General Thoughts That Come To Me - To Date - In Regards to The Empyrean Series

 

Time Line according to the Wiki:

Canon Timeline of the Empyrean series.

AU stands for After Unification

BU stands for Before Unification

Historical Events

• BU: The Great War.
  • The First Six bonded dragons.
  • The Basgiath and Aretian wardstones were carved.
• 1 AU: Unification of Navarre.
• 1-2 AU: The Migration of the First Year.
• 233 AU: Beginning of War with Poromiel.
• 328 AU: Second Cygni Incursion; Cygnisen is absorbed into the Kingdom of Poromiel.
• Date Unknown: Trade Agreement of Resson.
• December 11, 433 AU: Krovlan forces attempted to breach the border of Navarre to obtain feathertails.
• December 13, 433 AU: Midnight Massacre.
• Est. 434 AU: Second Krovlan Uprising.
• 627 AU: Beginning of the Tyrrish Rebellion.
• July 1, 628 AU Battle of Aretia, end of Tyrrish Rebellion.

Pre-Fourth Wing Character Timeline

**Based on ages, story context, and math**

• 17 BU: Andarna's egg is laid.
• ~533 AU: Tairneanach hatches.
• 607 AU: Mira Sorrengail is born.
• 611 AU: Garrick Tavis as well as Halden and Alic Tauri are born.
  • March 31: Xaden Riorson is born.
• 612 AU: Dain Aetos, Bodhi Durran, Imogen Cardulo, Sawyer Hendrick and Catriona Cordella are born.
• 613 AU: Rhiannon Matthias, Ridoc Gamlyn, and Liam Mairi are born.
  • July (est. 3–5): Violet Sorrengail is born.
• 614 AU: Sloane Mairi and Cam Tauri (Aaric Graycastle) are born.
• Summer, 615 AU: Asher, Lilith, and Violet leave Mira and Brennan with Niara. Asher takes Violet to Unnbriel to be partially partially dedicated to Dunne.^[1]
• 618 AU: Violet meets Dain.
• 621 AU: Talia Riorson, Xaden's mother, leaves Aretia.
• 627 AU: Mira joins the Riders Quadrant. Brennan Sorrengail graduated and became a Lieutenant.^[2]
• 628 AU: Violet, age 14, last sees Brennan prior to the Battle of Aretia. Mira is 21, and in her second year at Basgiath.^[3] Lilith becomes commanding General of Basgiath. The Calldyr Executions took place after Violet's 15th birthday that same week.^[4]
• 629 AU: Mira graduates from Basgiath.
• Est. 629 AU: Asher Sorrengail begins having heart problems.
• Est. 630-631 AU: Asher Sorrengail dies, Violet is 17–18, Mira is 23–24, Andarna hatches after Violet turns 18.
• 631 AU
  • June: Violet and Halden Tauri begin dating.^[5]
  • July: Xaden and Garrick enter the Riders Quadrant. Halden enters the Infantry Quadrant.
  • October 1st: Xaden kills Alic Tauri to defend Garrick, then bonds Sgaeyl.
  • December: Halden cheats on Violet and they break up.^[6]
• 632 AU: Xaden and Catriona Cordella are betrothed.^[7]

Fourth Wing Timeline

• 633 AU: Fourth Wing begins
  • Jan–Feb: Violet begins training with Major Gillstead for the Riders Quadrant under her mother's orders.
  • Mid–July: Violet's Conscription Day. (Chp 1)^[8]
    • Following Day: First day of classes. (Chp 4–6)
  • End of July: (Chp 7)
  • August: Two weeks into school, Challenges begin. (Chp 8)
  • First week of September: Violet spars Xaden, she's been training with Rhiannon Matthias for 6 weeks. (Chp 9)
  • A week and a half into September: Gauntlet training. (chp 10)
    • Two days later: Violet burns Aurelie Donans' belongings.
  • September 28th: Last Gauntlet practice. (Chp 11)
  • September 29th: Gauntlet and Presentation Day. (Chp 11–12)
  • October 1st: Threshing. (Chp 13–16)
    • Following Day: Imogen Cardulo begins training Violet.
  • October: Liam Mairi is assigned as Violet's bodyguard.^[9]
  • November: Violet's first assassination attempt. (Chp 18–19)
    • Following day: Amber Mavis is executed. Liam starts Archives duty with Violet. (Chp 20–21)
  • December: Violet Channels. (Chp 22)
    • Following day: Garrick and Xaden spar.
  • Winter Solstice: Challenges meant to resume, but are delayed.
• 634 AU Begins
  • Mid Jan: Challenges resume. (Chp 23–24)
  • Early March: Violet and Xaden speak with General Sorrengail and Colonel Aetos. (Chp 24)
  • Mid–Late March: Squad Battles start.
  • April: Last Squad Battle Challenge. (Chp 25)
    • Later that week: Violet's squad goes to Montserrat. (Chp 26-27)
  • Mid May: First battle of War Games. Violet kills Jack Barlowe. Violet and Xaden have sex. (Chp 28)
    • Following day: Xaden tells Violet about Athebyne.
  • July 1st: Reunification Day. (Chp 31–32)
  • July 2nd: War Games begin at 4:15 AM, it's meant to be a 5 day exercise. ^[10]
    • Battle of Resson: Xaden's riot arrives in Athebyne at nearly 1 PM, the venin attack Resson.
    • It's dusk by the time Liam dies. Violet falls into a coma for 3 days.
  • July 5th: Violet wakes up.^[11]
  • July 11th: Graduation. **NOTE BELOW**

**PLEASE NOTE there is a discrepancy between Fourth Wing and Iron Flame quotes regarding the time frame between Reunification Day and Graduation Day. Characters in Fourth Wing state in conversation that there are 10 days between the two events, however contextual evidence from Iron Flame quotes place Graduation on July 8th, thus only seven days between Reunification Day and Graduation. Therefore this will be the only page referencing July 5th as the day Violet wakes up, and July 11th as the original Graduation Date as seen in Fourth Wing. Please see Iron Flame Timeline below for corrected timeline**

Iron Flame Timeline

• 634 AU
  • July 6th: Violet wakes up,^[11] meets the Assembly, and chooses to return to Basgiath.^[12]
  • July 7th: They leave Aretia.
  • July 8th: Xaden's Graduation. **NOTE- see highlighted note above, under the Fourth Wing canon events regarding timeline error**
  • July 14/ Mid-July: Conscription Day, Violet meets Sloane.
  • Following day: Assessment Day, Violet is attacked and Nadine killed.
    • Sloane Mairi wants to challenge Violet, but Professor Emeterrio refuses, know that Xaden trained Violet^[13].
    • Violet fights against "the giant" first year, who attempts to strangle her to death. Before she is about to die from asphyxiation, the "giant" first year whispers "Secrets die with the people who keep them," the exact quote that Colonel Aetos told Xaden and Violet the evening of graduation. Violet, pinned on her back to the mat, remembers her training from Xaden and stabs the first year in the kidneys multiple times until he dies^[13].
    • Sloane spars against Aaric Graycastle and Violet and Imogen realize she has no combat training.
    • After classes, Violet returns to her room to find Xaden there, 1 day later than expected.
  • July 22nd (approx)/Saturday: Violet visits Samara for the first time.
  • July 23rd/Sunday: Violet arrives at Basgiath and is called by Varrish for her punishment for not bringing Andarna to flight maneuvers, Violet is pushed to burnout.
  • Late July: Weekend Land Navigation RSC exercise with Infantry.
    • Friday: Violet, Ridoc, Sawyer, and Rhiannon are kidnapped for RSC land navigation course.
    • Saturday: They're still out in the Hadden Woods, Violet misses seeing Xaden.
    • Sunday: Violet returns to Basgiath, meets with Jesinia in the Archives^[14] Ridoc sees Nolon after dinner haggardly leaving infirmary while bringing Trysten to get his arm healed. ^[14]
  • Monday, August (two weeks into school): First round of Challenges. Violet poisons Dasha Fabrren for Sloane and blackmails her into accepting Imogen's help. ^[14]
    • Tuesday: Jesinia gives Violet a copy of The Unabridged History of the First Six in exchange for the Fables of the Barren.^[14]
    • Saturday: Jesinia gives her Sacrifice of Dragonkind. Violet packs to go to Samara, Varrish searches her. She doesn't get to see Xaden because he's on 24 hour duty. ^[14]
    • Wednesday: Rhiannon receives a letter from her family about not taking strangers in. Violet visits Jesinia in the Archives. ^[15]
    • Saturday: Xaden visits Violet at Basgiath, they visit Jesinia together in the Archives. ^[16]
    • Monday: Tairn threatens Solas and forces Varrish to apologize to Violet. ^[17]
    • Thursday: Mira is stationed in Samara.
    • Thursday Night: Violet and Rhiannon talk near the Gauntlet, Violet flies to Samara.
    • Friday: Violet arrives in Samara and kisses Xaden.
  • Saturday, September: Xaden visits Violet, Violet's squad gets taken for RSC interrogation. First year Trysten dies during Gauntlet practice.
    • Sunday morning: Violet's squad escapes interrogation after formation and during breakfast.
    • Tuesday: Zolya falls to wyvern.^[18]
    • Wednesday evening: Samara attacked by Fliers, Xaden injured.^[19]
    • Thursday: Violet finds out about Zolya at Battle Brief, Jack is confirmed alive. ^[18] Violet finds out about Xaden's injury and leaves immediately for Samara.
      • Thursday evening: Violet arrives in Samara just before nightfall. Xaden and Violet have sex in the shower. ^[20]
      • Thursday night (after midnight): Violet meets Catriona Cordella for the first time during a weapons drop off. ^[21]
    • Friday Morning: Violet leaves Samara for Basgiath.
      • Friday Afternoon: Violet arrives at Basgiath, admits the truth to her squad.
    • Saturday: Violet misses Xaden's visit due to spending two days doing land-nav with First Wing.^[22]
    • Monday: Andarna is still sleeping.^[22]
    • Saturday: Violet visits Samara but Xaden is on-duty, they miss each other. ^[22]
    • Saturday: Violet misses Xadens visit for land navigation.^[22]
    • Saturday: Violet misses flying to Samara due to land navigation.^[22]
  • Sunday, Oct 1st: Threshing and assassination attempt by Infantry soldiers.^[22]
  • Saturday, Oct 6th: Xaden visits Violet, Archive's Royal Vault Heist. Violet captured.
    • Monday Oct 8th: Violet misses class.
    • Wednesday Oct 10th: Violet's squad attempts a rescue mission. ^[23]
    • Thursday Oct 11th: Dain, Xaden, and Garrick rescue her.
      • Thursday evening: They call formation and invite any cadet and rider that wants to join the Revolution. Half the Basgiath riders leave for Aretia.
      • Thursday Night: Fliers attack Samara for weaponry after learning that half the riders at Basgiath left.
  • Friday Oct 12th: Violet wakes up in Aretia, discovers the truth behind Xaden taking responsibility of her with the scar. Andarna wakes up.
    • Saturday: Suri and Xaden leave Aretia on a mission.
    • Sunday: Aretian cadets start learning about the Tyrrish Rebellion.
    • Monday: Dain cleared by the Assembly to join Revolution, Battle Brief begins, Mira arrives in Aretia and learns about Brennan.
      • Monday at sunset: First attempt at raising Aretian Wards.
    • Tuesday: Felix starts mentoring Violet.
      • Tuesday night: Violet, Brennan, and Mira leave for Cordyn.
    • Wednesday Afternoon: Violet, Brennan, and Mira arrive in Cordyn and meet Xaden and Viscount Tecarus.
      • Wednesday evening: Violet strikes the Rybestad chest, fights with venin, deal is brokered with Tecarus.
    • Thursday evening: They bring back the Luminary to Aretia.
    • Sunday: Aretian Rider cadets are ordered to prepare for a 3-day mission. Andarna almost fully extends her wing.
    • 4am Monday: Aretian Rider cadets and Fliers meet beneath Cliffs of Dralor.
      • 7am: First hatchling born in Aretia.
      • around 3pm: Luella falls, Ridoc injured, wyvern attack.
    • Saturday: Cat posts list of all fliers Mira killed.
    • Monday: Trager and Rhiannon fight.
    • Wednesday: Cat shows up at Violet's door with Deverelli silk dress. Rhiannon's family arrives in Aretia, along with other families over the past week. Cat is able to channel at half-power.
  • Thursday, 2pm, First week of November: First rune class. Andarna fully extends wing. Xaden leaves for mission.
  • December 1st: Second Squad meets at Raegan's house. (Chp 52)
  • December 7th: Solas finds Violet in the cave. (Chp 53) Andarna breathes fire for the 1st time.
    • That night: Violet discovers the truth about Xaden's second signet. The Revolution receives a missive to meet with Melgren. Violet sleeps in the library to avoid Xaden.
  • December 8th: The Assembly, Violet, and Mira meet with General Melgren at Athebyne at noon.
  • Dec 21st: Winter Solstice, Battle of Basgiath.^[24]
    • Sawyer loses his leg, Xaden turns venin and General Sorrengail and Aimsir give their lives imbuing the wardstone at Basigath.

Onyx Storm Timeline

• 634 AU
  • December 21st: Sawyer has surgery on his leg. Garrick, Bodhi, and Imogen learn about Xaden turning venin. (Prologue)
• 635 AU Begins
  • January 4th: Violet receives an invitation to meet with leadership. Venin attack infirmary overflow and attempt to rescue Jack Barlowe. Violet meets with Senarium and is assigned to Professor Grady’s task force. Halden arrives at Basgiath. (Chp 1–3)
  • January 5th: Xaden partially drains Violet’s headboard by accident and Mira returns from Aretia. Xaden is given the title of Duke of Tyrrendor. (Chp 3–6)
  • January 6th: Violet and her squad alter the Basgiath wardstone to allow flier magic. The Second Aretia Accord is signed at 8 am. First Battle Brief of the year. Dain is reinstated as wingleader of Fourth Wing. Violet stands trial for treason. (Chp 7–8)
  • January 7th: Queen Maraya’s deadline for negotiations with Navarre. Second squad arrives at Samara (Chp 9)
    • Late-afternoon: Iron squad flies to Newhall. Theophanie takes down Tairn in a tornado. (Chp 10)
  • January 8th: Iron squad arrives back to Basgiath (Chp 11)
  • January 9th–14th: Xaden channels to save civilians in Fervan (Chp 12)
  • January 15th: Jesinia is removed from the adept path in the Scribe Quadrant. Violet visits Jack to gain information, then Jesinia in the Archives (Chp 12–13)
  • January 18th: During Battle Brief, Professor Devera introduces Professor Riorson (Chp 13)
    • Next Monday: Professor Grady hosts a planning meeting for quest squad (Chp 14)
      • Following Saturday-Sunday: Colonel Aetos visits Calldyr for the weekend.
      • Following Friday: Xaden teaches his first signet sparring class (Chp 15)
  • Saturday, end of January: Iron squad third- and second-years go to Chantara tavern together (Chp 16)
    • Following Sunday: Colonel Aetos leaves Basgiath. Dain steals Asher Sorrengail’s research from his chambers.
    • Following Monday: Sloane hands off Asher’s research to Violet thanks to Dain (Chp 17)
  • Friday, Early February: Halden attends Professor Riorson’s class. Violet unlocks Asher’s research. (Chp 17–18)
    • Four nights later: Quest squad retrieves the citrine from Anca. (Chp 19)
  • Friday, Early February: Violet presents her assembled quest squad to the Senarium. (Chp 20)
  • Sunday, Early February: Quest squad stops in Athebyne. (Chp 21)
    • Two days after that, dawn: Quest squad arrives in Cordyn. Viscount Tecarus, Halden, and Anna Winshire leave by boat for Deverelli. (Chp 21)
    • Following day: Remainder of the quest squad leave Cordyn. (Chp 21)
    • Following day: Quest squad arrives in Deverelli and visits Narelle’s bookshop. Halden attempts to negotiate with King Courtlyn while Winshire steals from him. Xaden and Violet negotiate to rescue Halden. Xaden channels. (Chp 22–27)
  • Nearly Mid-February (eight days after quest squad left Basgiath): Quest squad returns to Basgaith and attends Battle Brief. (Chp 28)
    • Friday, Eight days later: Unnamed cadet channels during Signet Sparring, substituted by Professor Carr. (Chp 28)
  • First Saturday of March (ten days after Professor Carr’s Signet Sparring class): Mira returns from leave. Quest squad departs, led by Violet Sorrengail. (Chp 29)
    • Following Sunday: Quest squad rests in to Athbyne. (Chp 29)
    • Following Monday: Quest squad flies to Cordyn. (Chp 29)
    • Following Tuesday: Quest squad rests in Cordyn. (Chp 29)
    • Following Wednesday: Quest squad flies to Deverelli. (Chp 29)
    • Following Thursday–Friday: Quest squad rests in Deverelli. (Chp 29)
  • Second Saturday of March: Quest squad departs Deverelli in the early morning and makes it to Unnbriel in nine hours. (Chp 29)
    • Following Sunday: Quest squad participates in combat trial for an audience with Queen Marlis, and fly for Hedotis. (Chp 30–33)
    • Following Monday: Quest squad rests for a full day. (Chp 33)
    • Following Tuesday: Quest squad visits Hedotis and attends dinner. (Chp 33–37)
    • Following Wednesday: Quest squad visits Zehyllna. Drake is gifted Broccoli and Trager is killed. (Chp 37–39)
    • Following Thursday: Quest squad stops on a minor isle and encounter the irids. (Chp 40–43)
    • Following Friday: Quest squad begins journey back to Navarre.
    • Ten days later: Quest squad reaches Deverelli and spends the day there. (Chp 43)
    • Following day: Quest squad flies to Navarre and camps within the wards. (Chp 43)
    • Following day (three and a half weeks from departing Basgiath): Quest squad returns to Basgiath and begins inquisition. (Chp 43)
  • Between the second Saturday of March and March 27th: Suniva falls to venin and Queen Maraya dies. Tecarus is crowned King.^[25]
  • March 28th: Final day of the quest squad’s inquisition. Garrick and Mira are released back to the front. Drake and Broccoli depart for Cordyn. (Chp 44)
  • March 29th: Battle Brief dissects the attack on Suniva. Violet tells Rhiannon, Swayer, and Jesinia that Xaden has turned venin. Jesinia hands Violet a package, which contains a nightgown and rode gifted to her from Xaden. (Chp 44)
  • March 31: Felix arrives to Basgiath. (Chp 45)
    • Friday, three weeks later: Professor Carr teaches Signet Sparring. Xaden, Earl Lewellen, Halden, and the Duke of Calldyr argue about letting Poromish civilians into Navarre. (Chp 46)
      • Following Sunday: Iron squad begins their rotation in Aretia. Brennan reveals to Violet that he knows Xaden is a venin. Rhiannon, Maren, and the squad visit their families. (Chp 47)
      • Following Monday: Xaden returns to Aretia and spends the night with Violet. Wyverns attack Aretia. Violet defends the temple of Dunne. Leothan helps to raise the Aretian ward. Andarna leaves Violet. (Chp 48–53)
      • Following Wednesday: Bodhi begins skipping afternoon runes classes. Violet stays in bed.
      • Following Thursday: Mira finds out Xaden is venin. (Chp 54)
      • Following Saturday: Violet joins runes class. (Chp 55)
      • Next Monday: Bodhi and Xaden argue in the Assembly chamber. (Chp 55)
  • Late April / Early May: Mira and Teine is captured by Theophanie.
    • Following day: Battle of Draithus. (Chp 56–65)
    • Twelve hours later, night: Violet wakes up at Riorson house with a wedding certificate. (Chp 66)

Quote Sections from The Empyrean Series (Onyx Storm)

My soul departs like pieces of ash from a fire, flaking free and drifting away as power consumes the space it once inhabited. I’m no longer on the ice—I am the ice. - Onyx Storm Page 745 (Kindle Cloud Reader version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

No. Wait. I grab for that thread with desperate hands, clawing to keep her as more of my pieces are blown away, lost to the void. She is warmth and light and air and love. - Onyx Storm Page 745 (Kindle Cloud Reader version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“What is there left of you to forsake?” Sgaeyl lowers her head and steam gusts down the canyon, reminding me of the moment she found me in the forest at Threshing. “You tell me.” I lower the ice and let her in. - Onyx Storm Page 746 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“Persuade Tairn,” I beg. Everything depends on it. - Onyx Storm  Page 747 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“We will ask,” Sgaeyl finally says, flexing her claws in the rocky soil. “And her decision will determine our fate.” - Onyx Storm Page 747 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

While cadets are strongly encouraged not to form romantic attachments while studying in the quadrant, lieutenants are permitted to marry whomever they choose upon graduation. —Article Five, Section Seven The Dragon Rider’s Codex - Onyx Storm Page 749 Beginning of Chapter 66 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“I will not let them burn you,” Andarna vows. “What?” My head whips her way. “Why would my brother burn me?” - Onyx Storm Page 749 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“Official numbers are four riders, their dragons, and three elders murdered in the valley in what we’re estimating is the last few hours,” Weilsen says. “And we still have five riders missing—four now,” he adds, looking at me. His mouth tenses. “But after that display, we all know Riorson did this. I bet the other three are already dead.” - Onyx Storm Page 749 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“The wards are holding in Draithus as of the last report, but who knows how many of those desiccations during the battle were actually him,” Weilsen continues. “And so far, the tally is at six missing eggs from the hatching ground, but they’re double-checking.” - Onyx Storm Page 750 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean)

“Do you know where he is?” Brennan asks me softly once the other rider is fully out of earshot. “Riorson? You heard what Weilsen said. We have dead dragons and riders and missing eggs, and if you’ve seen Riorson, I need to know, Violet.” - Onyx Storm Page 750 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

I wonder how many initiates feel the same about their Sage? At least one that I know of. - Onyx Storm Page 746 (Kindle Cloud Reader version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“What do you want?” I call after her as Aaric, Cat, and Dain head our way. “At least name your price.” “The same thing everyone in the isles craves.” She pauses and looks back over her shoulder. “Dragons.” - Onyx Storm Page 404 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

Do not mistake a dragon’s bond for fealty. If you expect a dragon to choose their rider over the well-being of their own kind, prepare for two things: disappointment and death. —Colonel Kaori’s Field Guide to Dragonkind - Onyx Storm Page 405, beginning of Chapter 33 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“We want dragons,” she repeats with an infuriating nod. “Not fully grown, of course. Your kind has let them become too headstrong, too arrogant.” - Onyx Storm Page 405 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

The queen turns fully and arches an eyebrow as though Tairn just proved her point. “Bring us, say…twelve eggs—two of each breed—and I’ll bring my army to the Continent.” Eggs? My stomach hollows, and I retreat a single step as Tairn growls in warning. The second Krovlan uprising. Dad was right. But they weren’t looking for feathertails because of their gifts; it was because they thought they were…malleable? - Onyx Storm Page 405 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“Even thinking we might accept that offer makes you unworthy,” I tell the queen. “We don’t trade in dragons.” - Onyx Storm Page 406 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“That wasn’t the deal.” Theophanie tsks. “I said we’d let Draithus stand, not that your sister would live.” Her mouth curves in a sadistic smile. “First thing to learn about us is that we’re careful with our words. And the second? We also lie.” - Onyx Storm Page 677 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

Quotes from the Empyrean Series (Iron Flame)

It was never our continent. From the very beginning, it was theirs, and we were simply allowed to live here. —The Journal of Warrick of Luceras —Translated by Cadet Violet Sorrengail - Iron Flame Page  731, beginning of chapter 56 (Kindle Cloud Reader version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“How many?” I ask him. “Where are they making them?” “Do you mean hatching them?” “Making,” I repeat. “Don’t you remember the fables Dad used to read to us? They said wyvern are created by venin. They channel power into wyvern. I think that’s why riderless ones died when I killed their dark wielders. Their source of power was gone.” “You remember all of that from Dad reading?” He glances at me, bewildered. “I still have the book.” It’s a good thing Xaden warded my room at Basgiath so no one will discover it while we’re here. “Are you telling me you not only didn’t know they’re created but have no clue where they’re coming from?” - Iron Flame Page 31 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

Quotes from The Empyrean (Fourth Wing)

The following text has been faithfully transcribed from Navarrian into the modern language by Jesinia Neilwart, Curator of the Scribe Quadrant at Basgiath War College. All events are true, and names have been preserved to honor the courage of those fallen. May their souls be commended to Malek. - Fourth Wing Page 33 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead. —Article One, Section One The Dragon Rider’s Codex - Fourth Wing Page 34 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

The thousands of twenty-year-olds waiting outside the gate to enter their chosen quadrant for service are the smartest and strongest in Navarre. Hundreds of them have been preparing for the Riders Quadrant, the chance to become one of the elite, since birth. I’ve had exactly six months. - Fourth Wing Page 34 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

I've been thinking about timelines and the events contained. So, the timeline is Before Unification (BU) & After Unification (AU) and to date, as of Onyx Storm, it's 635 AU. (though apparently Andarna waited 650 years to hatch so that places her egg being laid 17 years before unification happened, which makes me wonder exactly when the Great War happened and how long it lasted prior to the unification of Navarre. I mean, the dragons and griffins (and who knows what other magical species lived on the continent) were natural to Amaralys/Amelekis, but when did humans first get there?

Just how far back, before the unification, did humans get to the continent? Did they come from the Isles originally and did the problem of the venin originate there? Did those ancient humans have a different way of handling the raw magic of their world? See, I get this feeling that unless one was naturally born a magical being with natural abilities to 'handle' 'raw magic' from the earth, that it was incompatible to use without some kind of filtering unit, such as runes or some other magical contraptions. Which might have been how magic was handled prior to bonding with magical creatures such as Dragons or Griffins. It also makes me wonder if there were enough accidents that the isle humans of that ancient era might have had a way of 'curing the infection' if caught early. Therein lies the caveat, accidental. If a person turned out of greed, coveting power, or exhibiting other negative emotions, then they'd most likely be beyond saving. Which makes me wonder, if somehow, someone like Theophanie, or perhaps Theophanie managed to hide her infection for a while. Also, if she was originally there when the Irids left (or effectively went into hiding), and if she might have been the original cause. Also, if the start of demand for Dragon Eggs started with her and just continued from there. I'm not sure they wanted the eggs for hatching though. I think there is something else going on there. Is there someone in collaboration with the Venin there, and do they use the Unborn Dragons to create their Wyvern?

I also think, as I've stated before, I really think the current story starts way before with Asher and Lilith, long before their children are born. I sort of hope the author might consider doing a prequel story with them. Maybe also do one for the Tyrrish Rebellion as well. I mean, when did Fen Riorson and his people discover the truth? There is enough deep background material to really create more stories than the planned five books, in my honest opinion.

Also, I'm wondering what the Barrens were called before they were called the Barrens and if said country might have 'lost libraries' sealed away and protected from the Venin in some way that makes it impossible for them to access or destroy, and if said 'lost libraries' might actually have information on 'reversing' or 'curing' the Venin infection? Well, provided the person in such need didn't turn for anything negative, and if there is enough of them left that they can be 'saved'. Also provided they also 'want to be cured.' I think that the Irids weren't truthful about Venin being lost, but only because they're extremely prejudiced against them. Most likely because the Venin were the reason they originally fled in the first place, not just the philosophy difference of pacifists. And Theophanie tells Violet that Venin lie.

It should be interesting to see where this all leads.

“Official numbers are four riders, their dragons, and three elders murdered in the valley in what we’re estimating is the last few hours,” Weilsen says. “And we still have five riders missing—four now,” he adds, looking at me. His mouth tenses. “But after that display, we all know Riorson did this. I bet the other three are already dead.” - Onyx Storm Page 749 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series)

“The wards are holding in Draithus as of the last report, but who knows how many of those desiccations during the battle were actually him,” Weilsen continues. “And so far, the tally is at six missing eggs from the hatching ground, but they’re double-checking.” - Onyx Storm Page 750 (Kindle Cloud Version) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean)

So, I forgot to add this part in, my theory on it.  Is that Xaden didn't kill the riders and their dragons, either they were killed by hidden Venin agents (and their Wyvern) or they were the hidden agents and at least two of the four missing stopped them from taking the eggs, saving them taking them to safety — possibly given to Leothin, provided he's still around and willing to assist since Dragon Kind is involved, protecting them by keeping those missing eggs hidden.  I'm still not quite sure at this point.  The other two, Xaden and his new brother, that's another story.  At least one of the four dead dragons was Panchek's, and I'm almost completely certain he's dead.  Which makes me wonder if he and whoever else was working with him (the other 3 dead riders) were the ones to kill the Elders first before meeting Malek themselves?  I can only guess at this point.