The protagonist has failed a land navigation exercise with their group due to not verifying that their maps matched up.
The group is lost and they have spent a night out in the wilderness with blistered feet and dealing with fatigue.
An encounter with a dangerous Red Daggertail (presumably a creature) was averted because it chose to attack a cow instead of them.
There is a reflection on the mortality rates of infantry in the upcoming war and an acknowledgment of the knowledge of unfamiliar names due to the high turnover in the units.
Ridoc, another cadet, discusses the harshness of their current training and exercises.
Cadet Dyre brings the protagonist dinner as a thank you for saving his life previously and speaks of a life debt owed.
Rhiannon, the protagonist's friend and squad leader, ensures the protagonist takes rest instead of keeping watch, highlighting her concern for the protagonist's wellbeing.
Rhiannon confronts the protagonist about their changed behavior and withdrawal from the group, offering support whenever the protagonist is ready to talk.
The morning after, professors arrive with a convoy and criticize the group for failing to work together but also confirm the survival of most of the group.
Professor Grady hints at another such outing in the future and implies it will be less challenging as they'll have supplies.
After the exercise, the protagonist's connection with their dragon is restored, causing a rush of power and the feeling of being back to normal.
There's tension in the air as the cadets discuss the implications of their bonds and signets being taken away and returned at the authority's discretion.
Skepticism is voiced about the leadership's motivations for developing ways to potentially weaken the cadets by severing their connections to their dragons.
Concerns about strange occurrences at their facility are shared among the cadets, including guarded infirmary doors and the development of elixirs to mute their bonds.
The protagonist is harboring secrets that are causing strain in the friendship with Rhiannon, who is both patient and a problem solver.
The chapter concludes with the protagonist and their dragon, Tairn, subtly addressing the issue of missing an individual named Xaden and a sense of foreboding about the future.