Chapter Four

Summary

• The excerpt opens with a quote about dragon development being a well-guarded secret, but four known facts are mentioned about the Dreamless Sleep, indicating a time of significant growth, varying duration, lack of dreams, and the dragons waking up hungry.
• The protagonist’s heart races with anticipation while walking beside Xaden, who appears angry and confident heading toward the dais.
• Captain Fitzgibbons is surprised to see Xaden alive as he and the protagonist were mistakenly included in the death roll.
• Shock is evident among the commanders, especially Commandant Panchek and Colonel Aetos, reflecting confusion over the protagonist’s unexpected return.
• There’s a palpable tension between protagonist and mother, who shows a fleeting sign of pride, assuring the protagonist that she was unaware of Aetos's plan.
• Colonel Aetos is defensive when questioned about the false reporting of deaths, leading to a heated exchange with Xaden over the accusation of desertion.
• Xaden fabricates a story about a gryphon attack to explain their absence, which is accepted by the protagonist’s mother after some convincing and a personal testimony.
• Colonel Aetos disputes their account, but the protagonist's mother, General Sorrengail, dismisses his doubts and orders the correction of the death roll and continuation of graduation proceedings.
• The protagonist reflects on their dissatisfaction with being compared to their mother, indicating internal conflict and a desire not to be like her.
• Colonel Aetos threatens the protagonists in a low voice, suggesting he knows the truth behind their absence, but is intimidated by Xaden mentioning General Melgren, whose magical limitations prevent him from revealing certain information.
• Dain Aetos confronts the protagonist with worry and relief, but the protagonist harshly rejects him, indicating a strained relationship.
• Xaden and the protagonist assert their stance against Dain, culminating in a public humiliation for him as he’s warned to keep his distance.
• The protagonist confronts the awkwardness of the situation with their friends, who have mixed reactions of amusement and support.
• Captain Fitzgibbons resumes the roll call of the deceased, and the ceremony continues as the protagonist laments fallen comrades and braces for the departure of Xaden, who will be leaving soon after his assignment.
• The protagonist struggles with the prospect of Xaden leaving, conflicting feelings about their relationship, and the idea of saying goodbye.
• Xaden promises to find the protagonist before he departs, offering some solace in the midst of change.
• The chapter concludes with a bittersweet celebration among the protagonist’s squad as they acknowledge their survival and promotion but also recognize the heavy losses endured.