Summary: Latin for "greed". What exactly sparked the fall of the Riders? Galbatorix's dragon was killed, but why was he out on the ice hunting Urgals in the first place?
Disclaimer: I still do not own the Inheritance Cycle. Additionally, I do not own anything from the genius of others. I just like to write.
Avaritia
Erim wandered through the halls, searching for somewhere to hatch her plot. Things had been too peaceful lately. She grinned slyly, envisioning the scene about to unfold. She had always loved watching conflicts. And soon there would be more.
Doors opened and shut under her silent touch, revealing empty rooms, some with boxes or bags stored in them. Not fit for her purpose.
She ducked into the shadows as three young Riders walked past, bickering loudly. That was exactly what she had been waiting for. She followed them to a large banqueting hall, where they promptly decided to go and get their dragons before coming back to eat.
After they had left, she snuck into the hall, removing her pack from her back as she did so. She pulled out a beautiful golden apple and set it on the table. On it was written, in the ancient language, "To the bravest". She smiled at it, then hid herself in the corner to watch.
The Riders were soon back with their dragons, still arguing. When they spotted the apple, one of them grabbed it.
"Hey, that's mine!" another shouted. "Give me that, Galbatorix!" the other one yelled as he tried to snatch it away.
"What makes you think it's yours?" the Rider replied coolly. "I'm obviously braver than you two, or you'd already have it."
"Oh, yeah?" the second argued. "Prove it."
"I will, and then you'll see."
"Okay, then," the third Rider put in. "We'll all go north and attack the Urgals. The one of us who kills the most gets the apple."
Erim watched as they made a pact, smiling more all the while.
If she had known then how much trouble she would cause, perhaps she would not have been smiling. But then again, perhaps she would have.
Several months later...
Erim gasped for breath as Galbatorix held her by her throat against the wall.
"Why did you do it?" he demanded, his mad, wild eyes inches from hers. "She would still be alive if not for you!"
She barely managed to gasp out the words. "The Riders told me to do it- said that the younger Riders needed to prove themselves...."
Erim was one of those people who would say anything, hurt anyone, to save her own neck. It was all for nothing, however. Galbatorix never left an enemy alive.
Nevertheless, she got her wish. The world was changing forever, because of her.
Author's note: So what did you think? Bonus points if you know my inspiration.