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- [00:01]
Violet Sorengale
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- [00:40]
Zaden Ryerson
Welcome, welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, character themes, theories and more.
- [00:50]
Violet Sorengale
I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.
- [00:52]
Zaden Ryerson
I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.
- [00:56]
Violet Sorengale
And today is Episode two of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros where we're covering chapters seven through 12. Before we begin this deep dive episode, please listen closely to our spoiler warning. Every episode of ours, including this one, has spoilers for the entire Empyrean series, including all of 4th Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. That's right. Even though this episode two focuses on chapters seven through 12, we are pulling in themes, lore, foreshadowing insights and more from the entire book.
- [01:24]
Zaden Ryerson
So if you don't know that we meet my new favorite villain this stretch, then please go finish the book. We will be here when you're done.
- [01:34]
Violet Sorengale
Next, we a fantasy fan girls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.
- [01:39]
Zaden Ryerson
Rated R. Zaden might be keeping it to just a kiss this episode, but that does not mean we won't find ways to make this R rated. So please be mindful of those little listening ears.
- [01:50]
Violet Sorengale
Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events.
- [01:54]
Zaden Ryerson
We will be at Romanecy Bookcon in Los Angeles very, very soon this February 20th through 22nd where we cannot wait to do an Onyx Storm live show, speak with incredible authors and of course see so many of you.
- [02:07]
Violet Sorengale
We will also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri, August 15th through 17th.
- [02:13]
Zaden Ryerson
And then we're back at the Dragon Gauntlet in Boyne City, Michigan, September 12th through 13th.
- [02:18]
Violet Sorengale
Then Romantasy Bookcon again, this time in Orlando, Florida from October 23rd through 25th.
- [02:25]
Zaden Ryerson
Check out our website for more information for all of these events, including tickets and even some discount codes.
- [02:31]
Violet Sorengale
Last thing before we jump into this Onyx Storm episode 2. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more Empyrean themed events, more content, more community and Just so much more all around. Please check out Fantasy Fan Club.
- [02:43]
Zaden Ryerson
We have three tiers that you can join. First up, the Cadets, which includes access to our Bop and Discord, where we're all just freaking out about this book. Live Q&As from Lexi and I. A book club. Like for instance, this month we are talking to Cat Allie Hart who wrote Quicksilver because Quicksilver is our book club. We're freaking out. Trivia, community events, promo codes for live events, plus 20 off all merch. That is for $6 a month. Or you can join the Dragon Riders, which includes access to everything from the cadet level, plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines, and special voting privileges. That's for $10 a month. And then we have our Iron Squad, which includes everything from the previous two tiers, plus behind the scenes content, a welcome gift, giveaways, a private Discord channel, and of course your name shouted out on the podcast. That is for $25 a month.
- [03:36]
Violet Sorengale
Join the party at fantasy fangirls.com fan club. The link is also in the show notes and really and truly, friends, thank you so much for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's literally all because of you.
- [03:48]
Zaden Ryerson
And now it is time for a.
- [03:50]
Violet Sorengale
Ward Stone heist to start off every episode. Nicole does us the honor of summarizing what happens in this stretch of chapter. So listen up because Battle Brief is in session for chapters 7 through 12 of Onyx Storm.
- [04:04]
Zaden Ryerson
Chapter 7 VI and her Merry band of misfits take a very confused, very nervous Marin for a late night hazing ritual. Destination the Wardstone Chamber. Goal Treason. I mean, altering the Wardstone so the Flyers can wield within the wards. Same thing. But before the hazing can begin, second squad takes a pit stop to smuggle Sawyer out of the infirmary. After making it all the way to the Wardstone chamber without any issues, both Sor and Gail siblings step into view. Well, looks like this is a family outing now. But after doing some tiny adjustments to the only thing that's keeping the Venom off their doorstep, with only one hiccup, melting an unknown ward off the Wardstone, the words do remain intact and the Flyers can wield. The next morning, we're back in Battle Breathe. With some familiar faces like Devera Keondra and Daddy Atos. Looks like Violet Sorrengail is arrested for treason chapter 8 after outright denouncing his son in front of the entire Battle Brief class. Gfdd but skips as he escorts Violet to her trial with the scenarium. Before the scenarium even gets a chance to deliberate, Violet proudly admits her crimes. Yes, she fucked with the wards, but she also cleared a path to negotiate with poor Emil. What can she say except you're welcome? Fun fact. Since this happened the evening prior and that morning pardons were signed, everyone's off the hook. That worked out nicely. Entering the hall, Violet is met with a very pissed off commanding general of this guy, Atos Red Face and ready for retaliation. Who's up for a field trip? Trip to Samarra. Chapter 922 fucking hours later second squad arrives in Samarra. Thankfully, fighting ended yesterday, so our squad can just take a nice long nap, right? Right? Wrong. After a nightmare induced nippy nap where Violet tells Cat she's the future queen of Tyrandor, our crew learns that the Venin are nearby and they are attacking Newhall. Not willing to sit back and do nothing, second squad dons their super suits. Chapter 10 Racing off to Newhall, super speedy, Violet and Taryn arrive to see the village engulfed in flames. Knowing that Wyvern means there's Venom nearby, Violet scans the area. And there the silver haired Venin is here. And she's waving. Yoohoo. Big summer blowout. It's a trap. Let the Wyvern sky battle commence. Thank God. AO Trim's here for backup. Wait. That's crud. How the fuck did Garrick get here so fast? No time to debate that suspicious timing because it's time for Sharknado. I mean, I guess. Dragon NATO, Taryn and Violet are thrown around like a slingshot and tumble down a cliff. And the bond goes dark. But he was just knocked out. Lightning strikes nearby. And if it wasn't Violet or Violet and Zayden Ayo. Who was that? Our silver haired friend can wield lightning? Kind of. She's also got a deal for Violet. Garrick lives if you answer one question. Who bonded you first? And why was it your irid? Chapter 11 well, we officially have a name for the seventh dragon den. Please welcome to the stage the Irids.
- [06:57]
Violet Sorengale
Huzzah.
- [06:57]
Zaden Ryerson
Theophany also informs us that she fully believes Violet will turn Venom before she can give us more juicy Venom deets. In her evil villain monologue, Theopa Weeee gets swept off into the sunset by one of her many Wyvern. Also, did I forget to mention that Garruk is a distance wielder? Back at Buzgaeth, Brennan mends a broken Violet under the watchful eye of a very angry Duke of Tyrandor. Right when Garrick is trying to plead her case for the third time. Second squad comes crashing in the room, followed shortly by the one, the only general daddy ATOs still riding high on his toddler tantrum power trip. After throwing words back and forth in a productive conversation, Daddy Ato storms out. He is quickly followed by the rest of the crew, leaving only Violet and Zaden alone for some much needed make out time. Chapter 12 they're touching, they're kissing. They're reaching for more. And now we're talking. After a raw conversation about control, our lovebirds make an agreement. Kissing only. No hands. Fully clothed. Violet and Zaden kissing in a tree. That's it. That's the end of the song. Also, if you haven't already, you can mark Liam wielded ice off your bingo card because Zaden confirms a large chunk of the marked ones are hiding second signets due to the Dragons wanting to build their own powerful army. Fast forward a week. Zaden sends Violet a coded letter confessing that he has pulled from the source again and feeling the pressure to find a cure, Violet and Imogen go have a date with the devil. Entering Jack fucking Barlow cell, they strike a deal. He gets to feed, but only if he answers some questions first. And if he refuses, he'll meet Malik via the peel orange peel. As you can imagine, he takes a deal where he doesn't die and he answers their four questions. But huh. Why are you only answering our questions and not answering others? Proving that he lives up to his Jack fucking Barlow name. He brings back memories for Violet of this very torture chamber at Verish's hands. You know, Jack, I agree with Imogen. I would happily sit here and watch you perish.
- [08:53]
Violet Sorengale
Did you know that millions of Americans grind or clinch their teeth at night and most don't even know that they're doing it. If you have jaw pain or headaches after a night's sleep, there's a high chance you grind or clench your teeth. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism or tmj, is generally caused by stress and it can cause serious damage, such as eroding away your enamel and broken teeth, which leads to expensive dental bills.
- [09:15]
Zaden Ryerson
The solution to protecting your teeth is a mouth guard. But mouth guards from a dentist can cost you up to 500 to $800. Whew. The good news is that there's Remy. Remy makes dental grade professional quality mouth guards without the painful price T. They're up to 80% cheaper than what you would pay at the dentist, and they don't require you to visit a dentist office.
- [09:37]
Violet Sorengale
I am definitely a teeth grinder. I also used to wake up with headaches every single morning and I just assumed that it was because of water. But no, it's because of teeth grinding because once I started using Remy, my headaches started going away in the mornings and I can literally feel a difference when I wake up.
- [09:52]
Zaden Ryerson
Remy is for anyone dealing with nighttime grinding, clenching or jaw pain who wants an affordable solution to protect their smile and say goodbye bye to jaw pain and headaches. Head to shop Remy.com Fangirls and use the code Fangirls to save up to 50%. That's 5 0% off at shop R E M I.com/Fangirls with code Fangirls Give your teeth a break without breaking the bank with Remy. Thank you Remy so much for sponsoring this episode.
- [10:24]
Violet Sorengale
All right, writers, it's time to don our signet power and discuss key insights, character analysis, lore, foreshadowing theories, and oh so much more. Who's ready for a Wardstone heist? Quick recap on what's going on. The Bisgaeth Wardstone currently does not allow Griffin flyers to wield their powers within Navarre's wards. There is a specific rune tempered into this wardstone that prevents flyers from being able to wield, unlike the Wardstone at Orisha, which does allow flyers to wield. However, those wards don't properly work because we don't have a second seventh dragon to fully activate the wards. Part of Navarre and Poromiel negotiations involve keeping the Griffin flyers safe at Bisgaeth, but Novarian writers hate flyers because they've been conditioned to fight and kill them all their lives. In order for these flyers to protect themselves and stay safe at Bisgaeth, they need to be able to wield within the wards. If they can wield within the wards, that sure would help keep negotiations going. Separate from these negotiations, Violet and Viscount Tokaris have their own agreement. If Violet can alter the Wardstone so it allows flyers to wield within Navarre's wards by Poor Meal's deadline to reach agreements, then Tokaris will give her unlimited access to his library with lots of information about Venin, which he boasts is the most extensive on the continent. And the more Violet can research about the Venin, the higher the probability of finding a cure for Zaden. So with keeping the flyers at Bestgaeth, helping the negotiations between kingdoms and learning more about Venon on the line, Meera has recently been at Orisha figuring out how to nullify a rune without damaging other runes and the material it's tempered into. Last episode, we discussed how she managed to achieve this by altering the material with the rune in it. She presented her findings to the scenarium and they voted against messing with the wards because it's way too big of a risk for Navarre. So now second squad plus Bodhi is going to go behind the scenarium's back and commit treason as they alter the Wardstone and nullify the rune that prevents flyers from wielding. Once this rune is nullified, the flyers will be able to use their powers, which will also allow negotiations to continue and Violet to fulfill her agreement with Tokaris. All the while, Violet is not telling Zaden any of this plan at his request. He doesn't trust himself as a Venin not to accidentally leak secret information like this through the unknown connection he may have with other Venom.
- [12:46]
Zaden Ryerson
Honestly, a very smart thing to do, Zaden. Good job. First we gotta pick up some people. On our way to the heist. Riddick, Ri, Imogen and Violet are approached by Bode, Quinn and a very confused Marin, who is basically wondering if this is some kind of hazing ritual. Friendly reminder. The flyers cannot know about this plan, because if they did, it would look really, really bad in leadership's eyes. Cadets within Navarre's ranks alter the wards. It's treason. Yes. But if a flyer, someone they've considered an enemy for hundreds of years, alters the Wardstone, it appears like an attack on the very safety of Navarre, which would lead to all out war. So for right now, Marin is going absolutely blind into this, which doesn't really faze her. She knows that they aren't telling her for her own safety and plausible deniability. So for right now, she just has to trust her squad wholeheartedly. And she does. I love how far the squad has come since getting absorbed into their academic system in Oracia. Just like blindly trusting each other is so beautiful. But we have another mission critical person to pick up, which means we have to go to the infirmary. Hmm. How do we sneak past the healers on watch? Ah, use someone who owes Violet his life. Back in Iron Flame Part one during rsc. Are we out of the woods yet? Violet and her crew run into Bait, who is Jack fucking Barlow's dragon? Rip and Dyer, who is one of the healers on this land navigation adventure, stares open mouth at this dragon. Violet yanks Dyer behind her, telling him to lower his eyes and basically saves his entire fucking life. Later that night, Dyer brought her dinner and confirms. Yes, I owe you my entire life. Thank you. Which is true, because Bade would have torched him like she did Tomas during that mission. Rip Because Violet trusts Dyer not to turn them in, just like he didn't after healing Arryx Blistered Hands after the Archives heist in Iron Flame, Violet knows he will get her into the infirmary past hours and not spill the beans to Leadership. Oh, and he also slips a sleeping potion to the other healers so they don't wake up until Sawyer is back in his bed. Listen, if we can't get nausea is poisoned and he's actually just narcoleptic confirmed by Rebecca. At least we get some kind of sleeping potion on the page.
- [14:58]
Violet Sorengale
And then Scene Speaking of, we have one more key person to grab for this treasonous mission. Sawyer who isn't feeling so confident as a writer these days One of the audience questions from Rebecca Yarz's Denver tour stop was who does she think is the most underrated character in the series? And Rebecca answered Sawyer, which yes, makes absolute sense. Our guy Sawyer has been through a lot, first as a first year repeat, then being the only one who doesn't know how to sign, and now struggling with his identity as a writer after losing his leg. I followed up asking Rebecca Becca what Sleek thinks about Sawyer losing his leg, especially in reference to the line where Sawyer says quote, Sleek won't even I don't know if I can. Rebecca said that Sleek wants to support Sawyer and knows that he is deserving, but it's Sawyer who doesn't feel worthy of being Sleek's writer now. Which is why he starts with assuming that about Sleek, then finishing that it's actually him who doesn't think he can live up to his friend's expectations. Right now, Sawyer is going through a similar struggle that Violet endured her first year when she felt like Taryn shouldn't make accommodations for her. Despite Taryn insisting Insisting that it's okay to make accommodations. Though it was Violet who had it ingrained in her that writers don't deserve such help. Back to the scene where his squad needs his assistance because he has a metallurgy signet which is wielding metal. Since the Wartstone is iron, it needs to be altered by someone who can wield metal. And of course Sawyer is the only trustworthy and present person who can do this. As he questions his identity as a writer, he doesn't feel like he's good enough to be able to pull something like that off. But guess what, Sawyer, if you don't all achieve this tonight. The Flyers in second squad are going back to Arisha tomorrow and because of how close this squad is. Yes, including the fires. Now, after everything they've been through together, Sawyer agrees to help so the squad can stay intact here at this guy. Oh, and he agrees with the help of Riddick's pep talk sprinkled with tough love that we all need sometimes, which.
- [16:52]
Zaden Ryerson
I want to just say, go, Riddick. Because he is so on it with the pep talks. This book. Well done, my guy.
- [16:58]
Violet Sorengale
Yes, yes. Sawyer may doubt that he's still deserving to be a writer, but his found family knows better and are here to encourage him that, yes, he is still a writer, quote, with all the benefits and shit that come with wearing black. And they need him and his signet for this mission again.
- [17:14]
Zaden Ryerson
Tonight, with everyone in tow, it is officially time for this heist. Making their way to the Wardstone chamber, our crew knows from last book that it is guarded because Lilith was like, see? It's perfectly safe. And then insert Jack fucking Barlow, laughing maniacally. Having killed the two guards on duty tonight, Imogen heads down to take care of said guards, only to have a slight problem because this particular guard is not one we want to knock out. Hi, Mira. I love the like, oh, shit. I got caught by my older sibling feeling that Violet has here because, wow, that is such a vibe. How did Mira know that Violet would be making Wardstone money moves, though? Because earlier during the meeting with Brennan, Llewellyn, Zaden and Aric, we went over this last episode where went over what? They won slash Lost in the Scenarium. We learned that while Mira fought super hard for the nullification of the wards, it was ultimately turned down six to one, which normally would send Violet spiraling frustrated and determined in her knowledge that this is what's right. But she didn't. She accepted it far too easy. Which caused Mira, older sister ears to perk up, knowing that Violet is going to take matters into her own hands. So here she is, waiting by the wards, knowing that if she tries to change Violet's mind, she'll end up trying another day where, quote, we won't be able to be here. Who's this we you speak of? Surprise. It is a family gathering because Brennan is also here too, which, Quick pause. Because a few chapters ago, Violet mentions how Mira was trying with Brennan after she considers their mother, who again Mira was closest to Lilith, died on Brennan's watch. So the fact that Mira roped Brennan into this mission really shows the progress of healing in their relationship.
- [18:59]
Violet Sorengale
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- [19:24]
Zaden Ryerson
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- [19:56]
Violet Sorengale
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- [20:17]
Zaden Ryerson
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- [20:44]
Violet Sorengale
Right, so the gang's all here in the Wardstone chamber to commit treason. Mira is useful here because she uniquely has the signet ability to weave wards and I assume, sense them in ways that others can't. And Brennan is here to mend the Wardstone again if necessary. So they're two very good additions in case altering the Wardstone goes wrong. Bode's keeping watch outside the chamber. Sawyer, last name Henrik, which is what Brennan calls him here in this instance, has the essential job of wielding the iron within the wardstone that will nullify the rune preventing the flyers from wielding. Marin is here, the only one not committing treason, technically, because she has no idea what's going on. She's only here to test her wielding ability. Since she's a flyer and can't currently use her powers.
- [21:24]
Zaden Ryerson
I want to do a quick aside here because I'm going to give Brennan a lowercase l because he as he's handing out assignments, he calls everyone by their name, either their first name or their last. But then he looks at Maren and he calls her just Flyer, leading Marin to correct him. Maranzina given how insistent Brennan and Serena were last book about seeing the flyers as equals when they were climbing up the cliffs of Dralor calling her flyer. Ask her fucking name, my guy.
- [21:51]
Violet Sorengale
Not a good look Ree. Riddick and Violet are here because they just are and they better stay out of everyone else's way. Though I will say Riddick's ice wielding will come in handy for damage control.
- [22:02]
Zaden Ryerson
Violet and Ri move off to the side and without a task tasked to do, memories of a couple weeks ago start to flood Violet's mind despite her desperately trying to avoid it. Quote there's no blocking the scent of the chamber or the memory of my screams. Fun fact. Scents are actually one of the biggest triggers for memories in our brain. In a 2024 Harvard Medicine article, Molly McDonough explains how our olfactory cortex, the part of our brain that identifies smell, is a straight shot to the amygdala, which generates emotion, and the hippocampus, which is the part of our brain that stores and organizes memories. As the smell of the chamber hits Violet, Lilith's final words come flooding back. Quote I'll see him soon and live well. All of the guilt and the grieving that Andarna has told Violet she can feel, but Violet has been pushing aside, it suddenly opens this floodgate back up to her mind. And it's not even that Violet misses her mom in the first place. They were not close. Their relationship was not warm and fuzzy or even, dare I say, loving, at least from Violet's pov. But instead it's that Violet misses the possibilities that her and her mom's relationship had the chance to grow to Violet was just coming into her own power. She survived combat as a first year, her mother. While not outwardly bursting with pride, she saw a glimmer of what her daughter was becoming as a warrior with time, who knows what their relationship could have become, and especially after what Violet learns about herself in this book with with Dune, with Grandmama Niara, what she would give to be able to ask her mother questions.
- [23:39]
Violet Sorengale
Let's talk about what they're doing to the Wardstone. I've explained Mira's discovery about how to nullify a single rune among multiple runes tempered into a material. So now it's time to officially apply this knowledge to the Wardstone. Targeting a quote, spot on the top line of runes, differentiating Nevar's Wardstone from Orisha's. Sawyer wields the metal and causes it to bubble outward, therefore nullifying the rune because he's altering the material that the rune is tempered into. But apparently it's not the right rune because Marin still can't wield. I'm seriously with ridicule when he says, quote, kind of wondering what protection we just took off. Yeah, me too. I'm wondering that too. Jumping ahead to chapter nine, we learn there has been a Venin attack on the Samara post. Once the squad arrives, Lieutenant Colonel de Grenzi comments on the large hole in the fortress. He says, quote, the biggest wyvern crashed through as the wards came back up. But once our perimeter fell then and didn't need magic to get inside the post, I initially guessed that this action right here with the Wardstone caused the wards to temporarily go down, but you actually had a really great point about this, Nicole.
- [24:46]
Zaden Ryerson
See, I thought that this was after the wards fell at the end of last book, and then they came back up, which is when the wyvern fell into the fortress. And since then, they've just been fighting off the Venin who are stuck in this area, much like they've been doing at Bestgaeth, where Zaden's been killing like 17 venon or something like that. They've just basically been patrolling and fighting them off for the last two weeks.
- [25:07]
Violet Sorengale
That makes a lot of sense, because since they seem to nullify a rune, just not the one they meant to here in this Wardstone chamber, I'm genuinely worried what other damage they just caused, because that line from Reddick sure does seem like foreshadowing. And it's not like they reactivated the rune after nullifying it by making the iron bubble up there. So it actually does not make sense for the wards at Samara to go back up, because in this rune situation, they did not reactivate that rune. So with all that said, I think there's more to this action and we just haven't seen it yet, because Violet isn't within Navarre's words for most of this book. So another question for us readers is, what is something else unique to Orisha's would be successful wards that Navarre doesn't have? Knowing that Rebecca has intentionally not told us more about the first six, I wonder if the answer lies in the history Books.
- [25:57]
Zaden Ryerson
That's a great, great question. I have no idea even where to start speculating, but I want just like a tour of the runes on both of these wardstones. I would love to know, like a little Vanna White. Like this one does this and this one does that. Like I need that.
- [26:11]
Violet Sorengale
Exactly. Because there are multiple things that are different about each of the wordstones. Yes. But the second attempt is a success. Which, by the way. Second try. Good job. Yeah. Even though I'm very worried about the first try. But anyway. But it is only successful after the ward zone splits and the metal oozes from it. It. We'll worry about any other repercussions with that later. Because guess what Merrin can wield. Huzzah. Huzzah. Huzzah. And Meera uses her ward signet to detect that the wards are still in place. And soon enough, there will also be confirmation that their protections against Venin are also still intact, since Jack is still in his cell. Which means. Yep, they did it. They nullified the rune that stops flyers from using their powers within Navarre's wards. The flyers will be able to to stay at the Scythe and the squad won't be torn apart. And also, Violet is upholding her into the agreement with Dakaris so she can get access to Venon research. Yay. As much as I'm celebrating this accomplishment with our beloved squad, I still do need to point out how I'll call it short sighted this mission is. I understand their objective and why they are taking the risk, and I commend their courage for it. But messing with the Wardstone is a big deal. As Mira and the Scenarium have pointed out. This feels like such a young 20 something year old mission. Short term gain worry about the other consequences later. Or because the new problem isn't just right in front of them, they assume it doesn't exist.
- [27:31]
Zaden Ryerson
And I'm not gonna lie, I was quite like, we're in chapter what, seven? I was shocked that the wards were fixed and it was this. I'm gonna call it simple, but I don't know if that's the right word to use here. Yes, it was the whole. What did we just take off? Like, I feel like everything about this mission is setting us up for something later on down the line with booksworin5.
- [27:52]
Violet Sorengale
While everyone may feel warm and fuzzy about what they've achieved, there's still the matter of, you know, committing treason. But have no fear, our brilliant, reckless woman has a plan up her sleeve. Because as Llewellyn assured Her earlier in the day. And like we were talking about last episode, the Scenarium has agreed to pardon all the Oration Riders for all of their crimes. Prior to signing the pardon. The truth is, these Eretian Riders and the Dragon Riot are needed for this war. And Navarre can't afford to lose any of their numbers since his agreement to pardon them won't be ready until the next morning. Tonight was the only chance for Violet and co to commit this new treason and get inadvertently pardoned by the Scenarium.
- [28:31]
Zaden Ryerson
Eight hours later, it is the next morning and all the cadets are together in battle. Breathe. For the first time in months. Like since the end of Part one last Book, there's an air of excitement, trepidation and outright fear. Even the First Year Riders of second Squad are walking in surrounding Kai, the only First Year Flyer in second Squad at all sides to ensure that he is protected. I love that so much. In the last eight hours, the Flyers have spread the good news, just in case they didn't feel it in their bones. Yes, we can all wield it is not a figment of your imagination, but don't tell anyone. Although, as Cat notes, no one said that she can't play a little, you know, wielding with her gifts. And as Violet thinks, eh, it's not like the Nevarians don't deserve to be fucked with a little.
- [29:15]
Violet Sorengale
I love that, you know, cats become one of those girls where it's like, yeah, she's mean, but she's our mean girl.
- [29:22]
Zaden Ryerson
That's so true.
- [29:24]
Violet Sorengale
She's one of those girls where it's like, ooh, I just don't want to be on her bad side.
- [29:26]
Zaden Ryerson
Yes. Additionally, after completing Wardstone Heist, Violet cut off her lightning wielder patch and left it in the chamber, making it so that when Navarlioship realizes something's up with the wards. Because what the fuck? The Flyers can wield now, Violet will be the only one in the spotlight and leadership can't point fingers at anyone else else since they have such obvious evidence. Kind of wonder how this part of the plan went down with Mira and Brennan. I don't see them agreeing to this very easily.
- [29:55]
Violet Sorengale
I suppose I assumed that Violet did it without their knowledge.
- [29:59]
Zaden Ryerson
That sounds about right. Yeah.
- [30:01]
Violet Sorengale
Not only is class back in session and the Flyers know that they can wield. At 8am this morning, the Accord was signed. That means all Orician writers are pardoned for any crimes committed before this morning. And Zaden is officially given his title back as Duke of Tirandor. Notably Kat Says that she told her uncle, who is Viscount Dakaris, 20 minutes ago, that the Flyers can now wield. Just as Violet asked her to tell him. As Kat says to Karis works fast. So friends, here's the timeline. At midnight, our crew altered the Wardstone. At 8am, the accord was signed, which pardoned the Oration Riot from any wrongdoings they did beforehand, like altering the wardstone. At about 8:40am, Cat informed her uncle Dakaris that the Flyers can now wield. Quick side note, we can assume Takaris is here at Bestgaeth and part of the negotiations, even though he's never on the page here. Telling her uncle this quickly led to two things. Number one, since the Flyers can now wield within Navarre's wards, they can also stay at Biscayeth. Hence why they're all in class right now instead of going back to Orisha. And number two, it alerted leadership that the Wardstone was altered behind their backs and after they voted against it. Which means there is about to be hell to pay with this fast evolving change of plans. Now that the Flyers can wield and stay, we have a new addition to Battle brief. Now it's 9am at battle brief and we have fast evolving change of plans. Now that the Flyers can wield and stay. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Professor Keondra, the Griffin Flyer teacher who will now lead Battle Brief with Devera. Yay. I love that they're bringing in a Flyer professor to help teach this class where cadets learn about what's happening on the front lines. As we know, Flyers have had far more experience and knowledge fighting the Venin over the years. So it's in biz, guys. Best interest to have them share their expertise in class so the Nevarian writers can catch up.
- [31:45]
Zaden Ryerson
But that's not all. With the Flyers now joining bestguard, we've got some group structuring to clear up. It's quite easy. Everyone stays where they have always been. If you are uncomfortable serving side by side with someone who made a different choice than you a few months ago when the riot split. Too bad. So sad. Suck it up, buttercups. But what about the leaders of each of the Wings? Dane officially gets his role of Wing Leader of fourth Wing back. Huzzah. Because most of fourth Wing went to Orisha and therefore they are used to and trust him to be the Wing leader. There are more numbers in third and fourth Wing at the moment, thanks to there being more Flyers who merged with the Wings back in Erasia. So first and second Wing may be smaller right now. Since they don't have the flyers. But once the Cygnise and flyers deign to show up, they will go into those wings to even out the number. And while not everyone is happy about these arrangements and leadership straight up doesn't have the time for their squabbling. I want to point out one important matter. The Nevarian Riders who we talked about last episode are still focused on war games and this school setting. While the Oration Riders and leadership recognize school is over, this is now war. The Nevarian Riders may have been part of the Battle of Misgaith, but they are still head in the sand around the reality of the Venon threat at their doorstep.
- [33:02]
Violet Sorengale
They haven't fully comprehended or caught up to the dangers are now living through. So it makes sense that they're like but that's not fair. They have an advantage for war games when war games are quite frankly irrelevant. Now drop the games part of that it's actually war they need to prepare for.
- [33:18]
Zaden Ryerson
Suddenly with a big boom, the door to the briefing room flies open and all you can hear is Violet. Soren girl. Ah, welcome back to the chat gfdd, AKA Daddy Atos, who has come to arrest Violet for high treason against the Kingdom of Navarre.
- [33:37]
Violet Sorengale
Well, may I just say, what an entrance. We've been waiting for him to return to our story, and in fact we talked a lot about how he might come back into the story before Onyx Storm came out. And this was better than I could have imagined.
- [33:52]
Zaden Ryerson
Absolutely. Remember the last time we saw God damn it. Dane's dad was after Lil Lilith served him his own ass on a platter and banished him to the coastal outposts for his own stupidity during war games in Fourth Wing. Then we got one more scene with him introducing Bearish. And of course the good old secrets die with the people who keep them. And now here we are, months later, and Violet's not the only one surprised to see this great a asshole. God damn it Dane. Or as we now call him, golly freaking Daddy Dane. The original looks to Daddy Atos and says says dad first off, right here shows so much about their relationship. What did Violet call Lilith last year, especially in a formal setting? General Never Mom. For Dane to say dad as a wing leader in front of the entire quadrant, it really just shows how close they were. But were is really the operative word there, because we can assume Dane hasn't seen his dad since the day GFDD left for the Coastal Outpost Ghosts. Which means he hasn't seen him since Dane had his whole like Revelation moment at the end of part one of Iron Flame, announcing that if his father knows about the secret they are keeping hidden in Navarre, then Dane is the one disappointed in his father. Looks like the feeling is pretty mutual, though, because Daddy Atos is pissed that his son, his prodigy, left for Orisha, abandoning Navarre. So Daddy Atos looks at his only child and says, quote, I have no son. Royally, this dude.
- [35:21]
Violet Sorengale
May I just say, when we asked Rebecca to give us a hint about Daddy Atos's signet, first of all, like, we didn't even think about it with the question. It was like, you know, can you give us a hint about Daddy Ato's signet? She was very confused about our usage of the word daddy, so we had to explain this is a bad daddy, not in a good bad daddy kind of way. And having to explain that on a stage with a literally literal spotlight shining down on you in front of almost 2,000 people is something.
- [35:50]
Zaden Ryerson
Yep, that was the first.
- [35:52]
Violet Sorengale
At first, she was very worried about her taste. We need to give her a glossary of ffg.
- [36:03]
Zaden Ryerson
That's actually a good idea. We should make a glossary of FFG at some point. But wait, because there's more, because it looks like Colonel Atos got a promotion to to General Atos. And jumping a bit ahead, he is promoted from Lilith's aid. Especially considering Lilith is no more to now commander of Bisgaeth War College, AKA Lilith's old job. Oi. He is promoted by the one and the only King Tari the Wise with a question mark on the end. Those days of cozying up to the king with a sash of medals from a battles he's never stepped foot on have apparently paid off. Looks like the king, who I am convinced is useless and easily manipulated in the back end, has. Has once again not lived up to his formal title and made a very unwise decision.
- [36:48]
Violet Sorengale
Oh, man. So I think we're all in agreement. We are salty about Daddy Atos. But you know what? Salty is not always a bad thing. In fact, if you're familiar with us at ffg, you know that our favorite way to hydrate is with our favorite salty drink, Element.
- [37:02]
Zaden Ryerson
Not only does Element help you hydrate, but every sip feels like a treat. Element is a zero sugar electrolyte drink mix and sparkling electrolyte water. Born from the growing body of research revealing that optimal health outcomes occur at sodium levels two to three times government recommendations, each stick pack delivers a meaningful dose of electrolytes free of sugar, artificial colors, or other dodgy ingredients.
- [37:26]
Violet Sorengale
I absolutely love the variety of flavors. Citrus is definitely one of my absolute favorites. Raspberry, watermelon, Mango, chili. Those are a few of my other top favorites. I'm somebody who needs flavor in what they drink and I just absolutely love all of the different flavors there are to choose from with Element and it's just so much fun to pick pick. What should I have today here?
- [37:45]
Zaden Ryerson
Right now Element is offering a free sample pack with any purchase. That's eight single serving packets free with any Element order. It's a great way to try eight of the flavors or share Element with a friend. Get yours@drinkelement.com FFG this deal is only available through our link. You must go to Dash R-I-N-K-L-M-N-T.com f.
- [38:10]
Violet Sorengale
FFG to the scenarium for a quick trial. We go GF Triple D announces I have brought the traitor. And everybody's like, oh great, this idiot's here. Which I just absolutely love how everyone in this book, including other military officials in the Scenarium, are just so over Daddy Atos, the Duke of Caldeer, who probably doesn't like how Daddy Atos cozies up to the king who also resides in Caldi. Or like that's my head Cannon pretty much tells AOS to get lost because he has no authority here. All the members of the Scenarium we learned about in last week's archive segment are here dressed in their dazzling finery, except for one who's in Rider Black Zayden Ryerson, the Duke of Tyrandor, ladies and gentlemen. His presence here confirms that the accord for the right to stay and be pardoned has been signed, which means Violet's plan will officially work out. Remember how yesterday Llewellyn told Violet that the scenario would agree to letting the riot be part gardened? Now that the flyers can wield within the wards, they can also stay at Bestgaeth, and negotiations between the two kingdoms can continue when yesterday they were at a standstill and knew they couldn't reach an agreement within poor Emile's deadline. Now that the scribes have drafted the accord and the Scenarium have signed it, they've officially pardoned everyone in the riot for all of their crimes up until this morning, including Violet and those who helped nullify the rune in the wardstone. They thought they were pardoning them just for deserting Biscayas, but turns out they accidentally pardoned them for last night's treason with Wardstone too.
- [39:41]
Zaden Ryerson
Oops.
- [39:42]
Violet Sorengale
Oops. That was so brilliant of Violet too, by the way. I just absolutely love how that all came together.
- [39:48]
Zaden Ryerson
With Pinata Head about to explode, Daddy Atos having left, it is time for Violet's plan to be set in motion. Which is pretty straightforward. Pointing to her patch that is in Xaden's hands. Giving her up as the traitor Violet says. Says quote, that's mine. I was the one who orchestrated altering the Wardstone. I am the reason the flyers can wield and that you now have a clear path to negotiate an alliance. You're welcome. I think it's safe to say that the Scenarium was not expecting a easy confession like that. But that's just our girl Vi. She's not going to beat around the bush because she's got a plan. Brilliant fucking woman.
- [40:25]
Violet Sorengale
But then someone new comes into the room. Welcome to the chat. Queen Mariah. And we can immediately tell she's a badass. She has an intricate armored breastplate and a short sword at her hip. Plus a sparkling tiara, which I just love how its delicacy is a striking contrast to her weaponry. I feel like that sums her up so perfectly. From Iron Flame, we learned that Queen Mariah has rejected all marriage proposals from the Isle kingdoms, which led her to choose Viscount Dakaris as her heir. Not a very popular decision among the promish. This is our only meeting with Queen Mariah before she is sadly killed in a Venan attack in Siniva. Quick reminder about S. It's in the northern part of Braevrik, the middle province in Poromil. It's the kingdom's seat of power, AKA where the queen resides. But it's not the province's capital. That had been Zolia, where Cliffsbane Flyer Academy was located, which fell to the Venin months ago. Back to the scene with the Scenarium. Why is Queen Maria here? Well, she's not the only royalty here at Bisgaya. Now that the flyers can wield within the wards, negotiations are back on the table. Huzzah. And King Tari is also here, but off page the entire negotiate with her and all of their representatives, including the Scenarium. She's also here to praise Violet and meet the continent's only lightning wielder. In a hushed voice so no one else can hear them, she lets Violet know. She's aware of Violet's deal with Dakaris. And she's rather surprised. Violet risked her kingdom's wards and her king's wrath for Griffin flyers. To which Violet answers. It was the right thing to do. Despite having her own motives. This is absolutely true too. Violet will always do what she believes is the right thing to do, no matter the risks or repercussions. Possessions. But her morality isn't the only reason she committed this treason. Queen Mariah 1 ups to Kharis and gives Violet unfettered access to her library, which is actually the best library on the continent. She has thousands upon thousands of volumes secured in her summer home. And while her people have not come across any historical records about how to defeat the Venin or cure them, as Zadie now learns was the main purpose of this Wardstone mission, Violet is welcome to any and all of her books. I am very curious by the way, where her summer home is. I kept expecting us to come across it in the Isles, and it's clearly not been invaded by the Venin yet, but alas. I suppose it's somewhere in Southern Poromil in the Crovlin province, probably, since that's where the weather is the warmest. All we know is it is not in Cordon because that's where Tokares is not as good library is.
- [42:50]
Zaden Ryerson
My guess is that it's somewhere like you're saying, like on the coast of Crovola. Because she says on the continent and we know that the Isles are not on the continent, so that is a good point.
- [42:59]
Violet Sorengale
Yeah, maybe it's just.
- [43:00]
Zaden Ryerson
Just like southeast of Krovla. That's my headcanon. We'll go with that. Maybe in the next map. Or maybe we'll draw our own map someday. With Violet cleared, she heads out of the meeting room and meets up with her, very relieved she's not a dragon snack squad. However, General Atos is clearly not done asserting his dominance and flaunting his anger issues. But as he barrels into view screaming how Violet will face the consequences, Brennan steps into his path. You're supposed to be dead. I want to look at this interaction real quick because we do not know that it was indeed Fen Ryerson who actually shot Brennan with an arrow, thus killing him, or at least nearly killing him. Something like that. We have wondered that if it was instead someone from the Novarian side like General Atos, who attempted assassination on Brennan instead and believed him to be dead. Dead from his own hands. As Brandon steps into view, a recoils away from him like he's seeing a ghost or a ghost that he himself killed and he says quote you this whole time. Like I love this dialogue here, but we don't get an ending to that sentence because Brennan just nods and says me. Also, when Daddy Atos repeats Violet's statement of do your worst. He immediately looks at Brennan and then looks at Violet Squad. It's that because he's already done his worst to Brennan, so that's where he looks first. This is also the interaction that finally causes Brennan to change his name back to Sorengale. Jumping ahead a little bit, once Violet returns from Samara, Brennan will have officially ditched the Aerai name and gone back to using Sorengale. What about Atos? Finally seeing Brennan actually caused him to pull the plug and change his name from Aeserai, which is a Teish, also Scottish Gaelic word for resurrected back to Sorengail. Was it because the person who killed him finally knew he was alive again so it was safe to change his name back back? Or was it because the comment that Mira made earlier in the book about how he won't even wear the Sorengill name? Things that will keep me up at night.
- [44:59]
Violet Sorengale
I never thought of it that way. I just always assumed that it was just oh my gosh, you're still alive kind of thing that that's we're supposed to think, right? And that it was just Mira's dig at Brennan that made him switch his name. But yeah, we were speculating that maybe it was Daddy Atos who major air quotes, killed Brennan, so I could see that too, as a double meaning.
- [45:19]
Zaden Ryerson
Well, and we should also note that it might not have been him himself killing Brennan. If we've learned anything from Daddy Atos and his secrets die with the people who kill them minions, it might have been someone in his apparently he has an assassin's pool that he just like picks like it's almost like his little pokeballs.
- [45:38]
Violet Sorengale
Having stepped into her confidence and truly realizing how essential she is and her dragons are to the war effort, Violet puts ATOs in his place. He keeps trying to kill her and he's failed over and over and over again. She's here. She's too important to be killed. So take that. What else you got? GF Triple D. Well, apparently something double whammy incoming. He reveals that he's not just general ATOs now, or GF triple D, or even Daddy Atos. Oh my gosh, there are so many names for this man. No, no. Now he is commanding General of Besgaeth. AKA what Lilith sworn Gail used to be, the general who runs by Sciath War College. Once again, King Tari, you are very unwise. Which surprises absolutely no one. This is an extra twist of the metaphorical knife to Violet, this terrible ass hat of a man who was once her role Model and her mother's most trusted advisor is now taking over her position. Lilith may not win the Mother of the Year award, but no one can deny she didn't earn her title as Commanding General of Bazga. Then we have this guy replacing her just for everybody. But that's not all, because as commanding General of Buzgaeth, etos, and only ATOS has the authority to send cadets into active service in times of war. Like right now at Samara, which is at the front and where there's currently a lot of fighting going on. I will give Aetos this. He knows exactly where to strike Violet after she confidently states he can't kill her while her siblings are out of his chain of command, her friends are not. Which means he's sending the second years in second squad. In other words, Violet's closest friends to the front at Samara.
- [47:18]
Zaden Ryerson
Which, quick aside, I love Violet. She is so smart. She just displayed brilliant fucking woman status. But, girl, yeah, you're untouchable. But as you learned last year in our rsc, this place is not above using those you love to bring you to heal.
- [47:35]
Violet Sorengale
So with that, they are hereby ordered to go to Samara for two days and report there by tomorrow morning. Which means they have to leave literally right now to have a chance of arriving there on time, since it'll end up taking them 22 hours to fly with the Griffins to get there. And because they have no time to rest, ATOS is thinking this will put them at a disadvantage going into an act of warfare zone, making it all the more likely for them to die, and from Aetos's view, jeopardizing all their lives. Like this is thanks to Violet, which is part of her punishment leading her friends to a most likely death that.
- [48:05]
Zaden Ryerson
We do have to talk about. This very SUS field trip he's sending second squad on because, as he notes, they have to report on the front tomorrow morning, and the fighting there is rather intense. But when we get to Samara, de Grenzi says how ATOs must have old info because the fighting has has ceased. Did he have old info or did he send them there knowing exactly where Theophany and her minions would be just waiting for them? We know by the end of the book, Panchak is working with the Venon in trading intel, but Panchak is not in the scene.
- [48:38]
Violet Sorengale
And it certainly seems to have been a idea.
- [48:41]
Zaden Ryerson
Yes. Also, AOS is alluding heavily to how they will not, quote, return not intact. Like, fucking subtle, my guy. This is. This is literally a secret side with the people who keep them. Where have we seen him do something almost exactly like this? Yeah, Fucking war games in resin. There he told Xaden and his crew to survive if they can. And also where they knew the Venin were expecting them. The parallels go on and on and on. The Venin that Daddy Atos lured using those rune boxes, or at least he used someone to lure using the rune boxes he orchestrated it, is what I'm saying. Which side note, I just learned that we don't learn anything else about the rune boxes in this book. And God damn it. Wow. All I'm saying is I think that Daddy Atos is sending them right into the Venom's clutches yet again. But there's no ruined boxes here, so I think that he's working with Theophany.
- [49:32]
Violet Sorengale
I am playing devil's advocate to that in a little while.
- [49:35]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh, I love it when we disagree.
- [49:37]
Violet Sorengale
I'm not necessarily disagreeing. I'm playing devil's advocate.
- [49:41]
Zaden Ryerson
Is that not the same thing?
- [49:42]
Violet Sorengale
No, that's. That's me looking at it from the other perspective. Okay, before we move on, we'd love to tell you how today's episode is sponsored by Miracle Made. There is no better feeling than just hopping into bed at the end of a long day and Miracle Made makes curling up in your sheets just even.
- [49:57]
Zaden Ryerson
More wonderful after our insane weekend we just had. I have been sleeping, I kid you not, 10 hour nights and it's been the most glorious, wonderful sleeps of my entire life. And yes, it is enhanced entirely by Miracle Made. Thank. Thank you. These sheets are infused with silver that Prevent up to 99.7% of bacterial growth, leaving them to stay cleaner and fresher three times longer than other sheets using silver infused fabrics. Inspired by NASA, Miracle Made sheets are thermal regulating and designed to keep you at the perfect temperature all night long no matter the weather, so you get a better night's sleep every night.
- [50:33]
Violet Sorengale
Miracle sheets are luxuriously comfortable without the high price stack of other luxury brands brands and feel as nice if not nicer than sheets used by some five star hotels after a long day of work and with the kids and all the household things and everything like that. Again, it's just like oh so nice just to snickle on up and feel just so nice and cozy in my Miracle made sheets.
- [50:52]
Zaden Ryerson
Go to try Miracle.com FF to try Miracle made sheets today and whether you're buying them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, if you order today you can receive over 40 off. And if you use our promo code FF at checkout, you'll get three free towels and save an extra 20%. We are back at Samara. And boy oh boy, has this place took a turn for the worse. Since the last time Violet was here, a wyvern has crashed through the entire western wall, nearly demolishing a quarter of the structure and surrounding second squad are wounded in various states of destruction. Turns out that the fighting has started. When the wards fell and just ended yesterday, the outpost nearly lost their alloy power supply. The power that extends the wards to their outpost attempting to kill off the Venin. But they did manage to at least get the Venin across the wards border, which is just over the hill, where the casualties for poor Emil are much, much worse. Everyone who isn't injured is moving around in a frenzy. And a bleary eyed lieutenant Colonel De Grenzi, the commander Commander of Samara, is stuck debriefing the newcomers who he frankly does not have time for this shit. And these cadets have definitely seen better days. After flying basically straight here, Kat and Marin look like they've been through a hurricane. Also, nice weather plug right there to set us up for the ophany in the Tornado. Trager and Riddick can't stop yawning and Violet is basically being held up by Riddick. Rey, ever the squad leader, has her shoulders back and her head held high. Go girl.
- [52:21]
Violet Sorengale
I just love lieutenant Colonel de Grenzi already. With his opening line. They really gave command of Bisga to Atos. He also states that while the fighting ended yesterday, he's not about to send cadets into battle. This guy's got way higher morals than ATOs. He's like, I don't have time for you all stay out of the way and make yourselves useful however you see fit. He adds that Samara almost lost their power supply killing off the Venin. Because remember, Alloy is the only thing that can kill Venin. And it's the only way to to extend the wards this far. So it's a double edged sword using the alloy weapons to kill the Venin. Also, it jeopardizes their ability to keep the wards powered. Here as always, the casualties were far worse beyond the wards, but slightly to our surprise, Dagrenzi informs us that Navarrian forces crossed the border and fought with Poor Meal against the Venin Horde. However, the outpost is still under strict orders not to allow any refugees into the protections of the wards. That is still up in the air as these two kingdoms negotiate. Navarre, and I'm assuming specifically King Tari is standing, standing firm against allowing paramish citizens into Navarre despite knowing they need to ally with Poor Meal to unite against the Venin, which first of all, boo, you suck Navarre. And second, I see this firm line in the sand as an expression of deep seated political, military and historical tensions between the two kingdoms in these unprecedented times. Yes, they need to work together. And that also doesn't negate Navarre's nationalist way of thinking that has been around since the first six. Which is why Lira was alienated and lost everything because she stood up for Poor Meal. Navarre has always prioritized its own citizens and believed itself to be superior to poor Emile. They feel the need to maintain control and the upper hand. They don't want to let refugees in to those that they see as potential threats and enemies. And Navarre has ingrained in its own citizens that poor Emile is evil. So from their perspective, it may lead to more unrestful within the wards as these two opposing kingdoms collide. But it still doesn't make it right. These promish citizens are simply people who are trying to live. Literally just live to see the next day, who are trying to escape from these Venin. And Navarre is once again the only place where they can find refuge. And even with this attempt at an alliance, Navarre is refusing to do that. That speaks volumes. And I'm going to keep moving to celebrate at least a win here. Before I get too up about that. Anyway, let's celebrate the win that degrinsey and others fought to help poor Emile. That alone would have been unheard of even just a few weeks ago. Again, think about this deeply rooted prejudice against Poor Meal and the fact that some of these writers, even with degrinsi being like, yeah, not all of us would do this, but the fact that some of them are doing this. I'm going to celebrate that win for them.
- [54:58]
Zaden Ryerson
That night, Violet Air quotes has a dream. She is in her room with a four poster bed bed, frantically rummaging through a wooden chest. Then blue fire bursts through the windows of her chamber and it blasts her back into the mirror, causing glass to nick the top of her head. Quick aside. I searched high and low for any mentions of a scar or Nyx or whatever on Marin's head, because this is her dream, so that could mean she just didn't get a scar from this happening. Or if this isn't Zolia, which we'll talk about more in a second, this dream has yet to happen.
- [55:31]
Violet Sorengale
So it's so funny you say that about Zolia because I hadn't even considered that this was Zolia at first. Now, of course, this dream, I think that we can both agree there is not a one to one comparison here. It's kind of a mesh of multiple different things I will be getting into shortly. But I had not even considered Zolia. Maybe because I was like, oh, you know the military schools, which Zolia was where Clisbane Academy was where Marin and Kat were both cadets there, there I was like, they wouldn't have their own four poster beds, but maybe they would.
- [56:00]
Zaden Ryerson
Maybe they would. You don't know.
- [56:03]
Violet Sorengale
I see what you mean though. Because of the blue fire, Zolia was attacked by Wyvern with the blue fire there. And Blue fire does not come up at Newhall, where our crew is shortly. So, yeah, I think that this is both a flashback, like they're at Zolia, but also a nod to the future, which again, we'll get into shortly.
- [56:21]
Zaden Ryerson
Yeah, because I also think that this seems like they're evacuating Zolia. Like the way that it's written and the way it's like Violet slash Marin and Cat are talking. Speaking of Violet slash Marin, she gets back to her chest, panic seizing her up, her body refusing to obey the simple command to move, to rummage to find this portrait of her family. Or as she yells, it comes out silent. I love these little additions because when you're in a dream, you know, we've all had those dreams where you're like racing against the clock. It feels like you're moving through molasses. Or you try to yell and nothing comes out. Like, this is every single serving nightmare I've had For the last 14 years of my life.
- [56:57]
Violet Sorengale
I know, right? Oh my gosh, I hate them.
- [57:00]
Zaden Ryerson
I've been out of the restaurant industry for so long and it still haunts my nightmares. I haven't gotten them water.
- [57:05]
Violet Sorengale
It's fine.
- [57:06]
Zaden Ryerson
Then as she goes through the chest and discarding pillows, blankets, and quote, the books my father sent me, this is such a good nod for us to fully believe that, that this is Violet's dream. On a first read, Cat bursts in, begging her to leave now. Because, quote, they have already taken down the hall. Violet, AKA Marin, begs Cat to save herself and that she will be right behind her. Then she says to Cat, quote, you have to live. He'll choose you. I know he will. You're the future queen of Tirandor and your people need you. So this is what immediately made me think that this was Zolia. But I did some timeline. Been looking at the fall of Zoya was around September of Violet's second year. Zaden broke off the betrothal before Violet even began her first year. So they had been broken up around a year and a half at this point. Although it's Cat, we know she was pining hard after the crown, not even so much after him. So it does make sense that Marin is like, no, he'll choose you. We know he will. However, the word that really tripped me up here is Queen, because she wouldn't be the Queen of Tyrandor. She would have been the Duchess. Were we banking on Tyrandor seceding? Or is this somehow some way the future? Or like you were saying, kind of like bits and pieces are in different timelines. It's only highly assumed that it's Zoya, based off the way that they're talking and how they took the hall and all that kind of stuff. But is this the fall of Oracia that's going to happen in a future book? We don't know.
- [58:32]
Violet Sorengale
I think you're looking at it a little, literally.
- [58:34]
Zaden Ryerson
That's sounds about right.
- [58:39]
Violet Sorengale
I definitely believe it's in regard to Tyrandor seceding, with her becoming, you know, Queen of Tyrandor and things like that. I mean, of course, at the end of this book, Violet is the Duchess of Tiorandor, and we have already talked about how Violet might be the one to push forward that seceding again with all the foreshadowing of being a separatist. So. Yes. What. What do you want to say?
- [58:59]
Zaden Ryerson
Well, I was going to say, what if this is like triple meaning, where it's not even the Queen of Tirandor. It's the word queen here. Because we both assumed that Kat is going to end up the Queen of Poor Meal by the end of this series, which would sadly mean that. Or a queen or a queen in some way. So Queen of Navarro, her and Art gets together. So I. Oh, my God, I think that's so good. Like, if it's. If the queen mentioned is actually foreshadowing for her to be a queen and some other. Right.
- [59:29]
Violet Sorengale
Yes.
- [59:31]
Zaden Ryerson
So good. Oh, a chill. Was that obvious? And I just didn't get it until now.
- [59:36]
Violet Sorengale
I think there are so many different ways to interpret this dream. And also, as we know, we only have, like a tiny sliver of Violet second signet so far, so the possibilities are endless, which is part of the fun. And we also just don't flipping know.
- [59:51]
Zaden Ryerson
Finally, Marin slash Violet get the painting of, quote, the honey brown eyes of her family. Then they start running towards the Door. But sadly, Marin slash Violet dropped the portrait, which is immediately engulfed in flames. And suddenly, the portrait is no longer a painting. It's instead her actual parents and family. Oh, my God, this hurts so bad. Because in a matter of pages, Maren's parents will be burned to death by Theophany's Wyvern. I know I said Theophany is my favorite villain, but, man, that's a bad look. Bad Theophany.
- [60:21]
Violet Sorengale
Bad.
- [60:21]
Zaden Ryerson
And finally, Violet jolts awake.
- [60:24]
Violet Sorengale
So there's a lot to unpack here. Where do we begin? So many questions. Okay, let's start with the obvious. In hindsight, we know that Violet dreamwalked into Marin's nightmare. And what do we know about Violet's dreamwalking signet? Not much. That's what Rebecca told us. That we currently know about 10% of her second signet. Now, for comparison, we know about 85% of what she's capable of with her power signet from Taryn. Then, after learning about her second signet in chapter 50, Violet goes to Marin and asks her if she has this portrait of her family. And Marin confirms that she does. And losing it used to be her worst nightmare until she lived through actually losing her parents. Which brings up lots of questions. So far, it seems Violet has only entered people's worst nightmares. Is that on purpose where it's like she's drawn to dreams that show people's greatest fears? Or is it simply because this is wartime and people are primarily having nightmares? Nightmares. Dreams certainly can represent people's deepest desires as well as their greatest fears on the most subconscious level. Which is why Zaden says this signet is very powerful and dangerous.
- [61:29]
Zaden Ryerson
1 Rebecca has also alluded to. While Xaden and Violet are apart in this next book, how do you keep them communicating? So I do think that the biggest nightmare is exactly what you're saying with. It is a time of warfare. This is what people are having dreams about. But when it comes to communicating with Zaden and future dreams, I could see it moving into not nightmare territory. And instead, just like I think about it as night and day in Crescent City 2. For those who understand that reference, that's all I'm gonna say.
- [61:56]
Violet Sorengale
Absolutely. That's super out of context. Yeah, exactly. But, yes, that's all I can think about as well. Then we also have the big question about whether Violet's second signet includes some kind of precognition. In this instance, Marin dreams about her family. Family burning. And pages later, literally just pages later, her parents do burn to death. We also Suspect there is major foreshadowing about being Queen of Tirndor. Not necessarily for Cat, but for Violet, who does become the Duchess of Tyndor by the end of this book. Violet will later be able to separate herself from the person having the dream and even manipulate what's happening. Is she accidentally doing so here? Like we just don't know. I guess it boils down to is her signet the cause of this nightmare and she is subconsciously creating this nightmare for Marin? Or is Maren already having this nightmare and Violet is indeed just walking into it?
- [62:49]
Zaden Ryerson
That's my assumption.
- [62:50]
Violet Sorengale
I agree. However, the whole thing about Marin's family actually burning after this happens that makes me wonder if Violet's second signet has something to do with it.
- [63:01]
Zaden Ryerson
So like almost. Almost like it's dream walking, but it's also the word I'm keep on going back to is oracleing, which is so not a word. But like how her manipulation almost is a fortune telling for lack of a better term. But like basically where Violet's meddling somehow becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
- [63:19]
Violet Sorengale
Yes. And again, like I. We just don't know. I also, as much as I kind of keep coming back to this idea of the precognition which we will definitely explore with Zaden's dreams too. I feel like we can't get too much that because we're going to get that in a huge way with Auric. So then we have to go back to the idea that this is a type of intensive like Xaden says.
- [63:41]
Zaden Ryerson
Yes.
- [63:42]
Violet Sorengale
Well anyway, we're starting to talk in circles here, so we'll put a pin in it. We will talk so much more about her second signet as we continue to learn about it. This is just the tip of the iceberg as we're first introduced to a dream now knowing about her second second signet.
- [63:55]
Zaden Ryerson
Once second squad all wakes up from their nippy nap safely within Xaden's old warded room here at Samara. They head out into the hallway to see where they're most needed right now. And they overhear a major and a captain talking about how one of the dragons here, Maze, says that they have less than an hour before the Venin reach Newhall. Dun dun Dun. Friendly reminder that Maze is a dragon who is long time mated to grime and therefore able to communicate over long distances. Which they did from the battle of Asgayath to Samara. Last book. While we're on these dragons, let's go over some dragon names. Maze means beauty and grime Means grip.
- [64:33]
Violet Sorengale
This isn't the first or last time we hear about Maze and her mate and how they can communicate at a far longer range than Taran and Sigail. Assuming Taryn and Sigail are still mated by the end of this book, I definitely personally think that they are. But that is a theory. Talk for another day. I think this might be foreshadowing that before the end of the series, Taran and Sigail will have that ability too. It's just too convenient and too many seeds have been planted for it not to evolve into something for our main mated dragon characters. Also, if dragons mated this long can communicate across far distances, can they also be separated for longer since they can still communicate with each other? It's so frustrating that we have so many questions and we literally just talked to Rebecca Yarros.
- [65:15]
Zaden Ryerson
I have a running list of all the questions I now want to ask her. Because of course I get in my office the day after the interview and I'm like, fuck.
- [65:23]
Violet Sorengale
Something else. I just thought of, what if this doesn't just apply to dragons? What if Xaden and Violet. Because maybe they're not actual mates. I know that's another theory going around too. But maybe they're not actual mates. But because of the bond that they do share through their mated dragons, it is continuing to evolve and get stronger too. And that is what we're seeing in the pages in this book, which will be talking about as it comes up here. And so their bond is actually similar to Maze and Grimes as well.
- [65:52]
Zaden Ryerson
Yes. Yes. I love it. I love it. Well, because I wonder if, like, it's not only time that gives this extra oomph to the mated bond, but I wonder if it's also depth of soul bond connection. Right. Maybe. I don't know.
- [66:05]
Violet Sorengale
Ah.
- [66:05]
Zaden Ryerson
I could see Taryn and Segal developing this ability. I don't think they're going to make it out of the series. So I don't think we're going to see them using this to that ability. But also if Sigale is with Zaden in wherever the fuck he is at the end of this book. Well, also, first and foremost, how are they gonna. I'm getting so ahead of myself. Let's move on. New hall, because we know that name. It is where Marin's family evacuated to after Zolia. Which, quick aside, I do want to point out because Marin just woke up from a dream about her family getting. Getting burned alive and killed by Venin. This is literally her worst nightmare coming to light before her Very eyes. Moments after she dreams about it, of course she's like, excuse me, what did you say? New Hall, Hello. Remember that de Grenzi said about how the outpost went over the border to fight alongside the Promish Cat assumes that the writers right here are preparing to go and protect Newhall as well. But unfortunately, as the captain notes, they are stretched too thin and pushing burnout. So it may sound hard, but the village is too small to risk any more casualties for their unit of riders. Not because they dislike the Promish, although the way that they look at the flyers, there's definitely clear prejudice there. But instead they say it's more just part of war, learning when to cut your losses. This is not the last time we will see this kind of harsh decision making in this book. As Brennan notes later, when they're going to drey this, they have to have only one objective. As harsh as it sounds here, it's not too far up off and the objective they are choosing is to rest and recover so that they can live to fight another day. Ah, but who just woke up from a nap and has been told to, quote, make themselves useful.
- [67:46]
Violet Sorengale
Our second squad as squad leader Re is weighing the big decision of sending them into combat. She worries that they don't have enough information to make a strategic move. Thinking very much as the military leader she is becoming, which we'll see in full force from her POV later. This book. Seeing her friend struggle, Violet offers another option to take the pressure offery vote. Give the choice of going into combat into their own hands. It's not just up to Re in the situation. Like Violet says, this is a direct callback to what Xaden had the cadets do before the battle of Resin. He said back in fourth wing, quote, I'm not going to stand by while innocent people are dying, but I'm not going to order any of you to join me. I'm responsible for all of you. I won't think less of anyone who wants to fly for Etuville. Instead, make your choice. And of course all of them agreed to go into battle. However, not all of them would leave the battle. So here at Samara, the squad votes. And unsurprisingly, because they are dedicated to defending the defenseless, all of them raise their hands, including Re. Because they know that going in to save Marin's family and to save all the people that they can is the right thing to do, no matter the odds.
- [68:53]
Zaden Ryerson
I sure hope this squad has been keeping up with their protein because they need all the strength that they can Get. Hopefully they use today's sponsor, Organ. I have had the same breakfast smoothie. I'm dead serious. Seven years in a row, every single day for seven years. I've tried a bunch of different protein products over the years and to be quite honest, I was never a fan of how they tasted until I found Orgain. Orgain believes real nutrition has the power to make real difference in people's lives.
- [69:23]
Violet Sorengale
Are you busy? Hey, us too. That's why organ is simple. Organ is made so if you don't have time for a smoothie, you can just add water and go. No more time consuming prep to get you the nutrients you need. In fact, I know Nicole loves using it in her smoothie. I love having it with a little bit of oat milk and then I just blend it all up and it is so, so yummy. And it's such a great start to my day.
- [69:43]
Zaden Ryerson
Remember, there are no quick fixes when it comes to your health. If you want more protein, give organic plant protein powder a try. Head to orgain.com fantasy fangirl and use code fantasy fangirl for 30% off your order. That's the best offer you'll find. But you have to use our code fantasy fangirl for 30% off. One last time for 30% off. Head to Orgain O R G-A-I-N.com fantasy fangirl and use our code fantasy fangirl 40 minutes later. Because remember, Maze predicted less than an hour before the Venn arrived. Drive. Violet and Taran are leading the pack by five to 10 minutes and they descend on Newhall which is smothered in thick plumes of smoke. As Violet notices a line of civilians appearing to evacuate towards the direction they're coming from. I wonder if they're headed to the Samara Outpost. And if they are, they're going to be turned away at the border because fucking Tari won't let Paromish in. It's Taryn relays to Fierce. This is Rhys Green Dagger Tail for the Griffins and Andarna to stop there and assist the civilians with their escape. While Taryn and Violet head straight towards the storm. Hello Theophany, here we come.
- [70:53]
Violet Sorengale
And hello Wyvern. Heading straight toward our duo. But Violet has come a long way since Resin and her strike and pray method. Thanks to Felix's mentorship last book. She opens the door to Taryn's power, allowing the flow of burning power to rush through her veins. God, I love how Rebecca writes magic. Holding the glowing conduit in her Left hand and raising. Facing her right hand, Violet takes aim and strikes the wyvern straight into the chest. Huzzah, Violet. But oh, no time for three huzzahs, because in comes two more speedy wyverns through the song. Just as one attempts to take a bite out of the curmudgeon we all know and love. No. Terrence swings his morning star tail, hitting one of the wyvern in the jaw to launch it straight off course. Violet attempts to strike the other one, but misses. It's okay, Violet. You win some, you lose some. And it looks like she wins some more, because the next strike she guides down with the motion of her hand. And three wyvern maybe toast. But because of the way the village is attacked, there has to be a creator nearby. I miss these battle ones.
- [71:55]
Zaden Ryerson
I feel like I'm back in a court of wings and ruin. Oh my God. Past the village in the hills above, Violet notices that half is devoid of any color, meaning that any vent men and who are here cough, cough. Theophany. Cough, cough. They are freshly fed and apparently freshly sassy because Theophany locks eyes with Violet and she gives him a little hello and wiggles her finger and quote, I think dot, dot, dot, she was expecting us. You mean like Daddy Atros in our planet or something?
- [72:27]
Violet Sorengale
This is where I'm gonna play devil's advocate, okay? Because remember how Degrenzi warned that Taran is a huge target and the venom may spot him? Well, Theophany will admit that's exactly what happened. After being lucky enough to be close by and seeing Taran, she lured Violet and her dragons outside the wards. So was she in the right place at the right time? Or was she already near Samara thanks to her intel from Bisgaev, and then lured Violet and her dragons beyond the wards with his attack on Newhall? Also, one other thing that one of our listeners pointed out to us. That actually was a great point. Back near Biscay Goliath when they were doing their patrols and we were talking about the storms, Theophany would not have had the power as a vet and within the wards to be able to do that kind of storm wielding.
- [73:09]
Zaden Ryerson
Do we know that about mavens within the wards?
- [73:11]
Violet Sorengale
I suppose she could operate. So no. But in any case, no time to wave back at our new evil villain bestie, because right above them, a wyvern descends. So Taran swings his tail under underneath his body, basically making Violet and Taryn an upside down roller coaster. But hey, the move kills the wyvern, leaving one more to strike out of the sky.
- [73:33]
Zaden Ryerson
As Violet prepares to strike down the bastard, Taryn screams at her to stop. Just in time too, because a brown scorpion tail dragon swoops in and hump jumps the wyvern's head. Then the scorpion tail swings up and stabs the wyvern in the belly. Iotrom to the rescue. Wait, Aotrim has a sword tail. This is a scorpion tail. It's crud. What the fuck is Garruk's dragon doing here? More on why he's here in a moment. Because out of nowhere, we've got a tornado. Theophany. I know you want Violet, and I know it worked out for Dorothy, but maybe, just maybe, tone it down a notch. This is a little much, my girl. Anyway, immediately, Violet and Taryn are dragged into the swirl.
- [74:17]
Violet Sorengale
Darling Nader.
- [74:18]
Zaden Ryerson
Terence snapping his wings shut and Violet holding onto the pommel for dear life, getting thrown around and around and around like they weigh nothing. First off, I know that this is actually terrifying. Like, literally you can hear and darn a call out for Violet. It's so sad. But also, how cool is this? This was so cool to read. Oh, my God.
- [74:37]
Violet Sorengale
This is one more of those moments that I just can't wait to see with the TV series.
- [74:41]
Zaden Ryerson
Violet and Taryn are ripped outward by a quote, centrifugal motion. And if you're like me and don't remember this from physics, allow me to remind you. What? Oh, is that you saying oh, that's.
- [74:52]
Violet Sorengale
Me not remembering this from physics.
- [74:54]
Zaden Ryerson
Let me. Let me remind you. Centrifugal force is an outward force on a mass when it is rotated. So think about, like that giant swing ride at amusement parks where you're, like, lifted up and then you swing around and you're almost like, leaning outward because you, you know, you want to swing as high as you can. This is centrifugal force. Now just imagine all of that. But it's a tornado. This causes Violet and Taren to be spun around and around and around until they're finally flung entirely out of the tornado, hurling them straight towards the mountainside. And even though Taran opens his wings to try to stop and slow their speed, which causes Violet's head to whip back in, her ears to ring. He then snaps his wings shut again to rotate his body so he. He is the one to hit the mountainside first as they fall down the mountain ridge. Violet's knees getting pelted with things as they continue to roll down the cliff. Then suddenly, Tar's bond goes dark. The way my fucking heart stopped beating during this time. My God. Violet is not the only one who notices the emptiness. And Darna cries out, quote, violet, I can't feel him, remember? And Darna looks up to Taran, and truly war wants to be just like him. And now her writer and her role model are seeming to be plummeting down to their deaths. She says, oh, my God, this kills me. Quote, stay with me. You both have to stay. I am just gonna say this, and I'm just gonna say this once. Probably not just once. I'll probably say this multiple times. This is foreshadowing. This feels so much like foreshadowing to me, because there has already been a lot of setup for Taryn's plausible death. And with Violet bonded to Indarna and Zaden now bonded to the Earth. Earth, Taryn and thus Segale could easily die, and those other three could live.
- [76:38]
Violet Sorengale
I remember as we were both reading this for the first time, I was freaking out because part of me was like, no, no, this can't be possible. It's only book three and chapter 10. But at the same time, we've already gotten a crazy Venom infiltration, and it's like, oh, my God, what does this mean? Is he actually dying? And the rest of this book is the fallout of Taryn's death.
- [76:57]
Zaden Ryerson
But today is not that day. Slamming into the ground, Violet and Taryn grind to a stop, leaving a limp Taryn to fall open. And his chest shudders with deep, steady breaths. Thank Amari. He's just knocked out.
- [77:13]
Violet Sorengale
Good thing Garrick's to the rescue, because Violet's knee is a mess from the tumble down the cliff. And she and Taryn weren't the only ones to get caught up in that tornado. Garruk and Crud took a similar tumbled down, down, down the cliff. And Crud's unconscious, too. Nicole, would you like to explain this knee injury? It's only fitting for you two because you've also had this happen. On a Tinder date, no less.
- [77:35]
Zaden Ryerson
I was not falling down a mountain. I was instead at a concert. But that's a whole other thing. Violet looks down at her kneecap and quickly realizes that her kneecap is not where it's supposed to be. As someone who has also dislocated my kneecap cap and then proceeded to stop an entire concert for an ambulance to arrive, not only for me, but also for some dude in the back who saw my knee, ran to vomit, and ended up passing out, busting open his chin. And a second ambulance was called for him. I can't confirm this shit hurts so bad. As Garrick slides her kneecap back into place. I'm oh so happy for Violet that it does not hurt as bad as it once did once. It's all like wrapped in such. That is a sad I will never unhear. And I was on so many drugs but like medical drugs when I got my knees slid back into place. That was terrible. That was a bad night. Bad night for Nicole.
- [78:32]
Violet Sorengale
Something is quite suspicious here. Like what the fuck are you doing here, Garak? Garrick is supposed to be with Zaden at Bisgaeth, more than an eight hour dragon flight away way. However, turns out that their dragons were informed about Violet and CO rushing off into danger. Let's walk through this timeline, shall we? Maze, who is one of the dragons at Samara, informed her mate what the cadets did remember that she was able to use the long distance communication she has with her mate Grime, who is apparently at this guy to pass this update along. So Grime alerted other dragons, including Garruk's dragon Crud that Violet and company were heading into a venom battle. So then Garak told Zayt Zayden because Sigail isn't talking to him and did not tell Xaden this news herself. Zayden became unreasonable to say the least. He completely lost control and was not himself. So much so that Garak was terrified Zaden would rip the stones from the wall. That is troublesome to put it mildly. As we will learn later from Zayden, he was in a state that he would have killed anything or anyone to reach her in that moment. No exceptions. Back to the timeline that brought Garak here super fast. Violet and her squad only left Samara about 40 minutes ago. So how did Maze from Samara communicate with Grime? Grime tell the other dragons at Bestguy Crud tell Garrick, then Garrick tells Zaden. Garrick tried to console Zaden, then Garrick traveled to Newhall, somewhere that is eight hours away from Bisgaeth, all in less than 40 minutes. We learn from Violet's inner monologue that Garak is a very powerful wind wielder, a signet that is more common among writers. But there is no way that Garrett pushed a tailwind at Crud that would get them here in a matter of 30 minutes. Ish. And that's being generous.
- [80:12]
Zaden Ryerson
I'm so glad you bring that up because I too thought this was interesting and was wondering exactly how fast you would need to travel in order to get from Bezgaeth to Newhall in 30 minutes. Travel math. We are here. Oh, God. It's not as complicated as stair math. I promise you, anything is less complicated than stare math. We know from 4th wing from Montserrat that what takes just shy of an hour on foot takes Taryn about five minutes of flight time. One hour of walking equals, on average, three to four miles per hour, depending on someone's walking speed. But given that these cadets are in peak fighting condition, I'm just going to say they walk 4 miles per hour, maybe a little bit more, but we're just going to say four to keep it easy. Which means that Taran can fly roughly four miles in five minutes. So eight hours is 480 miles, or 772 and a half kilometers. You would need to be going 960 miles per hour or 1545 kilometers footers per hour to get here. In 30 minutes TLDR, you'd be dead.
- [81:24]
Violet Sorengale
For reference, a commercial airline's average flight speed is at most 575 miles per hour or 926 kilometers per hour.
- [81:35]
Zaden Ryerson
So, yeah, it's safe to say that Garrick did not fly here.
- [81:39]
Violet Sorengale
But then a crack hits the heavens. Goodness, Violet. I know math is hard, and we're frustrated that Garrick is avoiding crack concussions, but she didn't need to wield lightning overhead like that. Oh, wait, she didn't.
- [81:50]
Zaden Ryerson
Theophany did. Kinda. Silver hair blowing, purple robes billowing in the breeze, red veins looking like a masquerade mask. And the red glow around her irises shining ten shades brighter than Jax. Ah, yes, because Theophany is freshly channeled. She's extra red hue, and her face is stunningly beautiful with a full mouth, high cheekbones. So I have a quick question, actually, because we learn later, after Jack drains the alloy that Violet gives him and he has this whole, like, yes. Moment, his cheeks fell out, he basically looks more. I'm gonna call it alive.
- [82:26]
Violet Sorengale
Maybe this is a big assumption of mine, but I'm under the impression once you're at a certain Venin level, like Maven, feeding from the source doesn't necessarily make your eyes more red or your veins pulp more. It does with asams, like we've seen already, but not once. When you get to the level of sage and maven, because they're already permanently like that.
- [82:46]
Zaden Ryerson
I. I see where you're coming from. The. The way that I took this is like, you know, with Theophany being described as, like, this stunningly beautiful. We even have Berwin, who's described as, like, an eerily youthful face, I started thinking I was like. Is this almost like a Mother Gothel situation where when you feed from the source, it keeps you young and beautiful?
- [83:03]
Violet Sorengale
Beautiful because you're frozen in time. You're forever young with your immortality. Jack was on the verge of death, so the alloy power revitalizes him, but it doesn't make him younger. But as he keeps progressing as a Vettan, he stops aging anyway.
- [83:18]
Zaden Ryerson
This daredevil Theophany doesn't even bother giving Taryn a wide berth or even heck glancing his way because her eyes are locked on the prize of Violet. Right off the bat, this Venice is giving I am a badass bitch and I do what I want. I fucking love her. Another quick pause because Violet's mind immediately starts spinning, believing that Theophany is the wielder of the lightning that just happened. However, we know with the context at the end of the book that she is instead a storm wielder. And a damn powerful one at that. So she creates storms that have lightning in them, but she does not control the lightning itself. I especially love that moment that Violet is like holy. She didn't even have to lift her hands to wield the lightning. That's because she didn't. Her storms did the lightning for her. She just has killer timing and I love it.
- [84:05]
Violet Sorengale
What an entrance our evil villain bestie makes. Violet immediately tries to throw two alloy hilted daggers at her because hey, it usually works to kill them. But Theophany is too powerful. Just waving the daggers away mid air as if they're nothing. And she starts playing with Violet. Quote Is that any way to thank me? She didn't kill Violet. It you know, after all, right? But unfortunately she has killed some people like Marin's parents who raised weapons to her. Ah, but on the tiny, tiny, tiny plus side, the often he didn't kill Marin's younger twin brothers. Quote as a sign of goodwill. From this opening exchange, we can already tell just how twisted this dark wielder is. She thinks killing the parents but leaving the boys alive is a sign of goodwill. We already knew Ven and lose their souls, but this this is new level of what the we know her ultimate goal is to get Violet as a pupil and to take in Darna. So in her own way she's playing the long game. See Violet, this Venon is willing to play nice and leave a few people alive. Showing that she knows how important it is to Violet to protect others while also being downright evil at the same time. I just honestly love this villain so.
- [85:12]
Zaden Ryerson
Much as Theophany rises Garrick in the air she says quote you I'm curious about. I'll even admit to wanting considering all that power. Not to mention being an effective leash. Violet then goes on to recall how Jack called her a leash too. Let's talk about it. Why does Theophany and multiple other Venin call Violet a leash? Option one, and I think this is definitely the most probable she is referring to Violet being a leash to Zayden. Zayden turned because he loves Violet. He will do anything including drain a whole field or the earth to save her. Violet can, for lack of a better term, control him or even call him to her. Etc. Especially given how Berwin says in a dream to Zaden, this is when Violet is dreamwalking. Quote then you'll find I have ways to bring you to heal again. That heel leash language. I mean I feel like I am training a dog. I love you Zaden. Last book Felix mentioned how like it or not, she she wielded him. Basically no one can control Zaden. I would argue that at the end of this book Berwin cannot fully but.
- [86:19]
Violet Sorengale
He at least controlling him.
- [86:21]
Zaden Ryerson
He's summoning him. He has him on a leash for lack of a better term. But Violet is the only one who. I don't love the word control and Violet doesn't either. But I am going to use it for continuity sake. Control him. So Violet has control over this extremely powerful weapon. AKA Zaden.
- [86:36]
Violet Sorengale
Also, Theophany knows about Xaden. Is this because of Burwell? Or is it because she can sense Zaden? Or is it because she's connected to him? Because they're both Venin and it's exactly what Zaden feared and why he doesn't want to be told information or option.
- [86:49]
Zaden Ryerson
Two is that Violet is a leash to Andarna. Violet does not control Andarna, but she is a tether to her. And the Venin definitely do want this Irid. I'm leaning towards the first one just based off of the heel, the leash. All of that language around Violet and Zaden knowing that Violet will want Garrick not dead. And with Theophany and Violet, Violet's paths too intertwined to begin with. Such hostilities. Theophany cuts Violet a deal. Violet answers a single question and Theophany will return Garrick to the ground. But pause because paths intertwined. We gotta talk about this. We can assume that this goes beyond her just wanting Violet as one of her pupils or on her voice team because number one, Violet is half dedicated and Theophany knows it. I bet she believes that she sees I'm going to even say some of herself in Violet. This actually does make me wonder. How did Theophany get fully dedicated when she would eventually turn Venin? And that was the reason that the Oracle was like, no, your path is too undecided, AKA you might turn. So I'm not going to dedicate you. Maybe they learned their lesson with Theophany.
- [87:54]
Violet Sorengale
I think there's something more to it with Violet and her having a unique path.
- [87:58]
Zaden Ryerson
Number two, there is a very sus note from Theophany later in this book. She says, quote, your mother knew at your age that she was no match for me. That's why she hid behind those wards. Perhaps you should have followed her example. What? What? How do Lilith and Theophany know each other? Lexi?
- [88:16]
Violet Sorengale
Yes, I am absolutely convinced Lilith fought and lost to Theophany while she was pregnant with Violet. And while we now know Violet's hair is not silver because her mother was partially drained eggs on our faces, I still believe the sickness that almost killed Lilith was Venon related. So I believe this Venon attack we've been theorizing was Theophany.
- [88:36]
Zaden Ryerson
And number three, reason why their paths are so intertwined. We know that Lilith's signet was the answer to theophanies. And in that moment, we also learned that Violet is the exception to the Venin signet balance rule. Theophany says, quote, there is only one exception to the rule of violence. Violet Sorrengale. Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be you. If it was going to be one of her daughters, I would have bet on your sister.
- [88:58]
Violet Sorengale
I have to keep reminding myself this is only episode two and we will get there in our deep dive because right now, I am spiraling and we have no answer.
- [89:06]
Zaden Ryerson
So I'm just gonna continue. Violet naturally takes the deal, which causes Theophany to introduce herself because it only seems fair. She knows everything about Violet after all. Violet assumes. Assumes that this is because of Jack. And Theophany just goes, maybe. Like, maybe if. If Daddy Atos is working with the Venin, AKA Theophany, he would be a great person to be dishing out all the info about Violet, considering he's known her her whole life and prior to the end of her first year, they were, I'm going to say, friendly with each other, especially given their interaction in fourth Wing.
- [89:40]
Violet Sorengale
Oh yeah, she considered him a role model. However, I will. There was a caveat in is he was actively trying to kill Violet. He is still actively trying to kill Violet and Theophany and the Venin clearly do not want her dead. I'm even going to throw out Markham as a suspect, too. Rebecca told us that the Venin infiltration was not the first time the Venin have invaded Bisgaeth just as scribes. I asked about M4RKim. Unsurprisingly, she would not answer that.
- [90:06]
Zaden Ryerson
It is interesting how Violet's inner monologue is phrased, though, because she says, quote, she, meaning Theophany, shrugs in a dismissive gesture that reminds me of the Duchess of Moraine. Why are we comparing them? I have nothing. I don't think it's anything. It's still sus, though.
- [90:22]
Violet Sorengale
I think that's a red herring. But if anything, I think that it ties the Venin to leadership in Navarre. Not his crutches in particular, or I'll say even any of the other scenario members, but leadership as a whole.
- [90:34]
Zaden Ryerson
However, Theophany is quite an interesting name and caused us to pause the audiobook and immediately look up this meaning. In Greek, Theophany, spelled with a Y instead of an I e at the end, means an encounter with a deity that manifests in an observable and tangible form, given that she's a high priestess, or was a high priestess who gave up everything worshiping a God in order to become a God. Yeah, this name really sounds about right.
- [91:01]
Violet Sorengale
We kind of accidentally spoiled that for ourselves. Like, obviously, it was just speculation in the moment, but it was like, oh, you must be connected to the gods.
- [91:08]
Zaden Ryerson
Well, I. I thought I was like, oh, my God, is she a. Is she a physical manifestation of a God? And then, of course, my mind immediately went to Dune, because Dune is a goddess, which I'm not going to fully rule that out, but I still don't think that the gods in this world are going to be a sentient form, like a tangible form, like Theophany.
- [91:25]
Violet Sorengale
I love the part here where she goes quote, bonding one dragon is inevitable. All that power just given to you. Her mouth tightens. How Jack Barlow of her. Which goes to show how power hungry these venon are. I know we already knew that, but what a tie in, right? Theophany releases Garrick and gets to her question, quote. Now tell me, which chose you first? The one who gifted you the power of the sky or the Irid? What did you say? Ah, we have a name for Andara's kind. Both Nicole and I paused the audiobook here and immediately went to look up the definition. Definition of Irid. It means rainbow or iridescent. Makes sense, right? Not gonna lie. I will say I'm pretty Proud of us for calling out Andarna as an iridescent color Back in iron flame. From the line that says, quote, her scales are so deeply black, they glimmer almost purple. Iridescent, really. And then her strands of power within their bond seemed pearlescent, which is a synonym for iridescent. Recall, back at Threshing, it was Taryn who spoke to Violet first. And Darna did not speak to her until they got to the flight field when she said, maybe I was saving you. So if the moment the dragon speaks into your mind equals the moment they officially choose you, then yes. We can't confirm Taran chose Violet first. And as Leo then will say later, only Irids can create a second bond due to the fact that they are magic. We can assume the reason Theophany is asking this question is to confirm that Violet indeed has an Irid dragon. Remember, Andarna is not nearby in this seen. And when she does finally see Andarna at the end of this book, Theophany is just so transfixed.
- [92:56]
Zaden Ryerson
It does lead to a question. Why would they want to set eyes on this mysterious seventh dragon? Breed a few options. Number one, Irids were in fact the weapon that defeated the Venom 600 years ago. And they want to experiment on how to wipe that weapon off the board. How to kill the Irids, how to to make them extinct. Or number two, Irids are magic. I can only imagine what draining an Irid would do to a Venin. As Theophany notes to Violet, quote, you truly don't know what she is, do you? Is she referring to the fact that Andarna is magic or something else?
- [93:35]
Violet Sorengale
Well, going back to the idea that they are the weapon, the Venin themselves could wield the weapon in their favor. And also bringing in that the Irids are magic. Magic. I have a hard time believing the reason that Theophany and the Venin want Andarna is to drain her. Theophany even tells Violet she can keep both of her dragons if she comes to the dark side. Though we also know from the Ophany that Venon lie. I think that there's an unknown reason directly connected to the fact that the Irides are magic. They will make the Venin more powerful, but not in a draining kind of way. That's all I got right now for episode two. I do want to debunk a theory real quick. Because Jack was determined to kill Andarna back in Fourth Wing, there was a theory floating around that he was already connected to the Venon and he knew about her being the seventh dragon den, which is why he wanted to kill her. But Rebecca has confirmed that no, he was just a big bully who wanted to weed out the weak. And his fixation on Andarna was not connected to the Venin.
- [94:30]
Zaden Ryerson
But Theophany isn't done dropping info. Note that Violet still has not answered her question. She's just her and Jack, I think all just. Just don't shut up. They just keep running their mouths and just dish out so much more info than that is needed. And I'm here for it.
- [94:47]
Violet Sorengale
Theophany says, quote, some do not believe, but I knew as soon as the cream robed scholars whispered about the seventh breed in your war college. Pity I had to leave so abruptly. One hasn't been seen in centuries and I was so hoping to set eyes on her.
- [95:02]
Zaden Ryerson
Theophany is still not done because, quote sometimes I forget just how short mortal memory can be. Mortal. So we can assume that Theophany is a Maven and immortal. I go back to this idea that once you pull from the source, it preserves or freezes your youth. So if you pull more, more and more, your rank gets higher and higher and higher on the Venn pyramid and you also become frozen in time, AKA immortal. This is huge information. Again, Theophany, Violet has not answered your question. She doesn't answer your question in the scene. And Theophany's still just talking. And this also gives us a huge clue because multiple times later on in this book, Theophany says he or alludes to someone waiting for them to come back. And what other Venin could be really, really, really, really old? Hello, General Daramor. I missed you, my guy. In case you do not remember, let's walk through why we are convinced General Daramor is the big bad villain Uber boss.
- [96:04]
Violet Sorengale
So Novar's history text confirms General Daramor as the enemy in the Great War 600 years ago who came from the Barrens and nearly destroyed the continent with his army. He was the one who ruined the land of the Barrens, causing all dragonkind to abandon the Southeast. There is never any mention of him being Venin, but that makes sense because Navarre has been hiding the existence of Venin up until now. However, we know from the Revolution and Taran that the biggest threat during the Great War was the Venon coming out of the Barrens and a mysterious weapon defeated them. So put two and two together and you have General Daramor as the Venon enemy. Which brings us back to him being alive in our story. Even if that means he's 600 plus years old. Because we get confirmation here that, yes, it is indeed possible. We did get hints about this throughout Iron Flame. We initially thought Berwin was General Daramor, but he's, I'll say, just a Sage. And later in the book, Theophany will say, quote, there's only a few of us who are faster than her. Meaning there's only a few who are higher up than she is, like General Daramor.
- [97:03]
Zaden Ryerson
Well, and if those Venom can be immortal, there's no telling how many are still alive from the Great War 600 years ago. I will die on this hill. That this is General Daramor like, and.
- [97:14]
Violet Sorengale
That he is the Big Bad.
- [97:16]
Zaden Ryerson
Absolutely. Yes. Yeah. Well, because Theophany died in this book and she's no longer the Big Bad. And I don't think Berwin's going to be the Big Bad. I think it's me, Zayden's Big Bad, but not Violet's Big Bad. That I think is going to be General Darrymore. And of course, whoever Nevarian leadership is, Venom. But the Alphany is still not done. She is in her recruiting era, telling Violet that if she joins her team instead of Berwin's. Berwin again, is the Sage. He recruited Zaden. By the end of this book, if Violet joins the office team, she will let her keep both her dragons while giving her what she needs most in this world. Control and knowledge. Knowledge is in italics. Yes, you're welcome. Control over her signet and power. Much like Theophany is exuding in the scene. Not even lifting her hands and all this kind of stuff. And knowledge. Yeah, again, Theophany has a whole well of knowledge, especially on Violet's family, her mom, for reasons I mentioned earlier here. Not gonna lie. Based on what we've seen from Berwyn. The dragon killer versus Theophany, Knowledge Knower. Yeah, I choose Theophany too, for my voice team.
- [98:22]
Violet Sorengale
So we never really learn about the knowledge that Theophany dangles in front of Violet like a carrot, right?
- [98:27]
Zaden Ryerson
Nope.
- [98:28]
Violet Sorengale
We will explore this throughout the book. But I'm so interested to know what else she knows about Violet's partial dedication and the power of the gods. About the sort of prophecy like you mentioned, about her mother, her family, about her powers and signet as a whole. What about a cure for Venin? Because she keeps me like it's the one thing that you want. Well, what is Violet's one goal? I think there is a clear reason we have not learned yet. And I just can't wait to find out why. I know we've kind of mentioned this, but I just love how she pokes fun at Berwin. He's subpar and you'd be chained to him, powerless to resist his orders. Theophany isn't looking for another soldier beneath her. Like. Like Berwyn. She wants Violet as her apprentice. Big difference. Also, I've been watching way too much Star wars lately. Apprentice Dark side. Next I'm gonna be calling her a Sith. Anyway, and this is important for us to know about Berwyn going into book four with Zaden. But also, how is Berwin alive into the fourth book? And we only get one book with Theophany because she, you know. Dead. Dead. I'll say it's probably because Violet doesn't face off with him enough yet, but.
- [99:32]
Zaden Ryerson
We do not have any more time to get info from Theophany. Also, this is episode two. We have to parse it out a little bit because Taran suddenly wakes, snaps his teeth at her, and she is just carried off by a wyvern into the sunset.
- [99:46]
Violet Sorengale
Now that the threat to our lives has been carried away by a wyvern, can we please get back to Garrick? We gotta get back to Garrick here. And the impossible way he got here in less than 40 minutes. Minutes when it should have taken eight hours. This was such a fun buildup since his arrival in chapter 10. And then with Theophany's Walker drop as a fandom, we're all just kicking and screaming like, oh, my God, he's a distance wielder before it's even fully addressed on the page. Because, yes, friends, Garrick is a distance wielder. No wonder Rebecca said she'd want him on a desert island with her. And for those of you who were absolutely convinced that he was a distance wielder, gold star for you. Nicole and I did not have Garrick having two Saints signets on our bingo card. And because Xaden said there hasn't been a distance wielder in centuries, and because Garrick wasn't chosen as one of the most powerful writers for the Erasion ward activation, we assumed his signet had something else to do with direction. But in true Rebecca fashion, this reveal is so delicious. Sure, Garak is a powerful wind wielder, but he's also secretly a distance wielder. Some of the marked ones do have second signets, like Liam, but it's not because of their relics. It's because their dragons sought out direct descendants of their previous writers. We will get into all of that shortly as we cover Violet's conversation with Zaden. And then it will also be today's archive segment. For now, we'll keep the focus on Garrick. I'm just so excited about this reveal. I can't sit still. I never can sit still, but I really can't sit still now. No wonder they're able to go to and from Arisha. Also, notice how Brennan won't be surprised when Garrick talks about being at Newhall as Brennan heals Violet. It's because. Because Brennan knows and I believe this signet has been very helpful on their weapon smuggling runs. In fact, one of our listeners reached out to us because she was listening to our old Iron Flame coverage, and we had said something about, like, how in the world did Garrett get there so fast? And it's like, hey, here's the answer. Like, of course it is. I just love it so much. Side note, I wonder if it requires a lot more power to distance walk with his dragon because obviously crowd goes with him.
- [101:38]
Zaden Ryerson
I am also curious about that because I wonder why, what growing this signet looks like. Like, for instance, as you grow more powerful, are you able to distance wield more people, bigger objects, like a motherfucking dragon? Or can you go further? Is it both? Also, how did he discover this? Did he, like, really need to go to the bathroom and then suddenly he was just like, in the bathroom? Like, I'm dying to know the origin story of this. Also, this skyrockets into the number one place of what I would want my sister signet to be. Like, imagine being like, I want pizza for dinner and then just being able to distance wield to Rome. I that's how I would use this power for food.
- [102:15]
Violet Sorengale
I'm so hung up on the distance wielding with this dragon. I kind of wonder if because it's his dragon, maybe it doesn't take more energy, but if he was to distance wield somebody else's dragon, that would be a lot of energy. Crud is also currently blocking out the other dragons on this mission who are soon approaching. So it would seem that the other dragons don't know about this. As Taryn says, quote, we do not gossip about our writers. Siegale kept her writer's second signet a secret for obvious reasons. He would be dead otherwise. So I'm assuming Crod has also kept the secret. Is that how you read this line about gossiping?
- [102:49]
Zaden Ryerson
The way I read it is like, they all know, but they don't gossip about other people's writers.
- [102:54]
Violet Sorengale
We know from Zaden and Iron Flame that there hasn't been a distance we wielder in centuries. Then here Violet says, quote, you know the last time someone wielded distance, and then he interrupts her. Was the last time one of the first six. Like that's what I'm thinking. It has to be. This is such a powerful signet. And calls back to Chapter two's epigraph about the six most powerful signets living at the same time. But we've got no time to waste. It's full speed ahead back to Bisgaeth to treat Violet's very injured knee. Remember that Daddy Atos ordered them to be stationed at Samara, where he was under the impression the fighting was still active for two days. However, our crew is returning approximately a day early. That's because there was no Mender at Samara and the outpost was already overwhelmed with wounded. So second Squad's second years had permission from De Grenzi to immediately return to Bisgaeth. And now Brendan's mending his little sister again and standing up to Daddy Atos, who is livid upon their return because. Because for one, they're back early. And number two, he believes they disobeyed a direct order by going to the village, though as Re argues, they were told to make themselves useful, so technically they did not disobey any orders.
- [104:03]
Zaden Ryerson
And three, even though he's the commanding officer of Bezgaeth, he is not in control of this situation, something he very much likes to be. And Violet seems to have beaten him once again. He's probably just pissed that they're all still alive and and his punishment didn't go as planned. And Xaden takes responsibility for Merrin's perilmish brothers, who he immediately takes under his protection as tearish citizens, where they'll end up living with Rhys family. Aw, so sweet. Daddy Etos is not the only one who is angry, though. Zaden is notably tense beyond belief as he carries Violet in to get mended by Brennan. And we get a quick ice watch as he talks to A and basically tells everyone to leave. We're no longer in chilled or more chilly territory. We are in full icy here. Showing that he is just on the edge of his control, I'd even say just teetering over it. We know from Garak that Xaden was not himself when he learned of Violet going out into danger. And at first this seems quite. I'll call it alarming. Xaden is known for being the person who does not coddle Violet from first year and when he was, you know, being a little overprotective in Iron Flame, she called him the fuck out and he changed his behavior. But this is completely different than just being irked and cordoned that she's there. Xaden knows that the reason she got into trouble in the first place was because she wanted to save the flyers in exchange for access to information on the Venin. AKA she got into trouble because she wanted to find a cure for him. So Zaden, who as we learned from 4th Wing, is not used to other people putting his well being over their own. So Zaden would view Violet's punishment, and therefore her proximity to harm going to New hall, getting hurt or injured as his own fault. But it's not only fully anger that he's feeling, it's pure terror. Quote the thought of you being out there beyond the wards, facing down a known attack of Venin, triggered something in me I'd never felt before. It was hotter than rage and sharper than fear and cut deeper than hopelessness. All because I couldn't get to you. Okay, we're not going to fully get into the mate theory again yet, because we're saving it. But I'm going to just point out that this is not fully far off to how Taran felt after hearing Zaden and Sigail were in battle in Iron Flame. And Zaden was injured, which is interesting. When everyone gets kicked out of the room, Zayn crashes his lips into Violet, kissing her in a way he hasn't since the night they shared before the battle of Buzgaeth. He needs to feel her against him, alive and safe and in his arms. Aw, Zayn.
- [106:33]
Violet Sorengale
Then we get something new with Zaden's shadows. And no, it's not the sexy bondage yet. In his anger. Quote Shadows don't just jump, they flee. And like Violet notices, that's definitely different. Zaden's shadows have always been part of him, a representation of him and his power. But now his shadows are running away from him. Not just scattering, but fleeing, which insinuates running away from danger. As Xaden will explain, he feels broken. Now that he is Venon, he's more unhinged and doesn't feel the same kind of control he used to pride himself on. And when he gets angry, we're noticing his shadows reacting in fear of him instead of being a part of him like they usually are, showing just how much he really is changing. This won't be the last time we see shadows flee from Xaden when he is in a rage later in chapter 55, when he's arguing, arguing with Bode, shadows will flee and race for the walls. Then too.
- [107:25]
Zaden Ryerson
We also know from Lynx manifesting shadows later in this book that they rush up to Lynx because they feel protective over him whenever he's healing. Powerful emotions. So it's interesting that here they're almost like, you're saying fearful, they're receding versus protecting him like they do Lynx. It's almost like they know how unhinged she is. And they're like, go into the corner.
- [107:44]
Violet Sorengale
Exactly.
- [107:45]
Zaden Ryerson
I love the phrasing around Shadow. Like they're people. Oh, it's so cool. As Zaden is spiraling, telling Violet how scared he was and that he would do whatever he could to save her. In that moment, he mentions how he knows she can handle herself, but something feels broken between the logic in his head and the love for her in his heart. And he can't control it. Can't even trust himself enough to touch her beyond fully. A kiss to which Violet says, you just controlled yourself when kissing me and touching me a second ago. Go, girl. Listen to him. Zayn is terrified and so out of control when it with his own emotions when it comes to you. And she's like, yeah, but look at the facts. Versus, like, I know the phrase like actions speak louder than words, right? But here's one of those times where I actually think it's a little bit of the opposite. I would just so strongly recommend listening to his words as fact as much as his actions, because, yes, he just displayed full control, but he is also so afraid of losing it, it's eating him from the inside out. My heart just goes out to Zaden. This does open up a question for the two of them. Like we discussed last episode, Zaden has put up boundaries around only kissing, no sexual activity, while he learns about this new way of living. And I will absolutely give Violet this as much as I just gave her. As much as she innately wants to jump his bones, she does say she wants whatever he is able to give. Good answer. Supportive answer. That is listening to words as fact. Good job. And even when he pushes back, saying quote, you forget that I know your body as well as my own. Vi, your mouth is swollen, your face is flushed, and your eyes, they're all hazy and leaning more towards green than blue. Your pulse is racing. God damn, sir. And the way you keep shifting your weight tells me if I were to strip off those pants right now, I'd find you more than ready for me. God damn it. One of the Things I love about Big Storm is just how far Zaden and Violet have come together as a couple.
- [109:36]
Violet Sorengale
Absolutely.
- [109:37]
Zaden Ryerson
They are communicating openly in this book. They're working together through their issues rather than waiting for the other person to budge. And while Violet exudes that growth right now, saying that if this is the new line, they'll figure out life with it and if anything, it's just extra incentive for her to work more quickly, I love that. Because no matter what, she will not lose him. Even if it's too to himself. After what Zayden has gone through with his fear of losing her, I can only imagine how much he needed to hear that from his partner in that moment. I also can't help but highlight this from a literary place too. This goes right back to creating tension between our main couple. They're only letting themselves have a kiss, so anytime it is a kiss, it is like whoa. Like the kisses of kisses. And then when they go beyond the kisses, it almost feels like it's the first time again, which I love.
- [110:23]
Violet Sorengale
You know what else we love? Validation. Damn strange. Without beating around the bush, Violet asks Xaden if Garrick is a distance wielder. And it's important to note she's not mad at him for not disclosing this information because it's not his secret to share, as she has learned all too well with keeping his and other secrets. I don't know, Iron Flame. Violet may have been a little upset anyway, but that's neither here nor there. What's more, our brilliant woman has had a long 20 hour road trip out to think about this. Garrick has a second signet, Zaden has a second signet, and she swears she saw Liam wield ice at Resin, giving so many of us the validation we desperately needed. Because that's right, it was not an editing error. No way the special editions would have had that in there if it wasn't. Editing error.
- [111:09]
Zaden Ryerson
Ah, I love it. I also want to just point out that this is a friendly reminder for all of us to not believe everything you see on the Internet if you do not have the original source. Thank you very much.
- [111:18]
Violet Sorengale
Anyway, what do these three people with second signets have in common? They're marked ones. So Zaden explains. Quote, our dragons came looking for us. They knew what they were doing. We will explore more about second signets and why their dragons seek them out in today's Archives section, so I'm going to gloss over that here. But what's also interesting is how is this possible? Because it's a Big no no for dragons to bond writers in the direct familial line of their previous riders. How has no one like Kaori figured out that enough of these marked ones are direct descendants of their dragons previous riders and raise the alarm that they must have second signets? Zaden gives us a vague answer quote often enough to be sure Kaori can't possibly have accurate records. But not too completely that. Anyone questions why I only present with one? Well, okay, that's not very helpful, Daden. So we went to the ultimate source and asked Rebecca why Kaori's records are inaccurate. And here is what she said. Who said the dragon gives the right name and if they do, who says the writer gives them the correct name? Sure, some well known dragons like Teryn wouldn't be able to pull this off, but theoretically other dragons can. The other way of fudging the system here is cadets do not give their correct name@Parapet. Aric, aka Camp is the perfect example of how this is quite possible. I think that would be more difficult for marked ones though because they are watched so carefully. So I'll theorize that previous generations have been doing this. Like Zaden's grandfather gave his great uncle's name at Parapet instead of his own. Like that's got to be it.
- [112:48]
Zaden Ryerson
So there's little mystery Grandmama, an affair.
- [112:52]
Violet Sorengale
Not with Zade inside.
- [112:57]
Zaden Ryerson
I love that we. We brought that up and Rebecca just looked at us like we had five heads. She's like, no, she said.
- [113:02]
Violet Sorengale
She said, yeah, there is still a mystery Grandmama. But she was referring to Violet's grandmother. Yeah, and it's like, no, I had a whole whiteboard and a whole thing. But really, what if Xaden's grandfather and great uncle. Let's say that they were twins and the one who was supposed to be the heir was the one who was supposed to go into the infantry, but he wanted to become a writer instead. So they literally switched places. If they were identical twins, then that means their offspring, Fen and Bode's mom, were biologically more like half siblings instead of cousins. Which that might be why Xaden and Bode look more alike than typical cousins do. I just love so much how we wondered about second signets and how it played into the marked ones. And it turns out that the dragons sought them out because remember how the Empyrean is split on whether to help fight against the Venin beyond the wards? So the dragons who want to take down the Venin are creating an army of their own that is more powerful than the average rider. They are taking it upon themselves to find direct descendants of their previous riders so they will have two signets and be more powerful in the fight against the Venin. And they know that these cadets will be aligned with their venom fighting values because their parents were hence why they're only seeking out marked ones. We also know that fewer and fewer dragons have been willing to bond each year for the past century. So I believe that a reason why as at least in more recent years is because some dragons are waiting for specific marked ones to enter the quadrant and that's when they'll be willing to bond. Ah, I love the dragon scheming, but I do want to highlight one thing we've learned from Rebecca and a very common question among the fandom. It's come up at several tour events including the one in Denver. Three signets is not a thing in this world. Zaden does not have three signets. He only has one dragon. And again, the reason he has two signets is because Sigail bonded his grandmother Grandfather Violet has two signets because she uniquely bonded to two dragons, one of them being an Irid. There's no reason she would have three signets because she is not a direct descendant of Taryn's only other writer, Naolin. Rebecca also said that there has to be limitations and rules in these magical stories, otherwise one person could have too much power like having three signets. So we can cross that off the list.
- [115:11]
Zaden Ryerson
Everybody who's ready for a montage? Over the next week all things go back to almost normal, or at least as normal as they can be at best. Gaieth during war they are still waiting for the Cygnise and cadets to arrive, which is still sus. Third years are basically gone half the time staffing the Midland Post while the graduated writers who are normally at the Midland Post go out to the front. All classes have resumed except for history, which Violet assumes that they're waiting for the Cygnason cadets to arrive for that one. And of course we have RSC with a new professor since Grady is busy organizing the Absolutely Useless Quest squad and researching where to go as a sleepy Imogen and Violet walk into the dungeons to have a quick chat with Jack Barlow. Imogen hands Violet a letter that arrived from Trail Fells last night from Garrick to Imogen.
- [116:03]
Violet Sorengale
What?
- [116:04]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh, it's because if it said from Xaden to Violet it would be searched by a text. I love these little moments that are just so showy as to how narrow minded the ATOS is. He will check Xaden and Violet's correspondence, but not Xaden's best friend and a member of Violet's squad. Unless I will say Garrick distance wielded this message straight to Imogen to give to Violet. But anyway. Oh, dear. This letter is not looking so good. Let's walk through it, shall we? We learned that they fought in Ferven last night, assuming against the Venin as they were attacking civilians. We don't know where Fervent is because it's not on the damn map. But based on his note quote, it was worse than we imagined. Beyond the wards. So we can assume this is in poor Emil again, beyond the wards. He goes on to say that he walks the edge of burnout, but Violet knows him better than that. He lost control and channeled from the source. I would love to know how this happened. Did he need an extra. Extra oomph to save people? I'm leaning towards that. Was it just calling him so loudly that he finally snapped and pulled? Also, how the hell did Garrick get him back with no one noticing?
- [117:12]
Violet Sorengale
Well, distance wielding.
- [117:14]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh, duh. Oh, my God. There's this whole new magical element that we haven't been considering for two years. And now I'm like, oh, my God.
- [117:21]
Violet Sorengale
Zaden will end up telling Violet that he didn't even realize he was pulling. And it's not until Sigale snaps him out of of it and talks to him or rather yells at him for the first time since the battle of Bisgaeth. So if I had to guess, Zaden was fighting against the Venin. And it just happened again.
- [117:37]
Zaden Ryerson
It goes back to really how addiction is portrayed in this book as being Venin. And it just. It's almost that, like, unconscious decision to go back to that thing that's calling to you. It's just. Oh, my God. Garrick informed the healers that Zaden will be quote, unquote, recovering in his room from his quote, unquote burnout. But the good news is at least this. He, Zaden, has a solution to prevent future quote, unquote burnouts. Hooray. We will soon learn that this is getting his ass back to Buz guy as a teacher. Professor Zaddy, here we come.
- [118:11]
Violet Sorengale
But before we get to Professor Zaddy, next episode, let's talk to Jack Barlow. Violet and Imagin are already on their way to question him when she reads note from Zaden. And we learn from Heaton that this isn't the first time Imogen has visited Jack when they and Emory are on guard duty. This might be Violet's first visit to Jack, but he's broken for Xaden multiple times already, so we know that Imagin and Zaden have visited Jack multiple times. Heaton also shares that Nolan and Marcum visit Jack on the daily for questioning. Is Markham trying to learn about the venom for his own knowledge now that Navarre doesn't have its head in the sand? Probably. Unless he's vented himself. Although assuming he's not, I bet it pisses Markham off so much. That poor meal has so much more intel on Ven than him. Now that the secret's out and he just looks like a doofus. Jack is usually silent when they question him. And we'll find out why he's willing to talk to Violet and not them in just a few pages. Though clearly Jack knows some about the Venin, because Theophany knows he is a high security risk for the Dark Wielders. Additionally, we find out that Jack. Jack probably only has 24 hours left to live. At this rate, there's no magic left to drain his cell, and he's not eating the food provided for him or willing to talk and accept power in return. So he's on his last leg. Violet offers Jack a deal. She gives him a medallion of alloy with enough power imbued in it to keep him alive another week. And in exchange, he answers four questions of hers. Before we dive into Violet's questions, I want to clarify some questions we've received from readers. Readers about how this ally works for feeding Jack and later in Devarelli Zaden. The Venin feed off of power. This power, this magic is in everything. Magic is part of all living things, part of this Earth. On the continent. Magic equals power equals life. Which is why the Venin can drain people who are not bonded to dragons, and how they drain the earth and everything around them. It's why Zaden could drain the wood from the headboard. So this alloy that Violet is offering him, it's concentrated power. It's raw power. Not the same as magic of all living beings, because that's just like a trace of it, but because it is power that is not channeled from, say, Jack's dragon Rip or a griffin. It is not Jack's power to use. Hence why when he takes it, it is him being a Venin and pulling power that does not belong to him. That is not technically his power to take.
- [120:26]
Zaden Ryerson
So basically, the power that would be Jack's to take would be something from Bade, who is now dead. And now without that power, that is just constantly being channeled into him from his dragon. He is now being emaciated. And so, basically, he needs to have something that is power, AKA alloy, that is not his to take because it is not bade, and he drains it very quickly, thus extending his life for a week.
- [120:47]
Violet Sorengale
In case Jack doesn't want to take Violet's deal, she has something else to offer him. Powdered orange peel.
- [120:54]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh, no.
- [120:54]
Violet Sorengale
Not an orange. Remember that Jack is deathly allergic to oranges, so this would be a swift way for him to die. As Violet points out, a merciful way to die. Faced with this choice, Jack chooses to answer Violet's questions and get enough power to live another week.
- [121:09]
Zaden Ryerson
Let's walk through these questions, shall we? Question number one. Can you sense the other venom? Now, technically, Violet already knows the answer to this one from Zaden, but Jack fucking Barlow does not stop at a yes to this question. Instead, just like theophany, he continues, quote, when we're new, we're not as adept at hiding ourselves. I am told it's so that we will be found and raised by an elder, usually a Sage. But in rare cases, a Maven may take interest. First of all, hiding ourselves is a very interesting phrasing there. Does that mean hiding yourself, as in, like, hiding the magic around you, hiding your eyes? Or does it literally mean. Mean glamouring yourself, like we're assuming the Mavens and the Sages can do? This is nice foreshadowing to how the ophany is taking interest in Violet and how it is rare indeed to be recruited by a Maven. And secondly, this also must be how Sages and or mavens nearby are taking newly turned Venon under their wing. But again, Jack fucking Barlow doesn't stop there. He keeps running his mouth. No wonder they're trying to get him, because this guy is a security hazard. But I would also argue that so is theophany. Quote. Initiates asams were all traceable to one another, but the Great hall could fill with Sages and Mavens and I'd never know. Neither would you. Oh, my God. This is where we get into the glamour. The not glamour. Does this mean they can mask themselves? I'm assuming, yes. Because this changes everything.
- [122:32]
Violet Sorengale
Yes. Yes, it does.
- [122:34]
Zaden Ryerson
There could be Sages, there could be mavens lurking in bezgaeth. Like Daddy Atos, Like Markham, like. This is one of the main reasons that we. We were so convinced that, for instance, Daddy Atos was not a Venin, because he doesn't have any of the Venin signals. But if they can glamour themselves to not look Venin. Then we're fucked.
- [122:58]
Violet Sorengale
I just have so many questions and we don't have any answers. But yes, this does confirm that Sages and Mavens can and probably are hiding in plain sight. I'm still not concerned. Convinced Panchak is someone who, as Jack says, has been, quote, channeling here for years, who's been trading information for power. As much as the last part of that Fitzpancheck, I still don't get I've been a ven in the whole time vibes. When we get the reveal In Zaden's chapter 65 POV, Daddy Atos, I'd say is at the top of my list right now. But this is something else we'll keep a close eye on throughout the deep dive. Let's move on to question two. Do you have to be taught to channel? Jack doesn't answer that question yet, but gives her a different bit of information. Quote, ask me when I turned, how I turned. Ask why. Only initiates bleed. So, first of all, we might not know exactly when Jack turned, but we do have a time frame. It was after threshing in October because he was so angry about a powerful dragon like Taran choosing Violet. And it made him question the whole concept of who gets to decide who has power. Because that control and sense of power was taken away from him. And it was before his and Violet's challenge on the map because he channeled during their fight, which was at the end of January. So between the beginning of October and the end of January is when Jack turned Venon. Also, his response here just shows how self absorbed Jack is. He thinks this is all about him. When did he turn? What Violet wants to know about him, when really Violet doesn't care. She's looking for information far bigger than Jack. And he. He is like, not even thinking about that. But more importantly, only initiates bleed. So initiates can be killed normal ways. While once when you level up to Asam, only alloy hilted daggers and Darna's fire and lightning can kill you. My guess is Jack was able to survive the mountain crashing down on him because initiates are a little harder to kill. So while he was barely alive, he was obviously, and regretfully still alive. Alive, but barely alive is the key there. I think of it as being an initiate. Venon is like extra armor for you.
- [124:58]
Zaden Ryerson
I also assumed that when the mountain fell on him, he channeled from the source to, like, sustain his life as much as possible. Yeah.
- [125:06]
Violet Sorengale
Yes. Remember that in Iron Flame, Violet was Able to stab and kill the first year Venon assassin with a regular dagger. Because as Jack states here, initiates can still bleed.
- [125:16]
Zaden Ryerson
Back to question two and whether they need to be taught to channel which? Which. Yeah, good question. And we've been wondering it too. He answers quote, not if you're already experienced with the flow of magic. Someone who has never wielded would require instruction. But a Dragon Rider or a Griffin flyer, the source is there. So good news. Unless you already know how to draw power, you need to be taught. Which means infantry scribes, regular people, they need to be taught how to read. I really believe there is some, at least someone within best Gaia ranks who is seeking out those new potential initiates. Especially among the infantry who as Violet notes, are too skittish to walk across the parapet. Remember back in Iron Flame there was an epigraph that said the Venin were recruiting promish cadets who didn't bond a Griffin. Same could go for people who didn't bond a dragon and were still power hungry. Gah, the possibilities there. And next question number three. Do you know their plan? Does a first year command the wings? No. We're not as stupid as you assume. Information is need to know. God, I hate this guy. I love that. This is book three and we're only now understanding the structure among the enemy. We had the idea sprinkled back in fourth wing when Violet learns about the Sages and how they have teachers on the back of Taryn at the battle of Restaurants lesson, but learning just how organized the Venin are. They're not mindless zombie white walkers, all completely unruly. They have high ranks, one of which, as we know, is Berwyn, who now Zayn obeys at the end of this book, I'm saying obeys, at least as far as we know. Which what if Xaden and Violet start passing like war info via dreamwalking and that's how they communicate in book four, I'm. That's. That is canon in my head.
- [127:03]
Violet Sorengale
The fourth and final question is actually the same one we heard heard Zaden ask Jack at the end of Iron Flame. But Violet didn't hear this part. How do you cure yourself? Violet is desperately searching for an answer to this question and exploring all possibilities as Andarna has said. So of course she's got to cover her bases and ask the one Vinn and she has direct access to. But Jack tells her, quote, there's no cure because magic does not negotiate and we do not wish to be cured. This isn't far off from what he told Zaden when he demanded to know the cure in chapter 66 of Iron Flame, Jack said, quote, there's no cure. You can never give back what's taken. You'll only hunger for more. In both answers, Jack explains that they're not diseased, they're free, with unfettered access to power. As he tells Violet, it's a loss of soul, but the Venom see it differently. See, they aren't burdened by conscious or weakened by emotional attachment. They are in control of their advancements based on their own capabilities and talents. They're not reliant on dragons. Dragons. Which makes sense that this is Jack's way of thinking. Remember how he wanted Taryn as his dragon, but instead he wound up with Bade, a small and weak orange? That thus made Jack a far less powerful rider than he intended and ever wanted. It was only after threshing and the shift in power structure that he pulled from the Source and turned Venon, taking his strength of power into his own hands. This answer about not wishing for a cure is not comforting for Violet as she immediately begins worrying whether there will come a point Xaden doesn't want to be cured. Throughout this book, he may not be giving up finding a cure as he works with Brennan and such, but he's also realistic with the most likely outcome that there isn't a cure. And Xaden accepts his inevitable fate, taking the necessary precautions to ensure his province and responsibilities are in good hands.
- [128:44]
Zaden Ryerson
True to her word, Violet throws the alloy to Jack and he catches it with surprising quickness before he closes his fist and whispers yes. Like. I can almost hear the like my precious in the background. But not only does he quickly drain the disc in a matter of heartbeats, it physically changes him. His cheeks plump up again, his skin goes back to having color, the cracks in his lips disappear, and now the veins in his eyes begin to pulse. Question so with there being mention of veins and when Violet walks into his cell, his eyes are still red even though he is like emaciated. Can we confirm that he is officially at Asym level?
- [129:22]
Violet Sorengale
Yes, Violet does say at one point later on that he tells her all about the process of turning Asym. So yes, he is in the process. I have a feeling that when Zaden turns because he channels so much power, it's kind of like a jump to Asym, while it's a slower process here.
- [129:37]
Zaden Ryerson
For Jack agreed upon leaving, Violet asks Jack, what's on our minds too? Why are you answering censoring me but not the others who interrogate you. And true to his Jack Barlow name, he says, quote, did you cry for Ryerson when they strapped you to the chair and watched your blood fill the cracks between the stones on its way to the drain? Quote I only asked because I swear I can feel it when I lie on the floor all of your pains singing to me like a lullaby. This up paragraph fairly causes Violet, who is less than a few minutes months out of her, trauma from being in this exact room, getting tortured by Verish for days, flinches. And we get back to the reason why Jack actually told her the answer. He knows that he can be a stone's throw away from death and he can still cut her even when he does not have a blade. When we asked Rebecca about Jack at her Denver tour, she said that he is a bully through and through, and this is what we see on full display here. Jack wanted more power and that's why he went the Venon route in the first place. He wanted Taran as his dragon. And when he didn't get the strongest dragon on the continent and instead got the weaker dragon, like Lexi said, he was hungry to prove that he is more powerful. And now knowing that he can affect the most powerful dragon rider, it is a high for him. Just like any bully who chooses to take you down a peg, it is solely about a moment, a hit of power for them.
- [131:01]
Violet Sorengale
And while his words definitely hit their mark with Violet, she doesn't let him get the last word like that. And after taking a dig at how he's drained, I mean redecorated the room, she lets Imogen know she's ready to go. Before Imogen steps into White Jack's memory again. Jack does say something interesting about telling her favorite scribe that she's been feeding the enemy, because at first I thought he was talking about Decinia. However, because we know that Nolan and M4RKIM visit him daily, I wonder if he's actually using this favorite scribe as a taunt about Mark's. In any case, you won't remember shit, Jack, because we've got memory wiping Imogen to step in.
- [131:36]
Zaden Ryerson
Wait, hold the fucking phone. Because I also assumed it was Jenia, which doesn't make sense unless Jinia is going behind all of our backs and visiting Jack, which is weird and sus. And I don't really think Jinia is weird or sus. But Markham, him saying favorite scribe and taunting Violet Again with M4RKIM, that would be another clue for Markham being Venon and him knowing something more about Markham than she does.
- [132:00]
Violet Sorengale
I didn't jump to that conclusion, but I was thinking of it as like that taunt. Now it I suppose it could be Jenia because she is doing research for Grady and that could go back to Jack. I don't think so though. I think it is about Markham.
- [132:12]
Zaden Ryerson
Yeah, I think it's about Markham, but I think that's another tie in for us either as the reader or for him mocking her as like you are literally your favorite scribe.
- [132:21]
Violet Sorengale
As one of us, I could definitely see that.
- [132:24]
Zaden Ryerson
Totally see that.
- [132:24]
Violet Sorengale
As we know from the prologue, this is not Imin's first time wiping Jack's memory, and we'll learn from Rick later on that it's not the last time Imagin wipes his memory on Violet's behalf either. Violet will be going back and talking to him later on in this Signet power segment of the episode. Let's move to the power of precognition by turning our full attention to other important foreshadowing moments for the rest of this book, as well as speculations for books 4 and 5.
- [132:48]
Zaden Ryerson
Sawyer mentioning how there's not a single rock or Earth wielder in our history. Oh golly. So we know that a lot of the signets that we're seeing are like, haven't been seen in centuries, but this is just how unique Imogen's second signet is. It's never been seen before. I love that. As they're waiting for Battle Brief to start, we start to see the beginnings of Trager and Cat's relationship being planted. I don't think they've started their relationship yet because we haven't had the whole like go trigger melt moment. So just seeing them sitting next to each other, it starts to put them together in our minds.
- [133:20]
Violet Sorengale
This is actually debunking a foreshadowing theory, but I honestly just didn't know where else to say it. We see multiple mentions of Violet being dizzy and nauseous in the stretch of chapters, which has led to some speculation that Violet is pregnant. Rebecca Yarros has confirmed she is not several times on her tour, including with us and in the Variety article. Rebecca has confirmed Violet is not pregnant. Violet has either, and these descriptions are symptoms of the chronic illness Violet and.
- [133:45]
Zaden Ryerson
Rebecca Yarros have also not to mention that the timeline wouldn't really match up because she's this is five months until the end of the book and there is no signs of her showing or anything like that. And yes, I know that there's rare instances Rebecca has also said that when it comes to having kids. She firmly believes that that is a conversation that Violet and Zaden would have together, and they have not had that conversation yet.
- [134:05]
Violet Sorengale
And in times of war, Violet is not comfortable bringing a child into the world right now. So one more thing that people can cross off the list. And Darna says she won't wear her harness when they find her kind, but she will be and it'll make her really self conscious. Poor in Darna.
- [134:19]
Zaden Ryerson
I both can't wait to cover that chapter. And I will cry. That will be a cry session.
- [134:24]
Violet Sorengale
So much weather wielding foreshadowing from the Chapter 10 epigraph about weather being the one great equalizer in battle and wielders swaying that element to their advantage to the tornado, to Taran saying weather won't take him out. Just all the weather talk.
- [134:38]
Zaden Ryerson
The second signet manifesting, foreshadowing. Violet telling Andarna how it wouldn't be a bad time to manifest a second signet. And in Darna saying, quote, as if I control how you use my power. Sneaky, sneaky. And Darna, because she knows how Violet's second signet has manifested when theophany rises Garrick into the air, Violet thinks, quote, it's a nauseating reenactment of one of my nightmares. Oh, speaking of theophany, when she tells Violet twice that Xaden will come to their side. Of course each time Violet says no, he won't. Oops.
- [135:12]
Violet Sorengale
And Darna says that she's an Irid scorpion tail when she remembers what her kind are called. Well, she still is the only one of her kind because all the other Irids continue with their feather tales. And in fact they will be horrified by her scorpion tail.
- [135:26]
Zaden Ryerson
Violet saying to Zaden, quote, what else can you do with those shadows, Lieutenant Ryerson? Girl, you gotta find out.
- [135:34]
Violet Sorengale
Violet thinks about Marin's brothers and how they seem so familiar to her. Yes, they do. But not because they have ochre complexion, dark hair, honey brown, grief stricken eyes. Nope, it's because Violet saw them in Marin's dream when she dreamwalked and she just hasn't quite put the two and two together yet.
- [135:50]
Zaden Ryerson
So much foreshadowing for the useless of Quest squad. Grady's version, starting with how his dragon tried to question Andarna, which Tarn served his dragon's ass on a platter and Indarna left teeth marks in her tail.
- [136:05]
Violet Sorengale
Last but not least, Emery and Heaton playing cards outside of Jack Cell. Just love that little callback to these two from Violet's first year. And then Heaton says Zanal is with me already connecting zenal and cards in our minds and prep for the isle.
- [136:18]
Zaden Ryerson
We have donned our signet, but now let's tap into our mind of a scribe and examine the meaning of key epigraphs from this stretch of chapters, starting with chapter eight. Quote. While many preach loyalty to Hedion above all others, especially in Caldia province, I find that favoring Zinal has universal appeal. Everyone wants wisdom, but needs luck. This is from Major Royally's Guide to Appeasing the Gods, second edition, which we've only seen once before in fourth wing around Malik and burning belongings that belong to Malik. First up, this epigraph, we get a new God mention. I remember hearing Heon and I was like, whoa, this is the God of wisdom. I find it especially interesting that those in Caldir are loyal to him, considering that King Tower is known as King Tauri the Wise. So did the king give himself to Hedion? Is this a tradition for the royalty to give themselves to a deity? Is he just like. I don't know what else to do.
- [137:13]
Violet Sorengale
Choose.
- [137:13]
Zaden Ryerson
So let me choose he. Dion, I have so many questions. And also, we assume that King Tari is not that wise, so would he unspite him for being a dingus? That's my mine.
- [137:26]
Violet Sorengale
I am so curious about all the gods and everything. I can't wait.
- [137:30]
Zaden Ryerson
And lastly, for chapter 12, we get quote. Oh boy. You might be angry when you realize I didn't wake you to say goodbye, but it's only because I no longer fully trust my ability to walk away. Who. This is from recovered correspondence of His Grace Lieutenant Zaden Ryerson, 16th Duke of Tyrandor, to cadet Violet Sorengale. I need to know the timestamp of this because it's going to drive me crazy. Originally, I was thinking that this was Xaden writing letters to Violet at the end of this book, but she's not addressed as as the Duchess of Tyrandor in this letter.
- [138:08]
Violet Sorengale
That was such a good catch because I was always thinking that that was going to be something time stamped later on. And I remember reading this epigraph for the first time and it's like, oh my God, you know he's going to pull an Edward colon, as the whole fandom is calling it. And that is such a good point about how he doesn't address her as Duchess. Now. Of course, that would be just a gigantic spoiler right there, but yeah.
- [138:29]
Zaden Ryerson
But I do want to point out, though, Zayden was banking on Bode being heir, so maybe he Just he wrote these letters knowing that eventually he would have to walk away. Like, remember, he's a realist. And at the very end, she's groggily waking up after Imogen wipes her memory. Is this the I didn't wake you to say goodbye. So was he there when Imogen, like, wiped it all out of her mind? I don't think so, because she was on the.
- [138:53]
Violet Sorengale
I don't.
- [138:54]
Zaden Ryerson
I have no idea. And he would have had to write these letters, letters before the Battle of Dreythis. And he wouldn't know to address them as the Duchess of Tyrandor because he wouldn't know that she would need to be the Duchess of Tyrannor at the end of the battle. Or was this also before he left for the front, which is where we were in this stretch of chapters, and he accidentally wielded and he didn't know if he needed to leave. I.
- [139:16]
Violet Sorengale
When was this?
- [139:17]
Zaden Ryerson
I'm driving myself crazy.
- [139:19]
Violet Sorengale
I don't know.
- [139:20]
Zaden Ryerson
I don't either, but. Oh my God. Now let's step into the archives, where each episode Lexi educates us on a world building topic to help us better understand this world and the magic within it.
- [139:32]
Violet Sorengale
Today's Archives topic is Signets Part three, specifically focusing on second Signets and Venn insignets as well as how signets evolve. This archives will be building off of our fourth Wing, Episode six and Iron Flame Episode six archive sections where we dove into how signets work and mind signets, respectively. If you want more foundational information about signets and an explanation about mind signets, please go check out those episodes for today. Let's start with a quick recap of what we know about signet powers. Just so we're all on the same page. Signets are the unique magical power that a human gets from their bonded dragon. All bonded riders can wield lesser magic, but their signet is the most powerful and distinctive magical ability unique to each person. Person. Some signets are common, like ice or wind wielding, while others are rare, only surfacing once in a century like lightning, distance wielding and summoning. Some signets are more powerful than others, including those common signets. Riddick is a great example, or Garruk with his wind wielding. And they evolve with time as the writer trains and gets better at wielding their signet. A few examples where we've seen this are with Mira and being able to generate her own wards outside of Navarre's wards. Rhiannon with being able to summon objects, objects through walls and at greater distances. And like I Mentioned Riddick and freezing the inside of a wyvern in mid flight. That was so badass. Last thing on the basics of signets is a signet says more about a writer than their dragon. When dragons channel their power into their bonded human, it manifests into a distinctive ability that represents who the person is at their core. As we all talked about with Violet second signet as we were speculating that now that we've got the foundations of signets, let's talk about second signature. Who gets them? Or rather, how does one get a second signet? There are two ways of a writer getting a second signet. The first is through bonding two dragons like Violet. She is the only person in history who has ever done this. The only way it's possible for a second dragon to bond a writer is if the dragon is an irid. Because this type of dragon is quote magic. But we're not going to get into all of that. This archive section. The second and far more likely way of getting a second signet is when a dragon bonds someone from the dragon's previous writer's direct familial line. All writers with a second signet, except Violet are bonded to a dragon who had previously been bonded with the writer's direct descendant, like a grandparent. Apparently this kind of direct familial bond either leads to a second signet or the writer goes into madness. But we have not seen any writers go mad from bonding a dragon previously bonded to their direct descendant. At least that we know of. Nicole's crossing her fingers. Yes, indeed. This is also not to to be confused with a dragon bonding a relative not in the direct line. Like in Quinn's case. She has one signet that is extra strong because her dragon was bonded to her great aunt. So not a direct familial line. Therefore she does not have a second signet. This is why people don't question Zaden seeming to only have one signet that is extra powerful. According to best Gaius records, Sigail was previously bonded to his great uncle uncle when it was actually his grandfather she was bonded to. So it's believed he has one super strong signet instead of two. This dragon bonds direct descendant way of having two signets is why some of the marked ones have secret second signets. The dragons who bonded with the marked ones purposefully sought out the direct family members of their previous writers. They know what they are doing when they choose their bonded writer. They know that the Venn are a big problem. And they know that these new young writers come from families who believe in fighting against the Venin. So they seek out the children of the rebels, AKA the marked ones, to ensure they become more powerful writers. These dragons are literally making an army because more signets equal more power to go up against the Venin. While we don't know exactly how many marked ones have second signets, we do know that it's often enough to be sure that Professor Kaori can't possibly have accurate records. But not too completely that in anyone questions why Xaden only presents with one. On a separate note, we know that dragons will sometimes hide the fact that their writer has a second signet from the rest of the Empyrean to protect their writer. Like Sigail does for Zaden. Now I do want to clear something up. Because the marked one's second signets are not to be confused with their rebellion relics. While people with rebellion relics have a disproportionately higher chance of getting a second signet. This is not caused by the relative relics themselves. Their rebellion relics are the result of a rune stone that Colonel Mari created to protect the children of the rebellion leaders upon their deaths. Once the runes were activated, the relics appeared on the children as a form of protection from the person whose dragon performed the executions. So the relics are a result of an activated rune that shields those children from General Melgen's signet, which is battle foresight. If more than three of them are gathered gathered, Melgren can't use his signet to know what they are doing. Hence protecting them. This is why Melgren had the best guy War College code of conduct amended so marked ones can't gather in groups of three. So the relics are not magically connected to the marked one's second signets. It's simply an indirect correlation here. Also, no one has three signets. Like I mentioned earlier, Rebecca has confirmed there has to be limitations on power. And someone like Zaden cannot have three signets because. Because he only has one dragon. We haven't had many confirmed characters with second signets. But here's who we do know so far who has second signets. Of course we have Violet, where everyone knows about her lightning wielding. And then we recently learned, and it is currently hidden, her dream walking signet. Then we have the marked ones. Xaden's known signet is shadow wielding. His secret second signet is being an intensic. We had Leah Mari, rest in peace, who had farsight, and then he also secretly had ice wielding. Then we have Garrick, who is a powerful wind wielder and secretly a Distance Wielder. And lastly Imogen, who is known for her memory erasing signet. But as we will learn in her pov, she has a hidden rock wielding signet which apparently has never been seen before in history. How cool is that? Now that we've gone through second signets, let's touch on Venin signets. Although honestly, we don't know much more than the fact that some venom have signets. As of now, we've only seen signets in higher level Venin. Theophany with Storm wielding is the only clear example we've gotten. We don't even know how Theophany was able to manifest a signet because as far as we know she was never bonded to a dragon or griffin. She was a high priestess of Dune. But we don't have any information on how the magic of all that works yet. We can also assume Berwyn is a dreamwalker, but that is an assumption of ours and still very, very unknown. We know that Bodhi can't count counter the Venin's signets, but it's unclear if this is due to him not being able to counter Venon signets or if Bodhi just isn't strong enough to counter Theophany yet. I'm leaning toward him only being able to counter dragon magic signets as this is what Violet assumes. Quote must be the reason. But since we know Violet's knowledge isn't always the most reliable, this is actually unclear. So technically, if Bode turned Venin, maybe, probably he can counter Venin signets and power. However, again, that is pure speculation that we will get into later in this deep dive. Moving on to how signets work in the grand scheme of magic being in balance, we know that magic loves all things in balance. This is the oldest rule there is. The most basic form of this we see is opposite signets like Dane and Imogen or Violet and Zaden. There is also Bode's signet which counters all of the signets even when writers pull too much power and burnout. That's part of the balance of magic. It is such a give and take where you can't take too much or you burn out. In Chapter 11's epigraph, it talks about how no one was stopping to contemplate the nature of magic's balance once dragons, griffins and humans started bonding, asking the question, do we not risk the equal rise of the very powers we seek to wield? Apparently no one took their rose colored glasses off as nature did, just that. While we don't know if Every then and with the signet has a dragon signet counterpart. Theophany tells us that Lilith received storm wielding as the balance to Theophany. But Lilith's signet never developed to be as powerful as theophanies. There are so many question marks around all of this. If you are confused, it's not you. We are meant to be left wondering. That's part of the excitement that I just love. We also know that Lynx manifested shadows to be the balance to Xaden's shadows now that he has been in which we will explore more Once when you get to that point in the book. A final note about signets. Once when you turn Venin. We see from Zaden at the end of Iron Flame that pulling from the source has strengthened his shadow wielding signet. We also get big hints about his intensic signet becoming stronger to an onyx storm. But there's a lot of mystery around that and I'm so excited to dive more in. Can you all tell how excited I am about talking about all this magic and signets and all this new information we learn? Ah, I love it. Anyway, that's our archives for today.
- [148:04]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh my God. That was amazing. Our right, let's close out this episode with Taking Flight with our favorite moments all the show don't tells of Sawyer and Justinia being together and they're writing notes to each other. Especially given how this is the only way they're really able to communicate freely with each other. It's just so sweet. I love the beginning of their relationship. This is something super small, but Xaden pockets Violet's patch after she's cleared from the scenarium. And it's got me thinking. I feel like Zaden would absolutely, absolutely have like a violet box. Like, you know how like when you're in a relationship with someone you have like. Like I have a Brett box. Do you have a date box?
- [148:37]
Violet Sorengale
We've moved so many times that I don't even know if I. I used to.
- [148:42]
Zaden Ryerson
I'll take it. But like I love the idea of Xaden having a violet box somewhere. And of course we have some rapid fire favorite lines. Tarn. He says, quote, yes, I too have eyes. And of course quote, you ask for speed and then complain when I provide it.
- [149:01]
Violet Sorengale
And then quote, if you remove that belt, I will unseat you over the river and let your meager gods sort you out.
- [149:07]
Zaden Ryerson
And my personal favorite quote, do not dehydrate on my account. It takes more than weather to fell me. I wish I could say the Same for you. Like, he's kind of a dick and I love it. And then, of course, we have Garrick.
- [149:22]
Violet Sorengale
He says, let's be honest, you're not kicking anyone with that knee.
- [149:25]
Zaden Ryerson
And then. Good. I hate to damage the other side of my perfect face. Yes, you. You are perfect.
- [149:31]
Violet Sorengale
He's got swagger.
- [149:34]
Zaden Ryerson
Of course, him and Imogen are, like, attracted to each other because that's such an image in line right there.
- [149:39]
Violet Sorengale
All right, friends. Well, thank you so much for tuning in today and listening to episode two of our Onyx Storm deep dive.
- [149:46]
Zaden Ryerson
We will see you again for next Monday's episode three, where we will be going into chapter chapters 13 through 18. Hello, Professor Zaddy. Hello, Halden. Hello, Papa Sorrengale's research.
- [149:58]
Violet Sorengale
I was gonna say second Crovlin Uprising. Oh, my gosh. And it's not even like the really big episode yet for Papa Sorrengails research, but it's just the validation that I needed.
- [150:08]
Zaden Ryerson
If you do not know, the next book series we are covering after Onyx Storm is the Kindred's Curse saga by Pen Cole, starting with Spark of The Everflame in April 2025. Link to get this fabulous series is in the show Notes.
- [150:21]
Violet Sorengale
We would love to give the biggest warm welcome, welcome, welcome to our newest Iron Squad members.
- [150:27]
Zaden Ryerson
A huge welcome, welcome, welcome to Anthony F, Felicia S, Gabby L, Alex D, Luzez, Marjorie S, Cassie R, Stephanie R, Kerry H, Marlise Michelle L, Ella B.
- [150:40]
Violet Sorengale
Cher M, Mary Alicia C, Lucette Stephanie H, H, Maria Ashton S. Caitlin C, Mia L, Kayla F, Angela B, Leah.
- [150:51]
Zaden Ryerson
H, Annabel P, Josaline E, Robin, Natalie Gabby T, Bridget B. Lindsay A, Jeannie B, Molly M, Megan I, Annie L.
- [151:01]
Violet Sorengale
Sarah C, Colleen D, Brandy Christy K, Stephanie D, Lisa M, Stephanie B. Megan Liz, Malin M, Jessery N, Ashley M, Alex Kelly, Felicia B, Tara B. Dory K, Becca H, Shannon T, Ashley K, Megan S, Jennifer G, Victoria, Jessie J.
- [151:21]
Zaden Ryerson
Oh, I love that singer. Sandra M. Shannon K, Ariana A, Sarah A, Jasmine W, Maria B. Kinsey, Tiffany S, Jessica T, Vanessa P, Kara H, Georgia T. And holy God. Last but not least, Cindy.
- [151:37]
Violet Sorengale
Wow.
- [151:38]
Zaden Ryerson
We love you all so much.
- [151:39]
Violet Sorengale
Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much for joining the IR Squad. We appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for supporting the show and for supporting Nicole and I. It means everything. And if you're like, hey, I want my name shouted out on the podcast and to be showered with all the love to join our fan club@Fantasy Fangirls.com Fan Club. The link is also in the show notes.
- [152:01]
Zaden Ryerson
Thank you as always to to our resident scribe curator AKA our content researcher Brooke and of course our executive producer AKA our sanity manager Hayden. We love you both.
- [152:12]
Violet Sorengale
If you're not following us on Instagram and Slash or TikTok, what are you doing? We are so active on social media and we are posting lots of extra Onyx Storm content so please be sure to head on over there at Fantasy Fangirls Pod. Also, go ahead and hit that subscribe button on YouTube. It is so helpful for us.
- [152:28]
Zaden Ryerson
Speaking of things that are extremely helpful not just for the show but for any podcast you listen to, please take a moment and rate and review. You can hit that five star button on Spotify, write a little love notes in the Apple review section or wherever the heck you're listening to. But it is so so so helpful for any show. Like we can't even list the all the reasons why it's so helpful. So thank you, thank you, thank you to those who have done it. And of course do not forget to share this episode with your fellow Onyx Storm friends. Friends, if you had a group text where you all in the lead up to Onyx Storm were like Liam wielded ice. I know he did. This is a great episode to send to them so you can all feel validated.
- [153:04]
Violet Sorengale
All right everybody, thank you so much. We will see you next week. Bye bye to the scenarium for a quick trial we go GF Triple D. I sound like Guy Fieri Diners driving some dives. Oh I was thinking of guys grocery games but really either one of those work and she's a soldier who has a short start seat.
- [153:25]
Zaden Ryerson
She sells seashells at the seashore.