The Trap Ch. 5

 Chapter 5 The Academy
'Murtagh where are you?' Thorn reached out through his link. He had no clue where he was, only that blood was dripping down his legs, side and head. The love of his heart was missing, and the young human they had taken in was lying against him for warmth. 'Broden?' he nudged the young boys black hair. "mmmnnn"

 'Brody'
"Thorn?"
'Yes little one, where is your father?'
"I don't know. FATHER?!"
'NO!' Broden clearly was frightened Thorn never yelled at him. 'Young one you must be silent. We have no idea where we are or if anyone will even be friendly towards us. It's very doubtful they will be if they see me.'
"What do you mean? That dragon seemed friendly." Thorn's heart leapt into his throat. 'Dragon? What Dragon?' He could smell it most definitely a male, Not less older than he was. "The big green one. He said he would find help for my dragon."

'This might work to our advantage.' Thorn thought clearly this dragon hadn't recognized him, if he had, well he didn't want to think of that. 'Brody we're going to play a game.'
"What kind?" the young boy asked clearly excited to play with his fathers' dragon. 'It's a make believe game called Dragon Rider. In it I'll be your dragon and you my Rider. The one who wins will be the one who fools the most people and Dragons we come across into believing us as such. Sound fun?'
"Yeah!"
'All right the game ends once we find your father he can't be-' Thorn let loose a terrifying growl the dragon was returning, he was weak but he wouldn't let Broden get taken away. 'Get Behind me.' He took a defensive stance. No harm would come to the hatchling his Rider called son.  He could see the dragon now it WAS big Not much smaller than he was, his scales were Emerald green. He wore a saddle. 'A riders dragon. Great.'  He could smell the Rider upon his back  it was elven, and it's flesh had a hint of pine to it.
"Skulblaka,  eka celöbra ono un mulabra ono un onr Shur'tugal né haina. Atra nosu waisé fricaya." The elf spoke  Thorn's vision was blurring, "Thorn?" Broden's voice sounded so far away. He took one step forward and fell into darkness. 
 
SNAP Another lash came across Murtagh's bare back. "Where is the Rider?!" the mad king demanded. "I'll never tell you!" Murtagh spat. "Do you realize just how long you've been here Murtagh? 3 months. And eveyday of the last 3 months has been the same. I flog and brand you within an inch of your life and you deny me what I want to know." Murtagh watched through weary eyes as the king walked towards a door in the Torture Chambers. "Well today we're going to try something different. Guards! Strip him bare." The guards surrounding Murtagh be gan cutting off what little rags covered his body then, following another order dragged him through the door. "Shackle him by his wrists." The guards did as instructed and then went back to their posts. "Do you know what this is Murtagh?" the king asked standing by a caldron. "This is oil. Harmless as it is now you will know true pain in a moment." the king laughed as he lit a fire around the caldron. He then nodded to a guard who began turning a crank. As he did Murtagh rose to the air still bound by his wrists. "Ah nice and warm. Last chance Murtagh, Where is the Rider?" Murtagh knew even if he told Galbatorix anything he would still be tortured further. "Burn. In. Hell." He replied. "Enjoy your bath boy." Murtagh let out an agonizing scream as his feet touched the oil. He could feel his skin immediately start to blister and burn as he was lowered. Inch by agonizing Inch, up his legs past his groin and up his chest. He could here the Red Hatchling scream in pain through the link they shared. He had to act quickly to spare his dragon. It was up to his pectorals now. "Aghhhhhhhhhhhhh! Carvahall! He said something about Carvahall!" Galbatorix laughed "Raise him up." Murtagh was raised out of the burning liquid very slowly."Tell me Murtagh how does it feel to know you just condemned an entire village to death?"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!!" Murtagh's eyes snapped open, the feeling of boiling oil dripping from his body from Gabatorix's latest torture still fresh in his mind.  He could tell he was naked under the heavy blankets which covered him. "Well if I did that I'd most definitely be flogged for disobeying a direct order." said a man standing in the doorway. "Hi, Name's Jon, and you must be Ebrithal Murtagh." Murtagh looked the young man over he wore no tunic or leggings, and had scars all over his chest and right shoulder. His hair was shoulder length and dark brown, almost black. The scar on his shoulder seemed to draw his attention it looked like he'd been bitten by a dragon. "Sorry about my state I was about to bathe when I heard you screaming. I came here as fast as I could. It must have been some nightmare."
"You aren't kidding. Sorry to worry you. Forgive me but  were you bitten by a dragon?"

"Ah yes, my scars, well if you must know no it wasn't a dragon, though that is what I tell everyone. I'm a werewolf, got bit when I was 10. My father was killed trying to stop the beast."

"I thought werewolves were extinct."
 The werewolf laughed "So did I. Guess I was wrong. Anyway, I was caught by Ebrithal Eragon when I was hunting at 15. Found a fresh kill and started eating it, then a great Blue Dragon attacked me! Turned out the kill was Saphira's. Thankfully Eragon heard my  cries and helped me.  He tested me and now I'm a Rider." 
"Tested?"
 "Ah yes well whenever someone wants to be  a Rider they must pass 2 tests. The 1st is a physical exam. Basically the student strips to their Breeches and is healed of any injuries or illnesses that would affect a Rider."
"Seems useful."
"Aye it is. Next is a mental exam. A Rider or dragon remains hidden while examining their mind. They look for anything that might lead to a Gabatorix type situation. Abuse, neglect, rape slavery, it can all lead to problems in one's mind."he said,  "This one is  quite controversial, but effective. Eragon or Saphira are always present during the exam and the student is never forced into it. In fact most actually volunteer to go through it."
'Don't give him all of our secrets Jon-Finiral.'

"My apologies Ebrithal Saphira." Murtagh watched as the massive Sapphire Dragon entered followed by a creature that looked like an elf mixed with some sort of wolf. 'Leave us Jon, we must speak in private. Thank you for watching over him.'
"No problem, Ebrithal Saphira, Blodgharm Elda. Murtagh elda, I hope you recover quickly."
"Thank you." He bowed to all and took his leave. "How are you feeling honored Rider?" The Wolf-elf asked. "All right I guess, you've always been covered in fur, right?" Blodgharm let out a loud laugh. "Not always, just the last 200 years."
"Guess I'm okay then. All be it very thirsty."
"Here." Blodgharm said as he handed him a cup. The liquid in it was golden in color and had quite a delicious smell to it. Murtagh sat up and drank deeply from the cup though the liquid was cold it warmed him quite quickly. "Faelnirv?"
'A  favorite of Eragon's' Saphira replyed a hint of sadness to her voice. "Have you found them?" he asked hopeful his brother was safe. Though Saphira's voice sounded as though they hadn't. "Not yet. But we have been looking."
"Damn."
'We do however have good news  Thorn and his "Rider" were found today near Ellesmèra by Firnan during his morning hunt.'
"Rider? But I'm-"

"A young boy, no older than 5. Dark skin, black hair, some scars on his forehead, hands, and back. Sound like anyone you know?"
"Broden. My son, well adopted son anyway. He was a slave who managed to escape his captors. We took him in."

'It must be Thorn's idea to keep him safe. No one would dare attack a  Rider even with a wounded dragon.' 
"Seems  likely to be one of his 'brilliant'  plans. How is he?"  He responded overjoyed his son and dragon were safe. "Nothing fatal, they were both a little malnourished, and a number of wounds adorn Thorn's head, neck, wings and left side, but nothing a dragon his size shouldn't pull through with rest and food."
"Thank God." he said under his breath. "Can I please get some clothing? You two may be comfortable without it but I'm not." Saphira laughed trying to picture herself and Blodgharm wearing clothing. She imagined herself wearing an elven tunic as big as an house, and Blodgharm's fur poking out of Leggings and a Green tunic. Ignoring the dragon Blodgharm responded  "Of course Ebrithal we will fetch some immediately and we will show you around." There it was again "Excuse me Blodgharm is it?" 

"Yes?" the elf responded facing him.
"Why does everyone keep calling me Ebrithal? I'm no mentor."
"It was Eragon's orders. If you were to ever come here you were to be treated with the respect of second eldest rider. He also named you to the new council."
Murtagh's eyes bulged so far he was sure they were going to pop out. How could Eragon trust him that much? To name him a council member and give him the title of Ebrithal? 'However if you choose to refuse it, we will understand.'

"NO! No! I accept it. However,  I would like to swear an oath of Fealty to Eragon and you as well Saphira."
'We will accept but only when Eragon is safe.'
 "Agreed."
Within a few minutes Blodgharm had returned with black leggings, Fresh Breeches, a red tunic, black  over tunic, and Murtagh's boots freshly polished. Along with the clothes were a pair of crutches, and Zar'roc. "How bad am I?" Murtagh winced as he pulled on his Breeches, leggings, and boots eyeing the crutches and Bandages still on his body. At this Saphira closed the door with her tail. "It's not good. You said Urgals did this to you?" Blodgharm asked skeptically. "Yes a group of Urgals attacked us on our way here."
'In the Hadarac?'
"Yes that's how it happened. What you don't believe me?"

 'No.' The blatancy of Saphira's response shocked even Blodgharm. "What in Blazes do you mean no? You think I would lie about this?!" Blodgharm stepped forward and placed a furry paw on his Shoulder. "We aren't saying that." He said shooting Saphira daggers with his eyes.  "What we are saying is that Urgals have a very unique method of  attack, and it doesn't include Whips or Seither oil."
"Seither Oil?"
 'Yes your clothing was covered in it. Several riders were burned bringing you inside. It had to be destroyed we could only save your boots.' Murtagh's face was a mix of confusion and horror. They were right. He knew they were. Urgals never used anything but clubs, daggers, swords, and spears. "Not only that but no Urgals have been spotted near the Hadarac since you and Eragon were chased to Farthen Dur."

"How? I distinctly remember Urgals attacking us." he asked nearly in tears. 'It could be your mind created false memories to protect itself from further harm.'  Blodgharm nodded."As far as your wounds go you've suffered 4 Broken ribs we managed to heal the others."
 "others?" Murtagh interupted, "What do you mean?"
"All but one of your ribs were either broken or cracked."

'You also suffered burns everywhere your clothes were touching.' Saphira added. "The plus side, if there CAN be a plus side of that  was it actually cauterized the Whipmarks on your back and chest. The downside was you've suffered from fever for the last 4 days." Murtagh couldn't believe it he should be dead. From the Seither oil alone. Add on everything else and.... "How am I not dead?" he Wondered aloud. 'The Eldunari who were assigned to you during the war saw to your strength. They were quite grateful for what you had done for them. They never did  tell us what it was you did.' Saphira responded. Murtagh knew what it was he did. He showed them kindness. He showed them respect. He gave them everything short of freedom that Galbatorix didn't. "Are you  sure you wish to leave your room now? The tour can wait." Blodgharm asked interupting the riders thoughts.

"Yes I think it's for the best. I can't stand lying in bed anymore."  With that Blodgharm helped him into his Tunics and helped Murtagh to his feet. They went out the front door and almost Immediately Murtagh's jaw dropped. Everywhere he looked there were dragon's and riders. "How many are there?"
'72.' Saphira replied, 'though most are wild. We live in peace with them.'

"How many Riders?"
'28. 10 humans, 10 elves 1 Werewolf, 2 werecats, and two Urgals.'
"That's only 25." He pointed out. 'I didn't count you, Arya, or Eragon. You already knew of them.'

"Dragon logic." he laughed trying to keep his ribs from hurting. Saphira responded with a growl making Murtagh laugh harder. 'Careful rider ir you may need more than crutches to get around.'  Murtagh could tell she was joking. "Thorn would say the same thing. Only he'd probably follow through with it." This time Saphira laughed, gaining Different dragons attention at the Two.  Still Murtagh couldn't believe it he had expected Riders, but this Doubled the amount he had expected. He expected 14 maybe 15. They continued walking through the academy until they reached a large garden big enough to fit several Dragons of Thorns current size. In the center stood 2 statues, both made of marble. One an Elf, The other a dragon missing one of it's legs. "Oh boy." Murtagh couldn't think of anything else he could say. As they got closer he could make out Words Etched into each Statue. 'This is a Tribute to all of the fallen Riders and Dragons since the Creation of the Riders.' Saphira said. "Eragon held an Order wide vote. As to which Rider and Which Dragon Should be honored. The winning votes were Eragon the I and Glaedr."
'I personally voted for Bid'Daum.'
"Yes in fact it was  almost a tie between Bid'Daum and Glaedr. Eragon The I won by a Landslide."
"What is inscribed there?" Murtagh asked learning forward to read the Words on the Glaedr Statue. "Saphira,Glaedr, Shruikan...."

'The names of Deceased Riders are carved into Eragon's Statue and the Names of deceased Dragons are on Glaedr's.'

Murtagh couldn't contain his emotion as he read each name on the Statues. He paused when he reached one inparticular, "Morzan?! That Piece of Dragon Dung doesn't deserve to have his name here!" 'It was requested by many of the Ildunari that ALL dragons and Riders be accounted for. All but Galbatorix anyway.' a large red Female dragon replied.'It's good to see you have recovered Ebrithal.' "Murtagh this is Ruby, Jon's Dragon. She helped in aiding your strength during your fever." Murtagh couldn't help but stare."If you were just a little larger you would be able to pass as Thorn. Same color and everything."

'Well that would be because they are from the same nest.' Saphira stated. "How do you know that?" 'Glaedr was present for many of the Dragons hatchings, All but Thorn's, Firnan's and my own, anyway. By speaking with the Eldunari  we have here he was able to discover who Sired each dragon and who layed it's egg. I was in the same nest as Firnan and Shruikan.' "So Shruikan was-" he didn't finish his sentence. He didn't have to. 'Yes. Perhaps if he would have known then he would have joined us.' "I'm sorry. Saphira." he said laying his hand on her snout. "Oh! My apologies for being rude! Did you require something Ruby?" 'No just coming to lie around the Garden. It's quite relaxing this time of year.' "I can tell. Well if I may, I'd like to thank you for all you did for me. I know of many that would have let me die." 'You are quite welcome Rider.. Good Day.' "And Good day to you as well."
Saphira and Blodgharm continued  to show Murtagh around. As they passed buildings Blodgharm told him what each was. "There are the Bathing chambers. Used specifically for after sparring and other training. Over there are the Dragons bathing chambers." he said pointing to a building right across the way. "There are two separate areas there one which blows sand at exceptionally  high speeds and one that is purely soap and water."
"Why sand?" Murtagh asked. He knew Galbatorix had explained it to him once but he couldn't remember what purpose it was for. 'It shines our Scales at the speed the sand is blasted.' Saphira replied.

They continued on until they reached a large area that was nothing but buildings that were two stories each. Each one looked big enough to fit a dragon into. "These are the living quarters." Blodgharm stated. "Each one is custom tailored for it's Rider and Dragon. No two are alike." 'Each one is similar however. Each has 2 beds one for a Rider and one for a Dragon, a Bathing area, kitchen, and Library filled with reading material written by each species of Rider.' Saphira added. "Yours is here." Blodgharm said as he stopped in front of one of the larger dwellings. 'Eragon and I live right there' Saphira added motioning to a dwelling across the street. 'If you require anything let me know. "I'm actually quite tired." He said yawning. "Getting around on these crutches isn't...." he trailed off as he noticed a black Dragon laying outside of one of the Dwellings. It looked as though it were mourning a death, and hadn't eaten in quite some time. 'Nightshadow, Moonstreaks Dragon. How long has been now Blodgharm?' Saphira asked.   "Four days. He hasn't moved for four days."
"What's wrong with him?" 

"His Rider went missing with Eragon. He was so sure Moonstreak would come home he waited there for him. He hasn't moved, eaten, or slept since." A loud keen was heard all across the Academy "How old is he? Murtagh asked. "Two years. He's sill considered to be a hatchling."Another loud keen came from the dragon.  Murtagh couldn't help it he cried, the dragon was still a hatchling, and his rider was being tortured or worse. He approached cautiously until he was standing next to him.  'What do you want human?' Nightshadow asked not even bothering to look at him. "Just to talk. I heard about your Rider." 'And?' the dragon snarled at Murtagh. He didn't even flinch. He'd suffered alot worse from Sruikan's claws and Teeth. "And  I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I've been quite worried about my brother Eragon myself."
 'You must really be worried to come all the way out here.' The dragon replied. "What do you mean?"
'None of Ebrithal Eragon's family ever comes here, not even during Christmas.'
"Well unlike Eragon's other Family, I am a Rider."

'My apologies Ebrithal, I didn't know it was you.'
"It's all right. Listen you have my word, I will NOT give up the search until your Rider is back home safe with you."

'You mean it?'
"Vel Eïnradhin iet ai Sur'tugal."
 'Thank you.' Murtagh sat against the dragon rubbing the black scales on his side. "We will find them." he said as sleep overtook Nightshadow for the 1st time in days. "Blodgharm, Bring him some food. He's going to be hungry when he wakes." Blodgharm bowed and left to retrieve meat for Nightshadow. Saphira layed down next to him. 'You should rest yourself Murtagh.'
"I suppose you're right he said laying down against Saphira's stomach. "Good night Saphira."
'Good night.'