Andlátkyn; Vandr Sanses unin Alagaësia

The state of Alagaësia

This was the room Nightmare had seen when possessing that Twin. It was a nice, elegant, two-story study that Nightmare could've spent weeks in just reading the books that lined the cedar shelves. The wrought iron staircase led up to the balcony holding a pair of chairs and reading table. White lanterns made it so one could read anywhere in here. Stone floor was covered in an intricate oval rug. Opposite end of the room, a man stood behind a walnut desk.

He was quite dark-skinned, head shaved but his beard and mustache were closely trimmed. Upon his broad shoulders sat a red vest with gold embroidery. His shirt was rich purple. He held a dignified air. He spoke with confidence.
"Welcome to Tronjhiem, Lord Nightmare, Eragon, Saphira, and others. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves."

Nightmare blinked, not used to respect quite like that, then shook his skull. Eragon slipped into the chair, and Dust stole the other seat before Murtaugh could take it. The human frowned while the skeleton grinned.

They arranged themselves around the table, Nightmare and Error in front whilest the rest settled on the floor, except Murtaugh, who stood behind Eragon, Saphira looming over him. Ajihad snapped his fingers, and the other bald human came out from behind the stairs, the pair standing at either side of him. Eragon and Murtaugh stiffened in surprise.
"Your confusion is understandable, they are twin brothers." Ajihad explained gently. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."

Saphira hissed in distaste. Ajihad observed this, then sat in the high-backed chair behind him. The Twins disappeared under the stairs, both shooting Nightmare terrified looks. He smirked. Ajihad steepled his fingers and studied their group for some time in deep thought.

Several minutes passed, some of the team and Eragon squirming in awkwardness. Then Ajihad beckoned the Twins, one hurrying to his side. They whispered intently, though the skeletons heard the ensuing conversation anyway.

"Have they all been examined?"
"No sir, there was the..complication.. Remember?"
"Yes, but have the rest been examined?"
"They refused, we didn't dare to push after it."
"How can they be trusted without being examined?"
"If they are not to be trusted, then they have fooled an ancient god."
"Very well. Did you at least examine the other human?"
"No, he refused and his walls are impregnable."
"Gah, you're making this very difficult for me."
He faced Murtaugh and addressed him.

"You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dur because the Twins have assured me that they can control you and because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. 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." Murtaugh growled angrily.
Ajihad's expression grew deadly as Murtaugh huffed, his eyes flinty. "Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear… I know that voice." He stood dangerously while Nightmare bit back his own anger at the reaction. "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Remove your shirt."

Murtaugh blinked, but kept his face emotionless as he complied. "Turn around." Ajihad ordered. Murtaugh obeyed, revealing his scar.
"Murtaugh." Ajihad was breathless, though only for a moment. "Did you know of this?" He yelled at the Twins.
"We discovered the name in Eragon's mind, but we did not suspect that this boy was the son of one as powerful as Morzan. It never occurred-" "And you didn't tell me?" He raised his hand before they could speak. "We will discuss it later." He faced Murtaugh once again. "First I must untangle this muddle. Do you still refuse to be probed?"
"Yes." Murtaugh snapped. "I won't let anyone inside my head."
"There will be unpleasant consequences if you don't. Unless the Twins can certify that you aren't a threat, we cannot give you credence, despite, perhaps because of, the assistance you have given Eragon. Without the verification, the people here, dwarf and human alike, will tear you apart if they learn of your presence. I'll be forced to keep you confined at all times- as much for your protection as much as for ours. It will only get worse once the dwarf king, Hrothgar, demands custody of you. Don't force yourself into that situation when it can easily be avoided."