Chapter no 3 – 4

Chapter no 3

Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of a legendary general, faces Conscription Day at Basgiath War College. Unlike her peers who have trained for years, Violet has only had six months to prepare for the Riders Quadrant, a brutal path where survival is not guaranteed. Despite her passion for books and a lifetime preparing to be a scribe, her mother has decreed that she must join the riders, a decision that could very well be a death sentence.

Violet’s sister, Mira, tries to support her by offering last-minute survival advice and gear modifications. Mira, a seasoned rider, emphasizes the dangers of the Riders Quadrant, warning Violet about treacherous conditions and deadly rivals. Mira’s concern intensifies when she learns that Xaden Riorson, the son of a rebellion leader executed by their mother, is a senior cadet who harbors deep hatred for their family.

As Violet approaches the parapet—a narrow, deadly bridge separating candidates from the Riders Quadrant—her doubts and fears mount. The treacherous crossing, combined with the unpredictable weather, symbolizes the perilous life ahead. Despite her fear, she steels herself for the challenge, determined not to let her weaknesses define her fate.

Tensions heighten when Violet encounters Xaden, who immediately recognizes her as the general’s youngest daughter. Their hostile exchange reveals the depth of his animosity, but he lets the parapet itself be her test. As Violet watches another candidate fall to their death, she realizes the gravity of what lies ahead. Her survival depends on courage, wits, and the determination to prove she belongs.

Chapter no 4

The chapter begins with the tension of Violet and her group entering the courtyard at Basgiath, just before the Riders Quadrant graduation. Their dramatic return after being presumed dead for six days catches everyone off guard. Xaden leads the group with bold confidence, while Violet focuses on appearing equally composed despite her racing heart. Captain Fitzgibbons, the scribe, fumbles with the death roll as the cadets’ sudden reappearance shocks the leadership, particularly Colonel Aetos and Commandant Panchek.

General Sorrengail, Violet’s mother, reacts with visible relief when she sees Violet alive, signaling to her daughter that she was not complicit in the dangerous orders Aetos issued. However, Aetos quickly pivots, accusing the group of desertion. Xaden, ever the strategist, spins a lie about a surprise gryphon attack that decimated their squad during War Games, including the deaths of Soleil, Liam, and two dragons. Violet supports the story with selective truths, emphasizing her injury and near-death experience while evoking her mother’s sympathy.

Aetos attempts to discredit their story, demanding interrogation, but General Sorrengail shuts him down, chastising his poor judgment in abandoning an outpost for a frivolous exercise. She orders the correction of the death roll and graduation to proceed, signaling her belief in Violet and Xaden’s account. The group successfully avoids exposure, but tension lingers as Aetos vows they won’t “get away with this.” Xaden silences him with a subtle reminder of the rebellion relics’ protection, undermining Aetos’s ability to expose their true actions.

As the graduation proceeds, Violet grapples with complex emotions. She mourns the loss of Liam and the other fallen riders, feeling the weight of their sacrifices. The ceremony itself is underwhelming, highlighting the grim reality of survival as the only true reward. Xaden receives his orders as a newly commissioned lieutenant, signaling his departure from Basgiath and leaving Violet conflicted about their strained yet undeniable bond.

The chapter concludes with the announcement of promotions: Violet and her surviving squadmates officially become second-years. Amid the celebration of their advancement, Violet is acutely aware of the cost, reflecting on the deaths of friends and the ever-present danger of the Riders Quadrant. Despite the fleeting relief of surviving the ordeal, Violet knows that challenges lie ahead, both in her personal relationships and the larger conflict brewing beyond the wards.