When Eragon finds a polished stone in the forest he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself Overnight his simple life is shattered & he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny magic & power With only an ancient sword & the advice of an old storyteller for guidance Eragon & the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain & dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands