The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

One Last Time

I could feel Amera's consciousness probing my mind, inspecting what I was doing. What are you up to, young one? she asked. I heard the whoosh of her and Saphira's wings high overhead. When I looked up, I was intrigued to see them glowing brightly, Amera radiating a soft violet light and Saphira emanating the most brilliant blue.

Just looking around, that's all, I replied innocently. She sent me feelings of concern and a warning to be careful. I assured her that no harm would come to me and turned my attention back to the world on the ground. The camp was alive with activity and energy, though many were asleep. Those that were sleeping glowed with a soft, white light that gently undulated with their deep breathing. A field mouse darted across the ground in front of me, its little body glowing a bright yellow that pulsed rapidly with its tiny heartbeat. It disappeared under a tent flap, dulling the yellow light. This new world I was observing was truly amazing. I had no idea that every living creature contained its own energy that was unique to them.

Like before, that same force drew my eyes toward the walls of Dras-Leona, and I saw Thorn's huge body glowing a fiery red. I could almost feel the heat from his massive energy field from here. And then I saw something I hadn't noticed before. Residing in one of his saddlebags was a jumble of different colored auras, each of them burning brightly and pulsing in an even rhythm. The more that I stared at this perplexing bundle of energy, the more I couldn't help but think that they looked a lot like the energies of the dragons... I would have to ask Eragon about that later. When I shifted my gaze, I saw Murtagh's form outlined in red as well, though the center was black as pitch. That must be an effect of Galbatorix's hold on him. And that's when I knew what it was that I had to do.

I ran through the camp, making my way closer to the walls. If not for my enchanted cloak, I never would have dared it. As I drew closer, I noticed the guards patrolling the battlements. I thanked the gods above and below for my cloak again, and started searching for a way—any way—up the wall. It seemed like it was hundreds of feet, though I knew that was just my imagination playing tricks on me. No matter how tall the imposing structure was, I had to see him, though it was more than likely the last time I ever would. At least until this whole thing was done. The stolen moments we'd had in Urû'baen just simply weren't enough; and call it greed, but I needed to be near him, one last time.

Reaching my arms high above my head, I dug and wriggled my fingers in between the loose stones, securing my grip before looking for a suitable foothold. The process was slow going, but I finally got into a rhythm and worked my way up the stone wall. As the top came nearer to my fingertips, I felt my breath quicken in my chest and my heart fluttering in nervousness. I only hoped that Galbatorix wasn't controlling him at this moment. My hands finally found flat space and I hauled myself up with one last push of strength...right as an Imperial soldier strolled past lazily. When I bounded to the top of the wall, my footfalls made a slight thumping sound and he stopped mid-step, looking in my direction. I didn't dare to move or breathe, and for a moment I thought I would lose my balance and fall backwards. Although I had survived grievous wounds before, I didn't know what would happen to me after a fall from this height. The soldier narrowed his eyes and took a few cautious steps toward me, searching for any sign of the phantom noises he had heard. I hadn't taken a breath this whole time, and just when I thought my lungs were about to burst, I was saved.

"You there! Soldier! Get back to your post or I'll have you flogged!" the familiar voice cut through the air. The unsuspecting man jumped back in fear, looking to his left where the voice had come from. I turned too and saw the red and black glow striding towards us. Murtagh stopped about ten feet away from me, the shimmer of his aura dissipating slightly so I could more clearly make out his features.

"Ah! Sir, I... I just thought... there was a... " he stammered, the fear evident in his eyes and a sheen of nervous sweat breaking out on his forehead.