The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The Crossing of Bridges

"Tabby," I whispered softly. She whirled around, the sword she'd just been polishing held aloft in a striking position.

"Who are you?" she demanded threateningly. I just studied her for a moment, marveling at how different she looked.

Her hair was definitely longer, cascading down her back almost to her hips, and she grown about an inch or two taller. Where the softness of childhood had once been now bore the lean muscle of a trained warrior. There was a graceful litheness to her movements; they held the fluidity of a cat stalking its prey. She'd been tanned by the sun, and there was something different about her violet eyes. They held a new light of knowledge and surety behind them.

"Tabby," I said again, more firm this time. "It's me." My voice was shaking with nerves. She continued to stare at me warily for a moment, her sword held high. Then, when I was certain she would never know me, a light of recognition entered her eyes. She dropped her sword slowly and the stern look disappeared from her face.

"Eragon," she breathed. She continued to just stand there for a moment, and then... "Eragon!" She ran to me and jumped into my arms, holding me tightly against her. It felt so good to have her back in my arms.

"Tabatha... Oh, Tabby how I have missed you," I said. She pulled away and then I saw her amethyst eyes inspecting my face.

"I didn't recognize you. You look so different! What happened to you?" Her arms were still wrapped around my neck and I wondered if I was blushing at all.

"It's a bit of a long story..." I hesitated. How to explain all that had happened to me in the short amount of time that we had? "While I was in Ellesmera, I discovered that there is another Rider still alive, hidden deep in the forest of Du Weldenvarden."

"What? That's wonderful. Now perhaps we'll have a fighting chance against the king!" Her face was alight with happiness, and I hated to be the one to put it in check.

"No, it isn't like that. The Rider and his dragon—Oromis and Glaedr—they are injured, the both of them. They cannot fight in the way that we would need them to. That's why they have hidden for so long—to train the next Rider that came along." Her face fell as understanding dawned on her. "But they healed me, Tabatha. I am no longer plagued by the pain in my back. Saphira and Glaedr and the spirits of other dragons combined their powers to heal me, and in doing so they made me look like an elf. I'm sort of a hybrid now."

"You certainly do look like an elf," she remarked, chuckling slightly. "And I am glad your back no longer pains you. Come sit; tell me more of your adventures." It was just like having the old Tabby back. I told her a few of the things that I had learned, and that I'd seen an image of my mother while in Ellesmera, but I didn't go into too much detail. I didn't want to waste what little time we had.

"Saphira and I just got in, and I was searching the minds of everyone in the camp looking for you." She picked up her hand-and-a-half sword and began sharpening it with a whetstone. "Then I ran into an unexpected block, and that's how I found you." She smiled slightly.

"I've been learning to shield myself better from a... friend," she said sheepishly, keeping her eyes locked on her sword. I knew there was something she was hesitating to tell me, but I didn't push. If she wanted to tell me, she would in her own time.

"Well, whoever taught you, they must have been a great warrior. It's very impressive. The only other person I've come across whose mind is your rival would be Murtagh—" I regretted the words as soon as they came out of my mouth. She paused for a moment, took a deep break, and then went back to sharpening her sword. "Tabby, I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking—"

"No," she said, cutting me off, "it's all right. I've grieved for him, and now I'm ready to move on. I will never forget him, but I've accepted that he's gone for good." She looked at me and smiled endearingly, and I felt my heart quicken. I wanted so badly to tell her right then and there how I felt, but I knew that would have been in poor taste after what I'd just said. And besides, I'd already been rejected by one woman... I didn't want it to happen again so soon. Her friendship was more important to me.

"Good," was all I could come up with to say. She smiled sadly and then looked over at me. "Well, I must go see Nasuada and prepare for the battle. I'll be back soon." I stood from the cot and then bade her farewell as I exited her tent.

When I was outside, I tried to breathe deeply but found it difficult with the overhanging cloud. I hung my head and thought to myself, 'What an idiot I am...'

Tabatha's POV

Once Eragon was gone, I could breathe again. The talk of Murtagh had made me uncomfortable, and it still hurt to think that he was gone. Eragon must have sensed my discomfort; that's why he left so quickly. But I had to come up with something to say. I didn't want to hear his pitying words. But the more I thought about what I had told him, the more I realized that I needed to make the words true. I had to move on with my life, or else I'd be stuck in a state of misery forever; I didn't want that. I would never forget Murtagh and the time we'd shared—or the love we bore for one another—but I needed to move on. Perhaps I would find someone else; perhaps I wouldn't.

I put my sword back in its sheath and then fell back against the bed, staring up at the cloth ceiling of the tent. Gregorio was a viable option, but he'd been acting strange lately and I still didn't completely trust him. My thoughts flashed back to what Murtagh had told me about making people believe Eragon and I were an item... but I loved him like a brother and nothing more. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to lead him on and make him believe I loved him when I knew he had very real feelings for me. I thought of Miles, and the disdain I held for him, and then immediately banished the thought from my mind. Besides, he reminded me too much of Murtagh; it would do me any good to be with him if my intention was to move on from Murtagh's death. Of course, there was always Count Evander. I had really liked him, but there was the problem that he was a noble in Galbatorix's court, and therefore couldn't be completely trusted. It seemed I was destined to lead a lonely and loveless life.

I sighed heavily and then sat up on the bed, hugging my knees to my chest. Perhaps that would be the best option... Anyone I loved would end up getting hurt because of my father, or because of me... Maybe it would just be better for everyone if I didn't love anymore...

Unknown POV

The day of reckoning was getting closer. Soon, my mission would be at hand. I'll only get one chance to do it right. If I fail, he'll surely kill me. She's grown stronger from what I hear, but I'm not afraid. I'll have to catch her while she's unawares, and I know just how to do it. Perhaps this won't be as difficult as I had first thought.