Brisigngr

part 6 of the synopsis

Saphira makes quick progrss learning from Gleadr, but the scar Eragon bears as a result of his battle with Durza slows his training Not only is the mark on his back disfiguring, but as ecpected times it ancapacitates him with painful spasms. He does not know how he will improve as a magician and swordman if his convulsions continue.

Eragon begins to realize he has feelings for Arya. He confesses them to her, but she rebuffs him and soon leaves to return to the Varden.

Then the elves hold a ritual known as the Agaeti Blodhren, or the blood- oath Celebration, during which Eragon goes through a magical transfprmation: he is turned into an elf - human hybrid--- not quite one, not quite the other. As a result, his scar is healed and he now has the same superhuman strength the elves have. His features are also altered, so he appears slightly elvish.

At this point, Eragon learns that the Varden are on the brink of battle with the Empire and are in dite need of him and Saphira. While Eragon has been away, Nasuada has moved the Varden from Farthen Dut to Surda, a country south of the Empire that still maintains its independence from Galbatorix.

Eragon and Saphira leaves Ellesmera, along with Otik, after promising Oromis and Gleadr that they will return to complete there training as soon as they can.

Meanwhile, Eragon's cousin, Roran, has been having his own adventures. Galbatorix has sent a Ra'zac and a legion og imperial soldiers to Carvahall, looking to capture Roran, so as to use him against Eragon. Roran manages to escape into the nearby mountains. He and the other villagrrs attempt to drive the soldiers away. Numerous villagers die in the process. When Sloan, the village butcher---- who hates Roran and oposes Roran's engagement to his daughter, Katrina---betrays Roran to the Ra'zac, the bettle- like creaturesfind an attack Roran in the middle of the night in his bedroom. Roran fights his way free, but the Ra'zac capture Katrina.

Roran convinces the people of Carvahall to leave their village and seek refuse with the Varden in Surda. They set out westward. for the coast, in the hope that they can sail from there to Surda. Roran proves himself as a leader, bringing them safely through the Spine to the coast. In the port town of Teirm, they meet Jeod, who tells Roran that Eragon is a Rider and explains what Ra'zac were looking for in Carvahall in the first place---Saphira. Jeod offers to help Roran and the villagers reach Surda, pointing out that once Roran and the villagers are safely with the Varden, Roran can enlist Eragon's help in rescuing Katrina. Jeod and the villagers pirate a ship and sail toward Surda.

Eragon and Saphira reach the Varden, who are readying for the battle. Eragon learns what has become of the baby upon whom he bestowed the ill-phrased blessing: her name is Elva, and though, chronolgically, she is still a baby, she had the apperance of a four year old child and the voice and demeaner of a world-weary adult.

Eragon's spell forces her to sense thevpain of all the people she sees, and compels her to protect them; if she resists this urge, she herself suffers.