Two years after the end of The Inheritance Cycle (one year after FWW), we follow Murtagh and Thorn as they hurry across Alagaesia, trying to warn their friends of a potential threat, and unravel the mystery of a witch stalking across the land. Murtagh faces past demons and Thorn tries to convince him to accept the love and help of his family and friends. C1: Nasuada is surprised when Murtagh shows up suddenly and violently in Ilerea, saving her life in the process C2: Roran is trudging through winter in Palancar Valley when his estranged dragon rider cousin appears in his barn, wounded and in need of help. C3: Eragon is shocked when Thorn plummets out of the sky above Mt. Argnor with an unconscious Murtagh on his back. Thorn cannot remember anything, and Eragon and Arya must find a way into Murtagh's mind in order to discover the truth before it's too late. C4: Eragon must quickly unravel many threads of deception in order to save lives. C5: Murtagh and Eragon are reunited with someone from their past. A new rider begins training. Thorn tries to navigate life alongside other dragons for the first time. C6: Arya helps Murtagh atone for old wrongs, and face a possible future at Mt. Argnor.
6 parts