Leadership is thrust upon Garion for the first time when Belgarath and Polgara are incapacitated, the former by his battle with Ctuchik and the latter by maintaining a shield to protect the innocent boy Errand, as they escape. Garion destroys the focal point of the power of the Hierarchs of Rak Cthol in retaliation for an attack upon Durnik. On his sixteen birthday, which falls during the Erastide (the winter solstice festival), Garion is revealed to be the next heir of Riva Iron-grip's line, and thus the King of Riva, the Isle of the Winds.