Chapter 60
Chapter Sixty-Five
Overview
The broken wardstone is revealed to be catastrophic for Navarre's defense, and Jack Barlow is discovered to be a venin who has infiltrated the college and killed his own dragon. A thousand wyvern approach within hours, but a pre-battle briefing assigns squads to defensive grids, and Brennan unexpectedly arrives to aid in the fight. Violet and Xaden prepare for battle as Rhiannon interrupts an intimate moment with urgent news of additional fighters.
Summary
In the wardstone chamber, after destroying the barrier stone, Xaden and Violet discover Jack Barlow has become venin and killed his dragon Baide. Jack reveals he turned before challenging Violet months ago and has been planting lures across the college to guide the dark wielders' forces. Xaden subdues Jack with shadows until Dain arrives and begins draining his power, forcing Xaden to knock Jack unconscious. Nolon, the mender, administers a serum to block Jack's signet. Dain reveals through Jack's memories that a thousand wyvern are headed toward Basgiath with only hours before arrival. General Sorrengail calls a Battle Brief where squads are assigned defensive grids around the college. The grid behind the main campus near the wardstone chamber is left undefended, which Violet protests. Despite her objection being noted, her mother rejects the proposal to assign a squad there. After a few hours of restless sleep, Violet and Xaden begin preparing for battle in her room when Rhiannon interrupts with news that Brennan has arrived with additional fliers willing to fight. Violet asks Brennan if he can mend the broken wardstone, and when he indicates he might be able to try, she and Rhiannon request permission to guard the wardstone chamber's airspace, which General Sorrengail grants.
Characters
- Violet SorrengailMain protagonist; discovers Jack's venin status, participates in subduing him, protests the tactical decision to abandon the wardstone, and prepares for the imminent battle
- Xaden RiorsonUses shadows to restrain Jack, interrogates him, and prepares for battle alongside Violet
- Jack BarlowVenin who killed his dragon Baide and planted lures across the college to guide dark wielders; subdued and sedated with a signet-blocking serum
- DainDrains Jack's power through physical contact despite suffering severe injuries; later reveals Jack's memories and coordinates battle strategy
- NolonMender who has been attempting to help Jack since May; administers serum to block Jack's signet
- Mira SorrengailViolet's sister; present during Jack's subdual and volunteers to serve as shield for Violet during battle
- RhiannonGuards the archway during Jack's encounter and later interrupts Violet and Xaden to rally fliers for the defense
- General SorrengailViolet's mother; oversees the Battle Brief and assigns squad positions, rejecting Violet's proposal to defend the wardstone
- DeveraAssists in the Battle Brief, providing tactical information about the approaching wyvern and strategies against venin
- TairnViolet's dragon; present above the wardstone chamber, acknowledges Baide's death
- AndarnaViolet's second dragon; refuses Violet's order to flee to Aretia, insisting on staying
- RidocSquad member present during Battle Brief; his hands are mended by Nolon
- SawyerSquad member participating in the Battle Brief and pre-battle planning
- ImogenSquad member warning others to take the battle seriously
- KaoriCreates tactical illusion map during the Battle Brief showing defensive grid assignments
- EmetterioNoted as having a powerful signet, mentioned by General Sorrengail during the briefing
- GarrickAssigned to First Squad, Flame Section
- HeatonAssigned to First Squad, Claw Section
- EmeryAssigned to a squad in First Wing
- CalvinLeader of infantry platoon, arrives during briefing looking anxious
- BrennanViolet and Mira's brother; arrives unexpectedly with gryphon fliers; offers to attempt mending the wardstone
- CatGryphon flier who commits to hunting lures and fighting with the drifts
- SloaneFirst-year flier present with Brennan's arriving group
- BaideJack's dragon, killed by Jack before the wardstone is destroyed
- GreimRelays message from Melgren's forces to Tairn about arrival timing