Chapter 77

The queen of Unnbriel demands dragon eggs as payment for military aid, which the riders refuse. After departing that isle, the group travels to Hedotis, the isle of knowledge and peace, landing on its rocky coast. There they are greeted by Faris, second of the triumvirate, and his wife Talia—who shockingly recognizes Xaden as her son.

In the plaza of Unnbriel, Queen Marlis makes an outrageous demand: twelve dragon eggs—two of each breed—in exchange for bringing her army to aid the Continent. Violet immediately refuses, explaining that dragons choose their own riders and that the group does not trade in dragons. The queen leaves unbothered, suggesting Violet return when more desperate. Violet notices her hair has grown in silver at the ends and questions the high priestess's cryptic remarks, though she dismisses it. After retrieving weapons and regrouping at the meadow, the party tends to wounds: Trager treats Violet's arm with six stitches and Xaden's deeper gash requiring fourteen stitches. Following a day's rest and a thirteen-hour flight, the group lands on the rocky coast of Vidirys, capital of Hedotis. Violet observes the uniform, rebuilt city and notes the absence of a proper port despite being a coastal trading hub. As the group discusses the test Violet must undergo to meet the triumvirate, Trager examines their injuries—Violet notices a mouth-shaped bruise on his neck and suspects something between him and Cat. Mira argues flight tactics with Drake while Xaden warns Drake to stop annoying him. Six people approach from the city, led by Faris, the second of the triumvirate, who has striking purple-blue eyes. He invites them to rest at his household. His wife Talia arrives and immediately recognizes Xaden with shock and intensity, calling him by name and revealing herself as his mother.