Eragon Chapter Thirty Nine

So why hasn’t the market for diamonds dropped out in Eragon’s universe? I mean, if Saphira can transform rock into diamond, sandstone no less which should lack the proper amount of carbon, then why can’t she do it for fun and profit? Hell, why didn’t Galbatorix do it when he first became king? Sure he’s stupid enough to try it, not realizing that the rarity is what makes diamonds valuable. Why can dragons even do that?

‘In other new, Galbatorix remains baffled at the economy’s current state. The self-styled king released a flood of sixty five million diamonds into the market last years causing the fine gems securities to collapse. In response to questioning, Galbatorix said quote “but they’re diamonds, that means they’re valuable and forever!” end quote. Now we head over to Tarek for sports.’

This chapter is called ‘capture at Gil’ead’. Oh look, Eragon will get taken unawares and captured. Haven’t we been through this before? And it’s not like it was a long time ago, near the front of the book. No, it was all of a few chapters back. Good job driving this story Chris.

Eragon and Murtagh talk about horses and how beautiful they are. Well, maybe when you ladies stop for the night you can brush each other’s hair and talk about which boys in your class are cute and not. They you can eat popcorn and gossip about the girls that didn’t get invited to your slumber party.

I don’t usually advocate crossovers, in fact I hate them, but I’m willing to make an exception here. I want to warp Bilbo into the story so he can stab Eragon for being such a loser.

‘Why, what a strange person you are. You wear no shoes and you’re incredibly short.’ ‘You’ve a very perceptive boy. Perhaps you’d like to try and solve my riddle. If you figure the answer there is a wonderful prize.’ ‘Oh, I love riddles. Especially the ones I find in my gum wrappers.’ ‘Charming. What leaks air then blood?’ ‘What? That doesn’t even make…oh god! You’ve stabbed me in the chest! I’m drowning in my own vital fluids!’

They ride, they sell Eragon’s horse, they don’t talk. Wow, there’s not much more interesting than people not talking. I just lives for long scenes where two people sit across from one another and sit in passive aggressive silence. It’s just like being home on Thanksgiving. They keep riding. They spar.

As he gulped air, Murtagh exclaimed, “You’re amazing! I’ve studied swordplay all my life, but never have I fought one like you. You could be the king’s weapon master if you wanted to.”

Aw, it looks like Eragon’s got a little bromance going. They train every night together. Afterwards Eragon practices the ‘ancient language’ quietly while Murtagh listens, only speaking to ask what some words mean.

They stop out side of Gil’ead and Murtagh gives us the ol’ ‘I’ve got a bad feeling about this’ bit. Eragon says he has to go because some Dromnad fellow will have to see the mark on his palm to prove he’s a rider. Yes, good point. Otherwise he might mistake you for just another nutcase who travels with a random dragon.

Murtagh and Saphira convince Eragon that Murtagh should go it alone. He does and then doesn’t come back. Or he comes back later than expected safe and sound. He setup the meeting and he ran into someone he ‘knows’ who will tell people Murtagh was there. Ohs noes! Wait, why does it matter again? Oh, that’s right. Because Murtagh has a secret, dark past which he’s trying to redeem himself from. Am I close Chris? Don’t break the string of clichés now.

Suddenly Saphira smells horses that aren’t moving. Yes, they’re the dead ones that Chris is beating further. They wait until night and are jumped by Urgals. They try to fight them off but one smacks Eragon in the head with a club just as he tells Saphira to fly off.