Chapter Forty-Three
Contains spoilers
Summary
- The Cliffs of Dralor are incredibly high and dangerous, unsuitable for griffon flight.
- A tactical guide warns against attempting to traverse the cliffs.
- Characters gaze at the daunting Cliffs of Dralor and discuss a treacherous, secret pathway—Medaro Pass.
- The story's protagonist and fellow cadets prepare for a perilous hike up the cliffs with the griffons.
- Doubt is expressed regarding the success of the hike due to its danger to griffons.
- Character Xaden warns about potential threats among the fliers and departs on a mission.
- Brennan instructs the squad about the climb, and the dangers of trust and disarming traps.
- The protagonist contemplates the physical challenge and the need to build trust with the fliers.
- The group begins the arduous climb, facing narrow paths, steep ledges, and potential gryphon mishaps.
- An established tension between cadets and fliers hints at larger political and social conflicts.
- Characters like Maren, Sloane, and Ridoc show varied relations and perceptions of the protagonist.
- The ascent is marred with challenges such as traps, griffon navigational issues, and group discord.
- Discussions reveal cultural differences and initiation rituals between fliers and riders (griffon and dragon bonding).
- The group slowly progresses through fatigue and adverse conditions like hypoxia and restricted visibility.
- An unexpected event of a dragon hatchling revealing itself creates a surge in magical awareness.
- The protagonist continues to struggle with physical exhaustion and altitude-related symptoms.
- The grueling hike fosters a reluctant camaraderie and mutual understanding among participants.
- A perilous situation develops when a section of the path must be crossed by jumping over a trapped area.
- Ridoc and the protagonist come up with a creative solution using Dain's sword to create a temporary handhold.
- The protagonist successfully makes the jump despite feeling dizzy and nauseated.
- Luella attempts the jump but panics, leading to her grasping the protagonist's wrist and both nearly falling.
- A griffon saves Visia, but Luella's grip causes the protagonist's shoulder to dislocate.
- As Luella's grip slips, Ridoc is seen injured with arrows, and the protagonist screams for Brennan's help.
- The chapter ends with high tension and uncertainty on the cliffside for the protagonist and her companions.