This summary section includes Chapter 49: “The Horns of a Dilemma” and Chapter 50: “Hunting for Answers.”

Eragon is appalled to learn Murtagh’s true origins. As the latter explains, he hated his father. Murtagh shows Eragon the scar from a sword wound inflicted by Morzan when he was three years old. Even though both Eragon and Saphira are skeptical of Murtagh’s story, they need to postpone the discussion as they are being pursued by the Urgals. A battle ensues as they flee toward the sheer wall of rock that conceals the entrance to their destination. As Saphira tries to fend off the attackers, Eragon utters the phrase that Arya taught him to open the rock’s entrance. Archers concealed in the cliffs send down a shower of arrows on the Urgals. Eragon and Saphira are instructed to enter the walled enclosure as a bald man holds a knife to Murtagh’s throat. The dragon and Rider comply and are led inside as the cave wall shuts behind them.

The travelers are guarded by the bald man, a dwarf, and a contingent of human soldiers. They are now in the Varden stronghold inside the hollow mountain of Farthen Dûr.