At dusk, Murtagh prepares to leave Thorn on a rocky hill while Murtagh enters Ceunon alone. Thorn jokes about accompanying Murtagh or disguising himself as Saphira, but Thorn's humor gives way to anxiety. Murtagh hides Zar'roc in Thorn's saddlebag, reassures Thorn, and promises to return before dawn.

Thorn warns that Thorn does not trust Sarros, the contact Murtagh has come to meet. Murtagh admits that Murtagh trusts no one except Thorn and Nasuada, whose memory stirs grief and longing. Murtagh and Thorn agree to investigate whatever Sarros has found, while remaining ready to flee if the danger proves too great.

Murtagh walks west toward Ceunon through early snowfall, reflecting on the unbreakable bond between Rider and dragon. The separation makes both Murtagh and Thorn uneasy, but Murtagh hides his fear to avoid increasing Thorn's distress. Memories of Galbatorix and Shruikan briefly chill Murtagh, and Murtagh reminds himself that they are dead and that Murtagh and Thorn are free.

At Ceunon's southern gate, Murtagh uses the false name Tornac son of Tereth and claims to be a Maddentide traveler from Ilirea sent to buy smoked bergenhed. The watchmen question Murtagh's lack of horse or baggage, but Murtagh explains that his horse broke a leg, and the guards allow Murtagh inside after warning Murtagh about lodging, troublemaking, and the midnight closing of the gates.

Inside the city, Murtagh notes Ceunon's buildings, customs, and defenses while reflecting that Murtagh's elite education has little practical use in Murtagh's current life. Murtagh avoids notice from a dwarf in the market square, remembering that dwarves hate Murtagh for killing King Hrothgar and that elves and many humans also despise Murtagh and Thorn for their actions during the war. With no safe harbor, Murtagh proceeds to the Fulsome Feast, the common house Sarros chose for their meeting, and enters warily.