Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

Fliers and riders are held equal in every regard with the exception of wing structure. Riders will maintain their wings, sections, and squads, as well as retain their commands. Every drift will be absorbed by a squad, and their leader will replace the squad’s current executive officer for unit cohesiveness and efficiency. —Article Two, Section One The Aretia Accord

“We can’t kill her. She’s our squadmate.” Wait, is that really the only ethical line there? “You sure?” Sawyer tilts his head. “Say the word and we’ll bury a body. We still have a couple of hours before we’re due in Battle Brief.” “Good idea. I could use a snack.” Andarna’s tone is indecently excited. “We do not eat our allies,” Tairn lectures. “You never let me have any fun.”

Mastery of one’s signet does not occur at Basgiath, nor in the years directly after. No rider alive truly believes they’ve reached the limitations of their power. The dead ones may feel differently. —Major Afendra’s Guide to the Riders Quadrant (Unauthorized Edition)

Many of our most esteemed tacticians have tried to estimate the approaching tipping point—where the outcome of the war may have been decided even though we still fight. Many believe it will come in the next decade. I fear it will arrive much sooner than that. —Captain Lera Dorrell’s Guide to Vanquishing the Venin Property of Cliffsbane Academy

The breath of life of the six and the one combined and set the stone ablaze in an iron flame. —The Journal of Warrick of Luceras —Translated by Cadets Violet Sorrengail and Dain Aetos

The art of imbuing comes naturally to only a handful of signets, and automatically only to one: the siphon. —A Study on Signets by Major Dalton Sisneros

“Remind her that I can sever her head with one bite,” Andarna growls, the sound higher than Tairn’s menacing rumble. “I will not. What does Tairn tell us?” “We don’t eat our allies,” she mumbles, but there’s a distinct tap of her talons against the rock floor.

I’ll say one thing for dragonfire. It kills quickly. —Colonel Kaori’s Field Guide to Dragonkind

Nothing kills powerful, unshakable love faster than opposing ideologies. —The Journal of Warrick of Luceras —Translated by Cadets Violet Sorrengail and Dain Aetos

The day Augustine Melgren manifested his signet changed warfare for the kingdom of Navarre forever. —Navarre, an Unedited History by Colonel Lewis Markham

The combined hatching grounds at Basgiath is our generation’s greatest asset…and our greatest liability. —The Journal of Warrick of Luceras —Translated by Cadets Violet Sorrengail and Dain Aetos

We do not eat our allies. —Tairn’s personal addendum to the Book of Brennan as quoted by Cadet Violet Sorrengail

At its core, magic demands balance. Whatever you take will be recouped, and it is not the wielder who determines the price. —Magic: a Universal Study for Riders by Colonel Emezine Ruthorn

Though there is some debate, it is greatly believed that turning venin heightens one of the dark wielder’s senses. It is this scholar’s belief that the one responsible for the death of King Grethwild developed keener eyesight. For not even the best of His Majesty’s royal fliers could see through the darkness the venin hid within to slay our beloved king. —Major Edvard Tiller’s Unaccredited Study of the Venin Property of the Library of Cordyn

The easiest way to defeat a dragon is to kill its rider. Though the creature will most likely survive the blow, it will be stunned long enough to be felled. —Chapter Three: The Tactical Guide to Defeating Dragons by Colonel Elijah Joben

I am alone in thinking the knowledge of wards, the protections they provide, should not solely benefit Navarre, and it has cost me everything. —Journal of Lyra of Morraine —Translated by Cadet Jesinia Neilwart

You’re going to love Violet. She’s smart and stubborn. Reminds me a lot of you, actually. You just have to remember when you meet her: she’s not her mother. —Recovered Correspondence of Cadet Liam Mairi to Sloane Mairi

Most generals dream of dying in service to their kingdom. But you know me better than that, my love. When I fall, it will be for one reason only: to protect our children. —Recovered, Unsent Correspondence of General Lilith Sorrengail

We have tried every method we know of, as you requested. There is no cure. There is only control. —Missive from Lieutenant Colonel Nolon Colbersy to General Lilith Sorrengail