AFTERWORD

Chapter 45

Chapter Fifty

Overview

The chapter opens with a morning death roll that names active riders and fliers killed at the front, including Isar Panya's brother. Later, Violet's second-year squad and Cat's flier drift are summoned to the valley for an unexpected lesson from Professor Trissa on rune tempering—a forbidden magical skill that allows wielders to bind power into objects for specific actions. Despite initial confusion and several explosive attempts, the group learns to separate and weave their first unlocking runes by sunset, with Cat mastering it before Violet.

Summary

The chapter begins during morning formation at Riorson House, where newly commissioned Major Devera reads the daily death roll of riders and fliers killed on the front lines. Violet privately grieves, especially when Isar Panya's brother is named, while feeling helpless at being stuck in the quadrant. Later in the valley, Violet's squad encounters Cat's drift and their respective dragons and gryphons. Tensions remain high—Cat continues harassing Violet (appearing at her door in translucent clothing that morning) while blaming her for Luella's death. Rhiannon arrives with news that her family has safely settled in Aretia near the market square. Professor Trissa then reveals the purpose of the gathering: teaching rune tempering, an ancient Tyrrish skill that allows wielders to weave strands of their power into geometric patterns placed on objects to create lasting magical effects. She explains that runes are the "great equalizer" because they don't require a signet and can theoretically let fliers compete with riders—which is why the skill was banned centuries ago. Trissa demonstrates by tempering a heating rune into a wooden board. Violet recognizes the shapes as a logosyllabic language similar to Old Lucerish. The professor assigns them to create a simple unlocking rune before sunset. The attempt proves difficult; Sawyer is thrown backward by an explosion when he tries to separate power from himself. After multiple attempts throughout the afternoon, Violet successfully weaves an unlocking rune, though Cat completes hers first without any scorch marks.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailMain character; struggles to separate and weave her first unlocking rune; recognizes rune shapes as logosyllabic language; is repeatedly targeted by Cat for harassment
  • Major DeveraReads the morning death roll of fallen riders and fliers
  • RhiannonViolet's close friend; arrives late to the valley lesson with news that her family has safely relocated to Aretia
  • Xaden RiorsonMentioned as having left that morning for the border; previously taught Violet about runes using fabric
  • CatLeader of the flier drift; harbors deep animosity toward Violet; masters the unlocking rune before others; appears at Violet's door in translucent clothing to provoke her
  • Professor TrissaMember of the Assembly; teaches the rune tempering lesson; demonstrates how to separate power and weave runes into objects
  • SawyerMember of Violet's squad; attempts to learn sign language from Violet; is thrown backward by an explosion when attempting to separate power
  • RidocMember of Violet's squad; makes jokes during the lesson; draws frozen water for Trissa's demonstration
  • AaricMember of Violet's squad; mentioned in passing during formation
  • QuinnMember of Violet's squad; noted as signing fluently
  • ImogenMember of Violet's squad; referenced as already able to temper runes
  • SloaneMember of Violet's squad; references Brennan as her brother
  • Isar PanyaFlier in Tail Section whose brother Nicholai was named in the death roll
  • MiraViolet's sister; mentioned as alive on the front lines fighting against venin
  • BrennanMentioned as inside Riorson House managing supplies and coordinating with the Assembly
  • TairnViolet's bonded black dragon; advises her not to blow anything up; provides shade and counsel
  • AndarnaViolet's second bonded dragon; grows increasingly aggressive and territorial; warns Violet about Cat plotting her death
  • MarenMember of Cat's drift; answers questions during Trissa's lesson; blocks Trager from confronting Rhiannon
  • TragerFlier with shoulder-length brown hair; had previously swung at Ridoc but was hit by Rhiannon; rolls his eyes at Trissa's lecture
  • AotromGryphon bonded to one of Cat's drift members; blasts fliers with steam and snot as warning
  • TaraMentioned as Rhiannon's romantic partner
  • LukasMentioned as Rhiannon's nephew; described as having perfect, chubby cheeks
  • JesiniaMentioned as having helped get the printing press operational