Disclaimer: I do not own anything you recognize, for I am not that creative, despite how many times I would like to think I am. I only own the plot and my own characters, nothing else. Just making sure nobody sues me!

Story Description: Peace reigned through the magical realms of Alagaësia for only a few years after the legendary Rider Eragon and his wise dragon Saphira defeated King Galbatorix, ending the terrible reign of the dark Rider. However, peace does not last. Murtagh and Thorn return, and this time, the righteous Rider is defeated by his own blood. However, several years later, hope still shimmers for those with enough faith to see it. For five dragon eggs remain hidden, waiting for the right person to find them…

Prologue: Blood Feud

Peace. A word that had not described Alagaësia for so long was now the only way to give a description to the amazing land. The elves, humans, and dwarves lived in harmony, at least as harmonious as such different species could get. It had been only five years since King Galbatorix had been defeated, and there were promises of dragon eggs on the way from the Rider Eragon's dragon, Saphira, and her mate, Rasiad, dragon of the elf and Rider, Ayra. But the secure bonds of trust and love were to be broken one star spangled night, from the arrival of the dark Rider, Murtagh.

Flames licked the darkness, their crackling creating a haunting song. Screams filled the air, and the stench of death and singed flesh was heavy on the breeze. Three dragons, one of the deepest sapphire blue, another of a shining, emerald green, and the last of a deep, blood red, battled in the sky. Two had Riders on them, while the indigo dragon battled without a human or elf on her back. The emerald dragon, his Rider, and Saphira were distractions. It was a lost cause to even think that they could battle Murtagh and Thorn and defeat them; their only hope was that the missing Rider, Eragon, would succeed on his mission. If he did not, the hope of ever again having a peaceful Alagaësia would perish with him.

A figure sprinted through the darkness, his soot-streaked face shadowed by the flickering of wild flames. He was human, of course, and very young for the task he was attempting. However, his features were more of a feline nature, his ears pointed and his eyes slanted slightly. Clutched in his strong arms were five shimmering stones, each of a beautiful hue. He arrived before a rather small cottage, gasping for breath as he knocked on the door. Another man, perhaps a few years older than him, lacking the graceful features, appeared at the door, a shocked expression on his face.

"E-Eragon?" he spluttered, looking over his worn cousin.

"Take these, Roran," Eragon commanded, shoving the five gleaming stones into his cousin's arms. "Hide them, hide all of them, for they are the last—"

His words, however, were cut short, his mouth hanging open, and his eyes wide and lifeless. Several miles away, the sapphire dragon let out a bloodcurdling roar, crimson blood seeping from the area she had been hit. Her wings folded, her dark indigo eyes glazed over, falling to the ground below her. Her mate, the emerald dragon, roared fiercely, his Rider, an elf, looking equally distraught. The mighty ivy hued beast wheeled on its crimson counterpart, only to meet the same fate as Saphira, his Rider dieing along with him, just like Eragon.

The only living creature stared down at the fallen dragons, his large, scarlet eyes emotionless. His Rider wore a smug smirk, obviously pleased with the grizzly scene he had created. Murtagh pulled something out of his belt, waving it up in the air. The pale, full moon's rays were reflected on a maroon blade, the blood on its tip exactly the same color. Then, the peace and security was shattered.

Roran felt tears sting his eyes, a sob caught in his throat. He fell to his fallen relative's side, desperately checking the pulse, and attempting to bring the younger man back to life in vain. For hours, he merely cried, until his tear ducts were too dry to produce any more tears. It was only then that he realized the five stones, the objects the faithful Rider had died for, had disappeared…

A/N: Should I quit while I'm ahead? Please, oh please, review!