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Murtagh bolted awake, sitting up with eyes widened in a kind of delirium, panting through clenched teeth. Gripping his head with both hands, he growled.

"Stop ... stop ... STOP IT!"

Ignoring his plea, the torrent ensued, driving him to an ever deepening madness. He growled again, bending over as his fingers clenched tighter into his head.

"You ... can't ... MMM ... RRRR ... n ... no ... NO ... STOOOOOP!"

He sat upright, trembling, lifting his head to the sky in a woeful cry. "NOOOOO! STOOOOOP!!"

Startled by his Rider's cry, Thorn woke with a stifled roar and rolled to his feet. Instinctively his gaze darted about the camp, zeroing on Murtagh to find him writhed and trembling on the ground, doubled over with head clasped between his hands. With a snarl Thorn's gaze swept another pass over the camp then shifted to dart over the mountain side, pausing at every shadowy nook in search of what he'd concluded must be a veiled attacker, apparently stealth enough to sneak up on him and Murtagh.

Not along after he'd begun his search Thorn's tail arched in a defensive posture, eyes steeled on an unknown form shifting within a shadowy hollow halfway up the mountain's side. Teeth barred in a menacing growl, he crouched in preparation to leap into the air, eyes narrowing in fierce determination to bring a swift end to the intruder before it could do anymore harm to his beloved Rider. As he moved to leap a loud screech echoed across the night sky, a large creature emerging with wings outspread, then jumping from the ledge to descend upon the encampment. Thorn stifled a roar, eyes widened as he recoiled and stopped, tense and ready for an attack. Instead, the creature, a large bird of some sort, quietly drifted over the camp, disappearing as quickly as it had appeared, into the shadowy night.

Thorn watched it drift overhead, then growled and looked to the ground, huffing in part from frustration that he'd been mistaken and part from anger that he'd been so startled by what he'd recognized as a mere desert night owl; a rather large and reclusive fowl common to this part of the Hadarac Desert. With a snarl he lashed out his left foreleg, sweeping it swiftly over the dry ground, kicking up a flurry of sand and small stones. Then, snorting a puff of thick, dark smoke from his nostrils, began circling the camp, augmenting his search with a reach of his mind, eyes aflame with a growing rage and desperation as Murtagh let loose another muffled cry. Pupils narrowed, eyes darting between Murtagh and the outer edges of the encampment, Thorn's mind swept further, over the expanse of the small cluster of mountains, even so far as the sand strewn desert surrounding them, growing more and more frustrated as the moments passed without the slightest hint of the illusive assailant. He roared his mounting desperation as he came to a stop, completing a single pass around the camp. Then he let loose a pillar of flame and began another pass, his gait swifter and agitated, nostrils billowing tendrils of smoke, eyes darting to Murtagh, then over the camp, into the canyon and up along its inner walls. He augmented the second pass with several growls, roars, and billows of brilliant, ruby-tinged fire; all in an effort to pose a threating display of aggression in the hopes that it might frighten the illusive intruder from hiding, or perhaps cause them to break off their attack. But his efforts proved futile. Murtagh cried out again, eliciting another enraged growl from the ruby-red dragon. This time Thorn flared his wings, preparing to take flight into an airborne patrol. Reluctant as he was to leave Murtagh alone, it was his hope that once airborne he might have better results. His current efforts were simply getting him nowhere.

Thorn opened his maw and drew a deep breath, intent to roar a warning to the illusive attacker that he was coming to find him, but was caught short. Snapping his maw shut, Thorn turned his focus to Murtagh, head cocked in bewilderment. Something had clicked in his mind, something that, for reasons unclear to him, he'd not noticed before. Thorn pivoted round to face Murtagh, sniffing the air as he took a tentative step towards the ailing Rider. He followed with another step and a hushed whimper, his expression softening from one of rage and desperation to one of confusion and concern. Raising his snout, his nostrils flared wider as he sniffed again. Then he took another step forward. Aye, something was amiss, was terribly wrong. A tentative fear began to well from deep within him. He blinked and stepped forward again. Though he could see Murtagh hunched next to the fire pit, could smell his scent, he could not feel the presence of his mind. It was as if Murtagh was there, but at the same time he wasn't. Afraid to draw closer, Thorn crouched, several paces spanning between them, carefully watching his Rider with a plaintive fear in his eyes, slowly growing as the realization of his sudden discovery began to grip him. His tail twitched behind him as he looked down, pausing in thought before slowly lifting his gaze to look back at Murtagh. Then, mustering his will, he reached out with his mind in an effort to bond with Murtagh's. He had to be sure

... but hoped he was wrong.

His effort proved for naught, his hope dispelled. It was as if his mind passed right through Murtagh. He'd hit nothing, felt nothing. No barriers, no torrent of feeling or thought to match what Murtagh's outward cries and fit clearly indicated as some kind of mental distress. Simply put, there seemed no bond between them, as if it had vanished, or had never been. But that was impossible! To his knowledge there was nothing existing in all of Alagaësia capable of undoing the magic that bound Dragon and Rider. It was impossible! It was--

Thorn recoiled, jolting to his feet and raising his maw in a woeful keen. A sudden chill gripped him as loneliness rushed in, accompanying the cold fear that had been mounting the whole time. He paused to look back at Murtagh, eyes maddening with anguish before he turned away, pivoting round to pace the camp as he bellowed another plaintive roar. Staggered, he came about and began circling the camp again, his gaze pinned to Murtagh as he sent out wave after wave of thought in attempt to re-establish the cherished bond with his Rider. Each one he sent out was met with the same result, compelling him to let loose a pining whimper that revealed his ever mounting grief, fear and desperation. There seemed no way for him to gain it back. While Thorn's attention remained fixed on Murtagh a pair of sapphire eyes appeared from deep within the darkness of the canyon that opened to the encampment. For a long moment they remained solid and unmoving then began to bob slowly, growing larger as their owner drew close. Before long Ar'Din emerged, stopping just outside the canyon's entrance, his glimmering, onyx scales accented by the soft red-orange light of the stones glowing in the fire pit, giving him a shadowy, menacing appearance. He looked first to the writhing form of Murtagh hunched on the ground, eyes narrowed in anger towards the human whom he'd deemed traitorous and unfit to be Thorn's Rider. With a snarl he dismissed the pitiful human, eyes softening in a look of compassion as he turned his attention to the ruby-red dragon who was in clear, yet unfortunate distress. Whether by his sheer focus on Murtagh, or by some other means, Ar'Dins arrival had gone unawares of Thorn. It wasn't until he caught the glint of Ar'Dins sapphire eyes, shining from his spot at the canyon's entrance, that he noticed him and, startled, stopped and pivoted round to face the intruder head on, teeth bared and face contorted in a fierce expression that was accompanied by a deep, threatening growl. Thorn glared but made no move to attack the strange dragon, instead holding himself at a wary distance, swapping several glances between Ar'Din and Murtagh before finally steeling his gaze upon Ar'Din in effort to size him up. Thorn maintained his fierce expression, but shied away, cocking his head slightly when he reached for Ar'Dins mind. As with Murtagh Thorn could smell the new dragon, could see him standing across the camp from him, but sensed nothing of his mind: no barriers, no thought, no feeling. It was as if he was there, but wasn't. The talons of Thorn's forepaws clenched into the sand packed ground beneath them in response to another muffled cry from Murtagh. Emboldened by his Rider's need, he growled, upper lip curling into a menacing snarl as he flared his wings and moved swiftly to place himself between his helpless Rider and the onyx dragon whom he'd guessed must be Murtagh's mysterious attacker. During his move he kept his eyes fixed on Ar'Din, flicking only the slightest glance behind him so that he did not accidentally step on Murtagh, while Ar'Dins gaze followed intently, his expression soft and unmoving. Stopping just in front of Murtagh, Thorn crouched, issuing another growl as he prepared to leap from his spot into an aerial attack upon the onyx dragon standing silent and motionless before him; his manner absent of fear or aggression. As Thorn's legs tensed in readiness to leap Ar'Din spoke, lifting a fore-paw to his scaled chest in gesture to himself.

_Peace young one. I am Ar'Din. _

Gesturing towards Thorn, he continued.

_It is regrettable that you must endure such great distress and sorrow over what has suddenly befallen you. But take heart, I have not come to cause you harm. Nay, I have come to free you, to offer you the choice you were never given. _

At the mere mention of his name Thorn immediately faltered, stifling a growl as he backed away in a mixture of aggression and confusion. He was hit suddenly by a certain knowing that seemed to well from deep within him, a memory that for whatever reason remained hidden within the vast well of his ancestral memories, only now to emerge. And though its sudden emergence left quite the impression on him, the memory remained fuzzy and dark, preventing him from getting a clear picture of it's exact origin and nature. Even so, the impression had been enough to give Thorn pause, and stop him from lashing out at the dragon whom he'd only moments earlier intended to attack. Thorn rolled his head to gather himself then snorted and looked at Ar'Din, his gaze lacking the fierceness it'd held only moments ago. Instead his eyes appeared as fading embers, filled with confusion and uncertainty, head cocked in bewilderment at what he was truly up against. Somehow he knew that Ar'Din was no ordinary dragon, though, if asked, he'd be unable to explain how he knew, or why. An unsettling feeling to say the least. It was as if Ar'Dins name had lifted some kind of veil, leaving Thorn free to see that - even though they'd never met before - the onyx dragon standing before him held some special significance to his race, one that had long since been hidden, or forgotten. Ar'Dins eyes remained unmoving and compassionate towards the confused young-ling staring back at him. In response, he turned his outstretched fore-paw palm up and gestured towards Murtagh with a slight rise and turn of his maw.

_Why do you trouble yourself over this human who betrayed you? _

Ar'Din did not wait for an answer. Instead, dismissing Murtagh with a snap of his head, he steeled his focus on Thorn and continued.

_This is not the life you were meant for. Nay, young one. You are deserving of so much more. Come, come with me and I will leave you free to choose another. Or, if you desire, I shall leave you free to live the rest of your days as a wild dragon, a master of your own domain and destiny. I shall give you freedom of another's rule, freedom from future suffering and the ever-present threat of betrayal and mockery. _

Nodding, Ar'Din added.

Aye, young one. Come with me and leave behind this human who has only served as the cause of needless torment and slavery for you. One who forsook his oath, who does not even appreciate the magnificence and glory of this sacred place, let alone the dragon race.

Thorn shifted his rear to the side of Murtagh and backed away as the feeling of confusion and uncertainty intensified with Ar'Dins non-threatening posture and gentle voice. He lowered his wings, folding them to his sides as he came to a stop, head even with Murtagh's writhed form sprawled on the ground. His eyes remained as narrowed slits, eyeing Ar'Din with caution as a low growl rumbled in his chest. Then suddenly his gaze turned to the ground in pause. Indecision paralyzed him for a long while, gaze shifting uneasily between his ailing Rider and the onyx dragon whom he, by now, knew to be Murtagh's illusive assailant. Thorn knew he should attack, rip the assailant to shreds and free his Rider. But, despite his love for Murtagh, he couldn't bring himself to raise even a single claw against Ar'Din. Moreover, he somehow knew it would do no good. He sensed that Ar'Din was a dragon unlike Saphira, or Glaedr. And that, despite his best efforts, any attack would be swiftly overpowered. The silence and emptiness from the absence of Murtagh's mind bore into him like a festering thorn, serving only to augment his indecision and confusion. His mind reeled between his Rider's need and the inexplicable, internal sense of fear and reverence that crippled him from risking attempt at a quick end to Murtagh's assailant. Ar'Din quietly watched Thorn, knowing full well of the battle coursing through him. Then, taking one step towards him, he offered again.

Come with me young one and leave this human to his fate, one he rightly deserves for his trespass against the dragon race. I have clipped him as your Rider and freed you.

Thorn's gaze snapped as he retreated to a tense crouch in response to Ar'Dins movement. Then, realizing Ar'Din was not going to attack, he cocked his head as questions concerning Ar'Dins last words mixed with the whir of thoughts in his mind.

Clipped him as my Rider? What trespass? He thought.

A new wave of fear gripped him, this time from the inner most depths of his heart. Cutting across the fear was a certain inexplicable confusion for had he heard correctly? Had Ar'Din really been the one to sever his bond to Murtagh? Was Ar'Din really that much different from an ordinary dragon that he'd posses the power to sever what no magic in all of Alagaësia was capable to accomplish? Was it possible there was a power greater than the magic that bound a dragon to its Rider? Thorn growled. It was difficult to believe such a thing, and yet it now seemed the only plausible answer. This left him with only one question:

Why?

Assuming Ar'Din had been speaking the truth. What could Murtagh have done to earn such a punishment? Moreover, what had Thorn done? It was a punishment to him as well. And yet Ar'Dins invitation appeared remiss of that fact. Thorn looked to Murtagh, who was now lying on his side in a fetal position, trembling with occasional convulsions, eyes closed tightly with his arms wrought against his chest, his mouth moving in broken sentences. He felt a flush of anger, mixed with anguish, gripping him at the sight of the human Ar'Din claimed was no longer his Rider. But Thorn could not accept that. Apparently Ar'Din was capable of severing their bond, an now Thorn wanted to know why. Why had Ar'Din taken Murtagh from him? Turning to Ar'Din, Thorn at last found his voice. With carefully guarded words, he asked.

We have never met dragon, and yet some part deep within me appears to know of you. For the moment I care not how, nor do I care how you managed to sever our bond. But I do want to know why. Why did you take him from me? What did he do? What did I do? Do your eyes not see that being without him is tearing me apart?

Ar'Din rumbled in acknowledgment then brought his foreleg down, resting it upon the ground and sat on his haunches with a flutter of his wings. His head swiveled to glance at Murtagh briefly before he returned attention to Thorn.

It pains me young one to see you in such distress because of the wages the Son of Morzan has wrought for himself. Regrettably your infliction is unavoidable, but was never intended as punishment to you. Even so, take heart, you will heal in time. As for this human?

Ar'Din continued, gesturing to Murtagh.

He betrayed you, young one. He denied the very oath he knew he would be bound by even before he bonded to you. And, in so doing, he not only betrayed you, but made you both subject to a forced servitude that you would have otherwise been spared. Moreover, this forced servitude led to his willing exploitation of many Eldunarí held captive by the egg-breaker king. To these he has no excuse and so received the punishment due him for his trespass against the dragon race.

Thorn remained silent, looking back to Murtagh, eye ridges furrowed tightly in effort to make sense of what Ar'Din had told him. He knew of no trespass against him or the dragon race, let alone any that would warrant punishment of such dire magnitude. He knew only that he and Murtagh had suffered together through a forced servitude to Galbatorix. He knew only that, through it all, Murtagh had been with him, tried to spare him from as much suffering as possible. Moreover, Thorn knew that Murtagh loved him, and that he loved his Rider and desperately wanted him back. Thorn craned his head back round to face Ar'Din, who gazed back, waiting patiently for his response. He rumbled in his chest, but otherwise remained silent for a long while, scrutinizing the onyx dragon anew as an unsettling well of knowing began to bubble from deep within him. Spurred by all that had been revealed he suddenly knew that there was but one way to get his Rider back, one which cut against his draconic pride, and he loathed it; the idea of submitting himself to a dragon he scarcely knew, one who had harmed Murtagh and then taken him away. He shifted on his legs, upper lip curling in a reflexive snarl of defiance as he forced himself prostrate, crouching before the waiting onyx dragon. After a pause he slowly edged towards him in a crawl, eyes turned toward the ground in submission to the one apparently in power over him. As he edged closer spikes of defiance flared within him, flinching his back, shoulder and facial expressions. Some were swiftly dispelled by the muffled cries of Murtagh, others by sheer act of will. Aye. He thought. Like it or not, he would do what he must, if only to have his Rider back. Thorn slowly crossed the camp and came to a stop in front of Ar'Din, his gaze low to the ground.

I do not know how I know, dragon. But you are, or once were, of great significance to my race, and the one with power to restore my bond to Murtagh. I don't know what he did to deserve this. Whatever it is I do not care. Ple-

Thorn's train was cut short by another spike of defiance augmented by a low growl that rumbled from deep within his chest. But the growl too was soon cut short at the sound of another cry from Murtagh. His eye ridges furrowed in concern, head craning slightly, ruby eyes leering back at him. He watched until Murtagh grew silent again, shivering, then let loose a soft whimper, rolled his head to gather himself and craned it to face Ar'Din as before. As if to chase away any lingering defiance, he finished with a soft snort, which sent tiny, twin puffs of dust-like sand swirling over the ground, before dispersing and vanishing. Then, settling, he resumed.

Please release him and return him to me. I will do whatever you ask of me, just please return him. I love my Rider and want him back.

Ar'Din remained silent for a long while, so long in fact that Thorn began to fidget beneath him. Finally, he rumbled in acknowledgment to Thorn's request, as if he'd expected it of the young dragon.

Your devotion to this human is commendable, young one. But granting your request will come at a cost, a pain that may cut you deeper than you can bear. Are you certain you wish to risk trading the freedom I offer you for a pain far greater than you've ever known?

Thorn squirmed, shifting his bulk left then right, talons flinching into the hard-packed ground. He steadied, his reply instant, but lined with uncertainty.

_I ... I know of no greater pain than the loss of my Rider. I ... I am certain of my decision. _

Again, as if expecting Thorn's reply, Ar'Din rumbled in acknowledgment.

Very well young one, he began. But it is not I who will restore the bond between you and this human. Nay, that power remains, as it always has, with you alone. Instead, because you have interceded for him, I will release the human. But I will require of him the truth, for your sake. He must confess that which was written upon his heart, the oath binding every Rider, one even now he is aware of. I will require of him the truth, he must confess his oath, and then the nature of his betrayal. After which you will remain free to choose him or not.

Following Ar'Dins words he rumbled again, then turned his head to look upon Murtagh. Several moments later Murtagh's groans and incoherencies ceased. The torment in his mind slowly ebbed, the roars echoing into silence while the intensity of anguish and rage shown from the troubled Eldunarí waned. Still lying on his side, arms pulled tight to his chest, Murtagh opened his eyes and blinked them then turned his head to see the stars overhead once again, and the dim glow of the heated stones from behind him. Gathering himself he slowly rose, propping upon weak and shaky arms, but otherwise strong enough to hold up his torso as the memories of where he was came slowly back to him. His gaze fell first on Thorn, who remained prostrate across the camp from him. Then he blinked and turned attention to the object of Thorn's apparent revere. At first his eyes pinched in confusion at the sight of a new dragon in their camp, one he'd never seen before. It wasn't until Murtagh saw the glow of Ar'Dins sapphire eyes that the memory of his figment accuser came back to him. Only this time he knew that he was no longer dreaming. Instantly he recognized who it was, and what he'd done to him. Spurred from the sudden shock of his discovery, Murtagh surged into a crouch, steadying himself with hands set in front of him, face streaked with the glistening trails of tears he'd shed from enduring the torrent of sorrow echoed by the memory of the imprisoned Eldunarí. In reflex he reached for Zar'roc, but found it wasn't there, so looked to Thorn and reached out with his mind.

Why are you crouched like a coward? Attack him!

But Thorn made no move. Murtagh gawked at him then with a huff prepared to issue the command again, but was caught short by Ar'Din.

Do not waste your effort, Son of Morzan. Thorn cannot hear your thoughts, nor will he understand your human tongue.

Enraged, Murtagh narrowed his gaze, glaring at Ar'Din through pinched eyes and then growled. Raising one of his hands, he uttered a short spell, an attempt to overpower Ar'Din with magic, that he might gain the upper hand. The spell had no effect. Shocked, Murtagh gawked, slowly lowering the outstretched hand to his side.

What manner of dragon is this? he thought to himself.

After which he shook his head, then pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes.

"What have you done to Him!? Release my dragon!"

Thorn's head snapped round at the sound of Murtagh's voice, half elated that his Rider was now free, but the other confused with the rise of a new and disturbing predicament. Though Murtagh's tone clearly indicated he was upset, Thorn had not understood a single word he'd spoken, each sounding as gibberish in his dragon ears. He looked back to Ar'Din and whimpered in dismay. Ignoring Thorn, Ar'Din rumbled in amusement to Murtagh's demand.

Foolish human, I've done nothing except free him from a bond forged through trickery and betrayal. He is no longer yours to command, Son of Morzan. He is now free to choose his own destiny.

Ar'Din then lifted a fore-paw, gesturing towards the ruby-red dragon crouched before him, and continued, allowing Thorn to hear him.

_Blind you are to the fortune before you, one you are hardly worthy to possess! If not for Thorn's devotion you would still be suffering a punishment you rightly deserve! Nay, this dragon, whom you betrayed, has interceded for you and beseeched me to release you. In exchange you will tell him the truth you have kept from him since the day he'd hatched! _

Eyes narrowing, Ar'Din nodded, rumbling with emphasis to his demand of Murtagh.

Aye, Son of Morzan, you will tell him of your trickery and betrayal. You will keep the truth from him no longer!

Cut, Murtagh paused, eyes widened, but then steeled himself and growled again, averting Ar'Dins gaze.

"I know not of what you are speaking, dragon. I've not betrayed Thorn, nor kept anything from him!"

Ar'Din drew his head back in a hiss and slammed his fore-paw down, shaking the ground beneath them.

DO ... NOT ... LIE TO ME, Son of Morzan! Ar'Dins voice boomed.

You know full well what you have done! No longer! You will confess your oath before him! You will tell of your betrayal!

Ar'Din swiftly crossed the camp, growling as came to a stop to loom over Murtagh, who recoiled, an arm raised over his face as if to shield it from harm. Lunging his head toward Murtagh, Ar'Din narrowed his eyes and pinned the human with a menacing glare.

Unless you prefer I deliver you back to your fate ... hmmmm?

Murtagh lowered his arm and cringed, gaze averted as his lower back pressed against the stones lining the fire pit. Then pressing his lips tightly together he looked down and let loose a long, drawn out sigh of defeat. Ar'Din remained waiting with his head looming over Murtagh, hot breath gusting from his nostrils that washed over the ex-Rider's head, ruffling his hair. After a time Murtagh looked slowly to Thorn, who had been watching him intently, and said.

"Alright you win, dragon. I will tell him. But if he cannot hear my thoughts, nor understand my speech, how do I tell him?"

Ar'Din rumbled then pulled back to rest on his haunches. He looked momentarily at Thorn, eyes flashing brightly for an instant, and then looked back to Murtagh.

_I have opened his mind. You may speak and he will understand you. _

Ar'Din peered at Murtagh, eye's narrowed to glowing, sapphire slits. A low rumble welled from the pit of his chest, tail curling and flicking across the ground.

Now, confess your oath to him, Son of Morzan. Then tell him ... how you betrayed it.

Thorn looked to Ar'Din as he was speaking, cocking his head in confusion at what exactly was going on. He whimpered softly and looked back to Murtagh, head still cocked, eyes soft, filled with silent question, but glowing with an undeniable trust. Murtagh looked up slowly, then drew a quick breath, pressing his lips tightly the moment he met Thorn's gaze, the look in his ruby eyes instantly cutting him to the heart. Despite his question and concern, Thorn's eyes still held an ember of immense trust and love in the human that he'd chosen to hatch for. The one human he would forever see as his Rider. Murtagh cleared his throat then strained a hard swallow, his throat tightening in a mixture of fear and grief as he forced himself to hold Thorn's gaze. It was an unsettling sensation, given the thickness he'd shrouded round himself in response to the many, many hardships he'd endured in his life. In that moment he felt he could have told Thorn anything but the truth. Murtagh let loose another long sigh.

Nay, I-

He shook his head and swallowed again, clearing his throat in steeled resolve. The deception had gone on long enough. He thought. Deep down he knew the moment of truth had finally come, and he could not bring himself to hide it from Thorn any longer. He licked his lips then cleared his throat again.

"Thorn," He began, shuffling uncomfortably on the ground.

"There is something you must know, knowledge concerning the manner in which you hatched."

Thorn wrapped his tail around his body, eyes averting for a moment before looking back to Murtagh. He said nothing, remaining silent as he settled lower to the ground, watching intently and expectantly. Murtagh bowed his chin in a shallow nod then steadied himself and propped his arms atop bended knees. He drew a deep, shaky breath and slowly exhaled as he spoke.

"There is an oath, written upon the heart of the one a dragon chooses to hatch for. In the beginning it compels the one chosen to touch the dragon, binding him or her to the oath and passing the knowledge of it to the dragon as the magical bond is forged."

Murtagh fidgeted, pausing to consider his next words, then sighed and continued.

"The oath is accompanied by the following two requirements, but until the bond is sealed, one can choose not to be bound by them. I could have chosen not to touch you and seal the bond, at the same time binding myself to that oath."

Murtagh paused and turned his gaze up to Ar'Din, who was looking back at him, nodding with eyes narrowed and lips pressed tightly. Looking back to Thorn, Murtagh resumed.

"My oath was simply this: One, place my dragon above all else, including myself. And two, always be truthful to my dragon, nev-"

Murtagh paused, his words suddenly catching in his throat. He swallowed then continued.

"n-never deceive my dragon, even by omission."

When finished he parted his lips in another sigh, the sound of hushed air likened to one who had shed a great burden, but tinged with apprehension, as if to an approaching doom. During his last words, he'd been looking at the ground, a shame looming over him like thick, dark clouds that were ready to release a downpour of misery upon him. In the recent days following their bonding he'd held no love for the ruby-red dragon, the guilt of what he'd known to be false his only motivation in complying with Galbatorix's wishes when he'd used Thorn as a means to coerce him into revealing his true name. After that he'd been resistant to spend time with Thorn, to strengthen their bond. But even Galbatorix had been wise enough to know, in spite of his perverted manner in which to seal it, that working to strengthen the bond, forged in its infancy, was imperative. As powerful a team as they could be they were no use to him if they couldn't get along. But in the last days, preceding Galbatorix's defeat, something had clicked between them. They began to let their guard down, to trust one another. A love developed, as it should for any healthy Dragon and Rider pair. Murtagh had loved Thorn from then on, and now he was faced with the risk of losing him, but not by the will of Ar'Din, but by his own betrayal of the oath he was bound by the moment he touched Thorn. Murtagh convulsed in a shiver, an icy chill passing through the length of his body. He forced himself to look slowly up again, to meet Thorn's questioning gaze, unmoving as if locked by some inner struggle to make sense of what he'd just heard. A faint click broke the tense silence as Thorn blinked his ruby eyes then, finding distraction, looked down, his eye ridges furrowed with intent concentration as if he were trying to grasp Murtagh's words, or in a desperate search for a knowledge that was not within him. Slowly his head shook from side to side, as if acknowledging his own lack, and then he looked back to Murtagh and motioned his head as if he'd spoken something. He waited a moment then cocked it when Murtagh did not make a move to answer, or acknowledge that he'd even been spoken to. Thorn looked to Ar'Din and paused as if speaking to him. A moment later Ar'Dins chin bobbed in a curt nod.

Aye young one, I will open your thoughts to him.

After a pause Thorn looked back to Murtagh and spoke.

Murtagh, I don't' know this ... oath you speak of. But I should know about it, shouldn't I? Is ... is this the knowledge that you say was kept from me?

Murtagh pressed his lips tighter and then sighed, looking down again as he offered a slow, silent nod in reply to Thorn's stinging inquiry. Thorn offered back a blunt, yet painful reply.

Why? Why would you keep it from me? Was it ... harmful to me?

Murtagh's gaze shot up and pinned Thorn's.

"No! No of course not, the opposite in fact. It ... it was yours to know, but I'd kept it from you because--"

Murtagh paused, looking down in hesitation, but Thorn gently urged him on.

Because?

"Because of the reason you weren't able to possess it." Murtagh blurted out in a mixture of frustration, shame and sadness. Then he sighed.

"It is not knowledge that can be taught, it must be written upon your heart as it was with me. When you choose your Rider ... truly choose your Rider, it happens to you the moment I touch you. But it was not possible for you because you did not truly choose me. Galbatorix cast a spell over your egg to trick you into choosing me as your Rider. He grew tired of waiting for you to find one you'd hatch for, and had recently devised a spell that would end his wait. But using it came at a price and you were the one who had to pay it. The false nature of our bond kept from you the knowledge of my oath as a Rider, the very reason there lies a darkness within you. Our bond was based on a lie, Thorn. It was this way from the beginning."

Thorn appeared stricken. His gaze dropped slowly from Murtagh to the ground, a low rumble rolling his chest as the ridges above his eyes furrowed in a mixture of confusion and hurt. Though Murtagh could not read his thoughts, or sense his feelings, he could tell from the expression on Thorn's face that an inner struggle ensued. Thorn cocked his head and looked back to Murtagh, his expression softened, eyes holding within them immense pain as the realization settled on him. For a long while he looked at Murtagh, who had dropped his gaze again, unable to look Thorn in the eyes. Then, breaking the silence, Thorn spoke one simple word.

Why?

Murtagh remained silent, squirming under Thorn's searching glare. Unsatisfied, Thorn pressed him more.

Why would you do this? Why would you knowingly deceive me and then withhold the truth from me all this time? Why would you give Galbatorix the upper hand by allowing him to hatch me and then become my Rider. He had no control over you at that time, but you went along with it anyway. Why?

Murtagh was silent for a long while then, leaning back on his arms, let loose a heavy, drawn out sigh and offered a meager, strained response.

"Because he threatened to capture and kill Nasuada if I didn't do as he'd wanted."

What? Thorn blurted, incredulously.

But, how could he have? Nasuada was well protected. How could he have harmed her?

Murtagh shuffled on the ground before looking slowly at Thorn.

"I believed the same at first, but he ... he sounded convincing, so sure of himself that I faltered. I found myself not wanting to take the chance that he ... that he could make good on his threat."

Looking down again, Murtagh added.

"I didn't necessarily expect things to work out as they did."

Thorn blinked his eyes with incredulity then drew his head back.

But, if you had not allowed it ... went along with it ... I would not have had to endure the suffering I did. Without me Galbatorix would have had no use for you, maybe you could have escaped. Why didn't you just try to escape?

Murtagh remained silent, lips pressed tight, gaze cast firm to the ground. A short time passed before a low rumble sounded in Thorn's chest. His expression changed from one of hurt and shock to one of growing anger.

Why did you let him trick me into hatching for you? Why did you open the door for me to be subjected to torture? You told Eragon yourself that you loved me and yet you allowed me to enter into harm, and then you kept the truth from me. All of this to protect ... to protect ... Nasuada? Whom Galbatorix used us to capture, and you to aide in torturing in the end. If you knew about this oath, this oath that compelled you to bond to me, why did you knowingly betray it? You broke it the moment you touched me. Why would you betray it for ... for her?

A sudden anger flared in Murtagh at Thorn's final words. Setting his jaw, he clenched his teeth and looked back up at Thorn, eyes narrowed in a steeled glare.

"I ... I don't know why! I don't!" He stammered.

"Maybe I thought if I became a Rider I stood a better chance at escaping Galbatorix. Maybe I thought I could escape with you and return to the Varden. Help them fight against Galbatorix, help them protect her! Maybe I was so blinded by anger at being caught again I simply didn't thoroughly weigh all the consequences of my decision!"

With a huff Murtagh looked away, raising one of his arms in dismissal.

"What does it matter now anyway? Both of us were freed in the end, despite the choice I made. And Galbatorix is no more. He can't hurt either of us anymore!"

Thorn recoiled, eyes raised in surprise at Murtagh's sudden and careless response. Never had he lashed out at him like that before. Anger returning to him, Thorn narrowed his eyes, then growled and turned about. He took only a moment to look at Ar'Din then spread his wings and jumped into the sky, taking flight. As he banked, Thorn let loose a loud keening, roar, bellowing his rage, and anguish. Realizing what he'd done, Murtagh looked to Thorn and reached up a hand in beseech. But it was too late.

"Thorn! Thorn, wait! I'm sorry!"

Thorn's only reply was another bellowing roar, as he disappeared into the shadow of the great mountain. Murtagh prepared another attempt but suddenly felt the temporary, makeshift bond drop, as if severed again. Realizing this, he looked to Ar'Din, enraged.

"Why did you sever the link between us?"

Ar'Din shook his head.

It was not I this time human. Nay, this time it was by the one who once called you Rider and friend, Son of Morzan. Soon, very soon, your fate will catch up with you. You have no means to runway this time. No horse and no dragon with which to flee. How fitting for the son of a traitor to his own people, and to the dragon unfortunate enough to have been bonded to him.

Murtagh blinked back tears, slumping against the stones of the fire pit.

"But, but I love him."

Ar'Din growled in anger to the audacity of Murtagh's response.

If you truly loved your dragon, Son of Morzan, you would not have kept the truth from him. If you truly loved him you would have let him be when you had opportunity to do so. Instead you chose to betray the oath that had already been impressed upon your heart and in so doing subjected Thorn to pain and suffering he would have otherwise been spared. And now, now because you failed to make that choice it has been made for you. No more will Thorn be without the freedom to choose.

Murtagh wiped his eyes, then looked up. He was silent for a moment then turned his head to look to the spot where Thorn had disappeared, then back to Ar'Din. He swallowed hard again, then asked, tentatively

"So, what happens now?"

Ar'Din rumbled, drawing back to rest on his haunches, eyes relaxing to a soft glow as he turned his head to gaze at the spot where Thorn had disappeared.

We wait and see if he returns.

"And if he doesn't?"

Murtagh asked, lowering his gaze to watch his fingers trail in the sand. Ar'Din ruffled his wings and looked back to Murtagh, cocking his head, eyes narrowed as if to say that Murtagh should already know the answer to such a question. Still, he offered.

If he does not return by sunset tomorrow, Son of Morzan, I will take my leave of this place and leave Thorn free to follow the path he has chosen. As for you? You I will hand back over to the fate you have earned, forever to bear the cost of your betrayal.