Murtagh wakes in Ilirea after four days of fever and near death. Alín tends him, and Thorn is at his side. Murtagh and Thorn confirm that both survived the collapse, then share their true names; Thorn’s name reveals that he has finally overcome the cave-terror that long ruled him, and Murtagh’s name confirms that he too has changed and is free.

Alín explains that Uvek found her during the escape and brought her with them on Thorn. Uvek has since left to aid his own people, but he sends Murtagh a knotted cord meaning brother, which Murtagh accepts as a sign of chosen family. Alín admits her fear that Bachel’s death may not end the Draumar and wonders whether Azlagûr has truly risen.

Nasuada enters and sends everyone but Thorn away. She reveals that Thorn secretly brought Murtagh to Ilirea, that her spellcasters saved Murtagh with help from Uvek’s charm, and that only a few sworn servants know he is there. At Nasuada’s request, Murtagh recounts everything since Galbatorix’s death: Umaroth’s warning, his investigations in Ceunon and Gil’ead, the traitors in Du Vrangr Gata, the journey north, Nal Gorgoth, Bachel’s capture and torture of him and Thorn, and the atrocities Murtagh committed while under Bachel’s control. Nasuada comforts him and tells him she understands that those acts were not his choice.

After Murtagh finishes the tale, he and Nasuada discuss the vast mind beneath Nal Gorgoth and whether it was Azlagûr. Murtagh fears the creature survived and may be more dangerous than Galbatorix. They consider warning Eragon through Nasuada’s enchanted scrying mirror, investigating places connected to black smoke such as El-harím and Anghelm, and rooting out the Draumar while rescuing kidnapped children. Nasuada recalls an old rhyme about El-harím, which suggests the Draumar’s influence has been hidden in old knowledge for years.

Nasuada has Alín return Murtagh’s possessions: Ithring, Niernen, Glaedr’s scale, and the brass goblet. Nasuada then offers Alín citizenship and a place among her royal maids, both to protect her and to keep a valuable source on the Draumar close. Murtagh recognizes the wisdom and kindness of the decision. He and Nasuada also speak frankly about his title Kingkiller, his killing of Hrothgar, and the renaming of Zar’roc as Ithring, a name Nasuada approves.

Murtagh recalls seeing an unidentified member of Nasuada’s circle among the visitors at Nal Gorgoth, confirming that the Draumar may have infiltrated her court. Nasuada asks Murtagh to remain in Ilirea rather than immediately hunt Azlagûr, because she trusts him more than ministers, spellcasters, or captains who may be compromised. Murtagh resists the idea of being hidden or used, but Nasuada promises he and Thorn will not be caged and that he may choose secrecy or public vindication. Their personal bond comes to the surface, and Murtagh, accepting his name and the trust offered to him, decides to stay.