Book excerpt: This deluxe edition of the runaway international bestseller includes: ·A sneak peek at Book III ·A revealing excerpt of the history of Alagaësia ·Never-before-seen art by the author, including an image of Brom’s elf ring ·A complete and comprehensive list of people, places, things, and dwarf clans Darkness falls. . . . Swords clash. . . . Evil reigns. Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now Eragon must travel to Ellesméra, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is the journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day a fresh adventure. But chaos and betrayal plague him at every turn, and Eragon isn’t sure whom he can trust. Meanwhile, his cousin Roran must fight a new battle back home in Carvahall–one that puts Eragon in even graver danger. Will the king's dark hand strangle all resistance? Eragon may not escape with even his life. . . .