Roran is sent on a raid party under Martland Redbeard. His first venture into the Empire leads to him chasing a soldier down the road, killing him, and then rounding on a group of five men who have set up a roadblock and picking them off. Martland is very pleased. Carn the spellcaster is able to heal Roran’s leg where a blade sliced him during the battle, but the effort of healing Roran and the other soldiers leaves him drained. After all the cargo is assessed, Martland calls for the carts to be set on fire, and the men leave the wagons burning.

Eragon has reached Bregan Hold, which appears much like the other dwarven cities Eragon has seen—it has a main stronghold, surrounded by residences and outbuildings. Bregan Hold is topped by a large flameless lantern known as Az Sindriznarrvel, or The Gem of Sindri, which has the power to light up the whole city in an emergency. In Bregan Hold, Eragon is greeted by Orik with a bath and new clothes. He is then introduced to Hvedra, his Orik’s wife. Orik declares Bregan Hold a permanent sanctuary for Eragon. He has already been declared the chieftain of his clan in place of his father, King Hrothgar.