AFTERWORD

Chapter 22

Chapter Forty-Nine

Overview

The group arrives at Tecarus's palace in Cordyn after an exhausting twenty-four-hour flight. Xaden and Violet secure lodging together by having Xaden deliberately provoke Prince Halden into exposing his rank and authority, while Tecarus arranges to transport the prince by ship to Deverelli. As they prepare to fly across the ocean toward the northern coast, Violet discovers that crossing the sea severs their magical connection to Xaden and the other dragons.

Summary

After landing at Tecarus's palace following a grueling journey, the group rests briefly. Tecarus hosts them and, noting Halden's arrival in an undignified basket, suggests they double up in rooms. Xaden deliberately antagonizes Halden by questioning his authority, prompting the prince to reveal his rank as the highest-ranking officer present. This allows Xaden to justify carrying an exhausted Violet to his room. Tecarus then proposes transporting Halden by ship to Deverelli to ensure the prince arrives with proper dignity for his royal audience, while the dragons and remaining group fly south separately. Tecarus warns them that King Courtlyn collects rare items and may abscond with people, instructing them to stay together and avoid advertising their value. Nearly twenty-four hours later, as they approach the coast and Violet's magical abilities begin to fade, Tairn suddenly loses his ability to communicate with Sgaeyl and the other dragons. Violet realizes they have been cut off from Xaden, who remains behind, as they cross over the ocean.

Characters

  • Violet SorrengailThe protagonist; exhausted from the journey; discovers her magical bond is severing as they approach the ocean
  • Xaden RiorsonViolet's partner; provokes Halden to justify staying in the same room as Violet; remains behind as the group crosses the ocean
  • TairnViolet's dragon; struggles with fatigue during the journey; loses ability to communicate with other dragons as they cross the ocean
  • AndarnaYoung dragon; hungry and tired during the flight; nearly drowns after losing magical strength over the ocean but is rescued by Tairn
  • HaldenPrince of Navarre; arrives in a basket with a guard; is to be transported by ship to meet with King Courtlyn
  • TecarusViscount of Cordyn; hosts the group; arranges for Halden's ship transport and warns them about King Courtlyn's collecting habits
  • SgaeylXaden's dragon; flies away upon arrival; becomes unreachable once they approach the ocean
  • MiraMember of the group; draws her blade upon arrival; travels with the group toward the ocean
  • DrakeMember of the group; shares friendly greeting with Tecarus's guard; travels with the group
  • Captain WinshireRedheaded guard accompanying Halden; exits her basket and follows the prince up the stairs
  • DainMember of the group; travels with the party
  • RidocMember of the group; travels with the party
  • KiralairDragon that carries Andarna and later deposits her; launches into flight with Drake's gryphon
  • SovadunnDrake's gryphon; launches into flight alongside Kiralair
  • Aotrom, Teine, and CathDragons of the riot that remain at the palace