The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

This chapter has some graphic material. Read at your own discretion. 

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Cold dread filled my heart at those words. What is he doing? He was still staring intently at me, Zar'roc held at his side. There was a satisfied smirk on my brother's face that I wished very badly I could slap off. But my father...there was an odd look on his face. It could have been surprise... or worry.

Tabby! Amera screamed inside my head. Do not do this!

I don't know what choice I have, Amera, I said to her, placing my hand on the hilt of Manin where it rested on my hip.

Tabatha, this is too dangerous. This time, it was Eragon's voice in my head. I looked to him and saw genuine fear in his eyes, and I knew from his reaction that my face mirrored his.

He will kill Nasuada if I don't. Or Amera... Eragon, I must. Eragon was trying desperately to open his mouth to say something, but Galbatorix's power kept him firmly in place. I turned back to face the dais and noticed Murtagh was walking towards me, his face an unreadable mask. My heartbeat quickened and I swallowed the lump in my throat. So this was the deciding moment...

"Wait!" My father's voice resounded throughout the chamber, and Murtagh halted his steps, seemingly caught in a spell. But he continued to stare me down, though his gaze wavered slightly. I saw his brow furrow in anger, but this time, I did not think it was directed at me. "I have a better idea," the king continued. My brother looked at him quizzically, but held his tongue.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Murtagh asked pointedly, never taking his eyes off me.

"Léod will fight Tabatha, as he suggested. The outcome will decide who will be my heir." Amera hissed behind me. I meant to say something, to challenge him, but he continued on. "Murtagh will fight Eragon. Both sons of Morzan against one another. The winner will determine who will rank highest amongst my new order. If Tabatha is the victor, it will also decide who will rule at her side and produce more heirs to further my line."

"You are wrong," Eragon suddenly said aloud, finding his voice. Galbatorix's hold had weakened in his indecision about who I should fight. "Morzan only had one son. Brom was my father." The shock was visible on Murtagh's face, but Galbatorix only faltered slightly.

"Brom," he said quietly. "Yes, it all makes sense now. No matter... you both bear the blood of a Rider. Whoever is victorious will strengthen my bloodline only that much more."

"You can't be serious!" I said, gritting my teeth in anger.

"Oh, I'm quite serious, daughter. This is a prime opportunity, actually. I would have tested you all anyways after you swore fealty to me; why not get it out of the way from the beginning?" That wicked gleam had returned to his eyes, and a small smirk played at his lips. Léod seemed pleased as well. This was the chance he'd been waiting for forever; to show me up in front of our father and prove he was the better offspring.

"Don't tell me you're scared, Tabatha," my brother sneered, letting out a little chuckle. Murtagh seemed hesitant, as though he wasn't sure if he would do what the king said. But he didn't have a choice, and neither did I, it seemed.

You must kill him, Tabatha. I know you can. Amera was still immobile, but I could feel the tension building in her body.

I do not know that I want to kill him, Amera. He is my brother after all, however cruel and twisted he has become... I will do what I can. I drew Manin from its sheath, seeing the amethyst color of the blade sparkle brilliantly. "I do not fear you, brother," I spat venomously. "And I will defeat you." He laughed again and took a step off the dais. Galbatorix spoke a few words and I watched as Arya, Saphira, Elva, and Amera slid away from the dais, creating an open space for the battles that were about to take place. My brother came toward me, his dark eyes gleaming with malice. I looked to Murtagh and saw he was watching us intently, though he strode toward his own battle with Eragon. What was he up to?