The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The Parting of the Ways

When Amera landed in the quadrangle, not far from Saphira, I saw Eragon standing slightly off to the side, away from everyone else. He and Arya were locked in conversation, and I noticed that she seemed to be crying.

I'll be right back, Amera, I said when I jumped off her back. She snorted slightly in response and then I walked over to the pair of them. They didn't notice my arrival until I was almost upon them, and I saw Arya hastily wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Tabatha," she said, for Eragon's back was to me and he still hadn't realized I was there. He turned swiftly, taking a step back from the elf.

"Arya," I said slowly, unsure of how to progress. "I... I wanted to offer you my condolences. I heard about your mother."

She looked at me for a moment and then gave a small smile. "Thank you," she said, tears still glimmering in her emerald eyes. I nodded and then turned to Eragon.

"It's nearly sundown," I said quietly. He gave me a knowing look and then turned back to Arya. I turned and walked away, allowing them their privacy. They spoke for a few more moments and then he strode purposefully toward Saphira.

"I'll follow you," he said as he climbed into her saddle. I mounted Amera and then she vaulted into the sky, quickly followed by Saphira. We glided towards the south in order to get out of the city, but once we were clear of the walls we turned sharply to the left and began going north, around the hill the citadel backed up against.

Eragon was sending me feelings of warmth and encouragement, but it did little to help my growing nervousness. How would this conversation go? What would he decide? I could beg and plead as much as I was able, but ultimately the decision was Murtagh and Thorn's to make. The thought that this may be the last time I see him sent a knot to my stomach and a tightening in my chest. I'd been so focused on the mission of killing Galbatorix over the last month that I hadn't allowed myself to envision what might happen afterwards. Now that it was all real and happening... I was frightened.

Whatever happens, Tabby, you have me at your side. And Eragon and Saphira as well. Amera hummed beneath me, her wings beating steadily against the headwind.

I know, Amera. Thank you. But I'm still frightened. After all we've been through, I can't stomach the thought of it ending now. We remained quiet for the rest of the flight, until a small copse of trees came into view right about where Murtagh said to meet him. There was a clearing, and in the dying light of the sun I caught a glimpse of ruby red scales flashing against the green.

There they are, Eragon said as Saphira angled downward. Amera and I followed, spiraling behind them until the two dragons set foot on the ground. Thorn was lying near the bank of the river, seemingly gazing into the rippling surface, and Murtagh stood near him with his arms crossed over his chest. He still looked awfully tired, and his face was gaunt, as though he hadn't eaten or slept in a few days, but there was something... differentabout him. This seemed more like the man I'd fallen in love with, so long ago. But they were still separate. It was amazing how much he had changed in the time since we'd first met.

He smiled at me, but made no move to come to my side. Slowly, Eragon and I walked towards him as the three dragons inspected one another, sniffing and presumably speaking amongst themselves. Eragon stopped about two feet away from him, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. I noticed that Zar'roc was strapped to Thorn's saddle, and I wondered when Murtagh had the chance to grab it out of the wreckage.

"Hello," he said quietly, looking between Eragon and me, though he did not continue. It seemed we were all of us at a loss of what to say or do.

Suddenly, Eragon smiled and said, "This seems somewhat familiar, though there were a number fewer dragons the last time we were all together like this." I had to laugh at that, and even Murtagh allowed himself a small smirk. I could remember how we'd crossed this river like it was yesterday, Saphira ferrying the horses across as we fled from Gil'ead in a time before secrets and enslavement had separated us.