The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The Beginning of the End

"I wouldn't be asking you this unless it was absolutely necessary. You know this, don't you?" Roran looked positively desperate as he sat in my tent, balancing precariously on the edge of my cot.

"Of course," I replied softly, placing a hand on his shoulder in reassurance. "I've noticed that King Orrin is becoming increasingly uneasy of late. But I never thought he'd go so far as to draw his blade against you."

"I don't fear for myself," Roran continued, wringing his hands nervously. "If it came down to it, I know I would have no issue killing him. I fear for Katrina and the baby."

"I won't allow anything to happen to them," I said. Roran stood and wrapped me in a bear hug, squeezing me tightly until I couldn't breathe.

"Thank you, Tabby," he whispered. "I never thought I'd find myself here, but I'm glad you're here too." I gave him a small smile. Roran and Katrina were my family; I wouldn't let anything happen to them.

Tabby! Amera's voice came ringing in my head. Roran noticed my change of expression and kept quiet while I conversed with my dragon.

What is it? Are you hurt?

Eragon and Saphira have returned! Her voice betrayed her excitement, and I couldn't help the smile that broke across my face.

"Tabby, what's happened?" Roran asked.

"Eragon is back." He broke out in a grin and sent thanks up to the gods before grabbing me by the arm and hurrying out of the tent. The entire camp was buzzing with excitement as I watched Saphira circle high overhead. They came to the ground a little ways outside of the camp, where Arya was already waiting for them. I hurried over to the knoll they stood upon, leaving Roran behind, and Eragon broke into a grin when he saw me running, Amera bounding along behind me. He opened his arms up and I nearly tackled him with a hug.

"Tabby!" he laughed joyously.

"You're never allowed to leave me like that again! You hear?" I was mostly kidding, but I really was glad to have him back. At least the awkwardness with the rest of the rulers would be over. Eragon laughed again and then put me down, smiling widely still. I looked over and noticed Arya was standing very stiff and eyeing us carefully, but she didn't say anything. "How was your journey? Did you find what—?"

"Not here," he said quietly, cutting me off. "I'll tell everyone when we're gathered together." I nodded in understanding and then turned to walk back to the camp with him. The cousins embraced each other firmly and Eragon repeated what he'd told me about waiting til we were all together.

Eragon and Saphira were greeted warmly by those who saw them, but we hurried to King Orik's tent to avoid any delays. When we finally reached the tent, Orik clasped Eragon's arm firmly in greeting. The strange, fur-covered elf named Blödhgarm was already in the tent, standing stoically in the corner and purveying everything with his unsettling yellow eyes. I steered clear of him, not entirely sure what to make of this odd creature. Jörmundur and King Orrin arrived soon after, the latter throwing Roran a hateful glare before taking a seat at the table. The last to arrive was the beautiful Queen Islanzadí, Arya's mother. The elven forces had joined us just two days ago, and I couldn't help thinking that their presence may well turn the tide of the battle to come.

When everyone was gathered, Eragon and Saphira shared a knowing look. I couldn't quite place it, but there was something different about them. They seemed more... confident and self-assured. I was intrigued to hear what had happened to them, as was Amera.

Eragon began to speak at length about the journey they had taken to Doru Araeba, including a terrifying experience in a thunderstorm. Amera hummed softly at the thought of it, and I placed a reassuring hand on her snout. They spoke of the ruins of the Riders' ancient fortress, and strange creatures they had found there. But what interested me the most was his talk of the Eldunarí. Supposedly, they were gem-like organs that were part of a dragon's physiology, and it was called their "heart-of-hearts". The elves seemed familiar with this concept, but for the rest of us he pulled out what looked to be a huge jewel. It sparkled a brilliant golden color, and the dragon within it—named Glaedr—greeted us all in turn. The aura of energy it gave off made me certain this was the strange light I'd seen coming from Thorn's saddlebags in Dras-Leona.