Eragon

His words were entrancing, like a snake whispering gilded lies into my ears. A more convincing and frightening man I’ve never heard. He wove a vision: a fantasy of the Empire as he imagined it. There would be beautiful cities built across the country, fil ed with the greatest warriors, artisans, musicians, and philosophers.

Keep in mind that many people have died for their beliefs; it’s actual y quite common. The real courage is in living and suffering for what you believe.

“You’l enjoy it. There is much you can learn from books and scrol s,” said Jeod. He gestured at the wal s. “These books are my friends, my

companions. They make me laugh and cry and find meaning in life.”

“It sounds intriguing,” admitted Eragon.

“Always the scholar, aren’t you?” asked Brom.

Jeod shrugged. “Not anymore. I’m afraid I’ve degenerated into a bibliophile.”

“A what?” asked Eragon.

“One who loves books,” explained Jeod, and resumed conversing with Brom.

Eragon returned to his chair, holding the book gently. It’s amazing that a man who is dead can talk to people through these pages. As long as this book survives, his ideas live.

“Of the affairs of love . . . my only advice is to be honest. That’s your most powerful tool to unlock a heart or gain forgiveness. That is al I have to say.”

“Do not think that I have forgotten you, Eragon. I have words for both of you. It’s time I said them, as you are entering the world. Heed them and they wil serve you wel .” He bent his gaze sternly on them. “First, let no one rule your mind or body. Take special care that your thoughts remain unfettered. One may be a free man and yet be bound tighter than a slave. Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don’t fol ow them blindly.

Judge with logic and reason, but comment not.

“Consider none your superior, whatever their rank or station in life. Treat al fairly or they wil seek revenge. Be careful with your money. Hold fast to your beliefs and others wil listen.”

“I was more than a match for him, so he kicked Snowfire. The idiot of a horse reared and threw me off balance. That was al the Urgal needed to give me this gash.”

“Everything! It is the basis for al power. The language describes the true nature of things, not the superficial aspects that everyone sees. For example, fire is cal ed brisingr. Not only is that a name for fire, it is the name for fire. If you are strong enough, you can use brisingr to direct fire to do whatever you wil . And that is what happened today.”

They are cal ed the Ra’zac. No one knows if that’s the name of their race or what they have chosen to cal themselves.

Garrow leaned forward with a twinkle in his eye. “Did you think I would stop you? I’d hoped you would marry soon. It wil be good to see this family growing again. Katrina wil be lucky to have you.” Astonishment raced over Roran’s face, then he settled into a relieved grin. “So when do you leave?” Garrow asked.

Roran regained his voice. “When Dempton returns to get the sockets for the mil .”

Garrow nodded. “And that wil be in . . . ?”

“Two weeks.”

“Good. That wil give us time to prepare. It’l be different to have the house to ourselves. But if nothing goes amiss, it shouldn’t be for too long.” He looked over the table and asked, “Eragon, did you know of this?”

He shrugged rueful y. “Not until today. . . . It’s madness.”