CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
by Yarros, RebeccaThe chapter begins with a reflection on the relationship between a dragon’s strength and its rider’s signet power, emphasizing that a more powerful dragon correlates with a stronger signet manifestation. It warns about the dangers of unbonded cadets seeking to bond with dragons, highlighting the risks of ambition and the potential for manipulation. This sets a tone of cautious awareness about the dynamics of power and loyalty within the dragon-rider hierarchy, illustrating the importance of careful alliances and the potential consequences of overreach in their society.
The protagonist experiences a shift from the communal barracks life to the privacy of their own room, which feels both luxurious and somewhat surreal after months of crowded quarters. Their interactions with others, particularly Sawyer and Rhiannon, reveal underlying tensions and unspoken feelings. Sawyer’s awkwardness suggests unresolved emotions, while Rhiannon’s teasing hints at a budding romantic curiosity. The protagonist’s internal conflict over a perceived lack of mutual feelings with a squad leader underscores themes of hope, disappointment, and the complexities of relationships amid the pressures of their training environment.
As the day progresses, the narrative details social interactions among the first-year students, including exchanges about bonding and the significance of relics, which symbolize their connection to their dragons. Ridoc’s playful banter about relics and the camaraderie among the students underscore the camaraderie and competition that define their daily routines. The mention of the “riders” title signifies an emerging sense of identity and belonging, contrasting with the earlier hierarchy and emphasizing the importance of bonds, status, and shared experiences in their communal life.
The chapter concludes with a tense encounter during breakfast, where the protagonist’s awareness of underlying threats becomes palpable. The hostility from Oren, who harbors resentment and animosity, hints at ongoing conflicts and dangers lurking beneath the surface. The protagonist’s cautious choice of food reflects a strategic mindset, while their interaction with Ridoc and others illustrates the fragile alliances and the constant vigilance required in their environment. The chapter closes with a sense of anticipation, as the characters prepare to face the challenges ahead, both physically and politically, within their dangerous and unpredictable world.
FAQs
1. Question 1
How does the chapter depict the relationship between a dragon’s strength and its rider’s signet power, and what implications does this have for the characters’ interactions and potential conflicts?
Answer:
The chapter suggests that the power of a dragon correlates directly with the strength of its rider’s signet, meaning a more powerful dragon manifests a more potent signet. This relationship implies that a strong rider bonded with a smaller dragon might be seen as unusual or suspicious, potentially causing tension. Conversely, an unbonded cadet who desperately seeks a bond might resort to dangerous means, highlighting the risks of unaligned or desperate ambitions. These dynamics set the stage for conflicts rooted in power, loyalty, and ambition, influencing how characters interact—particularly those who might seek to manipulate or challenge the established hierarchy based on dragon strength and signet power.2. Question 2
What does the protagonist’s experience with her ankle injury reveal about her character and the environment she is in?
Answer:
The protagonist’s handling of her sprained ankle shows her resilience and practicality. Despite the injury, she chooses to avoid crutches to prevent drawing unnecessary attention or becoming an easier target, demonstrating her awareness of the dangerous environment. Her decision to wear a brace and boot reflects her determination to continue functioning and fighting, even when hurt. This also underscores the hostile, competitive atmosphere in which she must be cautious, strategic, and self-reliant—qualities essential for survival in a setting where enemies may be constantly plotting against her.3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the chapter’s mention of the unbonded cadet’s situation and the duties assigned to them. What does this reveal about the social hierarchy and underlying tensions within the story?
Answer:
The chapter indicates that unbonded cadets are assigned less desirable duties, such as breakfast cleanup, to redirect their energy toward flight lessons. This treatment highlights a social hierarchy where bonded cadets or those with certain status are privileged, while unbonded ones are marginalized. Rhiannon’s comment that this fuels resentment among unbonded cadets reveals underlying tensions rooted in inequality and competition. It emphasizes the societal stratification within the academy, where status and bonding influence not only privileges but also perceptions of worth and safety. These tensions could lead to rebellion or conflict, adding complexity to character relationships and plot development.4. Question 4
What does the interaction between the protagonist and Ridoc, especially regarding their relics and dragons, suggest about their personalities and attitudes toward safety and loyalty?
Answer:
Ridoc’s display of his relic—a dragon silhouette tattoo—shows pride and a sense of identity connected to his dragon. His casual mention of safety, implying that his relic helps keep him protected if separated from his dragon, indicates a pragmatic attitude toward risk and a strong sense of loyalty to his dragon. The interaction also reveals Ridoc’s confident, somewhat playful personality, as he jokes about the safety of his relic. The protagonist’s own secret about her relic being on her back suggests she values concealment and caution, hinting at her awareness of danger and her strategic approach to safety. Together, their exchanges underscore differing attitudes—Ridoc’s open pride versus her guarded caution—shaping their personalities and their outlooks on loyalty and survival.5. Question 5
Reflecting on the chapter, how does the protagonist’s internal conflict about her relationship with the squad leader deepen her character development?
Answer:
The protagonist’s disappointment over the lack of genuine connection with the squad leader after a kiss reveals her vulnerability and longing for authentic relationships. Her initial hope that their relationship might be meaningful is contrasted with her realization that there was “nothing there,” exposing her emotional depth and desire for genuine affection amid the chaos of her environment. This internal conflict adds complexity to her character, showing her capacity for hope, disillusionment, and introspection. It also highlights her struggle to navigate relationships within a dangerous, competitive setting where trust and loyalty are fragile. This depth makes her more relatable and underscores her growth as she processes her feelings and learns to manage her expectations.
Quotes
1. “It is therefore only natural that the more powerful the dragon, the more powerful the signet its rider manifests. One should beware of a strong rider who bonds a smaller dragon, but even warier of the unbonded cadet, who will stop at nothing to seize a chance to bond.”
This quote underscores the hierarchy and danger inherent in the bond between rider and dragon, emphasizing that power and ambition can lead to perilous pursuits, especially for unbonded cadets seeking to prove themselves.
2. “I was told last night that all the less desirable duties were being handed off to the unbonded so our energy can be redirected for flight lessons. Which means I’ll have to find another way to weaken my opponents before challenges.”
This passage highlights the strategic use of resource allocation and the importance of cunning in the students’ survival and success, revealing the underlying tension and competition within the environment.
3. “When he kissed me—there was nothing there. Like. Nothing.”
This poignant moment captures Violet’s disillusionment with her relationship, reflecting themes of unfulfilled expectations and emotional disconnect that are central to her personal journey in the chapter.
4. “You wound me.” He slaps his hand over his heart.
This humorous exchange between characters exemplifies camaraderie and adds levity, while also illustrating the camaraderie and playful banter that exists amidst the tension.
5. “People are bound to try and take me out for the good of the wing. I’m the weakest link, right?”
This statement emphasizes the peril faced by weaker or unbonded individuals, highlighting themes of vulnerability, survival, and the ruthless nature of their environment.
Quotes
1. “It is therefore only natural that the more powerful the dragon, the more powerful the signet its rider manifests. One should beware of a strong rider who bonds a smaller dragon, but even warier of the unbonded cadet, who will stop at nothing to seize a chance to bond.”
This quote underscores the hierarchy and danger inherent in the bond between rider and dragon, emphasizing that power and ambition can lead to perilous pursuits, especially for unbonded cadets seeking to prove themselves.
2. “I was told last night that all the less desirable duties were being handed off to the unbonded so our energy can be redirected for flight lessons. Which means I’ll have to find another way to weaken my opponents before challenges.”
This passage highlights the strategic use of resource allocation and the importance of cunning in the students’ survival and success, revealing the underlying tension and competition within the environment.
3. “When he kissed me — there was nothing there. Like. Nothing.”
This poignant moment captures Violet’s disillusionment with her relationship, reflecting themes of unfulfilled expectations and emotional disconnect that are central to her personal journey in the chapter.
4. “You wound me.” He slaps his hand over his heart.
This humorous exchange between characters exemplifies camaraderie and adds levity, while also illustrating the camaraderie and playful banter that exists amidst the tension.
5. “People are bound to try and take me out for the good of the wing. I’m the weakest link, right?”
This statement emphasizes the peril faced by weaker or unbonded individuals, highlighting themes of vulnerability, survival, and the ruthless nature of their environment.
FAQs
1. Question 1
How does the chapter depict the relationship between a dragon’s strength and its rider’s signet power, and what implications does this have for the characters’ interactions and potential conflicts?
Answer:
The chapter suggests that the power of a dragon correlates directly with the strength of its rider’s signet, meaning a more powerful dragon manifests a more potent signet. This relationship implies that a strong rider bonded with a smaller dragon might be seen as unusual or suspicious, potentially causing tension. Conversely, an unbonded cadet who desperately seeks a bond might resort to dangerous means, highlighting the risks of unaligned or desperate ambitions. These dynamics set the stage for conflicts rooted in power, loyalty, and ambition, influencing how characters interact—particularly those who might seek to manipulate or challenge the established hierarchy based on dragon strength and signet power.
2. Question 2
What does the protagonist’s experience with her ankle injury reveal about her character and the environment she is in?
Answer:
The protagonist’s handling of her sprained ankle shows her resilience and practicality. Despite the injury, she chooses to avoid crutches to prevent drawing unnecessary attention or becoming an easier target, demonstrating her awareness of the dangerous environment. Her decision to wear a brace and boot reflects her determination to continue functioning and fighting, even when hurt. This also underscores the hostile, competitive atmosphere in which she must be cautious, strategic, and self-reliant—qualities essential for survival in a setting where enemies may be constantly plotting against her.
3. Question 3
Analyze the significance of the chapter’s mention of the unbonded cadet’s situation and the duties assigned to them. What does this reveal about the social hierarchy and underlying tensions within the story?
Answer:
The chapter indicates that unbonded cadets are assigned less desirable duties, such as breakfast cleanup, to redirect their energy toward flight lessons. This treatment highlights a social hierarchy where bonded cadets or those with certain status are privileged, while unbonded ones are marginalized. Rhiannon’s comment that this fuels resentment among unbonded cadets reveals underlying tensions rooted in inequality and competition. It emphasizes the societal stratification within the academy, where status and bonding influence not only privileges but also perceptions of worth and safety. These tensions could lead to rebellion or conflict, adding complexity to character relationships and plot development.
4. Question 4
What does the interaction between the protagonist and Ridoc, especially regarding their relics and dragons, suggest about their personalities and attitudes toward safety and loyalty?
Answer:
Ridoc’s display of his relic—a dragon silhouette tattoo—shows pride and a sense of identity connected to his dragon. His casual mention of safety, implying that his relic helps keep him protected if separated from his dragon, indicates a pragmatic attitude toward risk and a strong sense of loyalty to his dragon. The interaction also reveals Ridoc’s confident, somewhat playful personality, as he jokes about the safety of his relic. The protagonist’s own secret about her relic being on her back suggests she values concealment and caution, hinting at her awareness of danger and her strategic approach to safety. Together, their exchanges underscore differing attitudes—Ridoc’s open pride versus her guarded caution—shaping their personalities and their outlooks on loyalty and survival.
5. Question 5
Reflecting on the chapter, how does the protagonist’s internal conflict about her relationship with the squad leader deepen her character development?
Answer:
The protagonist’s disappointment over the lack of genuine connection with the squad leader after a kiss reveals her vulnerability and longing for authentic relationships. Her initial hope that their relationship might be meaningful is contrasted with her realization that there was “nothing there,” exposing her emotional depth and desire for genuine affection amid the chaos of her environment. This internal conflict adds complexity to her character, showing her capacity for hope, disillusionment, and introspection. It also highlights her struggle to navigate relationships within a dangerous, competitive setting where trust and loyalty are fragile. This depth makes her more relatable and underscores her growth as she processes her feelings and learns to manage her expectations.
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