Chapter 11: Chained
A resounding crash followed by a deafening roar echoed through the streets of Belatona as Saphira launched herself from the castle tower. Wind rushed beneath her wings and pushed against Eragon's face as the pair climbed higher and higher into the sky. A nervous excitement coursed through Eragon's veins causing his hands to shake slightly. Saphira sensed this and quickly calmed him with her thoughts.
All will be well little one. Stay as one and we cannot loose.
Eragon's mind calmed and he felt his heart slow to a steady beat. I would wager that Galbatorix has given Murtagh more Eldunari. We should avoid a magical duel at all cost. If at all possible we need to remain in the air where you can easily best Thorn. If we must go aground then I believe I can defeat Murtagh in a duel, but I cannot allow him to use magic.
Saphira finally leveled off high above the thick cloud cover. They had lost sight of the red rider, but Eragon could still feel his presence approaching at great speed. A swirl of cloud caught his keen eyes. He stared intently at the spot for several seconds. Finally, a burst of ruby erupted from the clouds and shot straight towards them.
There he was. Eragon's half-brother, slave to the king. Eragon felt a tinge of sadness pulling at him, but he quickly pushed the emotion away.
Now is not the time for pity, said Eragon, more to himself than to Saphira.
The red dragon leveled off one hundred yards in front of Saphira's snout. There the two hovered, intently sizing each other up. Thorn and Saphira had both grown since their last encounter, but it was obvious that Thorn had been magically enhanced again. His muscles bulged unnaturally and his chest was broad and thick. Saphira wondered how the brute managed to stay aloft with all that extra weight. Eragon moved his gaze the tip of Thorn's spiked tail. There remained the evidence of his duel with Glaedr. A chunk was missing, leaving Thorn with a stubbed tail.
It seems Galbatorix cannot heal every injury, said Saphira.
Aye, answered Eragon, I wonder how it will affect his flying.
We shall see for ourselves.
The pair ceased their conversation and waited for Murtagh to speak. After what seemed like an eternity, Murtagh's voice echoed through the air.
"I have given much thought to our conversation we had on the Burning Plains" said Murtagh.
Eragon's eyes lit up and his hopes rose, "And what have you decided?"
Murtagh paused as he absentmindedly stroked Thorn's thick neck, "Is it true that you freed Lady Lorana from her oaths to the king?"
"It is" answered Eragon. Again his heart was pounding in his chest, hoping against all hopes that Murtagh had changed is true name somehow.
Murtagh seemed to read Eragon's thoughts, "I have not changed my true name, Eragon."
The statement shattered all of Eragon's hopes. "Will you not continue to try? You are responsible for the deaths of many people I cared deeply about and it is all because you value your life more than any other. You will bring nothing but death and fear so long as you remain beholden to the king."
Even from afar, Eragon could see rage coloring Murtagh's features. "You cannot judge me! How can you know what I have endured! None hate the king more than I, but none are so closely bound to him." Murtagh's voice became less forceful as he sunk a little in his saddle, "I have tried and tried to change, but even if I do, you cannot guarantee my freedom."
Eragon knew Murtagh was right. The bindings holding Murtagh to the king would be significantly stronger than the ones he had severed in Lady Lorana's mind. He chose his next words carefully. "Murtagh, you are one of only two blood relatives I have left in this world, and I want nothing more than to fight with you at my side once more." He paused and switched to the ancient language, "but I cannot allow you to stand in my way any longer. If you draw your blade against me today, I swear it will be the final battle between us."
His threat hung thickly in the air. Murtagh bent down close to Thorn as the two conversed softly. When the red rider looked up again, Eragon knew he had failed. With a gleam of sadness in his eyes, Murtagh drew Zar'roc and brandished the elegant blade above his head. Eragon in turn drew Brisingr and cried out fiercely into the sky. His cry was quickly drowned out by the joined roars of the two dragons. Eragon clung tightly to Saphira and concentrated on his mental defenses.
Thorn shot off like a speeding arrow towards them. Saphira released a torrent of blue flame and quickly rolled to the side to avoid crashing into Thorn. The flash of flame must have temporarily blinded Thorn because he flew straight on through the flame and missed Saphira completely. The blue dragoness roared and quickly turned to pursue the flying ruby.
I believe Thorn's wound has hampered his ability to turn quickly. We have a tremendous advantage in mobility, but he is assuredly much stronger than me.
I believe you are right. Try to get above and behind him, from that position he cannot defend himself. If you must, wound or kill him, but spare Murtagh if at all possible.
Saphira growled, they will pay for their crimes!
With tremendous effort, Saphira began to gain on Thorn. His mobility may have beenlessened, but his speed was incredible. He kept rising higher as Saphira gained on him, trying not to let her rise above him. Their pursuit lasted for several minutes before Saphira had finally caught up to them. Thorn tried to twist and turn to get some space between them, but Saphira was a master in the sky. She would not be outdone by a crippled flier. Finally, she gained the position above and behind Thorn. Roaring in triumph, she dove at Thorn's back.
Just before she crashed into him, Thorn dipped one wing and with impressive speed spun completely upside down. Saphira crashed into him, but Thorn now had his legs to fend her off with. The sound of hard talons scrapping metal armor filled the air. Eragon winced as Murtagh's powerful mind slammed into his own. Together, the dragons and riders spun rapidly through the air fighting with every ounce of strength they possessed.
Eragon concentrated solely on the sword in his hand. After several seconds the dragons pushed off each other and circled around for another pass. Eragon breathed a sigh of relief as Murtagh's attack abated, but prepared to fend him off again.
He is stronger, he thought inwardly.
So is Thorn, replied Saphira.
They had no time for conversation. Saphira barrel rolled and shot straight for Thorn. The larger dragon tried to move aside, but could not. The impact jarred Eragon and he would have flown out of his saddle if not for the straps holding him in place. Saphira tried to clench her jaws around one of Thorn's massive shoulders, but could not get a good grip. She wisely pushed off and swatted him with her tree-like tail as she left. Her strike sent Thorn wheeling sideways. Saphira roared as she realized her advantage. She swung around immediately and shot straight for Thorn's exposed side. A piercing dragon scream sliced through the air as Saphira bit down on Thorn's wing. She shook her head violently and began ripping into the ruby plated hide beneath his wing. Hot blood spewed all over the sky and the dragons began to plummet through the clouds. Somehow, Thorn managed to push Saphira away and reeled off to the side where Eragon and Saphira lost sight of them due to the thick cloud cover.
He cannot fly with a wound like that. They will try to land, said Saphira.
Eragon agreed and the duo speed towards the ground below. The cloud cover vanished and the ruined city came back into view. They were directly above Belatona. Eragon began to search the sky for the red nemesis when he heard a roar above. His blood turned to ice as he realized Thorn was bearing down on them. They had once again underestimated Murtagh's magical abilities. He turned his head to find the enemy. Thorn was directly above them and approaching at great speed, his wing completely mended.
Damn! Fly Saphira! Fly swiftly then roll aside. He cannot maneuver with you at this speed.
Saphira was already putting Eragon's idea into action. She turned hard to the left. Eragon held tightly as the momentum tried to throw him off, but he managed to stay in place. Thorn roared in frustration as Saphira once again out maneuvered him. He circled away to make another head on pass with Saphira.
Arya's connection with him began to strengthen as they neared the ground. He turned aside and managed to pick out the thirteen elves standing on a hilltop just outside the Varden's camp. Arya's voice spoke quickly in his mind, stay low Eragon, it will be difficult for us to truly help you if you remain too high.
Eragon heard her but did not answer. Just as she finished her words a blinding mental attack again assailed Eragon. He held fast and did not allow Murtagh to enter his mind. The two dragons soared at each other, both breathing out great torrents of flame. Saphira and Eragon flew through Thorn's blaze unscathed, but they could not see what was coming. The pair barely managed to avoid Thorn's hulking form as they rocketed past each other. Saphira again managed to end up on the red dragon's tail, but catching him would prove difficult.
After several more minutes of aerial acrobatics, Eragon could feel Saphira begin to tire. She was by far the better flier, but it seemed Thorn could fly just well enough to avoid being completely overwhelmed. After another crash and run with Thorn, Eragon decided to try something different.
Saphira, let Thorn get behind you.
What? Saphira began to protest, but immediately perceived the plan in Eragon's mind. She growled in anticipation and began to maneuver so Thorn could chase her. Thorn took the bait eagerly and took off after her.
Eragon looked over his shoulder trying to gauge the distance. Not yet, he said. Thorn began to grow closer, not yet. Thorn was roaring with excitement. Finally, Eragon yelled out, now Saphira!
The sapphire dragoness immediately shot straight upwards and looped back until she was diving straight down at Thorn's back. Eragon shouted in triumph as he saw the surprise on Murtagh's face as the red rider look upwards in total shock. Thorn, who could not maneuver to follow Saphira, loudly bellowed out his mistake to the world. Saphira echoed his roar and loosed blue flame upon the dragon's exposed back. Eragon held his breath as Saphira neared her destination. With a deafening roar, she collided into Thorn's back, just behind Murtagh's saddle. The sickening crunch of metal and bone beneath razor sharp teeth filled Eragon's ears. He released his mental attack and attempted to subdue Murtagh's mind. But as always, Murtagh's walls were thick and steady, even in the midst of chaos and strife.
Eragon doubled his attempt to control Murtagh's mind, but was only pushed backwards. The four of them were rapidly approaching the ground. Saphira was still tearing away at Thorn's armor and back, but could not seem to completely subdue the dragon. The ground was getting closer. Thorn twisted and fought for position against Saphira. Eragon assumed the defensive against Murtagh who was trying to reach back and slash Saphira with Zar'roc. Still, the ground was nearing. Eragon looked down too late.
Saphira! Break off! But Thorn had finally managed to twist around and grab hold of Saphira. They were all going to crash into the ground. Saphira frantically kicked and clawed at Thorn who held tightly to her. Finally, Saphira dug a talon deep into Thorn's muscled chest. The ruby dragon growled and let go, but it was too late. Saphira spread her wings and tried to pull up, but Eragon knew it was not enough. He quickly submersed himself in the flow of magic and uttered the ancient command, "Thrysta!"
He could feel Arya's connection with him intensify as the elves funneled massive amounts of energy through him to stop Saphira from plummeting into the ground. Saphira's momentum was abruptly halted as the spell took effect. Eragon did not stop her completely, only enough to ensure that her landing would not bring any injury. The pair landed safely on the ground. Eragon quickly dismounted and healed some serious wounds Saphira had collected during her aerial battle.
Through his connection with Arya he could sense that stopping Saphira's fall had taken a heavy toll on their strength. If they had been right next to the elves it would not have been so difficult, but they were almost a mile away from the elves and the distance had made the effort many times more difficult. Eragon removed some energy from his belt to steady Saphira's body after he completed healing her.
A deep, menacing growl followed by a metallic ring caused Eragon to turn. There stood Murtagh, Zar'roc in hand, and Thorn close behind. Eragon drew Brisingr again as he turned to face his half-brother.
Murtagh eyed Eragon's new sword intently, "It is a magnificent blade" he said.
Eragon ignored him, "You will pay my brother. It is not my wish, but this must end."
An inscrutable emotion flickered behind Murtagh's eyes. Was that fear, apprehension, sadness? Eragon could not identify it.
Murtagh began to speak, "You are right, Eragon, this must end."
Eragon could not tell what Murtagh's intentions were, but one thing was obvious, this was going to end with a crossing of blades. He prepared himself and slowly approached his opponent who mirrored his actions. Suddenly, Eragon leapt out and attacked Murtagh, and so the duel began. The young rider's mind flashed back to his many practice duels with Murtagh so long ago, but his thoughts were cut short by a familiar mental assault. They stabbed, parried, rolled, flipped, and thrust for what seemed like hours. Murtagh was amazingly skilled. He and Eragon were an even match in that area, but Eragon was slightly more athletic, which he used to his full advantage. He circled and dodged around his enemy, but Murtagh was always equal to the task.
Just when Eragon started to gain the upper hand, he felt his mental defenses begin to waver. Murtagh's assault was debilitating and it was eventually going to overwhelm his mind, leaving him defenseless. He fought frantically, trying to end the duel before Murtagh could control him. Without the slightest warning, Murtagh yelled, "Thrysta!" Eragon was caught off guard. His mind flashed back to the Burning Plains. Not this time!
He released the same counter spell he had used previously, but this time he had much more power under his command. He felt his legs begin to loosen. He could see the strain on Murtagh's face as the combined energy of the elves fought against Murtagh's spell. But it was not going to be enough. Eragon could feel his connection with Arya weakening as the elves began to faint from exhaustion one by one. After several minutes, he lost all contact with Arya. He frantically began to pour his own power into the spell, but that too would run out shortly.
His mind searched frantically for Glaedr. Surely now was the time for him to reveal himself. He was answered almost instantly as a powerful force as ancient as the endless ages flowed into him. It was like a dam had been released and the cleansing floods were washing away all the darkness around him. Murtagh was stepped back stunned as he released the spell around Eragon.
"I know that presence" he said softly.
Eragon stood firmly in his place. Behind him, he could feel the steady pulse coming from Glaedr's heart of hearts. "It is not easy to forget killing a dragon and rider is it" asked Eragon?
Murtagh's face contorted with obvious pain and heart ache. "It was not I who slew your master Eragon! I had no way to stop it!"
Eragon adjusted his grip on Brisingr while he spoke softly to Saphira. As one!
Saphira needed no explanation. Eragon leapt towards Murtagh while Saphira launched herself above the dueling riders and collided into Thorn. The yells of men and dragons filled the air. Eragon attacked Murtagh furiously with mind and body while Saphira tore into Thorn's flesh. Again and again Eragon assaulted Murtagh, but every time he was driven back.
Suddenly, Eragon and Saphira cried out in agony. Thorn had clamped his muscled jaws around Saphira's shoulder and was tearing into her. Eragon began to panic inwardly. The pain that flowed into him from Saphira was severe and he began to loose his duel with Murtagh. Sensing his advantage, Murtagh launched forward with a new intensity and began to drive Eragon backwards. The blue rider fought with everything he had, but as long as Thorn maintained a firm grip on Saphira he could gain no headway. Murtagh slowed his blows to a rhythmic, powerful swing, attempting to beat Brisingr out of Eragon's hand. Loud, metallic rings filled Eragon's ears. Finally, Eragon felt the handle slip out of his hand. Almost immediately afterwards, he was struck by a powerful blow to the face from Murtagh's fist. He fell to his knees, defeated.
So this is how the world ends, Eragon thought to himself. Another jolt of pain shot through his shoulder as Thorn wrenched Saphira to the side. The shrieking of Saphira was the only thing he could hear. It penetrated every fiber of Eragon's being and seemed to suck the very life out of his body. Murtagh slowly approached Eragon, Zar'roc held steady by his side.
"I will not go to the king" said Eragon.
Murtagh's eyes were filled with emotion, but Eragon could not sense what it was. Slowly, Murtagh began to speak in the ancient language, "No my brother, you will not go to the king."
The statement hit Eragon like a hammer blow, but he still had no idea what was going to happen to him. Pain and fear distorted Murtagh's face. Eragon could now see what the king had turned him into, but amidst all that, he could still see a glimmer of his old friend. Slowly, Murtagh raised Zar'roc above his head.
Eragon's eyes widened, he is going to kill me. He steeled his face and steadied himself, if I must die, I would rather do it now instead of serving the king. Perhaps that is what Murtagh is doing, sparing me from an eternity of sorrow, but what about Saphira? The thought sent chills up Eragon's spine. He had failed her. He looked up to gaze into Murtagh's eyes. Murtagh met his glance then looked up to the sky.
His chest expanded and his mouth began to utter words in the ancient language. With the intensity of thunder, Murtagh bellowed out towards the heavens, "Release my chains!" Zar'roc came down. Eragon closed his eyes, but felt nothing. After a few seconds he opened his eyes. There in front of him stood Murtagh. Zar'roc was planted blade first in the ground in front of him.
Tears spilled from his eyes and sweat beaded his brow. For a short moment Murtagh met Eragon's gaze. Something in those blue orbs had changed, Eragon could see it. But the moment did not last for long. Suddenly, Murtagh screamed in pain and fell to the ground. Eragon stood back and watched as his half-brother writhed on the ground screaming in agony. He did not even notice that Thorn was doing the same several feet away. After several moments of pure agony, Murtagh was lifted by an invisible force several feet into the air. There was a resound boom as a shockwave burst through the air, sending Eragon flying several feet back. Murtagh fell to the ground and lay there motionless. Eragon was astounded.
What has just happened? His thoughts raced. Finally, the truth hit him like an anvil. Murtagh had defeated Eragon, but instead of taking him to the king as promised, he had spared him and left himself at the mercy of the Varden. Murtagh's words at the Burning Plains echoed in Eragon's mind, "Nothing is more important to me than mine and Thorn's life." In that statement laid at least one part of Murtagh's true name. His self centeredness and powerful will to live had become the very essence of his being. By giving himself up he had reversed the words spoken on the Burning Plains and thus, changed his true name.
Eragon shook himself from his mental debate. He needed to finish freeing Murtagh before he woke up. His half-brother had changed his true name, but there would still be several oaths and bonds that he must uphold when he woke. Eragon could not let him return to Galbatorix when he had just managed to free himself. But first he needed to see to Saphira. He ran and found her lying on her side next to the unconscious form of Thorn. Blood poured from her wounded right shoulder. It was a mess, but Eragon could not see how much damage had actually been done because the mangled armor obscured his view. Slowly, he approached her head and softly spoke in her mind.
Saphira, can you hear me?
The massive sapphire dragon stirred slightly and her eyelids slowly opened up. Little one, I thought all had ended. What has happened?
Much. I will explain later, but know that a great victory has been won. I cannot heal you just yet, but I will see to you as soon as possible. The pain in Saphira's mind deeply disturbed Eragon, but he would need every ounce of energy he had to free Murtagh. It took every fiber of will he possessed to leave Saphira lying there on the ground. Once he reached the lifeless form of Murtagh, he extended his consciousness outward seeking for the melodious consciousness that belonged to Arya. It took some time, but he finally found the faint pulse that signified her presence. Slowly, he spoke in her thoughts.
Arya, are you well?
There was no reply for some time. Just when Eragon thought Arya had fallen unconscious, her voice replied weakly, Eragon? What has happened?
Too much to explain, but I need help. I am going to attempt to free Murtagh from the king's grip.
A faint echo of joy, followed by a deep concern emanated from Arya's thoughts. He has changed his true name?
Aye.
I will bring everyone that can help. Some of the elves are still awake, but we are weak. Glaedr will be your greatest asset.
Eragon fingered the sapphire ring on his finger. I have other tools to aid me as well.
Arya started to ask, but never did. I will bring Nasuada as well. With that the connection ended.
Eragon moved back to Saphira and pulled Glaedr's heart of hearts out of the saddle bag. He heard the faint pounding of hooves approaching. Several Surdan horsemen were approaching the scene. Eragon quickly hid Glaedr and turned to face them.
"You may come no closer my brothers" he cried. The men stopped, slightly taken back by his command. Eragon took note of their hesitance, but still continued on, "I appreciate your willingness to aid me, but this battle is over. What must be done now is the business of riders and magicians. Please remain far enough away to give me privacy."
The men glanced at each other, then to the motionless forms of Thorn and Saphira. Murtagh was hidden from their view by the two hulking forms. Eragon could see the concern on their faces, but they obeyed and back away. Eragon turned and knelt beside the red rider. He gently released his mind out towards Murtagh. The light and power of Murtagh's mind had dulled tremendously. Eragon knew part of it was simply due to unconsciousness, but there was no mistake that the power of the Eldunari had left him. There was no question in Eragon's mind that Murtagh had changed his name, but this also showed that Galbatorix was definitely aware of what had happened.
I must act quickly, thought Eragon.
He immediately contacted the golden stone that lay beside Murtagh. Glaedr answered quickly in his mind. I am aware of what has happened so there is no need for you to explain. We must act now.
Eragon agreed, but they did have a slight problem. Saphira is not conscious ebrithil, I do not know if I can do this without her. When I freed Lady Lorana, it was Saphira who steadied my mind and kept me from straying in thought.
The mist of golden light within Glaedr's heart of hearts stirred slowly as if the dragon was rolling the problem around in his mind. Finally, the deep, ancient voice answered in Eragon's mind. If you allow me, I will join my mind with yours. It will not be as complete as your connection with Saphira, but I am much older and steadier in my thoughts. I will be able to assist you in this, but I must warn you, it will be a very intimate contact.
Eragon did not even have to think about his answer, I accept your aid with all my heart ebrithil. How much of your power remains after the battle?
Much, but these bonds will be strong. This could be very dangerous for both of us.
Eragon looked down at his hand and gazed into the swirling ring on his finger. I have Aren still. If you run out of strength I will rely on Brom's gift to sustain me.
Very well, but I hope it does not come to that. There is still a tyrant on the throne in Uru'baen. Glaedr paused and Eragon could sense the ancient tendrils of thought beginning to seep into his mind. This may be very painful for you. You have been warned.
With that, Glaedr plunged into Eragon's mind, melding their identities together. It was not as strong as his bond with Saphira, but he could sense all of Glaedr's emotions and thoughts. The pain of Oromis' absence was overwhelming, but the ancient dragon managed to seal off most of his inward feelings and began to steady Eragon's mind as Saphira had done in Feinster.
Slowly, Eragon began to feel more confident and powerful. It was as if he had one purpose in this world, and that purpose was to concentrate on the dark cords of magic that ran through Murtagh's mind. After Glaedr was satisfied with their connection, the pair extended their united minds out towards Murtagh's.
The red rider's defenses crumbled and Eragon began to search through Murtagh's mind. He first searched for any treachery or secret that could harm him or the Varden in any way, but he could find none. Murtagh's conversion was complete and honest, but the pain in his brother's mind was absolutely unfathomable. Even Glaedr's thoughts strayed aside for a split second. Eragon regained his composure and continued searching Murtagh's mind. The very being of Murtagh was so twisted and torn. Eragon could see now just how difficult his task had been.
Eragon finally managed to tear himself away from Murtagh's thoughts as he continued to search for the dark cords he needed to sever. After a long, arduous search, he found what he was looking for. A tangled web of dark strands laced throughout Murtagh's unconscious mind, but this web was many times the size and strength of the web Eragon had torn from Lady Lorana's mind. Eragon could not even fathom the amount of energy it would take to undo these bonds.
Glaedr-ebrithil, do you think we should proceed?
The ancient dragon did not answer immediately. After a long silence, he answered; we must free him, or kill him where he lies. There are no other options.
Eragon could not imagine killing his brother while he lay there unconscious on the ground. Not after he had willingly given himself up. He set his mind and reached for that familiar barrier that contained his ebbing flow of magic. Without uttering any words or phrases in the ancient language, Eragon released the flow while focusing solely on the dark cords that weaved throughout Murtagh's imprisoned mind. As soon as he did so, a sever pain shot through his head and almost caused him to loose his concentration. Galbatorix had somehow managed to create a defense in Murtagh's mind that would cause anyone who attempted to free him a great amount of pain. But Eragon would not be defeated. He pushed on, ignoring the blinding pain that throbbed in his head.
Eragon continued to release a cleansing flood of energy through Murtagh's mind, refusing to give up on his brother. He could sense several beings approaching his position, but he did not falter. He continued to concentrate on the binding strands. Glaedr's mind was pulsing vigorously as he channeled vast amounts of energy through Eragon. Slowly, Eragon began to feel the powerful strands weakening. It was working! But did he posses enough energy to complete the task?
He felt a slight surge of energy flow into him. Arya had arrived and was channeling small amounts of energy into him, from whom or what he could only guess, but for now his mind was stayed on one task. Many minutes had passed by. Glaedr's power had lasted for a long time, but eventually Eragon could feel the dragon struggling to continue the flow of energy and Arya's supply had lasted only a little while. The rider waited till Glaedr was almost drained before he switched over to Aren.
The bonds were almost gone. Brom's life force rushed through Eragon like a writhing flame and began to cleanse all traces of Galbatorix from Murtagh's mind. One minute passed, the bonds were disappearing like wisps of smoke in the wind. Two minutes, only small traces of magic were left to destroy. Three minutes, only one dark cord remained. Eragon focused intently on the one the last strand. It resisted, but Eragon pushed on. Aren fueled his determination and the final strand was finally severed.
Eragon carefully examined Murtagh's mind for several more minutes before finally withdrawing. It was over. Murtagh had changed his true name and Eragon had managed to sever all other ties to Galbatorix. Slowly, stood and examined his once-enemy's unconscious body. It took a long while, but Eragon finally realized that he was not alone.
Arya was there, studying him with concerned eyes. Nasuada was beside him along with Orrin, Orik, Roran, and Nar Garzhvog. Eragon felt his knees weaken and his head began to swim. The last thing he remembered was a pair of strong arms catching him as he fell to the ground. An image of Saphira, bloody and cleaved, was the last sight he beheld before he fell into the peaceful embrace of his unconscious mind.
