Age of the Dragon 1: Return of the Riders

Chapter 15

Fallyn stepped into an elegant and large study, a man standing behind the walnut desk on the far end the only one of interest to her at that moment.

She pondered how he would react to Murtagh, and if intervention would be necessary. Just in case, she ensured that she was close enough to both Murtagh and Eragon to intervene if either were to endanger themselves.

"Welcome back, Lady Fallyn," he spoke, greeting her first, before addressing Eragon and Saphira. "And welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves."

Fallyn inclined her head and graciously sat down, while the other two took seats on either side of her. Saphira settled protectively behind Eragon.

A second bald man, identical to the first, stepped out from behind the staircase, and Fallyn could almost feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

It took all she had not to leap out her chair and throttle them both, as the second came to stand beside the first.

"Your confusion is understandable; they are twin brothers," Ajihad explained to Eragon. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."

Saphira seemed to share Fallyn's distrust, as she hissed her distaste. Ajihad watched the dragon for a moment, then took a seat behind the desk. The Twins retreated under the stairs, while Ajihad studied the boys intently with an unwavering gaze.

After several heartbeats, Ajihad waved one of the Twins to his side and whispered to him. He was questioning if Murtagh had been tested - if he knew who the boy was. Fallyn felt her lips curl in satisfaction as the bald one paled and shook his head vigorously. Ajihad frowned, nodding to himself as if something had been confirmed and his frown deepened when he saw Fallyn's smirk.

He turned his gaze to Murtagh, "You've placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dûr because the Twins have assured me that they can control you, because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya, and because Fallyn seems to trust you. I understand that there may be things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."

"You wouldn't trust me anyway," Murtagh responded defiantly.

Ajihad's face darkened and his eyes flashed dangerously.

"Though it has been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear... I know that voice," Ajihad stood ominously.

The Twins appeared alarmed and began whispering frantically to each other. Fallyn's smirk was immediately replaced by a firm glare, a warning flashing in her golden eyes.

"It came from another man, one more beast than human," Ajihad puffed his chest. "Get up."

Murtagh wearily complied, his eyes falling on Fallyn briefly who inclined her head slowly, her eyes still fixed firmly on Ajihad. Her muscles were coiled and ready, like a mountain lion.

"Remove your shirt," Ajihad ordered.

Murtagh shrugged and removed his tunic.

"Now turn around."

The light fell upon the scar, as Murtagh complied.

"Murtagh," Ajihad breathed.

A surprised grunt came from Orik, and Fallyn's eyes finally flickered up to Murtagh's. He looked at her with barely contained fear, and she smiled gently to him.