The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The Crossing of Bridges

There was a buzzing excitement building up inside me that came with the knowledge that I would soon be able to use my abilities in battle. Training with dummies was one thing; actually implementing my skills in combat was another thing entirely. What I wasn't excited about, however, was being so close to my father. I was eager to show him and his armies just what I could do, but I wasn't entirely sure I was up to the task. I felt that there was so much more I needed to learn.

I was sitting in the courtyard of the palace in the late afternoon when Gregorio suddenly came bounding down a set of stairs towards me. His hands were trembling with excitement, and there was a light in his dark eyes. "I spoke with some of my comrades," he said, skidding to a halt at my side, "and I have it on good authority that we're leaving tomorrow for the Burning Plains." That was the place we'd decided on to meet Galbatorix's armies head on. Gregorio plopped down beside me on the stone bench I'd been occupying.

"Good," I replied. "The sooner we get this over with, the better it will be for everyone." I glanced over at his face and noticed an odd look upon it, as though his thoughts were far away. "Are you alright, Gregorio? You seem tense."

He blinked rapidly and then looked up at me, smiling a bit. "Yes, Tabby, I'm fine." He didn't convince me but I decided to let it drop. There were more important things weighing heavily on my mind.

As we sat there in silence, a page suddenly appeared before me, clearing his throat to gain my attention. I looked up at the man but he averted his eyes from my face. It seemed I was not completely welcome here by everyone. "Lady Nasuada requests your presence," he said tersely. I glanced over at Gregorio but he just shrugged. Slowly, I stood as the page turned and made his way briskly towards the stairs that led up to the gallery. I followed him as he picked up the pace and led me down several corridors to a study. Inside, I saw Nasuada standing over a desk, and then a handsome young man sitting in a high-backed chair behind it. This must be King Orrin.

"Ah, Tabatha, there you are," Nasuada stated upon seeing me. She was smiling slightly, but I saw the bags beneath her eyes; she was slumped where she stood, indicating that she wasn't getting enough sleep. I inclined my head towards her and then the man behind the desk cleared his throat. I turned my gaze towards him and saw blue eyes inspecting my face over a thin nose and strong jaw. He was not unpleasant to look at—that much was evident—but there was an air of contempt about him, as though there were other things that required his attention.

"So this is the young woman you told me about?" he said, his voice a high tenor. "I must say, Nasuada, she's prettier than you described."

"Orrin, I don't think that's entirely appropriate, given the situation." Nasuada sounded like she was scolding a child. Orrin laughed merrily and looked between the two of us as I stood there dumbfounded. He rose from behind the desk and strolled carelessly over to me, taking my hand and planting a firm kiss on top of it.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady," he said, employing that honorific that I so hated. "Or is it Your Highness? I am unclear on your title."

"Neither," I growled, drawing my hand away with as much force as propriety would allow. King Orrin smirked at me lightly and turned back to Nasuada.

"She's a feisty one. I like her." My heart began beating faster as the heat rushed to my face. He certainly was impetuous.

"Orrin, please..." Nasuada sighed exasperatedly. He only laughed at her irritation and then returned to the desk, where I noticed a map was laid out. It showed the country of Surda and the edges of Alagaesia that it bordered. Many small towns I'd never heard of were shown on the vast plains. I crossed the room to stand by Nasuada and peered down at the map.