CHAPTER FIVE
Contains spoilersOverview
Violet Sorrengail, Rhiannon, Ridoc, and allies rush from the gathering hall when a mob forms in the courtyard. Wingleader Aura Beinhaven holds a Poromish flier at knifepoint, provoking a challenge and riling Navarrian riders against the Aretian contingent. Dain Aetos tries to de-escalate without violence but is undermined as factions polarize. When Aura prepares to wield fire in a supposed challenge, Violet intervenes, publicly claiming the confrontation and disabling Aura’s attempt to ignite.
Summary
After a tense night, Violet, Rhiannon, and Ridoc wait in the gathering hall for updates, noticing rumors spread among Navarrian riders while Aretian riders remain. First-years Baylor and Sloane arrive, warning that First Wing has seized a Poromish flier and is forcing a challenge in the courtyard. Fearing any flier bloodshed will end the fragile negotiations, the group rushes to intervene, with Violet summoning Dain Aetos en route.
In the courtyard, Aura Beinhaven holds a dagger to a terrified first-year flier’s throat as Navarrian riders chant for a challenge and take bets. Imogen, Quinn, and others step up to defend their side, while Violet restrains Cat from accepting a challenge that would risk the alliance. Dragons and gryphons land along the walls, adding pressure but not intervening. Dain pushes forward, citing Codex rules that a combat master must witness challenges, but Aura dismisses his authority as a deserter.
Tensions escalate as Ewan Faber rallies Fourth Wing loyalists to defend Aura, and Iris Drue aligns First Wing against Aretia. Ridoc counters verbally, but the crowd is volatile. Someone calls for challenging Dain, raising the risk of internal bloodshed without formal leadership present. Violet opens herself to Tairn’s power but recognizes that Xaden cannot step in as a non-cadet.
Dain attempts to win the crowd with appeals to truth and the need for the Poromiel alliance, while Aura blames the deserters for weakening Basgiath and bringing long-time enemies into the kingdom. The crowd favors Aura. Aura offers terms: defeat her and the fliers live; fail and the courtyard will run red. Andarna notes Dain is not the strongest for this fight, and Violet understands she must act.
Aura signals a hand-to-hand challenge but prepares to wield fire by removing her glove. As she flares her palm, Violet throws a dagger, pinning Aura’s glove to the dais and breaking the ignition. Violet declares that if Aura intends to wield, she must face Violet. The move halts the immediate ignition and publicly reframes the confrontation around Violet’s readiness to counter wielding, potentially averting instant bloodshed.
Who Appears
- Violet Sorrengail
protagonist; intervenes in the courtyard, restrains Cat, and disables Aura’s attempt to wield, asserting herself as the proper opponent.
- Rhiannon Matthias
Violet’s friend; organizes movement to the courtyard and helps manage first-years.
- Ridoc
Violet’s squadmate; backs Violet at the line, trades barbs with Navarrian riders, draws his sword in defense.
- Sawyer
squadmate; mentioned as napping earlier, not active in the confrontation.
- Baylor
first-year flier in Violet’s section; alerts the group and clears a path through the crowd.
- Sloane Mairi
first-year flier; brings the warning with Baylor.
- Dain Aetos
former wingleader; attempts to de-escalate, cites Codex, disarms Aura once, refuses to fight, and becomes the focus of factional pressure.
- Aura Beinhaven
senior wingleader; holds a Poromish flier at knifepoint, incites a challenge, blames deserters, prepares to wield fire before Violet stops her.
- Imogen
third-year ally; draws her sword to protect Violet’s side and challenges a hostile rider.
- Quinn
third-year ally; positions with her labrys to deter an opposing rider.
- Cat
Poromish flier; tries to accept a challenge but is restrained by Violet due to alliance risk.
- Kai
first-year flier; attempts to accept a challenge but is pulled back by Rhiannon and Baylor.
- Ewan Faber
rider; rallies Fourth Wing to defend Aura, escalating factional lines.
- Iris Drue
leader of First Wing; declares First Wing’s loyalty to Navarre and support for Aura.
- Aaric
first-year rider; backs Violet at the front line and comments on crowd dynamics.
- Kaveh
third-year rider; threatens Cat; is checked by Imogen.
- Hedley
rider from First Wing; is confronted by Quinn.
- Caroline Ashton
rider; seen taking bets on the confrontation.
- Tairn
Violet’s dragon; monitors via the bond, trusts Violet to handle the situation.
- Andarna
dragon; present via the bond, advises that Dain is not the strongest.
- Cath
dragon; visible behind the dais, observing.