[dragon_god]

Hey guys. This is just my attempt to answer my own questions about Shruikan's past during the Fall of the Riders. I've been writing for almost a full year now, so I'm hoping that this actually gets somewhere. Let's begin! I am currently working on editing the story for spelling and grammar errors. This story is only a rough draft!

NOTE: This story is hereby copyrighted by me. Certain names and places are the property of Christopher Paolini (should be noticeable as you go through the story). A few names are not my original idea and are merely placeholders until I finish the story and can come up with my own names. This is in regard to mainly the dragons of the Forsworn. The overall idea and plot of the story, however, is mine and original outside of whatever facts are already established in the Inheritance Cycle. Uprising, being a prequel, must follow certain guidelines that are already made known and clear in the IC. If something was not made clear or is completely understood in the IC, then Uprising takes the responsibility of answering those questions to the best of its ability.

If your name happens to be used in this story, it is merely coincidental.

None of this story is set in stone so there may be parts with it that are different than what you might have read in the IC. If you catch anything, please let me know ASAP. Though, keep in mind that this story is intended to be based upon a character that little-to-no information is given about.

You, as a reader or writer, are NOT allowed to use any part of this story for your work without a proper and formal request sent directly to me via PM.

Table of Contents


Chapter 1: The Past Revealed (Page 1)
Chapter 2: Right and Wrong (Page 1)
Chapter 3: A Team to the End (Page 2)
Chapter 4: A Death in Body and Mind (Page 3)
Chapter 5: A Fury Unmatched (Page 4)
Chapter 6: Death by Torture (Page 5)
Chapter 7: The Thirteen Forsworn (Page 6)
Chapter 8: Trail of Troubled Hearts (Page 7)
Chapter 9: Endless Nightmare! (Page 9)
Chapter 10: Messages of the Night (Page 10)
Chapter 11: Friendly Competition (Page 11)
Chapter 12: Battle Gone Awry {Page 11)
Chapter 13: Time is Against Us (Page 12)
Chapter 14: Apprentices of Fire (Page 13)
Chapter 15: Comprehension (Page 14)
Chapter 16: The Past Revisited (Page 14)
Chapter 17: Fatal Devotion (Page 15)
Chapter 18: The Fire Still Burns (Page 15)
Chapter 19: Black Fire (Page 16)
Chapter 20: Whispers in the Dark (Page 16)
Chapter 21: A Dangerous Ally: Part 1 (Page 16)
Chapter 21: A Dangerous Ally: Part 2 (Page 17)
Chapter 22: A Costly Mistake: Part 1 (Page 18)
Chapter 22: A Costly Mistake: Part 2 (Page 18)
Chapter 23: Destruction Imminent: Part 1 (Page 18)
Chapter 23: Destruction Imminent: Part 2 (Page 19)
Chapter 23: Destruction Imminent: Part 3 (Page 19)
Chapter 24: Secret Allies (Page 19)
Chapter 25: Consequences: Part 1 (Page 21)
Chapter 25: Consequences: Part 2 (Page 21)
Chapter 26: The Good with the Bad (Page 23)
Chapter 27: Caught! (Page 26)
Chapter 28: Making Plans (Page 26)
Chapter 29: Seeking Redemption (Page 29
Chapter 30: True Companionship (Page 31)
Chapter 31: Trial by Storm (Page 33)
Chapter 32: Preparations (Page 34)
Chapter 33: Arrival (Page 35)
Chapter 34: Feelings Revealed (Page 36)
Chapter 35: Adaptations (Page 38)
Chapter 36: One Must Fall (Page 39)
Chapter 37: Kuasta (Page 41)
Chapter 38: Terrible Truths (Page 42)
Chapter 39: A Lesson for Life (Page 43)
Chapter 40: Home (Page 43)
Chapter 41: A Family in the Making (Page 44)
Chapter 42: Light in the Dark (Page 44)
Chapter 43: The Hunt Begins (Page 48)
Chapter 44: Clash of Wills (Page 52)
Chapter 45: Shattered Faith, Renewed Hope (Page 54)
Chapter 46: Sweet Friendship (Page 59)
Chapter 47: Decisions (Page 63)
Chapter 48: Inspection (Page 68)
Chapter 49: Confessions (Page 71)
Chapter 50: Rivals (Page 76)
Chapter 51: Interference (Page 78)
Chapter 52: Flight (Page 84)
Chapter 53: The Meaning of Love (Page 84)
Chapter 54: Change (Page 87)

Chapter 1: The Past Revealed
*Edited Version*

It was dark. But for the dragon in the hollow confines of his polished black egg, it was something he was used to. The black dragon, Shruikan by name, was waiting for the day that his destiny would unfold and he would lay his eyes upon his future Rider for the first time and bond with him to become one for the rest of his life. His present location remained a mystery as he was always ferried from one side of Alagaesia to another in hopes of drawing his Rider out. Years went on and his carriers never succeeded in finding him. Without his future pact partner, Shruikan was destined to stay in his egg forever.

No living being, besides the dragons themselves, knew when their destined rider came into their presence, and it was a secret that they refused to share. Dragons were prideful by nature and refused to share their ways of life with anyone deemed unworthy. They would stay in their eggs, forever, if need be, until certain conditions were met. Wild dragons would wait until food supplies were abundant or the seasonal temperatures were right or some other random factor had caused the dragon to finally decide that it was time to enter the world. But for the one or two eggs given to the Riders every few years by willing dragons, certain magic spells were placed on the eggs to prevent them from hatching until they came into contact with their rider. The dragons' reasons for doing this varied greatly from dragon to dragon as each had different ideas and plans for their children.

The Riders were a large group of peace keepers that rode on the backs of their dragon companions and protected the citizens of the land of Alagaesia from war and disputes between the different races. They served as knights, law makers and enforcers, and with the Riders around, the land flourished and a golden age reigned. The Riders were stronger of body and keener of mind, and had the ability to perform many types of magic, fueled by a mental link to their dragon. The race of elves were the most common dragon riders. Among them were fewer human Riders with similar features of their elven counterparts both physically and mentally. Their swordplay were evenly matched and their skills in magic were almost equal but elves had always had a natural advantage over humans. There were no Dwarf Riders. They had refused to be made part of the Riders after a great war between the elves and dragons. Instead, they had preferred to stay in their mountains to the southeast with their jewels, secluded from the rest of the world.

The Dragon War was a war started by the elves after they had formed a mutual bond between the dragons of Alagaesia. After some odd number of years of peace between the two races, a young elf hunted down a dragon and killed it for sport. Enraged, the dragons slaughtered the elf and, fearing that they would suffer the same fate from another elf, they continued to kill them in hopes of protecting their race. The elves tried to communicate with them and stop the bloodshed but they could find no way to communicate with them. The battle went on and as the dragons continued to decimate the elves that were trying to avoid fighting, the elves' determination for survival led to the fateful decision to fight back.

A very long and bloody war ensued and would have continued on if another young elf hadn't come across a dragon hatchling. Seeing the benefits of raising a friendly dragon, they soon formed an inseparable pair and confronted the combatants as representatives from each race. Using their words of persuasion, they ended the war and formed the Riders as a mere form of communication and ensure that violence would never break out between them again. The dragons trusted the elves with some of their eggs to help in the establishment of the Riders and that sacrifice has led to many great deeds in the future.

Shruikan was one of the dragons that had the magical enchantments placed upon him, preventing him from hatching. Alone in the dark, he often questioned himself as to if he was surrounded by other eggs, where he was, who his parents were, or what kind of person fate destined him to be with. When will I ever find my Rider, he thought. All these years with hope only to be destroyed when I'm offered to these pitiful beings. They are not worthy of being my Rider. They're too weak and ignorant of their ways and wouldn't know a blessing if it were to stare them in the face. Every day for countless generations, these were his thoughts.

Then one year, something Shruikan did not plan had occurred. He felt the presence of a young man in his early-to-mid twenties. He held great power and potential and Shruikan loved the feeling of the mysterious power. He reached out with his mind for the mysterious man's conscience. It felt exactly how he dreamed it would: full of power, pride, determination, and compassion. Who are you, Shruikan asked, eager to know the identity of this strange man.

The man seemed to know what was talking to him. He turned to look at the egg and placed his hands on his knees to get a closer look at the black egg. "Well, greetings be to you, my friend. I'm Roland. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Shruikan enjoyed the conversation and wanted to know more about this Roland. Tell me, Roland, why are you here in this place? Are you one of the many that seek to become a Rider? Or are you here on your own agenda?

He smiled at the dragon's curiosity and he couldn't help but feel compelled to answer him. "I actually am here to search for a companion. I don't mind giving my life to serving others. I want nothing more than to do that and I would greatly appreciate having a dragon such as yourself at my side to help me. Because to be quite honest with you, I think that the people that pass by here are not willing to make that sacrifice. They wouldn't last a day as a Rider."

I hadn't noticed. he retorted. It's the only reason I'm still in this egg of mine. But... he paused for a second as if he were realizing something important. You seem different than all the others. I've sensed your care for others and the will to do what is right by your own heart. I've never seen one with such morals before.

Roland laughed and dropped his head. Quickly picking it back up, he squatted down and became eye level with the egg. "Thank you, but I'm nothing special. I'm just another human like everyone else. I have a life that I live, I have a wife and am preparing the way for children. Nothing stands me out above everyone else. But I'm glad you see me as unique. It means a lot coming from a dragon as wise as yourself."

Shruikan reveled in the compliment. I could easily make you into something. Are you truly willing to give your life for the greater good?

His face grew serious as he began to piece together what Shruikan was really asking him and he gave a nod. "I am. It is my dream in life to serve the people of Alagaesia and I would do anything to get there."

Shruikan was just as serious. Then place your hand on my egg and take on the role destiny has chosen for you and claim the title of "Rider". Become one with me and together, we will alter the fate of Alagaesia by creating peace for all races and all will prosper.

He extended a hand slowly toward the egg but pulled it back as he heard a voice behind him ask, "What are you doing, boy?"

Roland stood up and turned around to see an armor-clad man in his thirties with his jade-colored sword drawn. The man approached as Roland placed a hand over his chest to calm his racing heart. "Oh, it's only you, Galbatorix. Have the elders granted your request?"

Anger was apparent in his voice and he looked down, furiously. "No. They fear that this has driven me insane and that I would be better off by myself." He clenched his free fist and tightened the grip on his sword until the squeeze was audible for them to hear. "But I'll show them. I'll get another even if I have to kill someone for one." He looked back up at Roland who was beginning to look terrified of him. "Tell me, what were you doing with that egg there?" He pointed to Shruikan's egg with a steel-encased finger.

He stuttered, wondering if he really had the courage to tell him for fear of Shruikan's protection. "I was just talking to the dragon inside."

"I see. Then you wouldn't mind if I stayed here and asked you to keep me company, would you? These are very trying times for me and I need someone to help me pull out of it." He tried to sound desperate and as if he were truly seeking a companion.

He gave Galbatorix a suspicious look. With a slow voice, he responded, "I suppose. It's not everyday you suffer such a burden as the one you're carrying now."

"Thank you." He took a step forward and stood next to Roland with a small smile rising on the corner of his lips. "Thanks a lot."


Okay. I went back and redid chapter 1 and made some huge changes to it, mainly increasing it's length and giving a little insight on Shruikan's true Rider, Roland. (There wasn't any info on the real name of his Rider (I looked it up on the Inheritance Wikipedia and I Googled it with no results, so...)) This does mean that I will have to make some changes to chapter 2 but I think that after that, the rest of the story should be fine except for adding some minor details and correcting spelling mistakes.

This post has been edited by dragon_god: 01 March 2010 - 03:22 PM

[holyknight]

Not bad dude! Eagerly awaiting next chappie!

[wolffy]

Yeah not that i'm jumping the gun or anything but shruikin dons't hatch for galby.
He imprisones him with dark magic and makes him serve him.
Just for info.
Good story so far

[dragon_god]

Yeah not that i'm jumping the gun or anything but shruikin dons't hatch for galby.
He imprisones him with dark magic and makes him serve him.
Just for info.
Good story so far

I'm well aware of this wollfy. I have taken this into consideration when writing the next chapters. I have the next chapter ready but I'm waiting for more feedback.

Thanks though to both of you guys.

[wolffy]

Yeah like i said about jumping the gun.
But i'm glad i cleared it up all the same.
Keep up the good work

[dragon_god]

Alright. Here's the edited Chapter 2. The chapter has had a lot more added to it compared to what you may have previously read. After doing some major thinking and receiving some input from my cousin, I have felt compelled to come back and revise my earlier chapters because, let's be honest, they needed to be edited pretty bad. Tell me what you think of this version:

Chapter 2: Right and Wrong
*Edited Version*

The two men stood next to each other in front of Shruikan's black egg and remained silent. Galbatorix's presence was making Roland feel totally out of place and insecure and he dared not tell him what was really about to happen between him and Shruikan. Galbatorix sheathed his sword, which made Roland feel a little better but not entirely, and asked, "How long have you been talking to the dragon?"

Roland stared at the egg. "Not long. We've only just met. I don't even know his name yet but I respect him enough to let him tell me whenever he feels ready to do so."

Galbatorix looked at him with a wary smile. "You say that as though you are expecting him to hatch for you." Roland stared back at him, now aware that he was revealing too much. He turned his body to face Roland and he crossed his hands over his chest. "Tell me, do you think it rather strange that a dragon that has the ability to speak to anyone would choose you to be on the other end of a conversation?" Roland was silent. "I can't understand why he would choose you when someone like me is in greater need of a dragon."

"Galbatorix," he said jokingly, "you may have lost your dragon in battle, and I'm sorry for your loss, but you can't expect the very next egg you come across to feel pity for you and decide to hatch to fill your void. Besides, now it's you that's acting like he's going to hatch for me. If he were going to hatch, he would have done it by now."

Shruikan remained still but touched up against Roland's mind. Why are you saying this? You know what you have to do to get me out of here. Are you ashamed to take up the role of a Rider?

Roland couldn't answer him without saying something out loud and having Galbatorix listen in. He had no choice but to ignore him. "I mean, think about it. If I were to be chosen as a Rider, wouldn't I need some standout quality of some kind? I'm nothing special. Besides, if he did manage to hatch for me, I would fear what you would do. After you're little plan for revenge, I don't know if I should really trust you anywhere near him."

Galbatorix dropped his arms. "So you care for him so much that you would stand in my way to protect him?"

Fear began to grip him and he stood between the egg and Galbatorix. "I do. He has done nothing wrong to be taken away from his true Rider whenever he comes forth and lays his hand upon his egg."

"That depends on how you look at it. You see, I said I was going to get another dragon to replace Jarnunvosk, and I plan to do whatever it takes to see to it." He drew his sword again and approached the egg. "But seeing as how you've grown somewhat fond of each other and you care so much for him as to attempt to touch his egg, I think he'll be the best addition to my desire for revenge. But first, I need him to hatch and you're going to be the one to do that."

Roland had nothing that could even hope to stand up to an indestructible Rider's blade. He reached for the back of his belt and pulled out a small dagger in small hopes of defending Shruikan as best he could. "No. I won't let you take him after he hatches. I'll kill you if you try such a foul thing. The elders were right. You're loss has driven you insane. You're resorting to stealing dragon hatchlings now and that's not right!" He swung his dagger at Galbatorix's face but his hand was caught in mid-swing at the wrist.

Galbatorix twisted it sharply and a loud snap echoed throughout the room they were in. The dagger dropped to the floor and Roland let out a yelp. "You should have just done as I wanted. You could have avoided all this pain." He dragged Roland over to the egg and brought his hand down onto the egg.

Roland stopped himself with his remaining hand and fought back with all his strength to prevent Shruikan from hatching. "I told you... I won't let you take him!" He tried to headbutt the Rider in the face but missed and received a solid fist to his right cheek. Temporarily dazed, he felt his skin touch a smooth and polished surface and felt something squirm underneath his fingertips. He turned and saw that his hand rested on Shruikan's egg, held in place by Galbatorix's hand.

Galbatorix threw Roland's hand to the side and waited for Shruikan to come forth from his shell. A crack formed and another soon after. A small black triangular head poked through the egg shell and a small peep was heard. "At last, you show yourself."


Okay, I know that this isn't all that much better than what was up before but it's longer and has no spelling mistakes at all. It also has a little more dialog and action in it and we get an earlier look into why Galbatorix is the way he is. All in all, these edits are just used for adding more description and detail into the story to give more background to it. This does mean, however, that chapter 3 will also have to be edited quite a bit to link everything up but I'm pretty sure that after chapter 3 or 4 is edited, everything should be good to go except for spelling and detailed descriptions.

This post has been edited by dragon_god: 08 August 2009 - 01:33 AM

[wolffy]

It's very good though weres the black magic and stuff.
Oh yeah there is a tthe on the 10th line so if you edit this i don't think there will be any typo's.
Looking forward to the fast and furious next chapter.
Keep up the good work.

[dragon_god]

Sorry, but it'll have to wait until there are more than just the same 2 people posting. More people means more motivation to post. If I have the time I might post later tonight or on a day that I'm off of work. I'll check in every once in a while and see how many people have responded.

[holyknight]

That's okay. Take all the time you need. lol.

[wolffy]

Ok we will get to work.
Won't we holyknight

[dragon_god]

I will. The story shall continue!!! ...At a later point.

[wolffy]

Oh yeah dragon god put it in your signature so when you post everyone can see it.

[hirna]

It's a great start!!

what is your C-level and if you said their is violence and stuff, maybe you should put the thing on you story?

[dragon_god]

It's a great start!!

what is your C-level and if you said their is violence and stuff, maybe you should put the thing on you story?

How do you do that? I haven't been on IF in a while and to tell the truth, I didn't even know what that was?

[dragon_god]

Oh yeah dragon god put it in your signature so when you post everyone can see it.

That's a good idea. I'll do just that. Thx.