The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

Nothing To Forgive

There is some suggestive material in this chapter. Read at your own discretion.

***

As we had discussed, Amera and I set out on a week-long journey to find a place suitable for meeting with Murtagh and Thorn. We headed north out of the city in the early morning hours, when dawn was just barely breaking in the east. From up here, the world looked so small covered in the pink and orange hues of dawn. But it was beautiful; a breathtaking sight. In the east, it was clear. But in the northwest, the direction we were headed, great thunderheads gathered and bunched in the sky, little crackles of lightning passing between them like secret messages.

That does not look good, Amera remarked, and I could feel her grumbling beneath me.

No, I agreed. No it does not. Stay low to the ground, and we'll pass under it. I don't want to be caught in the clouds.

Let us hope they do not decide to drift, she said, angling downwards and bringing us closer to the ground. The tips of her claws raked against the stalks of grass, and she held her wings parallel to the ground, only flapping them occasionally when she needed to propel us forward.

In about two hours time, the storm met us head on. Great thunderheads poured large droplets of water down upon us, stinging my skin where they landed. I reached into my power and created a shield around us, if only to shield us from the pain. On and on we flew, but still I could not see an end to the storm. It took a few hours, but I soon grew too tired to maintain the shield any longer. So, I let it drop, only to feel the sting of the rain once again.

At what I assumed was midday, we passed around the city of Ceunon, with its houses and buildings all stacked one on top of the other. We gave it a broad berth, and no one seemed to notice us. At least, if they did, they did not raise any alarm. I supposed it would soon become commonplace once more to see a Dragon Rider soaring through the sky, and the thought brought us both happiness.

When the city was behind us, the rain let up and I could once again see clearly. The land here was covered in trees, with very little open space to be found. I had hoped we would be able to find a suitable place here, but my confidence was beginning to wane.

Do not lose hope, Amera said reassuringly. Look, there. I think I see something. I followed her gaze to a large copse of trees with a clearing in the middle. And in the clearing, stood a castle.

Let's see if anyone's home. We circled above the clearing slowly, and I used my Sight to look for any auras. I saw a few yellow and white auras lazily strolling through the trees, which I could tell were deer. I had to chide Amera for angling to go after them. Other than the deer and various other wildlife in the forest, there didn't seem to be any humans in the castle. Looks like it's clear, I said, and Amera shifted her wings so we would descend. She landed softly in the grass surrounding the castle.

I wonder who lived here, she mused quietly, staring up at the soaring towers and parapets. This far north, I'm sure the owners of this castle had long been susceptible to attacks from the Urgal clans. That wouldn't be a problem anymore, not with the alliance between Nar Garzhvog and Nasuada. Whoever had lived here, I hoped they could return one day, if they were even alive.

Come on, I said, walking towards the mighty stone fortress. Let's take a look around.

The grounds were quiet. It seemed all life had deserted this place, though some of it still lingered in the bordering forests. On the northern side of the castle, a wall was caved in, exposing what looked to be the Great Hall. After a few more minutes of silent inspection, Amera and I deemed this would be the perfect place to meet Murtagh and Thorn. Soon after, we departed, back to Ilirea.