Twenty years have passed since the war between the Empire and Surda finished. Alagaesia has been rebuilt and is now having a golden age of peace and prosperity with the help of the Riders. Sigurd and Baldur, Eragon's twin sons, believe the time has...
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The time has come for Book 6 of the series! For better reading quality I suggest you first read Book 5: Wyrda- Father of Dragons
The clash of metal against metal echoed across the training field as the two swords collided with enough force to kill, creating red and white sparks. Two mighty warriors equipped with full body armor made by elves faced each other with incredible speed and agility that only elves and riders could possess. The one on the right was tall and muscular, even among elves. His green-brown eyes shined with concentration as he tried to find an opening on his opponent. His black hair waved from the slight air and his hand squeezed his shield even tighter as he prepared for the incoming attack. He lifted his beautifully crafted red sword high, gripping the golden hilt hard.
"Did you lose your courage Sigurd?" Baldur asked teasingly at the elf on the left.
An air of determination possessed Sigurd as he tightened the grip of his sparkling white sword. He was slightly shorter and less muscular than his brother but he had the same black hair and green-brown eyes that his brother possessed. He moved his feet constantly trying to tire Baldur, taking advantage of his smaller size. With his eyes he saw a slight movement on his brother's eye that betrayed his intention and he attacked with a circular motion, trying to confuse him. Baldur saw through the trick and managed to block the sword with his shield and taking advantage of his size, he took a step forward, bumped on Sigurd, made him fall down on the ground and pointed his sword towards his neck.
"Again!" Sigurd demanded. He was tired of his brother beating him at swordplay. For once he wanted to be the clear winner against him.
"Fine, one last time." Baldur said taking position on the opposite side of his brother.
Sigurd took a deep breath, preparing himself for the fight. Once again he attacked first and Baldur's shield blocked the blow. With a quick strike from his sword Baldur tried to hit Sigurd's hand, a trick that he had used many times before but Sigurd was ready. Without thinking he blocked the blow and attacked Baldur on his leg. Baldur was surprised and the sword made him trip and fall flat on the ground. He turned his head and saw the point of Sigurd's sword.
"You used my tactic against me!" Baldur said surprised. Sigurd smiled in response. Baldur lifted himself from the ground and picked his sword up.
"Not fair." Baldur continued jokingly but then he saw his brothers thoughtful expression. "What is it Sigurd?" he asked concerned.
Ever since they were born, the two bothers were inseparable, always protecting each other and getting into fights and trouble together. They cared for each other as much as they cared for their dragons.
Sigurd was looking at the setting sun and the beautiful colours it created in the sky. The moon was already visible in the other side of the sky.
"Do you think Father will let us go?" Sigurd asked. For days they had talked about the possibility. They wanted to explore the lands beyond Du Skulblaka Ramr, to meet new people, new civilisations and live new experiences. He wanted to live a life of adventure rather than spend his days protecting the lands of Alagaesia.
So many times he had wondered the same thing, wanting to explore the sky, the sea, the land and its animals. He wondered what other races existed in the world.
"I do not know Sigurd. All we can hope is that he sees reason." Baldur replied melancholically. At times like these he wished his dragon was there to help him with his determination. Blödhrir had become part of his own self, and every time he had to separate himself from him it was like tearing a part of him away from himself. He already missed his red scales and his golden wings.He had named him after his blood red scales and in his opinion he was the most beautiful dragon that existed. He knew Sigurd had the exact same reaction with his female dragon Iris, the white dragon. Iris had been named from her eyes that always looked like they could see right through a person to his deeper, most secret thoughts. It was a quality that unnerved Baldur but it amused Blödhrir.
The years had been kind to Du Skulblaka Ramr. The Dragon Stronghold had grown and prospered under Eragon's leadership and Eragon was living happily with their mother Arya. Du Skulblaka Ramr had a steady flow of students from all the races and many humans, elves, dwarves and even urgals had graduated and become full riders that protected Alagaesia. A large Library that contained the knowledge of centuries had been built and a strong white castle held the dormitories of the students and of Eragon. Tall fortifications surrounded the buildings and protected the Dragon Hold from potential foreign attacks. Right outside the Dragon city, a network of caves had been built, housing the Dragons of Du Skulblaka Ramr and a forrest near the city provided the necessary hunting grounds for the Dragons.
King Roran, his uncle and Queen Katrina were ruling in a golden age of prosperity in Alagaesia. The economy of the empire had grown and the cities had been rebuilt from the last war. Trade was going very well and there had been no rebellions against Roran's rule for fifteen years.
As for Baldur and Sigurd, they had trained hard under their father, Eragon Shadeslayer, Kingkiller and Father of Dragons. He had taught them and their dragons everything they needed to know about magic and sword fighting, skills that had been critical to Eragon's survival during the wars against Galbatorix and the shade Tenga.
For twenty years they had been under his shadow. The man who defeated the mad king and the shade who almost destroyed Alagaesia. But now their time had come. It was time for them to open their wings and fly away to the unknown, creating their own path in life.
They were the twin sons of Eragon Shadeslayer and they would stop at nothing to fulfil their destiny. As if to confirm this statement two dragon roars echoed from far away, as a red-gold and a white dragon appeared flying in the clear sky above.
