Chapter Nineteen

Summary

• The protagonist's heart pounds nervously as they prepare for flight maneuvers.
• Colonel Kaori seems anxious, and Varrish watches the protagonist with a disturbing intent.
• The protagonist struggles with wielding, suffering elevated temperature and strain from extensive training.
• Their friend Rhiannon senses something off about an orange dragon, while their colleagues comment on dragons and Varrish's demeanor.
• The protagonist tries to stay composed while internally distressed about not having their dragon Andarna with them.
• They discuss Andarna's absence and health with their squad mates, sharing that she's resting and not fit for the more complex maneuvers.
• Rhiannon and Sawyer discuss their concerns and suspicions about Varrish, questioning whether there's a history with the protagonist's mother.
• The protagonist mentally gears up for the suffering that might follow due to Andarna's absence.
• A confrontation ensues with Varrish, who charges the protagonist with dereliction of duty for Andarna's nonappearance.
• Tairn the dragon defends the protagonist, stating dragons do not answer to humans and entering a defensive stance.
• Rhiannon tries to understand what's happening as Tairn announces that there will be no punishment for the protagonist.
• An intense altercation occurs between Tairn and Solas, another dragon, leading to Tairn injuring Solas.
• Tairn insists on an apology from Varrish and forces him to publicly acknowledge their wrongdoings and lack of authority over dragons.
• The protagonist anticipates retaliation from Solas and Varrish, worrying about the future implications of the conflict.
• Days later, the protagonist is with Rhiannon, discussing potential consequences and their feelings about the past incident.
• Rhiannon criticizes an upcoming training Gauntlet, but the protagonist defends its necessity for survival skills.
• Rhiannon feels distanced from the protagonist, who has been withholding information and isolating themselves.
• An emotional confrontation occurs where the protagonist shares the traumatic experiences they've faced, including the death of friends.
• Rhiannon shows concern for the protagonist, who regrets not being more communicative.
• Their conversation is interrupted by Major Varrish and his guards, who search the protagonist's belongings.
• Varrish implies he does not fully trust the protagonist and reminds them to enjoy their leave while they have it.
• The protagonist apologizes to Rhiannon for previously lashing out, as they admit that nothing feels alright.