Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Contents
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Overview
Threshing begins, and Violet searches the valley without sensing a bond. She overhears Jack, Oren, and Tynan planning to kill a small golden feathertail and races to intervene, injuring her ankle. Violet places herself between them and the dragon, and Xaden arrives with Sgaeyl, halting the attack.
Summary
On Threshing day, Professor Kaori briefs the first-years to follow instinct and go alone. Violet, anxious and unfed, parts from Rhiannon and Ridoc and enters the forested valley determined to survive. Hours pass as she encounters multiple dragons of every color without any sense of connection, fueling fears she may never bond.
Seeking perspective, Violet climbs a tree to scout and spots a clearing. As she descends, she overhears Jack Barlowe, Oren, and Tynan hunting a small golden feathertail, intent on killing it for perceived weakness. With no way to alert faculty and fearing the dragon cannot defend itself, Violet decides to intervene.
She sprints toward the clearing, but a hidden branch twists her ankle with a painful pop. Despite the injury, she reaches the meadow first and warns the golden dragon to flee. Jack’s group arrives with drawn swords, and Violet steps between them and the dragon, drawing her daggers and appealing—unsuccessfully—to their principles.
As Jack advances, confident he can kill both Violet and the feathertail, Violet braces to fight despite overwhelming odds. At the critical moment, Xaden speaks from the treeline, and Sgaeyl looms behind him, halting the attack and shifting the balance of power.
Who Appears
- Violet SorrengailFirst-year rider candidate; searches fruitlessly during Threshing, injures her ankle, and bravely shields a golden feathertail.
- Jack BarloweHostile cadet; leads Oren and Tynan to kill the golden feathertail, threatens Violet.
- Golden feathertail (unnamed)Small, curious dragon; appears defenseless and becomes the target of Jack’s group; Violet protects it.
- Xaden RiorsonWingleader; arrives at the clearing and orders the attackers to reconsider, stopping the confrontation.
- RhiannonFriend and squadmate; encourages Violet before Threshing and heads off to seek a bond.
- OrenCadet accompanying Jack; wavers at Violet’s appeal but advances with drawn sword.
- TynanCadet with Jack; helps track the golden feathertail, mocking and determined.
- Professor KaoriInstructor; briefs cadets to trust instinct and spread out for Threshing.
- RidocSquadmate; nerves show before Threshing, tells Violet not to die.
- SgaeylXaden’s navy-blue daggertail; appears menacingly behind him, reinforcing his intervention.