Eldest, Chapters 57-60

Chapters read:

• Red Blade, White Blade
• Visions Near and Far
• Gifts
• The Maw of the Ocean

After Eragon's transformation, the book has felt different entirely. Like a new phase of Eragon's journey has begun. So many of the tasks and lessons that were difficult prior came much easier to Eragon.

Many random, indistinct warnings come before Eragon, in addition to his newfound enhanced abilities assisting him in being a bit more aware. Eragon slowly begins to realize that things are not all well throughout the empire, and that many people he cares about are facing many scary challenges. He also is aware that battle approaches.

When Eragon makes the decision to leave Du Weldenvarden, it's quite sad, but exciting too since I can tell things are seriously about to go down. While elves can be mindblowingly arrogant and odd at times, they are pretty nice at their core. Oromis's health is deteriorating and Glaedr is older and crippled himself. I get a sense that them teaching Eragon and Saphira is one of the last important things they will do, ever. It was super bittersweet when Oromis and Glaedr say goodbye. I almost teared up when Oromis gave Eragon his awesome gifts.

Oromis and Glaedr ask Eragon to return after they handle the upcoming battle, because they still have much to learn. But later, as Eragon, Saphira and Orik depart, it is so eerie and sad that an elf could be heard singing about they will fly away never to return... The contrast between Oromis asking him to come back and that song is pretty profound. As I write this I sense that Oromis knows Eragon likely will not return... UGH. Oromis and Glaedr probably loved Eragon and Saphira's company after so many years all alone in the forest as the last Rider and dragon. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Meanwhile, Roran's life continues to get difficult as he now has to fight the ocean while still fleeing the Empire. Bonkers.

These chapters were really good. Like, excellent. Dramatic and serious.

Only eleven chapters left. Let's. Go.