Chapter Twenty-Eight

Summary

• Gryphon riders have honed lesser magic, particularly mindwork, into a powerful weapon.
• The protagonists are dragon riders engaged in a presumed relationship, flying at midnight to a sky full of stars—a scene suggesting secrecy and escape.
• Tairn, one of the protagonist's dragons, reluctantly agrees to a risky midnight flight after midnight, fearing potential danger.
• The flight requires caution due to the full moon, as the riders aim to keep a low profile.
• There's a strong bond between the dragons and riders, allowing the riders' risky behavior to go unquestioned.
• Tairn is protective and cautious, warning against the risks of such flights, especially near the territory of wyverns like Zolya.
• Xaden, also a protagonist, shows confidence in handling his dragon Aetos.
• The characters discuss the power dynamics and tensions between gryphons and dragons.
• There is implied history of battles and past engagements with the mention of Resson.
• The dragons land by a dark lake next to a glowing ridgeline, indicating a Poromish village is nearby.
• A group of seven gryphons lands, showing that they are navigating a tense and possibly antagonistic meeting.
• One of the gryphon riders, Syrena, is known to Xaden from previous encounters, hinting at complex past relations.
• Xaden and Syrena have a tense conversation regarding the distribution of weapons and protection of wards.
• The gryphons desire more weapons, and there's a sense of urgency due to attacks and a need for stronger defenses.
• There is distrust and political tension between dragon riders and gryphon riders over resources and support.
• Xaden's direct and rigid approach to war, sacrifice, and priorities is evident during the conversation.
• There are hints at political intrigue involving a luminary, a forge, and supplying weaponry.
• Personal relationships complicate the interactions, particularly between Xaden and a woman named Catriona.
• Catriona expresses disdain toward Xaden, implying a personal history that is causing friction.
• Xaden is stern, asserting the importance of completing the forge to supply weaponry to allies.
• Syrena acknowledges that stopping attacks on outposts is difficult but necessary for mutual trust.
• There's an acknowledgment of the overarching threat of the venin, a force threatening all involved.
• The characters understand the importance of preparing for the coming war and securing their defenses.
• The discussion reveals layers of politics, war strategy, and the precariousness of alliances.
• Syrena expresses grudging respect for Tairn's intimidating presence.
• The protagonists leave the meeting with a sense of foreboding and unresolved personal issues, as well as political and strategic tensions.