, Eragon and Murtagh on horseback while Ancalagon and Saphira flew above them. Along the way, Eragon and Brom debated on what to do next. Eragon didn't feel like pursuing the Ra'zac any further, especially after he nearly lose Brom and Saphira. Brom told him that the Ra'zac will send word back to the King, wanted posters of Eragon will be put up, so it may be best that they make for the Varden as it's the only source of protection they'll have from the Empire. But it means they'll have to join the fight against the King. Although Brom wanted to wait until Eragon had more training before taking him there. But circumstances have forced plans to change.

Ancalagon was silent as he thought about the changes that have happened. Brom was still alive, which was good as he had intended to ensure he would remain alive to see Galbatorix fall. Eragon didn't suffer any broken ribs or depression, as he was chatting happily with Murtagh and finding something in common with his (Unknown to him) half-brother.

Eragon asked how they would find or even reach the Varden, but Brom assured him that he has a contact named Dormnad in Gil'ead. If they meet up with him, then Dormnad can send a message to the Varden to let them know they were coming. He offered Murtagh the chance to come with them, but like in the book, Murtagh declined, saying he wouldn't be welcomed at the Varden even if Brom spoke with the leader. Brom reluctantly agreed to the young man's decision but told him it would be best to hide somewhere n Surda, as no one will look for him there.

That evening found them back on the plain as they headed north once more, their destination being Gil'ead. Tonight was a fresh change. Instead of Brom sparing with Eragon, the old man had Murtagh take his place and what a session it was. Both young men were an even match to the other and once they stopped, both were equally bruised but had grins on their faces. The mood of everyone when sleep fell upon them was jovial, and Ancalagon kept watch as always with Saphira sleeping beside him as usual, her Rider sleeping against her side as usual...

And that's it for this chapter. Sorry if it was short, it was mainly to get things moving and because I couldn't think of anything else to put down aside from some exposition and then a bit of a timeskip.