The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

Destiny's Doorstep

She urged us to stop soon after we'd entered the tunnel, and we quickly passed over a set of covered pits. The second trap was a series of spikes, which were easily avoidable with the dragons' help. The next trap, however, was less so. Elva sensed there were gigantic metal sheets set into the wall, which would eject and slice whoever set them off in two.

"What if Saphira flew over? As she did with the spikes?" Eragon asked. Elva shook her head.

"There are two more sets of blades above and below. It will not work."

"There must be some way," I said, more to myself than to anyone else. But before anyone could come up with another solution, a door at the far end of the hallway slid open, and twelve spellcasters in black robes emerged. They were muttering words in the ancient language, but Eragon was quick to react. He slapped the floor in front of him with the palm of his hand, setting off the trap. The spellcasters were caught in between the blades, slicing them in two. It was not a pretty scene. Amera hissed slightly at the smell of so much blood permeating the hallway.

"What if we were to stop the blades somehow?" Eragon asked.

"There is nothing strong enough," Arya replied.

Eragon thought for a moment, and I recognized that look. "But there is." Realization seemed to dawn on the elves at the same time. Then I realized what Eragon was asking. They were more willing to relinquish their swords than I thought they'd be, but I could tell some of them were less so than others. Eragon made short work of placing the swords within the thin opening where the blades came out. Once they were in place, we readied ourselves.

"We've got to sprint," Elva said quietly. "The swords will only hold for so long."

"On my mark," Eragon said. We waited a moment, until he shouted, "Go!" I ran faster than I ever had before, Amera and Saphira hot on our heels. Even with the aid of magic for Eragon and I, and the elves natural speed, it still seemed we would not make it.

"Faster!" the little witch-child screamed. I pushed myself, feeling my power coursing throughout every inch of my body. The end of the tunnel was almost upon us... just a little farther...

A deafening screech of metal against stone rang my ears as I realized the swords were beginning to slip. I jumped the last few feet, as did the two dragons. We were barely clear of the blades before they snapped together. My heart was hammering in my chest and my breathing labored, but I was grateful we'd all made it out alive. I looked back down the hall and saw Murtagh running not far behind us. We've got to hurry!

Tabby, Amera said, nudging my shoulder slightly. This is it. I turned and saw Eragon and the others standing before the ornate doors to the receiving room.

Are you ready? I asked her, giving her snout a loving rub.

As I'll ever be, she replied. I love you, Tabatha.

I love you too, Amera. I hugged her neck quickly and then joined Eragon in front of the door. He looked at me, and I saw there was fear in his eyes. Reaching down, I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and a small smile.

"This is it," he whispered, echoing Amera's thoughts.

"Let's go," I replied, my voice sounding stronger than I felt. Arya reached for the door handle and began to pull it open, but a yellow light suddenly surrounded the ten other elves. They seemed frozen in time, their eyes unblinking and faces blank.

"What's happened to them?" Arya cried. They began to slowly walk to the right in single file, their steps matching, and disappeared through an open doorway. The door closed behind them, and Arya made to go after them but Eragon grabbed her arm and pulled her back.