The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

Dousing the Flames

We're going hunting, Amera said as she loped past me.

Have fun. Be careful, and don't stray too far. She snapped her teeth at me, as though to say "Of course!" and then the two dragons were back in the air. They certainly were a beautiful sight to behold; like two jewels floating through the sky.

"Well, shall we?" Eragon said, offering me his arm. I laughed and gladly took it as he led us out of the cave. When we got to the small landing inside the cavern, he spoke a few words in the ancient language until we floated in the air just above the stone outcrop. Then, with a few more words, we were floating down to the floor of the beehive. I felt much better when my feet were on solid ground once more.

"What other duties require your attention this evening?" I asked him playfully. We walked down the stairs of the tower at a brisk pace until we exited to the ruined courtyard of the citadel. It was empty of all people, now that it had been cleared of the pollution. And since the castle was currently uninhabited, there was no one around.

"Shockingly, nothing," Eragon replied. "Would you care to join me for supper?"

"And where will we get this supper?" I teased.

"Well, I hear that Tara makes a delicious pot of stew for the villagers from Carvahall every night. Perhaps we should join our friends and family?"

Although the prospect of eating more stew was not enticing, I said, "Yes, I'd like that very much." The prospect of spending time amongst the people of our village was enticing enough.

***

Eragon was right: the stew was very good. It wasn't surprising though, as Tara was Morn's wife and had cooked for the tavern regularly. But the company was even better. With the weight of our goal lifted off their shoulders, the villagers seemed to be back to their old selves, for the most part. There were a few who carried the haunted look of a warrior whose dreams were full of the battles they'd fought, but many seemed relieved to be through with this conflict. The only thing that was missing was a home.

From what Roran had told us, most if not all of Carvahall had been destroyed. Now they'd have to decide if they would return and try to rebuild, or if it would be easier to settle somewhere else. I hoped that wherever they ended up, they would be happy.

"Tabby!" my aunt called from across the green. I pushed through the crowds milling about and joined her and my cousins at a wooden table.

"Hello, Aunt Elain, Albriech, Baldor." I sat down at the table next to my aunt and peeked at my little baby cousin in her arms. The girl seemed to be sleeping, but how she could with all this racket was a miracle to me. "Where's Uncle Horst?"

"He's with your mother, I believe," Aunt Elain replied. "How are you holding up, Tabby?"

I looked up into her caring blue eyes. "I'm doing alright. Still a bit in shock, but mostly happy. I just can't believe she's really been alive all this time. It doesn't make any sense. Why would he keep her alive?"

"We may never know, Tabatha. But we must thank the gods that she has been returned to us." The rest of the night passed in pleasant conversation with my family and friends, but there was a constant, niggling feeling at the back of my head, making me worry about the task I would have to do tomorrow.

***

Good luck, Tabatha, Amera said from up in the dragon hold. Our connection was weak, so I could only just make out her voice, but she sent me feelings of calm and reassurance. I sent her back feelings of thanks and then made my way across the quadrangle to the row house where my mother was staying. As slowly as I dared, I made my way up to her room and tentatively opened the door. My uncle was there with her, and I was thankful that I wouldn't have to break the news to her by myself.