The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

Pieces on the Board

Over the next month, Eragon and I were dispatched to every corner of Alagaësia. Nasuada was determined to rid the realm of every trace of Galbatorix, and it was up to Eragon and I to do it. And in that month, Eragon had been teaching me the ways of the ancient language. It was incredibly foreign to me, as my magic was internally based, whereas the magic of the ancient language drew energy from some other source most of the time. And the idea that I had to use words to invoke the magic was strange as well. But I was learning, even if it was a little slowly. He said that these skills would be useful in training the new order of Riders, and I couldn't argue with him on that point.

At the mention of training the new Riders, my heartbeat quickened in my chest. Amera and I had discussed it at length whenever we got the chance, but we had yet to reach a decision. Part of me was hesitating to decide, and I knew the reason why. It was due in part to the situation around my mother and her recovery. The thought of leaving her was ripping me apart from the inside. I felt like I would be betraying her. And the other part... well, the end of the six month arrangement was approaching. Until I knew for sure what Murtagh and Thorn had decided, Amera and I could not make our own decision. There were too many factors in play, and the thought of them all made my head pound. So, it was more often than not that we didn't think about them at all. I knew we were only putting off the inevitable, but it seemed the only way.

We were back in Ilirea, after lifting the spells from Kuasta, Narda, and various other cities in the realm. Eragon was becoming more and more distant in the wake of his decision to leave here, though I was the only one he'd informed as of yet. And the fact that Arya had yet to return weighed heavily on him. There hadn't even been any word from the elves about their search for a new leader. As far as I understood, it was a slow process. But three months seemed far too long, in my opinion.

When you can live for centuries upon centuries, Amera cut into my thoughts from the dragon hold while I was in my room, you find that decisions are not to be made hastily. If you knew your next king or queen would live and reign for thousands of years, would you not also take great care in making the best choice?

Yes, yes you smart thing. I see your point. They all seem so stuffy to me, though. I cannot help it. I could tell Amera was amused, but she did not seek to reprimand me any further. She certainly was a cheeky little thing, but I loved her dearly.

Saphira and I are going to do some training tonight, while you all are at dinner, she said, shifting the subject. Nasuada had requested Eragon and I to dine with her this evening, leaving the dragons to do as they wished. She wants to teach me some more battle techniques that Glaedr showed her while he was alive.

Really? That's good to hear. Though I was under the impression that you'd learned enough techniques from Thorn. I could not help teasing her, and her embarrassment pervaded my mind. Does Saphira know about you two? I asked. She grew timid, and I could feel her hesitation. We had not spoken of them much, as the memories were still too painful to bring to the surface.

It's doubtful, she finally responded. I have not said as much, but she knows I am saddened. I've put it off on the decision we have yet to make, of whether to accompany them or not. But she is perceptive, and will figure it out eventually. I worry what she will think.

Only tell her if you want to, I said reassuringly. I will not pressure you either way.

I know you won't, little one, she said lovingly. I sent her feelings of warmth and comfort before withdrawing.

Last week, when we'd returned to Ilirea, I had moved all my things into the citadel, far from the room I had occupied when I lived here during my captivity. Nasuada had agreed it would be safer for my mother to live here in the citadel, as long as it didn't trigger an episode. She had reacted well so far, and I thought that the danger might have passed. Her rooms were adjacent to mine, so I could be close by if anything happened. So far, thank the gods, nothing had.