Brisingr

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2008

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Chapters 31-33

Chapter 31 Summary: “Blood on the Rocks”

After three days in Tronjheim, Eragon is frustrated by the lack of progress toward deciding on a king due to clan infighting over minor issues. The most frustrating clan leader is Iorunn, the grimsthborith of Durgrimst Vrenshrrgn, a powerful and warlike clan whose only open alliance is with Urzhad. Iorunn finds a certain fascination with Eragon that he dislikes and finds discomforting. Of the others, Gannel of the Quan (religious) group is not inherently opposed to the Varden, while Nado of the Knurlcarathn (stoneworkers) is quick to point out it is not of much concern to him. Thus far, none of the clans or their leaders feel ready to step forward with a bid for the central election.

Eragon’s guard leads him out of the basement archives to the surface; Tronjheim is known as the City of Eternal Twilight because it is about a mile up to open sky, and above that looms the Farthen Dûr mountain range. Eragon speaks to Skeg, the leader of the team that is putting the star sapphire (or Star Rose)—Isidar Mithrim—back together, which was broken by Arya in the Battle of Farthen Dûr. During a break for lunch, Orik and his clansmen come to join him, and his foster brother reminds him to have patience; there is no way he can force them forward, or he would lose the bid. When Eragon asks if he can be doing anything to aid the process himself, Orik jokes that he could die.

During a later break in the conference, Eragon goes exploring underground and finds himself on the same path he was earlier. While his guard had assured him there would be no foot traffic on these ancient paths, seven cloaked dwarves attack Eragon and kill his guard. Eragon and only three of his men survive. The cloaked men are anonymous, carrying nothing identifiable to the clans other than an amethyst set in a braided bracelet that only grows in four places, three of which are inside the boundaries of the Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, putting Grimsthborith Vermund in a suspicious position. Eragon vows to avenge the dwarves who lost their lives defending his.

Chapter 32 Summary: “A Matter of Perspective”

Saphira soars above the land, observing the Jiet River, the Varden, and the surrounding geography. She notices Roran and his diminished band of soldiers returning and informs Arya. Blödhgarm calls for her return. Roran tells Nasuada about the raids, assuring her he doesn’t think Varden should be looking to make itself invincible the way Galbatorix has; one loses a sense of self-preservation. Roran is not available when Saphira contacts him, so they make plans to meet in the morning.

Chapter 33 Summary: “Kiss Me Sweet”

Roran wakes up next to his wife feeling like he is inadequate in comparison to Eragon and the spellcasters. She reassures him that he is the bravest man she has ever met, and he is able to get back to sleep.

Chapters 31-33 Analysis

In this set of chapters, the reader is immersed in the three perspectives of Eragon in Tronjheim, Saphira in the sky, and Roran in the Varden. With each chapter, the perspective, detail, and subject matter changes drastically. In Tronjheim, Eragon is being told his place there is safe, that he is being taken care of, and that Orik’s personal soldiers will protect him; yet, in a place of safety under the city, he and his guards are ambushed and many of them are killed. The bonds of fealty are weakening. At present, Eragon is vengeful rather than scared, but he is in a dangerous position in dwarven territory.

After this rush of action, the reader is returned to the Varden, which for now appears to be a safe haven for Saphira and Roran. Saphira is able to fly freely without Eragon, observing the geography and Roran’s return from the Empire. The pace of the narrative has equally slowed down to reflect this difference. While Saphira and Roran have every reason to feel safe within the boundaries of this moving city, they are both in uncomfortable positions. Saphira is separated from her Rider and their mental connection. Roran feels he cannot be as strong and empowered as his cousin is during battle.

Saphira’s ache for Eragon is simple and pure, and as easy to explain as it would be to solve; their reunion will erase her sorrow. Roran’s feelings are more complex. On top of feeling inadequate as a soldier without magic, he is gaining post-traumatic stress from fighting undead; watching these men die and then reanimate makes him realize the role will plays in a just death. Because the undead soldiers are fighting without cognizance, Roran feels he shouldn’t fight them.