Chapter 2
Chapter Nine
Overview
Violet returns from a routine winter patrol above Basgiath with her dragon Tairn, dealing with dangerous weather and tension among the squadron. After landing, she learns of an upcoming meeting with the Senarium regarding peace talks, then visits the infirmary where her squad gathers around injured Sawyer. The chapter ends with a horrifying discovery: a venin has infiltrated the war college and killed multiple people inside the infirmary.
Summary
Violet flies patrol in brutal winter conditions with Tairn and her squadmate Ridoc, who rides Aotrom. The flight is treacherous; Andarna remains grounded in the Vale for safety. When Aotrom nearly collides with them, Tairn responds aggressively, and Violet questions his trust in Xaden. Tairn makes clear he will support her and Andarna but not Xaden, whom he believes is corrupted by dark wielder power. Upon landing, Violet learns the patrol area remains clear of dark wielders despite ongoing threats. She encounters Aura Beinhaven and Ewan Faber, who dismiss the Aretian and Navarrian riders as deserters. Violet meets with Imogen, who warns that their plan—whatever Mira is orchestrating—carries treason charges if discovered. Violet visits the infirmary where her squad surrounds Sawyer's bed. They discuss potential missions to find Andarna's breed and Sawyer's recent visit from Colonel Chandlyr, a retired rider commander. Suddenly, a cadet in infantry blue collapses in the infirmary entrance with a gray venin handprint on his neck, screaming that others are dead. A venin has breached the war college.
Characters
- Violet Sorrengailprotagonist; conducts winter patrol, meets with Imogen about a covert plan, visits injured Sawyer in the infirmary
- TairnViolet's bonded dragon; carries her on patrol, intervenes aggressively when Aotrom flies dangerously close, expresses distrust of Xaden
- Andarnayoung dragon bonded to someone in Violet's group; remains in the Vale during patrol, argues about wanting to fly and help search for her kind
- Ridocsecond-year rider bonded to Aotrom; flies patrol with Violet, visits infirmary with squad, discusses potential mission to find Andarna's breed
- AotromBrown Swordtail dragon ridden by Ridoc; nearly collides with Tairn during patrol, wants to return to Aretia
- RhiViolet's squadmate; flies patrol, meets in infirmary, involved in covert planning
- Quinnsecond-year rider; participates in patrol and infirmary gathering
- Aura Beinhavenwingleader; dismisses returning riders as deserters, receives patrol report
- Ewan Faberstocky, sour-faced wingleader of Fourth Wing remnants; sarcastically greets returning patrol
- Imogenrider; assigned to monitor Xaden, meets privately with Violet to warn about treason charges and covert plans
- Sawyerinjured squad member in infirmary; has lost his lower leg, receives visit from Colonel Chandlyr, questions participation in future missions
- Catsecond-year in squad; sits in infirmary reading textbook
- Marensecond-year in squad; sits in infirmary plaiting her hair
- Colonel Chandlyrcommander of retired riders; visits Sawyer in infirmary (mentioned, not present)
- Tragerhealing-trained flier; works in infirmary assisting wounded
- Caroline Ashtonsecond-year from First Wing; encountered in hallway, cleared by truth-sayers
- Unnamed infantry cadetdelivers warning of venin infiltration; bears gray handprint of venin on neck
- Xadenreferenced throughout; Violet's romantic partner whose connection to her is dimmed, distrusted by Tairn, currently monitored by Imogen