The following days passed in a whirlwind of competitions, cheers, and camaraderie. Eragon, Arya, and the other rulers watched from their seats as the champions of each event rose to the occasion, their efforts marked by feats of strength, agility, and determination.

The final day of the Games arrived with the air buzzing with anticipation as the closing ceremony began. Orik stood in the middle of the stadium, his voice booming across the stands.

"Today, we celebrate the spirit of unity forged between the races of Alagaësia," Orik bellowed, his hands raised to the sky. "Though our traditions differ, we have grown stronger together. Let these Games remind us of what we can achieve when we stand as one."

The crowd erupted into applause, each race cheering for their champions and newfound friends. Even the urgals, who had once been feared for their fierce ways, joined in the celebration, their booming voices shaking the stands. As the ceremony continued, Eragon felt a shift in the atmosphere, a moment of calm before the next chapter began.

Turning to Arya, who stood beside him, he whispered, "It's time."

With a nod, Arya followed him toward the field and the gathering of leaders—Nasuada, Murtagh, Orik, Garzhvog, and Orin—each seated at a long table at the edge of the field, awaiting the final words of the day. The crowd began to disperse, but Eragon knew this was the perfect moment to address them, a matter far more pressing than any sport.

Standing at the head of the table, Eragon cleared his throat.

"Friends, fellow leaders," he began, his voice steady yet carrying the weight of his words. "I come before you today not just as a Rider but as someone who has seen what unchecked power can do. We've enjoyed these Games, this celebration of our shared strength and unity. But with unity comes responsibility, and we must ensure that the Riders remain a force for good."

Nasuada's brow furrowed, though she remained quiet, awaiting Eragon's explanation.

"I propose that we reform the Rider Council," Eragon continued. "In the time before Galbatorix, the Council guided the Riders. It ensured that no single Rider could become a threat to the peace we've fought so hard to achieve. That balance was lost when the Council fell, and Galbatorix exploited it."

Orik grunted, nodding his agreement. "Aye, there's wisdom in restoring what was lost. The Riders can be a beacon of hope, but unchecked, even they are not above the dangers of corruption."

Eragon glanced at Arya, who spoke next. "Our intention is to create a council that includes representatives from all races. The Riders are no longer just elves or humans; we have dwarves, urgals, and soon, even more dragons. Every voice must be heard, and every Rider must be held accountable."

Garzhvog crossed his arms, his deep voice rumbling. "Urgals have never had such power. But we fight with you. We trust in your wisdom, Shadeslayer."

Nasuada leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "This is not a light undertaking, Eragon. A council like this requires trust—and it requires rules that no one can break, not even the strongest Rider."

Eragon hesitated, his mind drifting back to the thoughts he had been toying with: a binding oath, something to ensure that no future Rider could repeat the mistakes of the past. He wasn't ready to voice it yet, not until he had explored the possibility further. He knew Murtagh would not likely favor oaths of any kind. For now, the concept of the Council was the priority.

"I know," Eragon admitted. "Which is why this council will have measures in place, checks on power that we will draft together. No one race or individual will dominate its decisions."

"That is our intent," Arya assured her. "We will work with you, with all the leaders, to ensure that the Riders serve Alagaesia—not just themselves."

The group exchanged glances, some nodding, others deep in thought. It was clear that the idea would take time to fully take root, but the seed had been planted.

Orik raised his goblet. "Then let this be a day of new beginnings! A council to protect all, with the Riders at its heart, united as we have always been."

The others followed suit, lifting their goblets in agreement. Eragon felt a surge of relief, though he knew there was still much work to be done. The council would take time to form, and the binding magic he sought to safeguard it still lingered in the back of his mind, waiting for the right moment.

For now, they had laid the foundation. The Riders would have their council, and with it, the future of Alagaesia would be protected—for as long as they remained vigilant.

As the ceremony ended and the leaders dispersed, Eragon found himself standing with Arya, looking out over the field where the Games had just concluded. Though he had accomplished what he set out to do—proposing the Council and gaining initial support—a sense of unease still tugged at him.

"There's more to this, isn't there?" Arya asked him mentally, reading the tension in his expression.

Eragon nodded. "The Council is a step, but it doesn't address the deeper concern. There's still the risk of corruption. Power, if left unchecked, can destroy everything."

Arya raised an eyebrow. "You've been thinking about this for some time."

"Yes," Eragon admitted. "The idea of an oath. Not one spoken with words, but one that would bind all future leaders of the Riders to protect Alagaësia without succumbing to power. It would need to be written, unchangeable by any one individual."

Arya considered this, her gaze sharp. "You're talking about magic."

Eragon nodded. "A writ, inscribed in a way that can only be altered by the collective will of the Riders, with safeguards built into its very structure."

"And you think such a thing is possible?"

Eragon hesitated. "I don't know yet. But there are those who might."

As if on cue, a familiar voice interrupted them. "You're speaking of things most wouldn't dare," Angela said, suddenly appearing as if from thin air. Solembum padded silently beside her, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression.

Angela's eyes twinkled with mischief and understanding. "A binding writ, one that protects against the very temptations that destroyed the Riders once before. That's a dangerous game to play, Eragon Shadeslayer."

"I wouldn't ask if it weren't necessary," Eragon replied, matching her gaze. "You've been to places and know things others don't. Could it be done?"

Angela's smile widened. "Oh, it can be done. But doing so is a different matter altogether. You'll need more than just my help. There's someone else you'll want to talk to—someone who's rather familiar with riddles."

"Tenga?" Arya guessed.

Angela chuckled. "Indeed. He's a curious one, that old man, but when it comes to bending the rules of magic, he's your best bet. Of course, that's if you can find him in a cooperative mood."

Eragon exchanged a glance with Arya. The thought of working with Tenga wasn't exactly comforting, but if this was the path they needed to take to safeguard the future of the Riders, then they had little choice.

Angela tapped her staff lightly on the ground, drawing their attention back to her. "Don't worry too much. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that fate has a funny way of guiding us to the answers we need—if we're willing to ask the right questions."

With that, Angela turned to leave, but not before adding one final remark. "I'll be watching closely, Eragon. Tread carefully. Power likes to twist even the best intentions."

As Angela disappeared into the crowd, Arya turned to Eragon. "You're sure about this?"

Eragon sighed. "I'm not sure of anything. But if there's even a chance we can protect the Riders from falling into darkness again, we have to try."

Together, they stood in silence, the weight of their next steps settling upon them. The Council would soon be formed, but the true battle—ensuring it could never be abused—had only just begun.