Chapter Eight

Summary

• The protagonist observes Conscription Day from the vantage point of a tower in the war college, trying to avoid getting too emotionally involved with the new candidates.
• Characters Rhiannon, Nadine, and Dain interact with the protagonist, clearly part of a military hierarchy involving dragons and riders.
• The protagonist reflects on the danger of the conscription process and exchanges tense words with Dain, whom she resents for prior actions.
• Nadine comments on the weather favoring the candidates, recalling when a storm complicated their own Conscription Day.
• A character named Xaden is alluded to, having left gifts for the protagonist, and a note implying a close relationship.
• Rhiannon talks to Dain about a new vice commandant, Varrish, who is described as a hard-ass and friends with Dain's father.
• Candidates begin arriving at the parapet, and the protagonist takes their names but tries not to form attachments, fearing for their safety.
• Some candidates exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as one named Jack Barlowe Junior, who knocks another candidate off the parapet.
• The protagonist recognizes a familiar candidate, Cam, who has taken on a new name Aaric Graycastle.
• Dain questions Aaric's decision to cross the parapet, acknowledging the permanence and danger of his choice.
• Another candidate, Sloane Mairi, is revealed to be the sister of someone the protagonist feels responsible for the death of, and a tense encounter ensues.
• Sloane blames the protagonist for her brother's death and expresses hatred towards her.
• The chapter concludes with the assembly of squadrons and the protagonist's squad experiences tension as they gain a prince and a grieving sister among their ranks.
• Vice Commandant Varrish's dragon, Solas, creates a grave situation by burning cadets who attempt to run away in fear.
• The protagonist's bonded dragon, Tairn, intervenes violently to protect her and the other cadets from Solas.
• Major Varrish appears to target the protagonist with a threat, and Tairn responds aggressively, establishing himself as her protector.
• The chapter ends with the protagonist understanding her and her dragon's relationship with Varrish has grown antagonistic.