Murtagh and Thorn fly into the sulfurous cleft and discover a hidden village at the back of the valley. The settlement has domed stone buildings, a tower, and a temple-like structure, all surrounded by charred, smoking ground. The strange architecture and the burned landscape make Murtagh wary, reminding him that he and Thorn are isolated and without allies if Bachel proves hostile.

Murtagh decides not to sneak in alone. Instead, he arms himself in the intimidating armor he once wore as Galbatorix’s servant, deliberately adopting the image of Murtagh son of Morzan to project strength. He and Thorn agree to speak with Bachel if possible, fight if necessary, and flee if Thorn’s fear or the situation becomes dangerous.

Thorn lands before the village in full view, roaring as alarms ring and grey-robed villagers scatter. Murtagh announces himself and demands to speak with Bachel. The villagers emerge with less fear than expected, and a tall, goateed man with purple-striped cuffs formally welcomes Rider and dragon, then leads them inward instead of bringing Bachel out.

Murtagh reluctantly follows, refusing to appear submissive but increasingly disturbed by the village. Thorn grows tense in the narrow streets, while Murtagh notices ancient stonework, unknown runes, dragon-like sculptures, and intricate crystalline patterns that seem almost hypnotic. The age and craftsmanship of the place suggest a hidden culture far older and stranger than Murtagh anticipated.

At the temple square, a horn sounds and a ritual procession emerges: armed warriors, white-robed bell-shakers, black-armored litter-bearers, and finally Bachel herself. She appears tall, ageless, and neither fully human nor elven, dressed in rune-like knotted straps and bearing a small dagger. Bachel warmly welcomes Thorn as an exalted dragon and Murtagh as a Rider, then reveals she has been waiting for him and calls him her son.