Luminescent (Inheritance Cycle and Beyond)

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Radiant

Jörmunder was the first I recognized, though I found it strange that he was so far from Nasuada. Perhaps the Varden were stretched thin at the moment. The riders formed a circle around me, making my mount toss her head and stamp nervously on the ground with her hoof.

I patted her neck in reassurance as Jörmunder pushed through and stopped in front of me. We regarded each other for a few seconds.

"I do hope you don't plan on attacking me," I spoke up, lifting my head to smirk at Jörmunder. "I wouldn't recommend it."

Jörmunder's eyes widened a fraction of an inch. He always kept his facial expressions well controlled.

"Your highness," He addressed me, placing a hand to his chest and bowing slightly. "I was under the impression that you were in Ûru'Baen."

"I was," I replied. "but I have come to a decision regarding our fight. I have returned to address what I have decided upon."

Jörmunder nodded before looking at two men.

"Escort her back to the camp and return." He ordered. The men both nodded before they pushed their mounts to flank me. Jörmunder moved out of my way, and we were soon on our way again.

It was about a half-hour ride to the edges of the camp, once we reached the remote checkpoint, the two men who had escorted me turned around and galloped back to their position.

The entrance guards nodded at me as I passed them. I pushed the horse in the direction of Nasuada's tent. I had a Dragon to pick up. The evidence of battle was clear as I slowly moved through the rows of tents.

Men dressed in bandages dotted the landscape, barely acknowledging that I was passing by them. My horse skirted around several cases of what looked like medical equipment as we turned down the row of tents that led to my intended destination.

Once in front of Nasuada's tent, I swung my leg over the saddle and landed softly on the packed ground. The guards in front of the tent gave me wary looks as a handed my horse off to a stable hand.

"Hay and water," I murmured to the stable hand before I turned to the flaps of Nasuada's tent. Clearly, the two guards weren't going to let just anyone in, so I reached up and lowered the hood of my cloak.

The guards stood a little taller at the revelation of my ears and crown before they stepped aside. With my lips pressed in a firm line, I ducked underneath the flap and entered the tent. No sooner had I stepped into the main area, a white streak slammed into my chest.

"Alethea!" I heard Nasuada exclaim as I stumbled back slightly.

"It's alright, Nasuada," I called as I wrapped my arms around my Dragon.

"My lady!?!" I heard Nasuada reply before she appeared.

"I did tell you not to worry," I said with a smile as Alethea climbed onto my shoulder and nuzzled her head into my shoulder.

"How did you get out?" Nasuada gaped at me.

"Same way I got in, I walked." I giggled. "The Empire soldiers aren't too keen on angering their princess. Especially one known to have a temper."

"Something tells me you gave them a taste of their own medicine." Nasuada mused as Alethea's tail wrapped around my neck.

"My Rider." Alethea purred as content sounds emitted from her body. "I have missed you."

"And I, you," I replied, brushing my fingers over the top of her sparkling head. "Nasuada, I need to speak with the others regarding what I've found."

"I'll summon the others for a meeting in Orrin's tent," Nasuada replied before she strode out of the tent.

"My rider, you have changed." I blushed slightly before shaking my head.

"One doesn't go to Urû'Baen and come out without being changed," I replied shortly before Alethea dove into my mind and started looking at the memories I had gained. When she reached a particular part, she scrutinized the memories. I let out a squeak. "You don't need to pick those apart!!!"

Alethea ignored me, and eventually, she moved on and finished a minute later. I was waiting for Alethea's judgment.

"You chose well." Alethea chirped before wiggling into my pack.

"What?" I asked. "What do you mean by that? Alethea!?!"

"Mate, Murtagh is an excellent choice in Mate," Alethea replied. My face flushed red.

"I—What?" I burst out before pulling my hood up and heading for the War tent. "A Mate? Really Lee?"

Alethea huffed from my pack and fell silent as I walked. I guess that was all I was getting from her. I had her approval, that was relieving. But why was I relieved? It's not like we were going to get married, not when my father was on the hunt for a husband.

I shook my head. I could think about this later, right now, I need to get the information I had stolen from the library to those who needed it.