Murtagh follows Bertolf through a pitch-black secret tunnel into Lord Relgin’s fortress, staying tense because Bertolf could attack and because Murtagh does not want to reveal his magic. The passage opens into a storeroom, and Bertolf leads Murtagh through side corridors to a richly furnished study where Carabel waits in human form.

Carabel has eaten the finch Murtagh meant for Ilenna and has intercepted Murtagh’s written message. Carabel explains that the bribed page reported Murtagh to the chamberlain, who told Lord Relgin; Relgin then sent soldiers to seize “Tornac.” Carabel also reveals that Carabel knows Murtagh is Murtagh son of Morzan, recognizing the name Tornac and smelling dragon on him.

Murtagh presses Carabel to explain what Carabel wants. Carabel offers to provide information—or to speak with Ilenna for Murtagh—in exchange for a favor. When Murtagh produces the bird-skull amulet and the strange shining stone from Ceunon, Carabel is visibly shaken. After Murtagh recounts most of what happened with Sarros, Carabel admits Carabel knows of Bachel, the stone’s origin, and the Dreamers, but insists Murtagh must first complete Carabel’s task.

Carabel explains that werecat younglings have been taken in Gil’ead over the past six months. One returned with no memory, others vanished, and the latest victim, Silna, was seized three days earlier. Werecats tracked Silna to a hidden area beneath barracks commanded by Captain Wren, but a door there cannot be opened, suggesting magic. Carabel fears Captain Wren or someone above him may be involved, and Carabel distrusts both Lord Relgin’s people and Du Vrangr Gata.

Murtagh is moved by Silna’s likely imprisonment because it reminds Murtagh of Murtagh’s own confinement and helplessness under Galbatorix’s rule. Although Murtagh resents being manipulated, Murtagh agrees to help for Silna’s sake. Carabel warns that a direct assault could get Silna moved or killed, so Murtagh must infiltrate Captain Wren’s company.

Carabel reveals the indirect plan: Murtagh must impress Captain Wren by killing Muckmaw, a dangerous fish in Isenstar Lake whose death carries a reward and a possible guard position. To lure Muckmaw, Carabel says Murtagh must take a scale from Glaedr’s buried body outside Gil’ead. Murtagh is outraged by the desecration, but Carabel argues that using part of Glaedr to save an innocent gives the act purpose. With Silna possibly being moved by the next evening, Murtagh accepts the urgency and prepares to act.