The Fire Within
The Summarization: In the land of Alagaësia, there were once times where peace reigned; the time of dragons, and Dragon Riders. To protect this land from evil was the Riders' duty, although even within the strongest force, things can go amiss, and destroy everything these heroes had worked to build. A young Rider by the name of Galbatorix, and his ally Morzan, a fool tricked into partnership with the former Rider gone mad, were the very cause of the destruction of the Dragon Riders. One by one the Riders and their dragons fell, and when seemingly every one of them had been slaughtered, save the few who had agreed to serve under Galbatorix. Three dragon eggs, memories, and Galbatorix's own twisted, black dragon were all that even gave evidence the Riders had ever existed; to this day, tyranny has cast a dark shadow over Alagaësia—though hope has sprung forth.
Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have joined the Varden, a rebellion fighting against King Galbatorix. In the rebel's eyes, the two are a sign that all hope is not lost—though even the King has a new weapon. Once Eragon's friend, more recently discovered that he is the Blue Rider's brother, Murtagh was whisked away to Urû'Baen unwillingly, only to have a dragon egg hatch to him as well, though free to make his own choices he is not. Both he and his dragon were forced to swear loyalty to Galbatorix in the Ancient Language, and haven't a choice but to serve under Galbatorix's banner.
There now remains only one dragon egg, not hatched thus far, awaiting the day it should choose its Rider. However, that day has come all too soon.
Eldin, a both a father and servant in Galbatorix's citadel, has managed to save a precious object from directly under the King's nose, giving it to his fifteen year old daughter, Rhianna.
As time passes, the newest and first female Rider finds herself struggling to reach the country of Surda and find the Varden, to avenge her father and fight alongside Eragon and the Varden to dethrone the tyrant that calls himself king, taking back Alagaësia once and for all.
The Author's Notes: This story takes place after Eragon and Eldest. It is my first fic, and feedback is luffed more than fluffy pink gerbils.
The Disclaimers: I own none of the wonderful, creative Mr. Paolini's characters; they belong to him and him alone. Two or three names for characters were also inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
The Fire Within
-Prologue-
It was a rather dull-looking day in the city of Urû'Baen; gray clouds acted as barriers against the pale blue sky, beams of sunlight sometimes breaking through, cool breezes wafting past the large buildings. The usual sounds filled the afternoon air; people shouted advertisements for their wares, while some bought or bartered. Women and children displayed magnificent quilts and small dolls, continuing to make them as people passed or stopped to look, while the men boasted foods or swords. The palace of King Galbatorix loomed overhead in the distance, overlooking the entire capital of Alagaësia.
This was similar to how things flowed every afternoon—of course, nothing lasts forever.
The low, deep sound of a horn suddenly filled the air, and every present soul looked up from what they were doing. The alarm sounded again, and if one was blessed with keen eyesight, they would be able to see armor-clad soldiers streaming out of the castle; something was amiss. Swiftly, the residents of Urû'Baen retreated to their houses as the insignia upon the soldiers' breastplates became clear; a twisted red flame. Doors were closed, windows shut. Obviously, whatever had happened was enough to snatch Galbatorix's full attention.
However, not every citizen had gone indoors, fearful of the tyrant's wrath.
Eldin ran down a deserted alleyway between two of the fine stone houses of Uru'Baen, breaths coming short, a rather large, somewhat round package held to his chest by calloused hands. The man had a tall and sturdy build, his apparel that of a servant of the king's citadel. A short sword hung at his hip, bloodstains visible on the blade; clearly, it was what had gotten him this far. However, Eldin had not escaped the palace completely unscathed; blood dripped from an arrow-wound, and the same crimson liquid caked the side of his head. Sweat had beaded on his brow, matting dark hair, hazel optics frantic yet triumphant as they darted too and fro, searching for any sign of the Galbatorix's soldiers.
I must warn Rhianna…tell her…send her away…I must get home before the soldiers…
It had taken so many years of planning, lies, and pretending to be loyal to a false king, and yet, miraculously, he had done it. He didn't know how—it had not been easy—but he had done it. The soldiers' yells grew louder now; I must get home…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aye, this is the atrocious prologue of my story. Isn't it terrible? x)
Yep, unless you're an oblivious plank of wood, you probably know what dear Eldin was running off with, correct?
I'm really hoping Rhianna (you'll meet her in the next chapter) doesn't seem Sue-ish; personally, I don't think she did. Rather cheesy parts in the original first actual chapter, BUT. I know better and will do everything I can to tweak it. The next few characters you'll meet in future chapters, I think, you'll rather like, and hopefully the story won't be rushed. For all the fan-girls (-squeals-), there is a part including Murtagh, and another with a bit of Eragon.
I'm rather torn; make Murtagh the maddened, seemingly turned Rider he is, or a deep-inside-good-guy that wants to help the Varden, but can't. Advice in the reviews, purdy please.
-Zikaeri
