As Baldur and Sigurd stepped through the massive iron doors of the castle, a resounding noise echoed through the air, announcing their arrival. These doors, adorned with intricate depictions of the epic battles fought against Galbatorix and Tenga, served as a testament to the valor and sacrifice of the Riders. The duo found themselves standing in the awe-inspiring Grand Hall of the Rider Castle, a vast expanse that seemed to stretch endlessly before them. Dominating the center of the room was a majestic golden dragon statue perched upon a rugged rock. Its eyes, crafted from two magnificent white diamonds, gleamed with an ethereal brilliance, while its teeth, fashioned from smaller white diamonds, added a touch of exquisite detail.Making their way across the main hall, Baldur and Sigurd couldn't help but be captivated by the masterful paintings adorning the walls. These breathtaking works of art, skillfully created by elven artists, depicted pivotal moments in the history of Alagaesia. Eragon's triumphant victory over Galbatorix, the fall of Urubaen, and the subsequent recapture of the city by the united forces of the Varden were all immortalized in vivid detail. Additionally, the hall boasted statues of Nasuada and Eragon, meticulously sculpted by dwarven artisans. However, it was the painting portraying the tragic downfall of the Riders that truly left a lasting impression. Vrael, the once-mighty leader of the Riders, appeared defeated and desolate as he faced the mad king Galbatorix. In the background, dragons and their riders, including the thirteen traitors who had betrayed the order, were depicted, serving as a haunting reminder of the consequences of such treachery. Eragon, now a seasoned Rider himself, recognized the significance of the painting and its lessons. He often dedicated time during his training sessions to discuss it with his students, encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions. Through these discussions, Eragon aimed to impart upon them the gravity of the event and its far-reaching consequences for Alagaesia and its people. By delving into the painting's details and exploring the motivations behind the betrayal, Eragon hoped to instill in his students a deep understanding of the importance of loyalty, trust, and the preservation of the Rider order. It was his fervent desire to ensure that such a catastrophic event would never be repeated in the future, safeguarding the legacy of the Riders for generations to come.

        The student riders' quarters were accessed through a grand door, while a magnificent gold door led to the Hearing Room, where Eragon could often be found when he wasn't busy teaching. As Baldur and Sigurd made their way past the impressive golden dragon statue, they entered the vast Hearing Room. Inside, they were greeted by the sight of their father, Eragon. The room was incredibly spacious, large enough to accommodate even some of the dragons, although Saphira had outgrown it over the past two decades. According to Eragon, she had now reached the size of Glaedr, the dragon who had once been his and Saphira's mentor. Eragon was seated in a majestic golden chair, adorned with a luxurious silk red pillow. The chair itself was a work of art, with two silver dragon arms that appeared so lifelike, as if they were about to unleash a mighty roar. The craftsmanship required to create such a stunning piece of furniture was beyond the comprehension of Baldur and Sigurd. It was the talented dwarven rider Thrain who had truly outdone himself in crafting this masterpiece. Following Rhunon's peaceful passing, Thrain had assumed the role of the master armorer for the Rider order, skillfully forging armors, swords, daggers, and even bows and axes for the riders.

       The opulent room was adorned with a luxurious red carpet that elegantly stretched across the smooth marble floor. Sunlight gracefully streamed through a window positioned on the eastern side, casting its radiant glow into the room. The luminous beams danced upon the pristine white walls, illuminating them with a dazzling brilliance. Amidst this ethereal display, Eragon found himself seated upon a regal chair, its gold and silver accents gleaming as if they were touched by a fallen star, adding an enchanting touch to the already mesmerizing scene.

"Baldur! Sigurd! It is so good to see you!" Eragon said with a booming voice and a large smile on his face.Eragon seemed untouched by the passing years, his youthful appearance defying the inevitable march of time. His short, chestnut-brown hair framed his face, while his piercing brown eyes radiated warmth and love as he gazed upon his two sons. A neatly trimmed beard adorned his rugged features, adding a touch of maturity to his otherwise youthful countenance. Clad in a fitted blue tunic that accentuated his muscular physique, Eragon exuded an air of strength and confidence. Resting comfortably on his hip was his trusty sword, Brisingr, a constant companion that spoke of his warrior spirit. Seated beside Eragon was Arya, the mother of their children. Her captivating green eyes bore into her sons, their intensity revealing a mother's concern and expectation. She delicately brushed her long, ebony locks, a stark contrast to her fair complexion. Donned in an elegant green dress that complemented her natural beauty, Arya exuded grace and poise. Positioned closely to Eragon, it was evident that their intimate moment had been interrupted by their mischievous sons, Baldur and Sigurd. Despite Eragon's failed attempt to conceal his gaze, Arya responded with a gentle smile, her fingers nervously toying with a button on her dress.

"Father! I hope I am not interrupting." Baldur said in an unsure manner.

"Of course not!" Eragon answered with a smile.

"Me and Sigurd want to talk to you about an important matter." Baldur started.

"Father...we have trained under you for many years and have learned what we need to learn to become full riders." Sigurd continued.

"We know the usual practice of riders who have finished their training is to go to Alagaesia and protect the lands there but the lands in Alagaesia are peaceful thanks to Uncle Roran." Baldur said.

"What Baldur is trying to say, Father, is that we want to experience the world, meet new people, live new experiences and learn about new cultures. We want to go to the unknown lands in the east and explore them!" Sigurd finished with a determined expression.

Eragon looked at his sons seriously.

"I'm not..." he said before getting interrupted again by Baldur.

"We've mastered all the spells you have taught us and became full riders a few months ago. We are ready." Baldur said looking at his mother.

"It's true they were first in their class." Arya stated.

"The lands there are dangerous. No one has ever explored them. What will happen if you encounter an unknown beast and are in danger?" Eragon argued.

"We can defend ourselves father!" Sigurd said loudly.

"Saphira and I can't..." Eragon said and stopped. It had been ten years but it still pained him to talk about it. He remembered too well the fits of pain that still plagued Saphira, and consequently him, sometimes from their mental connection. "I can't come and save you if you are in trouble." Eragon said melancholically.

"We understand the danger...but we want to live our lives." Baldur said.

"I see." Eragon said and remained silent for a long time. He had the same drive when he was younger. There was no point keeping them against their will in the Dragon city. He knew how stubborn they could both be.

In Eragon's mind, a vivid image materialized. It depicted his two mischievous sons, Baldur and Sigurd, who were merely ten years old at the time. Eragon couldn't help but feel a sense of worry and concern, as his boys seemed to constantly find themselves in trouble. This particular incident had them stealing a bow and sneaking into the room where Brisingr, his sword, was kept. Eragon, exhausted from a grueling day of training, found himself sitting in the very same room when he received the astonishing news. Unbeknownst to him, his sons had managed to infiltrate the heavily guarded egg room, evading the magical traps he had carefully set up to protect them. Not only that, but the most astonishing part was that the dragon eggs had hatched for them, marking them as the chosen riders. 

"I will let you go then. I can't keep you here against your will. I swear you're both as thickheaded as Roran was." Eragon said with a half smile.

Baldur and Sigurd laughed in delight. They would finally be able to see the lands in the east.

"I will send all available riders with you. This is now an important diplomatic mission." Eragon continued.

"Thank you father! You will not regret it!" Baldur said hugging Eragon.

"I will have a team of elves accompany you too. It is only right that the sons of Eragon are accompanied by the best elven magicians." Eragon stated.

"Of course father! If you will excuse us. We have to make preparations for the long travel." Sigurd said eagerly. He wanted to say the good news to Iris his dragon. He also wanted to leave the room before Eragon changed his mind.

"You have my permission." Eragon said, his voice cracking. Tears of pride for his two sons filled his eyes. They had grown from the trouble making ten year old children they were a few years ago to two formidable warriors who were ready for adventure. Their blood boiled like his did when he was their age.

Eragon watched his two sons go out of the room, the door closing behind them and heard their heavy footsteps as they ran to inform their dragons of the news. His attention turned to Arya, looking at the woman he loved and would love forever.

"You didn't help me much in the argument." Eragon said playfully pretending to be hurt.

Arya smiled guiltilly and Eragon was charmed once again by her beauty. "I worry too about their decision. I guess with the riders you send along and the elves protecting them, they will be as safe as they will ever be." Arya stated. "Besides we all know we can't stop them when they put something in their minds." Arya said laughing.

Eragon smiled a large smile. Arya was right. He kissed the woman of his life for a long time, enjoying her scent, her touch and the softness of her body on his. After all those years he still could not believe how lucky he was to have such a perfect woman on his side.

"I'd like to stay alone for a bit. I have things to consider before they leave." Eragon said finally and Arya left the room after kissing him goodnight.

Things had changed and his sons were not the defenceless hatchlings they were a few years before. It was time to let them fly on their own. He had still not shared the secret of the eldunari with any of his students. Some of them were too young and too rash to trust them with the knowledge. He could not afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. He could trust no one but he also wanted to make sure his sons would survive their exploration. For a while he stayed still the two emotions he felt battling each other for control.

He would need to speak to Blodgharm before sending him along with his sons.

It was time to make the decision official. He hesitated for a few seconds, reconsidering. Then with a nod he wrote the words on a piece of paper signed it waxed it and stamped it with the official rider order stamp for the city criers to announce.

He would send his sons on the mission. 

The time had come to explore the lands beyond.