Chapter 46
Chapter 103
Overview
Xaden returns to Basgiath after ten days away in Tyrrendor, where he publicly defies his father Halden and the Duke of Calldyr by announcing that Tyrrendor will open its borders to Poromish civilians fleeing the western line's advance. During the confrontation, Lynx unexpectedly manifests as a shadow wielder. Afterward, Xaden tells Violet he must leave immediately for Lewellen to handle provincial unrest, rejecting her pleas to stay and fight for their future together.
Summary
Violet's squad returns from Signet Sparring exhausted from Carr's brutal training. She reflects on Xaden's ten-day absence in Tyrrendor and the worsening situation at the western line, which could reach Draithus in weeks. As the group enters the great hall, the Duke of Calldyr is ejected through the doorway during a heated argument with Lewellen about opening Tyrrendor's borders to civilians. Xaden arrives and coldly asserts his authority as ruler of Tyrrendor, declaring the borders will open to Poromish civilians attempting to climb the Medaro Pass. When Halden threatens to bring troops into Tyrrendor, Xaden counters by noting Aaric would become first in line for the throne, and Aaric publicly declares his allegiance to Xaden. After Halden storms out, Xaden informs Violet that the western line will reach them in a month at most and that Lynx has manifested as a shadow wielder—meaning Xaden is no longer their generation's shadow wielder. Xaden reveals he's resigning his professorship and must leave for Lewellen to address mining production and conscription unrest. When Violet begs him to stay and fight for their future, Xaden insists he no longer fully belongs to himself as a provincial ruler. Lewellen later tells Violet that Xaden needs her to keep him from fraying, though it may require personal sacrifice. Violet refuses to become a doormat but acknowledges the impossible balance. Xaden departs Basgiath by dragonback two hours later.
Characters
- Violet Sorrengailprotagonist who watches Xaden's public confrontation, learns of Lynx's manifestation, and desperately tries to convince Xaden to stay before he leaves for Lewellen
- Xaden Riorsonreturns from Tyrrendor, announces border opening to Poromish civilians, clashes with Halden and Calldyr, resigns his professorship, and departs to handle provincial unrest
- HaldenXaden's father and prince, threatens to bring troops into Tyrrendor in response to Xaden's border decision, then retreats
- Duke of Calldyrargues against opening borders to Poromish civilians and is physically ejected from the great hall during the confrontation
- Lewellenserves as proxy for Xaden's Senarium seat, defends the border decision, later speaks sympathetically to Violet about the difficulties of loving someone in power
- Lynxunexpectedly manifests as a shadow wielder during the confrontation, becomes frightened by the shadows but is calmed by Xaden's instruction
- Rhiannonsteadies Violet when she sways at news of the timeline, rushes to Lynx's side during his manifestation, escorts him to Carr
- Imogentrains with Violet, comments on her sparring performance, maintains permanent gym schedule with her
- Ridocparticipates in sparring, makes jokes during the hallway confrontation, speculates on outcomes
- Quinnsquad member present during the great hall confrontation, confirms staying with Violet through the Aretian rotation
- Aaricpauses the squad before entering the great hall, publicly declares his allegiance to Xaden over his own father Halden
- Sawyerwalks with the squad, jokes about Tavis, confirms he's working on a decision about something
- Rhiconfirms the Aretia departure is at five a.m., notes the leadership will include Kaori, Felix, and Panchek, assists during Lynx's manifestation
- TairnViolet communicates with him through the bond, asking him to report if Xaden leaves
- Felixmentioned as training Violet on the mountaintop with wielding; listed as leadership for Aretia rotation
- Kaorilisted as leadership for Aretia rotation
- Marenreacts with shock to Lynx's shadow manifestation