Prologue
The shine coming from sun reflecting off the ocean made the view from the city Illium beautiful. The red and orange rays from a setting sun could be seen throughout all the streets and homes. Illium being situated slightly on a hill near the coast, caused the city castle to have the best vantage point. All sides of the city, not including the side lining the ocean, is surrounded by a 40 feet tall and 14 feet thick smooth stone wall. Illium is the capital to Beirland which consists of Eoam, Uden, Parlim and Nia. The Beirland Empire consists of islands and is southwest of Surda.
Standing on the main castle balcony the King of Beirland stands, slightly leaning on the railing. Peering over his capital the King considers his past, how he came to own this beautiful fishing based empire. Going back to when he was around the age of twelve, his father, King Galbatorix rewarded him with the Beirland capital city of Illium. From there the boy of twelve years bought and bargained his way into owning all of the Beirland empire and not having any ties, including treaties, with the Empire and Surda. The King made Beirland completely self sufficient.
Beirland's military force is small in numbers but strong in magicians and experienced warriors. The capitol has a garrison of three-thousand while the other cities all have garrisons of two-thousand. All the garrisoned units adds up to eleven-thousand troops stationed in garrisons. Beirland also has close two four-thousand troops who are available to invade or protect anywhere around the Beirland empire. About half over half of all of Beirlands military might is made up of swordsmen and the other half bowmen, there is only 24 horses and those are for the King's personal guard. Lastly the King is the rider of a magnificent sapphire dragon. She is the last female dragon and is named Saphira.
The King has come to an important decision regarding his Empire, should he or should he not support the growing resistance in the east. The Varden are allied with the Elves, Dwarves, and Surda. Proving the Varden's capabilities they have gained a big win against the Empire in Farthen Dur against the Urgals, apparently with the help of another free dragon rider.
The footsteps of a servant girl distracts the King from his brooding. Not turning around he waits for the message.
"My Lord, the Varden's representatives will be here at exactly eight hours into tomorrow. How should we welcome them m'lord?" The servant's voice questioned softly.
"I want archers lining the walls and swordsmen lining the main road that will eventually lead into my throne room. Along with the swordsmen I want our flag to be put up at regular intervals. I don't want any violence unless they attack first. Do you understand, I don't wish to repeat myself."
"Yes m'lord." The servant replies before she scurries away.