Chapter Fifty-Three

Summary

• The characters are trekking through a snow-covered ridgeline to a cave on a mission.
• Lucky Me leads the group, followed by the protagonist, with Cat and Andarna trailing behind.
• They struggle through deep snow and worry about causing avalanches.
• Kiralair, a silver-winged gryphon, and Andarna, who are lighter, can tread without much issue.
• Tairn scouts ahead, concerned about the protagonist's safety.
• The protagonist reassures him, but Tairn decides to return, not wanting to leave her exposed.
• An echo from laughter nearly triggers an avalanche, causing tension with Cat.
• An apology from the protagonist surprises Cat, who expects arrogance rather than humility.
• Andarna asserts she can protect without needing to breathe fire, which is still an emerging ability for her.
• The group makes it to the cave, which is part of a larger network possibly used by dragons in the past.
• Cat reveals a rune-carved torch for light, lamenting that she can’t find the proper rune to kindle it.
• There is a sense of competition among dragon riders, with Claw Section currently leading in retrievals.
• Protagonist illuminates their path with a conduit; Cat eventually uses fire to light the torch.
• They acknowledge they have different strengths; Cat is skilled with runes, the protagonist has strong control over power.
• Tension among group members is evident, especially between Cat and Sloane.
• They venture deeper into the cave system with their own sources of light.
• Discussion of second signets occurs, revealing their rarity and risk of madness associated with them.
• A mention of previous bonds and familial lines sheds light on the signet dynamics.
• The protagonist feels an unsettling shift in gravity but tries to focus on the task at hand.
• They find a metal chest connected to their mission, which Cat expertly seals with runes.
• The scent of other dragons alerts Andarna and tensions rise as the chest may bring them into conflict with rival sections.
• They plan a hasty retreat with the chest, discussing Visia's risky plan to fly into the Navarre border area.
• An aggressive, disfigured dragon appears, creating a dire situation as Visia is struck and presumed dead.
• The protagonist tries to save Cat, as a mental call for help is sent out to Tairn.