Fate's Gift Summary

As they return from Carvahall to the farm, Eragon decides to test the stone by hitting it with a mallet, a heavy hammer, and a chisel. All three produce various sounds. As the sound dies away, Eragon hears a squeak from within. He remembers that Merlock told him that it is hollow, but he hears nothing.

That night he jolts from sleep and is alarmed another squeak that breaks the quiet of the night. He lights a candle to see where the sound is coming from. He sees nothing that could possibly make such a noise. Then he looks down at the stone and hears another loud squeak. Deciding that he will deal with it in the morning, Eragon places the stone under his bed and climbs back in to sleep.

Waking with another start, Eragon feels the stone rocking beneath...