 Eragon becomes a Dragon Rider through his bond with Saphira . Eragon is the only known Rider in Alagaësia other than King Galbatorix , who , with the help of the now @-@ dead <unk> , a group of thirteen dragon riders loyal to Galbatorix , killed every other Rider a hundred years ago . On the journey , Brom teaches Eragon sword fighting , magic , the ancient elvish language , and the ways of the Dragon Riders . Their travels bring them to the city of Teirm , where they meet with Brom 's friend Jeod . Eragon 's fortune is told by the witch Angela , and her companion , the werecat Solembum , gives Eragon some mysterious advice . With Jeod 's help , they are able to track the Ra 'zac to the southern city of Dras @-@ Leona . Although they manage to infiltrate the city , Eragon encounters the Ra 'zac in a cathedral and he and Brom are forced to flee . Later that night , their camp is ambushed by the Ra 'zac . A stranger named Murtagh rescues them , but Brom is gravely injured . Saphira watches over Brom as the night progresses , yet when morning comes they realize there is nothing they can do to save him . Brom gives Eragon his blessing , reveals that he was also once a dragon rider and that his dragon 's name was Saphira , and dies . Saphira then encases Brom in a tomb made of a diamond . 
