The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

"Tabatha?" Eragon said from behind me. "Tabby, are you all right?" I shook my head to stop myself from staring at where Murtagh and Thorn were still sitting on the wall of Dras-Leona. I had gotten so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize that the sun was going down. Amera and I had sat here nearly the entire day.

"Yes, I'm sorry," I said, turning to him with a false smile. "I was just thinking, is all."

"The feast is about to begin. I was worried when you didn't show up," he said, looking over to the wall where I had just been gazing. "I can't imagine how hard this must be for you, Tabby. And I just want you to know that I'm here to talk or... whatever you need, I'm here." I didn't want to talk about this right now, but I knew I couldn't push Eragon away. I'd just gotten him back.

"Thank you," I said softly, slowly getting to my feet. "But I think I've moved on now. I was in love with Murtagh once, to be sure. But much has changed since then. Even if I can find a way to save him... I don't know how we'd ever be together. We were suspected of treachery before, and now with two dragons at our sides... Well, it won't be easy, that much is clear. Perhaps it is better this way. We might as well accept our fates now. It will be easier to reconcile with each other when the time comes."

"Yes, you're right," Eragon said, seeming to be pondering something. "But sometimes we have to fight for the things that matter most." He was glancing at me out of the corner of his eye, and I thought I saw a little spark of mischief there, like the old Eragon.

"Oh, Eragon," I said, chuckling slightly and hanging my head. "Some things never change, do they?"

"No, they do not. Now come on," he said, putting an arm about my shoulder and turning me back towards the camp, "you're missing your own party."

***

The party held in mine and Amera's honor was a whirlwind of food, drink, music, and dancing. I couldn't remember a time when I'd been so happy. Apparently, Saphira had warned Amera of the dangers of mead—and a strange elvish drink called faelnirv—but I still glimpsed her taking a few gulps here and there. After a while, I could feel her thoughts becoming fuzzy and I couldn't help my laughter. Eragon and I danced for a while, and I happened to notice Arya sulking off to the side as she watched us. A warm bloom of triumph spread through my chest, making me feel a sense of elation. Then Roran stole me away, spinning me about wildly with his thickly muscled arms. I was glad to hear that he and Katrina were doing well. After Roran released me to return to his wife, my cousins tried to pick a fight, not fully realizing how badly I could beat them now.

"Little cousin!" Albriech boomed, mussing up my hair and trying to put me in a chokehold. "You turned out to be a big, bad Rider? Who could have guessed it? And who would have thought two Riders would come from Carvahall? We'll show the Empire we're a force to be reckoned with!" I easily slipped out of the sloppy hold and turned quickly to face him.

"Yes, well now I can whip you in a fight," I said, punching him in the arm a little harder than was necessary. "Where are Aunt Elain and Uncle Horst?"

"They're around here somewhere," Baldor laughed, waving his hand in a general direction. When Albriech realized I wouldn't rise to his taunting, he turned to Baldor and tried to tackle him. Yes, it seemed like some things never did change.

"Thanks for that helpful piece of information," I growled as I stalked off to find them. Finally, I spotted my uncle's large frame in the crowd. He looked even more weathered—if that was possible—and he seemed to have aged ten years. I couldn't even begin to imagine what they had been through. I felt bad that I hadn't come to see them before now, but I'd just gotten so lost in my own head that I let go of my sense of time. Eventually, Uncle Horst spotted me making my way towards him.