Fourth Wing
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
by Yarros, RebeccaIn this chapter, the tension escalates as Xaden and his team observe a mysterious threat in the valley beyond the cliffs. The atmosphere is thick with unease, with Tairn sensing that something is stronger and more sinister than usual. The group’s concern deepens when Liam reports seeing figures that resemble the feared venin—corrupted beings with red veins and red eyes—indicating a dangerous enemy potentially linked to dark magic. The chapter emphasizes the uncertainty and danger lurking below, while the characters grapple with the ominous possibility that their enemies are more powerful and corrupt than they initially believed.
The narrative reveals a crucial strategic dilemma: the team receives a coded message that tests their loyalty and command. They are faced with a stark choice—either abandon the village of their enemies or forsake their command and the upcoming War Games at Eltuval. If they choose to leave, the trading post of Resson and its inhabitants will be destroyed by venin forces. The tension is heightened by the ambiguity of the threat, with Liam describing the venin as grotesque and dangerous, and the team understanding that their actions could have deadly consequences for innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
As the team debates their options, the scene shifts to an imminent attack: gryphons have landed near them, and explosions ripple through the valley, indicating active combat and chaos in Resson. The characters are faced with a moral and tactical dilemma—whether to rush into the danger and try to save the civilians or to follow command instructions and retreat. Xaden’s leadership is tested as he weighs the risk of death against the moral imperative to protect the innocent, emphasizing the gravity of their situation and the harsh realities of warfare. The chapter underscores the tension between duty, loyalty, and the unpredictable chaos of battle.
The chapter concludes with a focus on strategy and the characters’ resolve. Despite the overwhelming odds—fewer in number, with the threat of venin and wyvern legends hanging over them—they consider their resources and the potential to fight back. The characters acknowledge their air superiority and the weapons they possess, but also recognize the peril posed by the venin and the dangerous terrain. The narrative highlights their resilience and the difficult choices they face, setting the stage for a confrontation that could determine not only their fate but also the broader outcome of their campaign. The chapter leaves the reader on edge, contemplating the cost of loyalty and the chaos of war.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of the letter Xaden receives, and how does it influence the characters’ understanding of their current situation?
Answer:
The letter Xaden receives is a test of loyalty, presenting a moral dilemma: abandon the village of their enemy or abandon command of their wing. It indicates that their actions are being scrutinized and that they are being manipulated or tested by an external force, likely their enemies. The letter also reveals that if they choose to leave, they will reach their new headquarters in time for War Games, but at the cost of the village of Resson being destroyed by Venin. This forces the characters to weigh their loyalty, duty, and the potential consequences of their choices—highlighting themes of sacrifice and the difficult decisions faced in wartime. The letter heightens the tension and underscores that their loyalty is being tested under dangerous circumstances.2. Question 2
How do the characters perceive the threat from the valley below, and what clues suggest the nature of this threat?
Answer:
The characters perceive the threat as imminent and dangerous, with Liam and Bodhi expressing concern that the figures in the valley could be Venin, described as creatures with purple robes, distended red veins, bright red eyes, and a creepy appearance. Liam’s account of seeing the enemies walk toward the gates and the description of the Venin as magic-corrupted beings suggest a supernatural or dark magical threat. Imogen’s mention of the destruction of Resson and the explosion at the gates further indicate that the enemy is formidable and capable of significant destruction. The mention of Venin and their blood being corrupted by magic, along with the ominous visual cues, reinforces the idea that this threat is both magical and deadly, requiring strategic response from the wing.3. Question 3
In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of difficult moral decisions in wartime, and how do the characters navigate this tension?
Answer:
The chapter vividly illustrates the moral complexity of wartime through the dilemma posed by the letter—whether to abandon the village or their command. Xaden and the others recognize that leaving would save their lives and allow them to continue their mission, but it would also result in the destruction of innocent civilians in Resson. Bodhi’s desire to rush into the chaos contrasts with Xaden’s cautious leadership, emphasizing the tension between impulsive action and strategic restraint. Xaden explicitly states that they are in a unique and perilous situation, as their loyalty is being tested and they are marked with rebellion relics, complicating their choices. This internal conflict reflects the broader theme of moral ambiguity—balancing duty, loyalty, and compassion—highlighting that wartime decisions often involve sacrifice and weighing the greater good against individual morality.4. Question 4
What role does strategic assessment play in the characters’ decision-making process, and how do their perceptions of their resources influence their choices?
Answer:
Strategic assessment is central to the characters’ decision-making, as they evaluate their immediate threat, resources, and potential outcomes. Soleil points out their air superiority and the numbers they have, which suggests they are considering their tactical advantages. Xaden’s concern about the enemy’s magical threats, such as Venin and possibly wyvern, indicates awareness of the dangers beyond mere numbers. Liam’s confident assertion that they have the weapons to kill the Venin and the mention of gryphon fliers highlight their reliance on their equipment and aerial advantage. These perceptions influence whether they choose to engage directly or hold back, knowing that their resources—such as weapons, dragons, and flying capabilities—are critical in determining their chances of success. The chapter emphasizes the importance of realistic assessment in making life-and-death decisions.5. Question 5
Critically evaluate the implications of the chapter’s portrayal of magic and supernatural beings, such as Venin and wyvern, in shaping the narrative’s moral and strategic landscape.
Answer:
The portrayal of magic and supernatural beings like Venin and wyvern introduces a dark, unpredictable element that complicates the characters’ moral and strategic landscape. Venin, described as magic-corrupted creatures with red veins and eyes, symbolize the corrupting influence of magic on both blood and morality, raising questions about the nature of evil and the costs of power. The mention of wyvern—created to compete with dragons through channeling dark magic—adds another layer of danger, suggesting that magical creatures are not only enemies but products of unnatural manipulation. These elements challenge the characters’ understanding of their enemies, forcing them to consider that their foes may be fundamentally different from ordinary soldiers and requiring specialized tactics. The supernatural aspects deepen the narrative’s moral ambiguity, as magic is both a tool and a corrupting force, prompting reflection on the ethical implications of using such power in warfare and the potential for it to turn against its users.
Quotes
1. “For there, in the land beyond the shadows, were monsters that dwelled in the night and dined on the souls of children who wandered too close to the woods.”
This opening quote sets the tone of danger and darkness, emphasizing the ominous presence lurking beyond the known world and framing the chapter’s exploration of threats both physical and supernatural.
2. “It’s coming from the valley below.”
This line highlights the growing sense of threat and the characters’ awareness of an imminent danger, marking a turning point where they begin to understand the true nature of the enemy they face.
3. “If the fables are true, at least. A part of me hopes they are, or I know next to nothing about the enemy below. Of course, if they’re true…”
This reflection underscores the reliance on myth and legend in understanding their enemies, revealing both hope and uncertainty about the true nature of the threat—an essential theme that influences their decisions.
4. “That’s not what I’m saying. This isn’t a fucking training exercise, Bodhi. Some—if not all—of us are going to die if we go down there. If we’d been assigned to an active wing, there would be far older, more experienced leadership making this decision, but there aren’t.”
This quote captures the gravity of the situation and Xaden’s leadership, emphasizing the dire stakes and the burden of command under extraordinary circumstances.
5. “We have the weapons to kill them. And Deigh told me seven gryphon fliers—”
This statement highlights the strategic advantage and preparedness of the group, reinforcing the chapter’s focus on combat readiness and the importance of teamwork in facing supernatural threats.