Blackened Souls and Bloodied Bones

[Based in the world of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle]

Over a decade has passed since Galbatorix was struck down by Eragon, and the former Empire was brought under control of the rebel organization known as the Varden. This event brought peace to Alagäesia, and with it the return of the Riders. Eragon departed the realm to raise the dragons, and Nasauda assumed control of the Empire. The Riders exist in pitifully low numbers, even including Eragon and the elf queen Arya. Only a dozen exist to patrol the lands, still ravaged by the attacks of hold out forces loyal to Galbatorix.

Halkae Svothaelsson is one of these dozen, one of three human riders which exists with urgals, dwarves, and elves. His dragon Nirea is little more than a child in comparison to some dragons, but her wisdom is often needed to balance out the more impulsive tendencies of Halkae. Together, they form a pair both intimate in conversation and fearsome in combat.

When Halkae is wounded in a skirmish with former Empire soldiers, Nirea takes him to the nearby village of Blackwell. The villagers, although initially skeptical of the pair, are soon eager to help the two. Little do they know there are darker forces at play, and a dead race will return to haunt the village intent on the death of the Rider.