Traditionally “hidden in plain sight,” Rebecca Yarros has already dropped hints for Onyx Storm, and the War Games in Fourth Wing hold a significant clue.
First and foremost, shoutout to our one and only Zuzzle for putting together this theory on the main Facebook page and to BalanceofProb from Reddit for coming up with it! I’m re-reading Fourth Wing for our read along but can I just say: this is an excellent theory!
Let’s go back to Fourth Wing for a bit.
In Fourth Wing, Chapter 28, the War Games are not just a training exercise but a symbolic preview of what’s coming in the main story, especially in Onyx Storm. Here’s how they connect:
The War Games and the Battle of Draithus
The War Games take place in the first half of May, the same time as the Battle of Draithus. This timing isn’t just coincidental; it’s a setup for what will unfold later. It mirrors the bigger battle and foreshadows the events that follow. Do you remember? The Fourth Wing needed to steal a crystal egg (guarded by three Elders) while successfully defending their flag.
So who stole the eggs at the end of Onyx Storm? Probably Xaden and Garrick…
Violet and Xaden’s Bond
During the War Games, Violet loses her connection with Xaden because they’re physically too far apart. This moment hints at how their bond will be challenged later in the story when they are separated by even greater distances. The separation here shows how deeply their connection affects them.
The Squads and Their Roles
In the War Games, Violet’s squad is tasked with defending a flag, while Xaden’s team has to steal the egg. These two teams mirror the roles each character plays later on. Violet’s squad is protecting something important (just like they will later defend Tyrrendor), and Xaden’s squad is attacking or pursuing something (like retrieving the eggs in Onyx Storm). These roles set the stage for their personal missions.
Protective Symbols – The Saddle and the Ring
Xaden gives Violet a saddle right before the War Games begin, which is meant to protect her during the exercises. Similarly, he gave her an emerald ring earlier in the story, which is also meant to safeguard her. After all, being a duchess, is a lot of protection…
These objects symbolize Xaden’s care for Violet and the protection she’ll need in future battles.
Dain’s Mission
Dain, who is part of Violet’s squad, is given the task of defending the flag in the War Games. This mirrors his role in Onyx Storm, where he’s involved in protecting important elements, like Tyrrendor, showing his loyalty and commitment to defending others.
In short, the War Games aren’t just about training; they are a preview of the much bigger and more dangerous challenges that Violet, Xaden, and their friends will face later (in Onyx Storm). They offer subtle clues about character dynamics, the themes of protection, and the symbolism of key objects like the saddle and the ring.
So, when you read Chapter 28, think of it as the story’s way of preparing us for understanding those missing 12 hours from the end of Onyx Storm. I cannot wait to add it to the read along!!!
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