PROLOGUE
Liriana, a raven haired elven maid, stormed our of her parents' home, enraged. They weren't going to accept what she had with him, what she had made with him? They couldn't accept a half human child? Fine, so be it. They would never have to see it. She picked up her pack and fled the city to go to him.
As fog gathered over the ground and the sun rose, he backed slowly into a corner, knowing he was trapped and it was over. They had his sword, he was done, finished. He couldn't take all six of them.
"So kill me then," he dared.
One, obviously the leader stepped forward and, without hesitation, drove the young soldier's own sword into his heart.
It had all been for nothing. He was gone, dead. Liriana sobbed quietly as she stared at her beloved's pale, still body. The father of her child, her one true love, was dead and she was alone in the world.
"Of course you are not alone, child," a voice spoke in her head, and she spun in all directions, seeing no one.
"What do you mean? What am I, if not alone?" she asked, still searching around herself.
"No, you have the child you carry, and, if you wish, you could have me," he told her.
"Who are you?"
"Who am I? Why, I am King Galbatorix."