I'm sick of all the insincere [nepherion]

[Emiryal ♕]

Murtagh was leaning against a wall watching the grey skies. He was in the largest courtyard in Uru'baen's castle. It was built to accommodate dragons and it's size was more than impressive. Even Shurikan could land in this courtyard.
Against the grey sky a lone red dragon descended. The color of his scale was surprisingly vivid in comparison to the grey sky. A smile flashed across Murtagh's features. He'd recognize Thorn anywhere, even if he wasn't in mental contact with him.

The large red dragon landed gracefully in the courtyard. Tucking his wings in he lapped at a deep pool of water that was near the center of the courtyard. Emiryal is lucky, Thorn commented. He didn't pause or look at Murtagh as he spoke.

He is an elf, he probably found a way to change his true name. Eragon did say that was the only way we could free ourselves, Murtagh said. He pushed off the wall and walked towards the large red dragon. Zar'oc's sheath a visible reminder of Murtagh's rider status and of his father, Morzan.

Changing one's true name is not an easy task. It can't be accomplished overnight, Thorn said. He stopped drinking and met Murtagh's gaze. I don't envy Emiryal. He and Firern may have evaded their oaths but when we catch them they'll be sorry they did. If we are ever to free ourselves of Galbatorix's clutches, we need to do more than change our true names. If we escaped you know as well as I do that Galbatorix and Shruikan would come after us. As strong as we have become he would still overpower us, he said.

A jumble of minds agreed with Thorn's statement. And a few tried making suggestions. Murtagh sighed. QUIET! he demanded and the horde of Eldundari fell silent. Sometimes all their minds were overwhelming and distracting. You are right Thorn. We need to do more than change our own name to be free of Galbatorix, he said.

Thorn's saddle lay near the pool of water and Murtagh now retrieved it and tossed it on to the red dragon's back. He worked on securing the saddle while Thorn crouched so he could more easily complete the task. The last thing he wanted was for his saddle to fail him when they confronted Emiryal and Firern.

It had been early in the morning when Galbatorix had summoned him and Thorn. Apparently Emiryal and Firern had defected and broken their oaths to the Empire. Galbatorix had ordered Murtagh to find him, punish him and possibly restore the oaths to the Empire. However, as it turned out Uruale was the only available rider to accompany them. Murtagh knew Uruale did not like him and did not particularly like the prospect of working with someone who'd probably like to slip a sword into his back. Uruale isn't here yet? Thorn asked though the answer was obvious. He should be here soon. I told him we would leave at dawn, Murtagh said.

[Nepherion]

Light finally begin to shine in Uruale's room, it was quaint and simple-like. He didn't need much so he asked for very little. Though the king had insisted that his quarters be decorated with expensive pleasantries. With a final tug Uruale tightened the rope that held his crimson armor together in a neat bundle. He straightened up with a sigh and gazed around his small quarters. " Finally finish. " he told himself. He picked up the armor, lifted it onto his shoulder and left the room heading up towards the opening of his housing.

Flare; the large, rose-colored dragon that was Uruale's bonded partner awaited atop of the housing's clearing. It was large but only barely enough to fit Flare's size. Two soldiers, both in imperial armor tied on her saddle and looked towards the door as Uruale came through it. " That's enough guys. " . " Yessir, Captain Uruale. " The two said in unison. Flare looked back at Uruale as he approached, noticing his armor and Reona on his hip. " Do you believe blood will be shed ? " Flare asked curiously. " More than likely. Emiryal isn't the type to go down peaceful. " he told her, tossing the armor into the saddle. Uruale tightened the saddle's belt one last time than leaped into it. " Are you prepared to see " him " ? " Uruale gripped the ivory spike on Flare's neck, refusing to acknowledge Murtagh's name in her thoughts. " Let's ride. " Uruale ordered.

Flare knew how deep Uruale's hatred for Murtagh was and thought it nothing but foolish for The King to put them together. She was sure Galbatorix knew it as well. At Uruale's order, Flare burst into the air from the rooftop and headed towards the courtyard. She felt the need to remind Uruale of his manners, but found herself cut off from his mind. She wondered why but felt no need to bring it up. Her rose scales shimmered down her frame as she approached the courtyard, she could see Thorn. His crimson scales made Uruale's armor seem dull in comparison. A pinch of fluster touched her as she looked over him. It was almost an understatement to say she had a crush on him. She landed softly into the giant courtyard and pawed her way to the pool just as Thorn had earlier. She licked the pool of water, looking over towards Thorn while she did.

Uruale braced himself as Flare landed. She had a habit of being reckless when it came to her landings, so he always made sure not to run into the spike that he held onto. He looked off towards Murtagh, who was leaning against a wall. The first emotion that struck him was contempt. He tried his best to prepare to tolerate the guy, but even that seemed to be a struggle. Uruale's eyes had become stormy with malice as he looked down at Murtagh.

[Emiryal ♕]

Thorn looked up as Flare came into view, arching his neck slightly to watch her land. He was unaware of her attraction to him. While he might have thought her fair, he often had other matters on his mind. He moved a little bit away from the pool to give flare room to drink.

Murtagh was no happier to see Uruale than Urale was to see him. He knew the other rider despised him. Had Galbatorix done this for his own amusement? It wouldn't have surprised him. The king had done similar before.

He said nothing as he crossed over to Thorn and climbed into his saddle. He tightened the straps and sat looking at Uruale now. "I don't like this any more than you. So the sooner we find Emiryal the better. Last reports said he was passing over Gilead and headed towards the Spine," he said. "Oh and don't go trying to stab me in the back, not like your blade could touch me though." He held up a green Eldunari about the size of a large plate. Galbatorix had given him three more Eldunari for this mission, the green being the largest. The extra power would help him keep a permanent ward up in case Uruale decided to try his luck and it would also serve useful when they confronted Emiryal.

[Nepherion]

Uruale folded his arms across his chest, looking at Murtagh with a restrained irritation. " Their's that arrogance again, one day it'll get you killed. " he uttered in response. Murtagh's arrogance was more than likely the least thing that he liked about the guy. Not to mention his searing indifference towards other riders, and his constant air of condescension towards everyone but the Fallen King. He did everything he could not to attack the guy where he was. His pale jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth, he could tell this would be a long journey.

Flare was little unsure of Thorn's move from her, she wasn't sure if it was because he didn't like her or if it was out of need of space. Either way, she found herself spotting a gaze at him every other lick or so. After getting her fill, she was force to endure Uruale's malice towards the young prince of the Empire. She snorted slightly and brought her body away from pool and facing Thorn, but keeping the initial space between the two.

Uruale looked unaffected by the emerald eldunari Murtagh now held, but inside he felt slightly jealous, Galbatorix had not given him any extra hearts-of-hearts, ensuring that he would have no chance of assassination him. The King seemed to have a wicked sense of humor. Uruale sat in the saddle with his arms folded, basically ignoring Murtagh's show of insurance. " So Gilead or The Spine ? He seems to be brave, or maybe he's going to ask the Varden for help ? " he said to himself, " Either way, It doesn't matter. " He smirked slightly. He told Flare to take to the sky and towards Gilead, the ride would be long, but it would be worth it once he was allowed to release his pent up anger on the traitorous Emiryal. .

[Emiryal ♕]

Murtagh laughed at Uruale's first comment. "I doubt it," he said. "I have no intention of letting myself get killed just to satisfy what you call arrogance." He knew Uruale disliked him, but he had nothing against the other rider. Not that he wouldn't defend himself if attacked, no if Uruale openly attacked him he'd use the vast power at his command to protect himself.

Thorn watched Flare curiously. He wasn't sure why she kept looking at him now and again. Was she fearful of him maybe? In awe? Who knew and he doubted she answer if he were to ask.

Murtagh twisted in his saddle so he could slip the green Eldunari into one of the saddle bags. Then he sat up straight once more, one hand resting on one of Thorn's spikes. "Emiryal might have broke free from the Empire, but Galbatorix knows him well enough to know he won't try the Varden. Emiryal despises them as much as he does the Empire," he explained. If anything the elf rider would flee to the elves, but he had headed towards the Spine instead. That move baffled Murtagh. Maybe he was trying to throw them off his trail. Surely he knew that Galbatorix would just let him go. "We are going to Gilead first," he said. "With any luck our contact there can confirm if Emiryal and Firern headed to the Spine or not"

Thorn waited until Flare had taken off before taking to the skies himself. It was difficult for two dragons to take flight when they were close to each other. He caught a current of air and was going to fly below Flare. That way he'd use less energy flying. "We need to stay above or at the same level," Murtagh said to him. "I don't trust Uruale and I don't want to give him any opportunities." The red dragon circled and rose higher until he was level with Flare. "Do you think Flare dispises me as much as Uruale does you?" Thorn asked. "I don't know, but I'd image she'd side with her rider to some extend. Don't let your guard down," Murtagh said.

[time skip to Gilead?]

[Nepherion]

Uruale was leaned forwards in his saddle, his hand tightly wrapped around Flare's spike. He looked down at Thorn's position under him and Flare and almost instantly thought about how easy it would be to drop down on Murtagh and swiftly gut him. Just than Thorn circled around them and leveled with Flare. Uruale frontwards at the passing clouds. " Smart boy, Murtagh. Smart boy. " he thought to himself snidely.

Uruale twisted in his saddle and looked behind him. The sun had still been high, but he predicated it would be awhile until they reached Gilead, the ground below him was slowly changing from terrains, but it wasn't changing fast enough. He would have to wait and sit by idly until they reached their destination.

Flare flew with the currents of wind, pushing easily through them. Her body was naturally tuned for flying, something even the Fallen King had praised her on. That was one of the reasons she had considered herself the sorta Empire version of Saphira herself. Her rose mass was very aerodynamic and fit, she took pride in her beauty and knew that she was the most beautiful of all dragons. " Uruale ? " he started, her voice already filled with curiosity.

" Yes ? " he answered, still holding tight to her spike. " Why do you hate Murtagh so much again, " Uruale sighed in his mind, her question hadn't been a question at all. She knew why he hadn't liked him. This was just her attempt to try and get him to reconsider his contempt for him again. " You know why ? " he said aloud, angered at her attempt. " If you want I can tell you again. " he said, growing even louder. " Stop Uruale. No need for you become loud. " said Flare in the mind space.

Uruale glanced over at Murtagh, a hint of anger in his eyes. He ended the conversation with Flare and was determined to fly the rest of the way in silence again.

Hours later and Gilead had finally come into view. Normally Uruale would have landed without consulting with Murtagh, but he had no idea of informants whereabouts, so for the time being he would be stuck with the guy. " Murtagh ! " he barked, keeping his gaze on the sky. " Where will we land ? " he asked evenly without emotion.

[Yes lol]

[Emiryal ♕]

Murtagh and Thorn spoke little to each other during the trip. Murtagh partially dreaded having to bring Emiryal back, not because he thought Emiryal could beat him but because Emiryal had gained his freedom. Murtagh wanted freedom but saw no way to get it and now he was trying to take Emiryal's freedom away. "It's because we have no freedom that we must do this," Thorn said. "I know," Murtagh said obviously not happy. "If we did have a choice what would you do?" Thorn asked. Murtagh didn't answer. He wasn't sure what he'd do.
When they reached Gilead Murtagh leaned over Thorn's side slightly so as to view the city. "Outside the city and out of sight. We can't have anyone seeing us this time," he said loudly enough to be heard. They needed to remain hidden in the city so that any possible spies would not be able to tip off Emiryal or the Varden.

Thorn banked hard and flew Eastwards for a short time. He landed behind a hill that was big enough to conceal him and Flare. Murtagh had been loosening his saddle straps before Thorn landed and no sooner than Thorn's feet touched down Murtagh jumped to the ground. He pulled out a dark cloak from the saddle bags and pulled it around him. Tugging the hood over his head he waited for Uruale. "Our contact lives near the merchant street, he sells maps. Passcode is...well never mind that. Just let me do the talking and don't give away to anyone that we are riders."

[Nepherion]

Uruale let out a deep sigh before directing Flare to follow Thorn. As Flare banked, Uruale took the time to glance at the small town. It was somewhat quaint, but lack the familiarity that Uru'Bane. His small view was gone as they made their way to the hiding place.

Flare landed gracefully beside Thorn and crouched down as Uruale unstrapped himself and climbed down from the saddle. As he rummaged through his sac for his cloak she brought a eye to him. " Do try and play nice Uru. Your enemy is a tricky one. " she reminded him.

Uruale pulled out his cloak and wrapped it around him. " I know Flare. You just try and stay safe yourself "

[/i][/color] he told her, bring the hood over his chestnut hair. " And be ready if I'm to need you. " he told her, walking over to Murtagh.

He stepped up next to Murtagh, his face looking towards the city. " Agreed. You've always been better at talking than me. " he said casually before walking over towards the town. [/blockquote]

[Emiryal ♕]

Murtagh smirked when Uruale spoke to him. What exactly did the other rider mean by that? Was that another jibe at the face Murtagh happened to be the champion and general of the empire, second only to Galbatorix? He choose not to reply. Instead he climbed the hill they had landed behind and then followed the road that led into the city.

As they neared the gate to the city a pair of guards stopped them. "Papers," one of them demanded in a less than polite tone. Murtagh pulled out two folded pieces of paper from within his cloak. The guard rudely grabbed it and looked over the papers. Shoving the papers back the guards stepped aside for them to pass. It was a new procedure that Gilead had thought necessary. Galbatorix didn't care what they did so he nor Murtagh had done anything about it. The papers had stated that Uruale and Murtagh were monks on a pilgrimage. Something like that would raise no suspicion.

Murtagh led the way to the merchant district. He stopped at one stall and bought a loaf of bread. Ripping it in half he tossed half of it to Uruale. It wasn't so much he was hungry but they needed to blend in and few people came to the merchant district and bought nothing. Taking a bite of his bread he entered a smokey dim room. No one was in the room. Murtagh pulled his hood off and sat down on a table. Most of the chairs were ruined or didn't look like they'd hold up if you sat on them. "Now we wait," he informed Uruale. "By the way our papers say we are monks on a pilgrimage, so if anyone besides our contact asks that's what we are doing."


Thorn watched until Murtagh was out of sight. He was worried for his rider being alone with Uruale. He lay down and curled his tail around himself to wait. He glanced at Flare. "Do you share the same malice your rider does towards me and Murtagh?" he asked bluntly. He had not yet seen Flare show open disgust towards him and could only wonder.

[Nepherion]

Uruale kept his arrogant gaze on the guard as he took their papers. He stood off to the side of Murtagh, but only as close as his ego would allow him too. After the guard pushed the papers back to Murtagh and stepped aside, Uruale followed behind. Once inside the city of Gilead Uraule looked around him. It seem the citizens were all weary of the war that was going on. A grunt came from Uruale as he reached scratched a small itch on his right side. " They seem... Weak. " he said, stepping up beside Murtagh.

Walking into the merchant district Uruale noticed the crowd of denizens increasing. Still though he had enough space to feel comfortable. His ears twitched and his hand instinctively reached up as a loaf of bread was tossed his way. Catching it he looked over towards Murtagh as he entered a room and followed behind him. Taking a large bite of his own loaf of bread. As he chewed Murtagh begin to speak; it took a moment for him to finish and swallow. " I figured. The guard's thoughts weren't exactly protected. He thinks we're feeble. " he told him in response before leaning up against the wall.

Flare was positioned a little infront of Thorn, watching as Uruale left and their bond became slightly weakened. A low rumble in her throat was exerted as a warm breathe came from her. It wasn't until Thorn's voice echoed to her did she turn her attention from him. " No, not at all. I'll never understand why he holds on to such hatred for your Rider. " she replied, taking a turning step towards him. " Does Murtagh feel the same ?

[/b]"[/blockquote]