Chapter Three

Summary

• The chapter begins with a quote from "MAJOR AFENDRA'S GUIDE TO THE RIDERS QUADRANT (UNAUTHORIZED EDITION)" mentioning the anticlimactic nature of Riders Quadrant Graduation compared to that of the Infantry.
• The protagonist and Tairn, a dragon, approach a dark, deserted flight field before sunrise, staying hidden to avoid putting hatchlings in danger.
• Tairn reflects on the delicate balance of dragons bonding with humans to protect their young from a greater threat, the venin, and the mutual distrust between species.
• The protagonist internally struggles with feelings of betrayal due to secrets kept from them, particularly by their companions Tairn and Xaden.
• Despite exhaustion, Tairn and Andarna, another dragon, prepare for landing at Basgiath field, joking about dismounting techniques.
• After landing, the protagonist departs from Tairn and Andarna, with Tairn advising them not to take unnecessary risks.
• Xaden joins the protagonist, and they discuss the need for a conversation as they approach a place called the quadrant.
• They have a tense exchange about trust and Xaden's secrecy during their journey toward a graduation ceremony.
• The protagonist retrieves and entrusts secretive letters to a friend, Rhiannon, asking her to protect them in case of their arrest or death.
• They try to blend in and reach the rotunda unnoticed in a crowded hallway with other riders.
• Xaden instructs the protagonist on the importance of selective truth-telling and compartmentalizing the truth to protect themselves and others.
• The protagonist confronts Xaden about his earlier promise to reveal all secrets and demands complete honesty going forward.
• Xaden agrees to reveal details about himself but maintains he cannot share everything due to his revolutionary role, but the protagonist insists on full disclosure.
• They are interrupted by the sound of a death roll and proceed to formation, revealing they are still alive, to the surprise of everyone present.