When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is thelucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat forthe winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes hehas stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight hissimple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world ofdestiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of anold storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigatethe dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whoseevil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary DragonRiders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands....