Darkness swept over the land.
Ever since the fall of Eragon Shadeslayer and his companion, Saphira Brightscales, happiness has ceased to exist.
Many still grimly speculate how they came to fall.
This is what truly happened.
Much is not known, including the events that came to be before Eragon got into that fatal fight. But what is known has been altered very much over the years. However, I have been able to find out what has happened, much to my grief. The only thing that keeps me from throwing this parchment, ink, and quill out of the window is the fact that Eragon would have wanted someone to tell his true story, and I consider it my personal duty to do just that. For the sake of you, the reader, being more engrossed, I will tell the story from Eragon's point of view, as though it were he telling this. Please forgive me for any anger this may cause, but it is my wish, and I hope you do not deny it.
A final warning to you, the reader: hearing of the death of Eragon has been known to cause severe fits of madness, though it can be said that Galbatorix's influence over the land has a hand in it. If you wish to hear the truth, read on, but be wary. Be very wary…
Eragon stood at the end of the room, having easily opened the door. It was strange that it was unlocked, but then again, this was Galbatorix that he was talking about. It would have been more unusual if the door had been locked.
"Ah, so you have arrived, Shadeslayer." The mere voice of Galbatorix caused a chord of fear to be struck in Eragon, and he could sense Saphira feeling the same way, though she was circling the tower.
"Don't sound surprised, Gal—" Eragon started, but was cut off by the mad king's words. "Silence!" He bellowed with sudden rage, and suddenly Eragon realized the true extent of the man's madness.
Saphira, Eragon said, contacting her with his mind, I don't think that I'll be able to handle Galbatorix by myself. He seems to be more enraged and psychotic than we thought…I have to admit, I fear him.
Do not worry, little one, Saphira said to him, for if Galbatorix is foolish enough to try and kill you, I will tear him limb from limb, and revel in the satisfaction of being the one who ended his reign.
Aye, but it is not his attack I fear, Saphira. There are others in this building, and the elves will have surely cast their wards around me without my notice. I do not wish to risk the lives of the few spell casters I have on my side, yet I can't stand defenseless if he attacks. Now I regret having them come along, but it was better than having Arya or Nasuada come along.
"Do you not think I know what you're doing?" Galbatorix said coolly, with the slightest bit of disdain behind his words. "You just standing there, looking foolish. You must be having a conversation with your dragon, I'm sure. Probably wondering how I'm going to kill you, ah? Well, let us find out!" And he lashed out with his sword, barely missing Eragon.
It was unlike anything that Eragon had ever faced. Galbatorix had amazing skills with his sword, and even with Saphira's strength being lent to him, and the fact that Brisingr itself seemed to glow, eager for the fight, it was all Eragon could do not to have some limb or the other getting hacked off.
"Brisingr!" Eragon cried, when his arm was cut mildly deeply by Galbatorix's sword. His own weapon burst into flame, and he felt the drain on it, cursing himself for weakening himself when he was already drained of so much strength.
The shock on Galbatorix's face was quickly replaced with an eager look, as though he wanted to have a disadvantage. Then again, it could hardly be called a disadvantage, seeing as how he was still beating Eragon.
Finally, the moment came. Eragon had been using more and more unorthodox tactics, and as he thrust out his sword, Galbatorix parried it and used some unsaid spell to knock it away. The sword flew out of Eragon's hands and clattered on the floor a few feet away. He tried to run to dive for it, but in mid-air he froze in place, unable to move or even blink. Even his breaths were more difficult to bring in and let out, though he was grateful for at least that.
"So, it ends so quickly, Eragon Shadeslayer. Who knew that your life would end like this, by my hand? Well, either way, it's a shame we couldn't have fought more."
With these final words, Galbatorix raised his sword into the air and slashed down.