Prologue: Past & Present

Under dark skies and an everlasting evil, the world of Alagaësia has lived for fifteen years with a heart of fear. Separated by vast deserts and unconquerable mountains, it has been home to a number of creatures: elves, dwarves, humans, and even the Urgals.

This land was not always so deleterious. There was a time of peace, hope, and prosperity. This was the time of the Dragon Riders. They strived to keep a peaceful land and good will towards all creatures in Alagaësia. Skies were full of clouds, dragons, and the Riders who commanded them soared upon their backs. Everything was this way, until one Rider chose to rebel against his fellow Riders. His name, the name of the present king over Alagaësia, was Galbatorix.

Rising through the ranks with such skill as his, Galbatorix was able to surpass his masters and Riders before him. He was exceptionally skilled in magic. Galbatorix was destined to be a great Rider. That is, until he made a mistake that he could not possibly erase from his past.

Galbatorix decided to take a trip with two friends of his. While resting one night, his group was ambushed, and Galbatorix's young dragon was murdered. Devastated, he hid. Deciding to plead for another dragon, Galbatorix returned to the Riders alone. Denied this wish, he retreated into hiding once more. Upon finding Galbatorix, another Rider called Morzan joined forces with this evil man. Galbatorix gathered twelve other followers after Morzan, calling them the Thirteen Forsworn.

As Morzan joined Galbatorix, he was asked by this man himself to help steal another dragon hatchling. The black dragon hatchling, called Shruikan, remained at Galbatorix's side.

Galbatorix then hunted down Vrael, the only Rider that could withstand him, and defeated him. With this act, he anointed himself as king over Alagaësia.

Eventually, the Forsworn were eliminated, but not before killing many other Riders and normal beings as well. Only one of the Forsworn continued his legacy: Morzan. His offspring's whereabouts are currently unknown. But, sure that Galbatorix will take this opportunity to rebuild his power over Alagaësia, the elves and Varden have been watching Galbatorix's every move, and until recently, ferrying a dragon egg between the Varden and Ellesméra, the elf city. They are at an attempt to restore the Riders as well. One such Rider has risen to assist the Varden. This Rider's name is Eragon.