A massive black form stood out against the rising dawn sky. Its eyes were a deep blood red, chilling your body to the bone and paralyzing you in fear. The scales of the being were glimmering in the pale light, giving you the indication it was made of charring flames. Atop the twenty foot tall creature was a light tan saddle, the straps built-in to accommodate a rather large and strong man. No other would dare try approaching the dragon. Many over the years had said it was mad with power, like the Rider, but they could not be more wrong.

The Rider for the Dragon soon walked into the light, his back striking out in front of the sky, giving him a crazed appearance and manic gleam in his black eyes. A midnight color jacket stood atop his shoulders, bulkier than was necessary due to the contents. He wore boots made of thin steel, clinking on the ground.

The man smiled, knowing no one would try anything, at least not tonight. If they did, they would have to face the wrath of his dragon. He was a creature who had never failed him.

Reaching out his conscience, the man felt the minds of thousands of dragons whose bodies had long since demised. Only one of the majestic immortals was left. Shruikan, the beast behind him, glowered into the sky, wanting to be free.

Master, I sense the presence of an egg. It is choosing its Partner-In-Heart, or perhaps has chosen. We must act fast, before they join the Rebellions. Shruikan said the word like the very thought was disgusting. The man grimaced in reply. The thought of those people with allegiance to the Varden put a sour taste in his mouth. They were trying, and failing, to dethrone him. He needed to squash their hopes, make sure they never tried again. What Galbatorix needed was a rider of his own; one who would follow his ways without question. Maybe it was time to bring Murtagh, the hidden son of Morzan, in to test the one of the last eggs.

Is it the female the Varden stole from us, or else one of my own? The immortal man thought back to Shruikan. He was suddenly curious. If it was his, he needn't worry. But luck was not on his side for this egg.

A second later, the dragon merely mentally shook his head while at the same time replied to the 'Mad King'. It is the Varden's. Though the egg you have kept hidden all these years is sending its mind out. I think it may have found its Rider. I will speak to it and see what I can find out.

This news made the King smile. You will not try, you will do; but yes, talk to the egg this morning. Later, I need you to bring me the Rider. We need him on our side for this war. The Varden now has theirs. If this works, we will not need to go after him. Ours will be much stronger and better trained than what the elves and magicians can do. The Dragons of old will help with that.

Now, I must head back inside before the servants try to run again. And with that, the Mad King went inside the manor, leaving Shruikan to his thoughts. He just started at the sky, watching the stars twinkling into darkness. Unlike most thought, Shruikan did not like where he was. But having the King know his true name, and being mentally connected to him, it was hard not to listen.

The dragon sighed and decided to head to the silver egg. The sooner he talked to it, the sooner he would have the Rider. He slowly padded into the holding room in the Dragon Sheds. It was the only place he could keep an eye on the eggs ever since the Varden had stolen the pretty blue one.

Shruikan carefully pushed open the large doors with his long muzzle. They towered over him, even though he was twenty feet tall. This was mainly because Dragons never stopped growing, so the doors needed to be big, very big. The Shed was made for beasts the size of twenty manors at most. Most did not live that long, though, especially with the King killing so many.

Looking into a corner, Shruikan found the object he was looking for. It was smaller than most, and unlike any from before, pale silver in color. Shruikan reached his strong mind toward the female inside, prepared to break down the barriers that protected it. It could not be that strong.

But the Dragon was surprised, and was suddenly brought to himself, because not one, but two minds shielded the female. He could feel the presence of a male hidden in the female's mind. From the way his mind felt, the man was also human. Was this her Rider? It had to be, who else could it be? But then, what was going on? How could he know she was his dragon if she had not yet hatched?

Gradually, the elder dragon slowly advanced on the egg, his mind going even slower. He did not want to make them put the shields up more. Knocking on the force fields carefully, Shruikan gently sent the message that he wanted to talk to the female. Shruikan could feel them quietly conversing before a few barriers were lowered, allowing him to say what he needed.

What do you want, Shruikan? A strong and defiant male voice asked the dragon, giving an air of impatience. The boy sounded young, no more than twelve! Was her Rider really this juvenile? We don't have all day! What do you want?! Now the boy was almost yelling with edginess at talking to the elder dragon. He was protective of the egg! Shruikan realized. It was an object he had not yet met, so why? How long had they known of each other? We can hear your questions, Shruikan. They are not hidden. Now, either get out or ask your real questions. We will answer what we deem fit. This boy was very defiant. The Mad King would be glad to have him in his ranks.

After the child brought him back to the present, yet again, by yelling, Shruikan decided to actually ask the questions. I was told to ask the Female if she had found her Rider. If she had I was supposed to ask where he is. She is needed to hatch. It seems she has found you, am I correct?

Yes, the boy replied, his voice quietly shrinking, filled with love for the being.

Now the only question the King has is where you are. He said, ignoring the feeling in the boy's word. There was no such need for small talk. The dragon waited a minute for the boy to reply, but when he did not, delved a little deeper. He tried not to be noticed, and his wish was granted.

The boy seemed to be deep in thought, talking to the female. For a moment, the two of them were pondering how much to say. It appeared he was the mouth for the female. Why did not she say anything, could she not think? It was then that the boy spoke, his voice filled with venom. River can speak, just not to the likes of you! I refuse to let her! Now, she found me when my family passed through the city. After she had told me I was her Rider, I managed to convince my folks to stay. We will be here until she hatches, which is whenever the King finds me, or I find her. Now, anymore questions? I am growing ever more impatient!

No, not yet. I will inform the King of your arrival and we will bring you here at sun high today. The King is in need of a new Rider in the Ranks, and you will be perfect. With that Shruikan left River's mind. But just before he had fully receded, the dragon heard the boy whisper.

I never said I would be on his side. Anyway, we leave at Dawn in two days then. Everything is ready, my parents are prepared. We are not going to let them forget us, ever. His voice was softer, talking to just the dragon. It was then that the Dragon heard a low chuckle come from the Female as he relayed the plans to her, blocking him out again. Shruikan finished recoiling out of their combined minds. This pair was going to be insane if either died. They were as close as most after years, and that was before she even hatched. He grimaced; thinking of the state of the King was in when Shruikan had first hatched. It took years before the King was as sane as he is now. And it was not much better than it was...

A.N.

Words Total: 1,765

Words A.N: 270

Words Chapter: 1,495

Yay! The prologue is done. Not my best, but I hope you all liked it. If there are any questions, I would be happy to answer them next chapter. A long as they do not give much away. Anyone know who the boy is? I would tell you his fatal flaw, but that will give too much away.

Anyone have comments, just review. I can't accept PMs yet. I hope you like it. I will also have a HP story posted soon, maybe PJO also, so be sure to check it out.

Is there any betas? I am in need of one at the moment. My writing is terrible. Just review and I will go through the people and chose.

Anyone know ways I can torture Percy? Not really, just funny ways to embarrass him, you know, help him live up to his Seaweed Brain of a way. He is the Main character; that is another clue. I will include Annabeth in later Chapters. But this is AU. So Percy will not be in the prophecy in NY.

Anyway, thank you for reading. Please review. Critique is welcome, just no flames. For everything you tell me wrong, besides grammar and misspelled words, please also tell me one or two good things. I will update in a few days, as I don't get to the library that often. It will likely be Monday through Friday. Saturdays, we are busy and Sunday and Monday it is closed.

PS. I hope it made sense. More will be explained in the next few chapters.