Eldest

The villagers attack the soldiers’ camp and successfully drive them away, but they know that the soldiers will regroup and come back. The villagers barricade the village and wait. When the king’s men return, they are led by the Ra’zac and brutally attack the villagers. Some of the village men are killed, but Roran fights heroically, armed only with a hammer. The soldiers are forced to retreat, but not before one of the Ra’zac gives the villagers an ultimatum: surrender Roran or be killed.

Two days after Eragon and his companion first entered the tunnel under the mountain, they finally emerge at the foot of the Dwarf city of Tarnag, which is home to five clans. Each clan is represented by one of the animals native to the region: giant boars, cave bears, mountain goats, wild wolves, or dragon-like flying reptiles. In the city, Eragon, Saphira, Arya, and Orik are greeted by two of the Dwarven clan chiefs, Ûndin and Gannel, who welcome them in a friendly manner. However, some of the other Dwarves are more hostile to Eragon because Hrothgar’s decision to adopt the young Rider is not universally popular. A group known as the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, the surviving members of a clan that was almost eradicated by Galbatorix’s Riders, declares Eragon to be their sworn enemy. During the dinner organized in honor of his guests, Ûndin seems concerned about Az Sweldn rak Anhûin’s intentions, but he reassures Eragon that no one in the city will harm him.

The next morning, Ûndin invites Eragon to join Gannel, who will give him a tour of Celbedeil, the city’s great temple. There, Gannel teaches Eragon the basics of the Dwarven faith and customs, which Eragon must learn now that he is a newly inducted member of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum. This chapter provides detailed information on Dwarven history and mythology. Gannel also gives Eragon an enchanted pendant to protect him against scrying spells that his enemies may use to locate him. Eragon and Gannel are then joined by Arya, who argues with the Dwarf about the merits of his religious beliefs, which she claims are self-serving and elitist. When Eragon returns to Ûndin’s hall with Arya, they both notice that the city is in an uproar due to their presence. The next morning, the companions and their seven newly appointed Dwarf guards leave Tarnag early on rafts provided by Ûndin, who wishes them well.

Roran is still reeling from the events of the past few days. The village leaders decide that surrendering him to the King’s forces would do no good, and Roran is tasked with helping to build up the village’s defenses. He orders trees to be felled and used as barricades, as well as trenches to be dug around the perimeter of the village. As he works, he has a conversation with Katrina and proposes marriage.

That night, the villagers realize that because the soldiers are watching the routes around the village, it is impossible to evacuate the children to nearby farms. Roran suddenly notices some of the soldiers coming back, and he and several men rush to defend the barricades. They fight back and force the soldiers to retreat, but when Roran and the men return to the center of the village, they realize that one of the children has been killed in the attack.

As Eragon and his companions travel down the river in relative peace, Eragon becomes acquainted with the Dwarves whom Ûndin has appointed to accompany him. When Eragon flies with Saphira, they encounter Fanghur, the flying reptiles that resemble dragons but are smaller and wilder. After the group makes camp that night, Eragon sleeps and has a vision in which he sees a man in armor pointing at an injured soldier on a battlefield. When he tells Arya about his vision the next day, she explains that it may be a premonition. However, she also claims that there is no way to tell whether his vision is fated to happen or whether it can be avoided.

As Eragon and his companions travel across the country, the landscape begins to change. After they leave the mountains, they make camp for the night, and Eragon begins practicing his sword fighting skills. However, he suddenly collapses in pain. When he wakes up later to find himself in his tent, he worries that his back injury will prevent him from fighting. Arya and the Dwarves try to cheer him up, but Eragon angrily rebukes them. Orik then gives him a puzzle game as a distraction, and Eragon spends the next few days working on it while they travel.

The group reaches a Dwarven outpost, from which they continue on foot. When they finally arrive in Du Weldenvarden, the Elven lands, Arya takes Eragon aside and teaches him the basics of Elven customs, which revolve around courtesy. Her lessons are meant to ensure that he will not disgrace himself or his companions. Afterwards, Eragon asks why Arya has grown tense as they approach Du Weldenvarden, and she admits to being afraid.

The travelers reach a clearing and are greeted by four Elves. Although the Elves are initially afraid of Saphira, they are delighted to learn that she and Eragon come as friends. They welcome the group to their camp, offering food and rest. The next day, Eragon thanks the Dwarves for their help, and the Dwarves return to Tarnag. The Elves then take Eragon, Saphira, and Arya to their river boats and continue the journey to Ellesméra.

Three days after the villagers’ battle, Roran and the leaders of Carvahall debate their next steps. Roran suggests that the children be taken to the Spine, the nearby mountain range. Sloan, Katrina’s father, is fiercely opposed to the idea, but the other villagers eventually agree with Roran. While they make preparations, Roran asks Katrina to accompany the children. Katrina reluctantly agrees on the condition that Roran never asks her to be separated from him again.

The next day, the villagers of Carvahall are getting the children ready to leave and make a new camp in the mountains. A villager named Sloan is outraged to find out that Katrina is going and tries to get her to stay. Roran intervenes, revealing that he and Katrina are engaged. Sloan feels betrayed, and Katrina breaks down in tears. Finally, the procession leaves the village, with Roran and some of the men helping to carry the necessary supplies. They eventually set up camp and leave the women and children to hide while Roran and the men return to Carvahall.

After Roran comforts Katrina, his friend Elain warns him that he will now need to work to provide for her, as Roran has no farm and Katrina’s father has disowned her. Roran swears that he will do his best to protect Katrina, even though his situation is complicated. Roran and Katrina then go to sleep, but they are awakened in the middle of the night by the Ra’zac, who have killed a lookout and infiltrated the village. Roran tries to defend Katrina, but the Ra’zac abduct her. Roran’s arm is seriously injured in the fight, but he and several other men insist on pursuing the Ra’zac. They find the soldiers’ encampment and witness a dispute between the human soldiers and the Ra’zac, who have taken command. The Ra’zac reveal their dark, vulture-like appearance and attack one of the men, then leave on flying creatures. They take a bound Katrina with them, along with Sloan, who has betrayed the village to the Ra’zac. Roran helplessly watches them go then passes out from blood loss.