Eldest

Nasuada is introduced to Elva, the baby whom Eragon accidentally cursed. Due to Elva’s magic, she now looks like a four-year-old child. Elva can feel everyone’s pain, and this form of magic forces her to help others: a curse that causes her intense distress. The Varden leader is unsettled by Elva, who speaks like an adult. However, Nasuada agrees to let Elva help the Varden because she knows that if the girl is allowed to work toward ending the war, this sense of purpose will assuage Elva’s burden.

Eragon is awakened in the middle of the night by a raging storm and rushes to close the hut’s windows. As he does so, he is struck by a seizure because of his back injury and collapses.

The next day, Eragon practices sword-fighting with Oromis, but he has another seizure that temporarily immobilizes him. Oromis sends him to listen to the forest instead, but Eragon is frazzled and feels helpless. When he asks why he should learn how to meditate, Oromis explains that Eragon’s intelligence and critical thinking skills are just as important as his skills with a blade. In addition, if Eragon develops greater awareness of his surroundings, he will be better able to detect magic users who may wish him harm.