Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders. The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king Galbatorix and restore justice to AlagaÞesia? And if so, at what cost?