Cadet Violet Sorrengail is readying Andarna, a dragon who intends to join a battle, with a new harness so she won't fall out of formation and can be carried by Tairn, another dragon.
Andarna and Tairn engage in a sharp exchange about dragon hierarchy and independence.
Cadets, dragons, and gryphons prepare for battle, showing reluctance, teasing, and distributing weapons.
The strategic importance of some cadets staying behind due to their vulnerability to Navarrian wards is highlighted.
Riders and dragons form an unauthorized formation and debate on who should join the fight to defend the hatching grounds.
The first-years express their desire to fight, but are ultimately not allowed to join due to their lack of training and developed abilities.
The cadets enter a debate with Brennan, who is against the attack plan, as he believes it is a mistake.
Cadets discuss the lack of movement from the Assembly and the potential need to act without their consent to save their home and people.
After a long and cold flight, Violet and her squadron arrive at the Morraine province, noticing a lack of patrols, which is unusual.
They reach Basgiath and notice that things seem too quiet, as if many soldiers have been sent away to another location.
Violet confronts her mother, who is the general of the base, about the vulnerability and the impending danger to the wards.
The general is skeptical but allows Violet and a group to inspect the wards after a tense discussion.
The ward inspection team encounters dead soldiers, and they realize someone has compromised the wards.
A battle with Baide, a dragon influenced by dark forces, ensues in the ward chamber.
Jack Barlowe appears to have orchestrated the attack on the wards, using Baide and eventually killing her to bring down the wardstone.
The chapter concludes with the wards falling, leaving the stronghold vulnerable.