The Name of Names

~28: Gone Long Enough~

Murtagh watched as the city of Illeria as it was now called drew closer. It was a dark night, and the only thing visible was the lights from all of the houses. The spell Murtagh was using to conceal their presence was slowly draining his energy, but he kept it going, wanting to avoid undue attention.

He remembered painfully the acts he had committed under Galbatorix, and even though he could defend himself well enough, he preferred to avoid hostilities right now. I don't even know why I'm here. He sighed, his gloved hands readjusting on Thorn's neck spike.

I don't either. Thorn commented, his red wings tilting to catch the wind.

Murtagh chose not to say anything back, looking for the palace. How familiar a sight it was, although not necessarily filled with the best memories.

Thorn had hatched for him there, yes. But through that followed the threatening of him, which lead to their enslavement by Galbatorix, who had learned their true names through their minds. Murtagh shook his head, clearing the thoughts. The past was gone, and the future only awaited them.

He didn't understand himself why he felt like he should return; he had been gone for over ten years, but he knew what-- or who-- had drawn him back. His jaw clenched and unclenched. It would have been best to just stay away. But, something told him to go back, at least to ask the impossible, and just get a flat-out rejection. It needed to be said straight out, and then he felt he could move on.

He ended the spell as he landed in the courtyard, and as expected, shouts of alarm rose from the castle walls as a great red dragon suddenly appeared inside the city.

Arrows were fired, and with ease Murtagh murmured a word in the ancient language, stopping them.

"Spare your arrows." Murtagh used magic to enhance his voice to the defenders on the wall as they kept firing.

They didn't stop, and Murtagh heard reinforcements coming. He rolled his eyes, Perhaps it would be best to meet outside the city.

Thorn took off, and he heard cries of alarm, and more twangs of bows. You'd think they would understand that they can't harm us with them... Murtagh thought to Thorn.

Yes. Thorn flapped away from the courtyard, towards the grassy plains outside of it. Murtagh renewed the concealment spell, and cries of victory were raised from the defenders.

Because they totally scared us away. You could have just bathed the place in fire if you really meant to harm them. Murtagh said in disgust as Thorn landed aways away.

Before you contact her, you may want to think of why you are here. Murtagh could hear some distaste in Thorn's voice, but he chose to ignore it.

I suppose you're right. Murtagh dismounted, fingering Zar'roc's hilt. After a few minutes of pacing, he struck his thigh angrily, "Blast it, I don't know."

Thorn was silent as Murtagh continued pacing, Because I felt like I should return? Because something told me I should return?

Again, there was no response from Thorn, which only aggravated Murtagh further.

He reached out with his mind and barely brushed against hers, checking to see if she was alright at least. He felt her mind go on the defense, throwing up barriers against him as he withdrew.

Now she knows you're here. Thorn said, yawning with his great maw wide open.

This time it was Murtagh's turn not to reply, waiting and trying to think of a good reason to explain his presence now.