AFTERWORD

Chapter 14

Chapter Thirty-Three

Overview

Violet and her friends visit the Archives to research the irids, where they learn that Jesinia has been expelled from the scribe adept program as punishment for choosing Aretia. The chapter then shifts to Battle Brief, where Professor Devera unveils new instructional materials on venin and reveals the shocking confirmation that high-level venin can wield signets. Xaden unexpectedly arrives as the new professor for signet-combat training, but Violet realizes this appointment violates the Basgiath Code of Conduct governing relationships between officers and subordinates.

Summary

Violet, Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer journey to the Archives to meet with Jesinia, a scribe helping with research on the irids. Upon arrival, they learn that Markham has expelled Jesinia from the adept program despite her exceptional abilities, punishing her for her loyalty to Aretia. Jesinia has instead been assigned to assist with royal tome research under Grady's official supervision. She presents six leather-bound books on Deverelli and mentions discovering a gap in General Cadao's journal—pages are missing after a note about an outside isle supporting the second Krovlan uprising in the 400s. Violet realizes her late father likely possessed crucial information about this historical event, but his research is now difficult to access without help from those in power. Three days later, in Battle Brief, Professor Devera distributes newly printed anthologies on vanquishing venin to all cadets and announces three new classes: a history course taught by Professor Kiandra, rotating rune intensives in Aretia, and a hands-on signet-combat instruction. Devera then confirms intelligence from three sources that high-level venin—specifically Sage and Maven—can wield signets, shocking most cadets unfamiliar with this threat. She announces that challenge rules will change to prohibit death and that the Eastern Wing has sent their most powerful rider to teach signet-against-signet combat. Xaden enters the classroom and is introduced as Professor Riorson, the new member of the leadership team. Violet immediately realizes that their romantic relationship violates Article Eight, Section One of the Basgiath Code of Conduct, which prohibits relationships between officers and those under their command.

Characters

  • Violet Sorrengailprotagonist attending Battle Brief and visiting the Archives; realizes her relationship with Xaden is now prohibited by military code when he becomes a professor
  • RhiannonViolet's friend who accompanies her to the Archives and attends Battle Brief; uses sign language to help communicate with Jesinia and Sawyer
  • Ridocfriend who joins the Archives visit and Battle Brief; teases about various relationships; volunteers to help with research
  • Sawyerinjured friend recovering with crutches who visits Jesinia at the Archives and attends Battle Brief; learning to sign
  • Jesiniascribe who has been expelled from the adept program and now assists with research on royal tomes; provides six books on Deverelli to Violet and shares information about a gap in General Cadao's journal
  • Imogenfriend who declines to join the Archives visit, excusing herself from Battle Brief
  • Gradyofficial supervisor of Jesinia's research assignment; mentioned as having requested tomes about Emerald Sea exploration
  • Professor Deverateaches Battle Brief; distributes new venin instructional materials, announces new classes, and reveals confirmation that venin can wield signets
  • Catclassmate in Battle Brief; notes that her cousin Drake wrote the venin compendium; comments on Sawyer's prospects as a one-legged rider
  • Kiandraprofessor assigned to teach the new venin history class on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Professor Emetteriowill supervise new challenge format including wielding
  • Professor Kaoristands with Xaden at the entrance to Battle Brief when he is introduced
  • Xaden Riorsonnewly arrived professor teaching signet-combat instruction; creates immediate conflict with Violet by violating the Basgiath Code of Conduct governing officer-subordinate relationships
  • Dainclassmate seated in the top row of Battle Brief whom Violet notices has been absent frequently and whom she has not yet asked about accessing her father's research
  • Caroline Ashtonclassmate who comments on the unfairness of facing Violet in challenges
  • TairnViolet's dragon, mentioned as being at his wit's end during Xaden's ten-day absence at the border
  • Andarnamentioned as willing to roast scribes if they mistreat Jesinia
  • General Cadaohistorical figure whose journal contains a section with missing pages related to an outside isle supporting the second Krovlan uprising