Murtagh had no choice but to draw the symbols and say the words that would bring the most feared creature forth. Galbatorix had his true name, and every word the mad king spoke was an order for him.
The light in the circle began to grow, sending the throne room into a blinding maze. Then a woman appeared in the circle.
She looked up and fixed Murtagh with a silver-eyed stare. He felt fear, no terror, run down his spine. The king laughed.
"A woman, the most feared creature. Ha!"
The woman smiled like a wolf.
"Dispose of the imposter," the king said.
The guards stepped forward swords up. Then they fell down screaming, clutching their heads. Some killed the man nearest to them, others killed themselves.
The king was shocked, but soon smiled as well.
"You are worthy of fighting in my armies, swear allegiance to me and it shall be so,"
"I will not fight for you," she said. "Nor swear allegiance."
"Then you will die," the king drew on his power to end this wretch, reaching into her mind. Then pain, so much pain.
The woman stood straighter, and the ruler of fear spoke.
"You summoned the ruler of fear, I am Amren and I am the nightmares you see at night,"
Amren broke into the kings mind, and showed him every memory he longed to forget. Then she shattered his resistance to feelings and drew out.
She smiled again and broke the circle keeping her here.