To start off with a little joke, “What we know about Ridoc is nothing compared to what we don’t.” I am not sure if you remember, but about a year ago, we got some fun theories around Ridoc bonding another dragon apart from Aotrom. WhatTheFrenchyDoes, a redditor and a fellow theory conspirator, posted that they think, Ridoc bonded another dragon.

The problem with the theory, at the time, was that everyone suspected too much of everything. Everyone bonding more than one dragon, Andarna bonding multiple riders, we had too many suspects of venin. Then, we all assumed all marked ones have two signets. It all seemed…too much, like we’re overthinking it. But then, Onyx Storm sort of…reiterated a lot of it actually. Marked ones do have two signets. Not all of them (maybe) but certainly Xaden, Garrick and Imogen. And my money’s on Bodhi too. He’s an inntinnsic alright.

We assumed that many people in the leadership are venin and I think they are. Varrish was one for sure. Daddy Aetos, c’mon on! And Violet kept aluding that Melgren gives her the creeps (again, she even said that she wouldn’t be surprised if he turned out to be some venin). Navarre is full of them!

All of a sudden, the thought of riders having two dragons, just like Violet, is not that outrageous. We can safely circle back to WhatTheFrenchyDoes‘s theory and do what we do best: theorise.

Below is a single, consolidated document bringing together all the quotes and all the theories regarding Ridoc.
I would like to send a special thank you to: WhatTheFrenchyDoes, iiamuntuii, Nicodemus1thru10 and my friend and co-conspirator Zuzle.
If you are not familiar, iiamuntuii, Rabbid_Goat and Zuzle also helped developed the theory on dragons and Gods.

Nothing has been removed on purpose; every excerpt that appeared in your material should still appear here, while hopefully flowing in a coherent, organized way. Enjoy the deep dive into the Ridoc unhinged theories and the notion that he might just have bonded a second dragon—and potentially gained a second signet.

Introduction: Violet Sorrengail’s “Second-Dragon Bond” in Fourth Wing

Early in Fourth Wing, Violet becomes (at least in “official” recorded history) the first Navarrian cadet ever to bond with two dragons—Tairn and Andarna. This is so rare that it throws the leadership of both Basgiath War College and the Empyrean into debate.

“Has anyone ever bonded two dragons?”
If anyone knows, it’s the professor of Dragonkind.
He turns with me to face the arguing leadership. “You would be the first. Not sure why they’re fighting about it though. The decision won’t be up to them.”
—Fourth Wing, Chapter 16, Page 240

When the Empyrean meets, they rule that “two dragons selecting the same rider” doesn’t violate any preexisting law, so Violet’s double-bond stands:

“While tradition has shown us that there is one rider for every dragon, there has never been a case of two dragons selecting the same rider, and therefore there is no dragon law against it,” he declares. “While we riders may not feel as though this is equitable”—his tone implies that he’s one of them—“dragons make their own laws. Both Tairn and…” He looks over his shoulder and his aide rushes forward to whisper in his ear.
“Andarna have chosen Violet Sorrengail, and so their choice stands.”
—Fourth Wing, Chapter 16, Page 251

Dragons Bonding Beyond Tradition

Throughout Fourth Wing, we see references to the formal process of “Presentation” and “Threshing.” Basgiath leadership receives an approximate count of how many dragons intend to bond each year, those dragons appear to observe the cadets at Presentation, and then Threshing is where final choices happen. However, Tairn skirts these traditions:

“How many dragons are there in total?” Rihannon asks.
“A hundred for this year,” Professor Kaori answers, changing the image again. “But some might change their minds during Presentation in about two months, depending on what they see.”
—Fourth Wing, Chapter 13 (sometimes labeled 132 in references), Page 132

Tairn neither appears at Presentation nor makes his willingness known beforehand, yet bonds Violet anyway—showing that dragons do as they please:

Tairn was not on the list of dragons willing to bond. He wasn’t at Presentation either but ended up bonding Violet either way, confirming that dragons do as they please and opening up the possibility that dragons can bond without following tradition.

Part I: Setting the Stage—Ridoc & Aotrom in Fourth Wing

Ridoc Gamlyn is one of Violet’s friends at Basgiath who survives his first Threshing and bonds with a brown swordtail dragon named Aotrom:

“Are you alright? Who did you guys bond?”

“Aotrom,” Ridoc says with pride. “Brown Swordtail.”
—Fourth Wing, Chapter 16, Page 242

We also know precisely where Ridoc’s “relic” appears:

“It’s definitely better than dead. Where’s your relic?” I ask Ridoc as we pass through the columns of carved dragons and take the steps into commons.

“Right here.” His arm falls off my shoulders, and he shoves the sleeve of his tunic up to reveal the brown mark of a dragon silhouette on his upper arm.
—Fourth Wing, Chapter 17, Page 256

Hence, Ridoc is the proud rider of a standard brown swordtail, and, so far, everything is straightforward.

Part II: The “Ridoc Unhinged” Theory Emerges in Iron Flame

A wild possibility began circulating: What if Ridoc bonded a second dragon—just like Violet? This theory stands on several suspicious details scattered throughout Iron Flame.

1. The Tattoo That Isn’t Just a Tattoo?

In Iron Flame, Chapter 8 (Page 66), Violet notices an odd new dragon tattoo on Ridoc:

“I blink, then lean closer to him, staring at the side of his neck. ‘What is… Did you get a tattoo?’

He smiles and pulls at his collar, showing off the inked tip of a swordtail on the warm brown skin of his neck, ending near the base of his collar. ‘It wraps to my shoulder, to Aotrom’s relic. Badass, right?’

‘Badass.’ Nadine nods in appreciation.

‘Absolutely,’ I agree.
—Iron Flame, Chapter 8, Page 66

Why is this suspicious? A few reasons:

1. No Time for Throwaway Details
   Iron Flame was originally meant to be two books, so every detail that made the final cut presumably serves some purpose. This tattoo is mentioned multiple times:“(…) while whipping my dagger to his tattooed throat in one instinctual motion.
   ‘Hey, hey!’ Ridoc’s eyes bulge as he throws his hands up, palms outward.”
   —Iron Flame, Chapter 13, Page 131“I look over to see Sawyer rubbing his temples and Ridoc scratching the tattoo on his neck.”
   —Iron Flame, Chapter 14, Page 134
2. It’s a Dragon Tattoo
   Tattoos are common in the riders’ quadrant, but an actual dragon silhouette that connects to a relic is suspicious. We know from Fourth Wing that:“The only relics I’ve ever heard of are when dragons use magic to mark the skin of their bonded rider. But those relics are a symbol of honor and power and generally in the shape of the dragon who gifted them.”
   —Fourth Wing, Chapter 1, Page 27So, relics already resemble tattoos. For a rider to add a second dragon tattoo running into that relic might require the real dragon’s permission—and we know dragons aren’t typically that chill about “human weirdness.”
3. Would Aotrom Approve?
   Dragons are known to have massive egos (Tairn is the best example). The snippet below suggests that Aotrom, too, can be prideful and grumpy:“Is that Aotrom?” I ask Ridoc. At this point, I’m about to beg for his aid, flyer pride be damned.‘No. He’s up top with the others. They just finished carrying the crossbolts and complaining about being treated like packhorses.’A corner of my mouth rises. ‘Sounds about right.’
   —Iron Flame, Chapter 43, Page 415
   So if it’s purely a cosmetic tattoo, it’s surprising Aotrom wouldn’t be offended. When Violet got her relic and said “it’s beautiful”, Andarna did say “We know”, with pride. Can you imagine a dragon not being offended that their rider got another tattoo of a dragon? Could it be that this “tattoo” is actually another magical relic from a second dragon?

2. Suspiciously Poor “Secret” During Interrogation Training

Another odd moment in Iron Flame, Chapter 23 (Page 222):

“Ridoc nods, his hands wrapped around his mug. ‘I’m terrified of snakes.’

‘That’s a shitty secret,’ Sawyer counters, his mouth lifting into a smile.

‘Surprise me with one, and you’ll see just how shitty. Besides, you didn’t know it so I think it qualifies.’ Ridoc shrugs. ‘We’re not supposed to have a weakness in the quadrant, right? That’s my weakness. I scream like a toddler every time I see one.’”
—Iron Flame, Chapter 23, Page 222

Rhiannon and Sawyer share meaningful secrets involving family or personal vulnerability. Yet Ridoc blurts out that he’s afraid of snakes. He’s defensive when the group points out how trivial it is. Could he be holding back something bigger: a second dragon bond?

3. “The Dragons Know”

After Violet reveals her array of secrets, Ridoc (and the rest of “the dream team”) confirm the dragons’ knowledge:

“‘And you’re sure the dragons know?’ Ridoc tilts his head to the side, and his eyes slowly widen as if he’s talking to Aotrom. ‘The dragons know.’

‘Feirge does, too.’ Rhi grips the edge of her bed. ‘She’s stunned that I do. That you do.’”
—Iron Flame, Chapter 30, Page 272

Ridoc’s phrasing—“The dragons know” (plural)—contrasts with Rhi’s “Feirge does, too.” Could he be getting confirmation from two of his own dragons at once? Of course, it could just be semantics…

4. “Trouble in Double Dragon Land”

Ridoc shows a knack for reading Violet’s tension between Tairn and Andarna:

“I lift my brows at Tairn, who simply huffs—whatever the hell that means.

‘Trouble in double dragon land?’ Ridoc asks, and Cat glances my way from his other side…”
—Iron Flame, Chapter 52, Page 492

This might simply be Ridoc being Ridoc, but it could be that he’s very familiar with the nuances of a two-dragon bond.

In Chapter One of Onyx Storm

“It was negligent, and a twenty-two-year-old dragon should know better than to close himself off from his riot simply because he’s arguing with his rider,”

We first learn that Aotrom is blocking out the riot. We also learn that it’s unusual to do this and it’s because Ridoc and Aotrom are arguing (or so we’re told). What are they arguing about that their own riot can’t know?

Ridoc later says that they’re arguing because Aotrom wants to go back to Aretia and launch the search from there. Who knew Aotrom was so passionate about it… And why block out the riot? Could it be because there was a conversation with another?

5. “A Brown Maybe?”

During the trek along the cliffs of Dralor in Iron Flame, Chapter 43 (Page 415), we see:

“The tip of another dragon wing appears in the mist, the flight pattern coming from the opposite direction. A brown maybe? ‘Is that Aotrom?’ I ask Ridoc. At this point, I’m about to beg for his aid, flyer pride be damned.

‘No. He’s up top with the others. They just finished carrying the crossbolts and complaining about being treated like packhorses.’

A few pages later, it’s revealed wyverns are patrolling, but the direction of this ‘brown’ is from the area they’re heading to, not from behind, so it’s unlikely a wyvern. Ridoc seems unbothered—like he already knew who/what it was—and distracts Violet by overexplaining. Possibly he’s hiding that it’s another brown dragon he’s bonded to.

Because it’s also brown, it wouldn’t raise eyebrows if it’s glimpsed from a distance. He can plausibly say “It’s just Aotrom,” or direct others to ignore it.

6. The Second Signet Factor

Part of why Violet’s second bond is such a big deal is it potentially confers two signets. The same might apply to Ridoc. That leads to a swirl of speculation:

• Ridoc’s odd mention in Iron Flame, Chapter 49 (Page 471):“Ridoc throws his arm around my shoulder. ‘Anyone hungry? I woke up somewhere I hadn’t exactly planned on and missed breakfast.’”Could that be a hint that Ridoc is a “distance wielding”? We get a line in Chapter 56, Page 521:“Are you a distance wielder? I’ve only read about two riders in all of history who could cross hundreds of miles in a single step.”Maybe that’s a clue that Ridoc’s second signet allows for teleportation. Or maybe it’s something else. But the notion stands: second dragon → potential second signet → unexpected power.
• Violet’s “running landing” onto Aotrom in Iron Flame, Chapter 62 (Page 589):“It’s my mother’s face I see in my mind when I land on Aotrom’s back, the soles of my boots finding purchase at the edge of one of his spine scales.
  ‘Silver One!’
  ‘How’s that for a running landing?’Holy shit, I made it.
  Ridoc must think the same, because he stares at me in pure shock for a good second before he yanks his sword free…” Some fans theorize that maybe Violet “borrowed” or unconsciously used Ridoc’s signet to cross the gap. If Ridoc is a distance wielder, that might better explain how Violet actually got onto Aotrom so cleanly.

Part III: Theories from Additional Passages and “Onyx Storm” Notes

Below is a set of even deeper speculation drawn from mentions in Onyx Storm, along with further expansions on Iron Flame and adjacent fan theories.

Ridoc’s Growing Determination to Protect Violet

Repeatedly, we see Ridoc insisting on going with Violet or watching over her. Some key moments:

“Except Violet of course, who will be off seeking the seventh breed so we can win this war.” Ridoc glances my way with a shit-eating grin. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe.” 
—(Onyx Storm, Chapter 1)

“What’s this really about?” I reach for [Ridoc’s] upper arm. “I just… I need to go”….“I just think bad things happen when we aren’t together….I’ve been the one reading every fucking book Jesinia shoves at me and spending extra hours training—” The skin on the orange splits. 
—(Onyx Storm, Chapter 20)

Ridoc dusts off his summer-weight uniform and gathers the reins. “I’ll be nearby.” “I know,” I reply. The reassuring way he said it makes my brow furrow.’
—(Onyx Storm, Chapter 23)

“Ridoc walks out of the fog from my left, takes one look at Halden and Xaden, and makes a beeline for my side.”
—(Onyx Storm, Chapter 29)

“What is going—” Ridoc starts, coming up behind me. “Oh shit.” Half the dragon heads swing his way as he runs toward me… ‘Are we happy?’ he asks as he reaches my side in his bare feet.”
—(Onyx Storm, Chapter 41)

He’s always near her in crucial moments, reminiscent of how Liam once served as her “bodyguard.” Some fans propose Ridoc is intentionally fulfilling that same role—especially if he has a second bond or an amplified signet allowing him to freeze foes or protect Violet in ways no one else can.

Ridoc’s Ice Wielding Intensifies

In Onyx Storm, Ridoc reveals he can do much more than just make icicles:

“Ridoc,” I whisper, staring at the orange. “What did you do?”

“I’ve been trying to tell you.” He hands me the fruit, and it immediately chills my hands. “You aren’t the only one who’s been spending hours honing their signet.”

‘Using my thumb, I peel back the rind. The fruit of the orange is frozen solid beneath it.’

“Are you trying to tell me that you can freeze the water in someone’s body?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “I mean, I haven’t tried it out on anyone, or anything living, of course, but… yeah, I think so.”

He escalates to physically freezing a wyvern. That level of deadly precision is unheard of among standard ice wielders. Maybe Ridoc’s signet is being boosted by magic from a second relic or second dragon. Or, as some have theorized, the magical “balance” might have gifted him extra potency in response to the mounting danger faced by Violet.

Balancing Magic: Parallels with Xaden and Lynx

In Onyx Storm, Lynx unexpectedly manifests shadows:

“I don’t understand. You’re our generation’s shadow wielder.”

“Not anymore. Magic knows.” Xaden’s shoulders dip as he turns slowly to face me. … “He’s the balance.”

Just as magic spontaneously “chose” a new shadow wielder once Xaden turned venin, some fans wonder if magic recognized that Violet needed a super-powerful, protective ice wielder in her circle. Enter Ridoc, second dragon bond or second relic in tow.

Dain’s Possible Second Relic?

A more tangential theory is that Sloane implies Dain has as much power as the marked ones—who each bear a second relic from the Rebellion era. This comes from:

“Someone like you shouldn’t have this much power.”

How/why might Dain share that level of power? Is it possible he also has a second relic? This is still speculation, but it parallels theories about how hidden second relics could be popping up to keep the war balanced.

Part IV: Aimsir’s Connection—“Aotrom’s Mother” Theory

In the first book, there’s little direct evidence of any secret planning between Lillith, Aimsir, and Aotrom. However, it’s possible that Lillith’s and Aimsir’s connection allowed them to discreetly guide Aotrom toward whichever cadet might best protect Violet.

By the end of Presentation in Fourth Wing, candidates like Luca and Pryor were already gone, Tynan behaved antagonistically, and Sawyer—though a decent option—had repeated his first year. That left a smaller group, and Aotrom may have keyed in on Ridoc’s personality and wit during Threshing as the ideal match.

Ridoc later stands out for how deeply he resents Violet’s initial secrecy about venin and wyvern, taking longer than the others to fully move past it. Some interpret this as Ridoc feeling an extra sense of responsibility—perhaps one instilled by Aimsir herself—though it remains speculative. Still, there is another intriguing layer: Lillith demonstrates uncanny knowledge of events in Aretia, as shown in one exchange (chapter fifty-seven) involving her, Mira, and Violet:

“But what I want most—what I’ve always wanted—is for my children to live. Whatever wards you’ve raised from the instructions in Warrick’s journal will fail.”
Mira stiffens. “Our wards are fine.”
“They’re not.” Mom delivers a full lecture with a simple look. “Cut open the bodies of the wyvern who died crossing your border yesterday.”

My lips part.

“Whyever would you think I’d be ignorant of the activities on your border, Violet? Ignorant of where my daught—children are?”

At first, it seems Lillith might have a spy within Aretia. But then, surely she would have known of Brennan, right?
Another possibility is that Aotrom and Aimsir have been communicating with each other, allowing Lillith awareness of what’s happening near Violet’s location. If Aotrom traveled or connected with Aimsir’s whereabouts before leaving Basgiath—and if Lillith flew near enough to communicate—this might explain how she stayed so well-informed.

Much later, certain developments prompt new questions: Why is Ridoc so fixated on protecting Violet now? Why is his signet growing stronger? What might he be hiding? Although he appears fully aligned with Violet and their allies, it can still feel like he’s concealing deeper motivations tied to his bond.

Adding to this, Violet notes unusual extremes in the weather shortly after pivotal losses:

“I can’t remember a more brutal series of storms than the ones that have battered Basgiath in the last two weeks…”

“My eyes tear up, assaulted by both wind and snow that feels more like tiny projections of ice than flakes.”

If Ridoc has secretly gained a second relic—possibly from Aimsir—he could share the same storm-wielding heritage that Lillith once possessed. With one storm wielder lost, magic may seek new balance, allowing Ridoc to channel the same power under dire circumstances. By the time we see him in the subsequent story, he’s able to draw enough magic to freeze living enemies, a feat beyond standard ice wielding. This escalation might come from having more than one relic (if Aimsir’s final act was to equip him), enabling Aotrom to channel twice the normal magic.

Some theorize this is the reason severe storms plague Basgiath following Aimsir’s death: it could be Ridoc’s newly awakened power, combined with Aotrom’s raw grief. If so, he would have two relics but still just one dragon funneling expanded magical potential.

Crucially, signets remain usable even if the original dragon is absent or drained, as history shows riders retaining powers gifted by one dragon while tapping energy from another source. E.G. Xaden manifested shadows on Deverelli even though he didn’t have access to Sgaryl and Violet wielded lightening, even though she didn’t have access to Tairn.

Given the emotional link between riders and dragons, if Aimsir’s parting wish was for Aotrom (and thus Ridoc) to protect Violet, both would honor that mission zealously. Like Tairn’s devotion to Violet, Ridoc’s growing powers and vigilance might be fulfilling the final directive of a dying dragon—guarding Lillith’s daughter at all costs.

Why Does This Matter?

• Narrative Significance: A second bond or second relic for Ridoc could create a parallel storyline to Violet’s.
• Amplified Powers: If the “magic knows” phenomenon is real, then Ridoc’s intensifying ice abilities might be keyed to Violet’s needs in the looming conflict.
• Plot Device: Another “two-dragons-one-rider” scenario would let the leadership or the Empyrean study how Violet’s double-bond works—and perhaps glean a method to help (or manipulate) her.

Part V: Additional Clues & Name Etymologies

A few more tidbits fueling fans’ theories:

1. Ridoc’s Family Name
   Ridoc’s surname, Gamlyn, closely resembles “Gamelyn,” a character in a 14th-century English ballad called The Tale of Gamelyn, which some note has parallels to the legend of Robin Hood. Since Ridoc is notably skilled with archery, the association is intriguing—evoking the idea of a mischievous or heroic outlaw. Meanwhile, “Gamlyn” can also mean “old,” which contrasts sharply with the youth of Aotrom, his brown swordtail dragon (only about twenty-two by dragon standards).
2. Meaning of “Ridoc”
   Some interpret Ridoc as “from the smooth field” or “man of the field.” During his time in Aretia, Ridoc quips that the heat makes him feel like they’re in the Barrens. Since the Barrens haven’t actually been shown in detail, the comment could be a playful easter egg indicating Ridoc hails from there. Fans point out that authors often embed subtle clues in name origins and casual dialogue, suggesting Ridoc’s offhand remark may be more than a throwaway line.
   
   Additionally, variants like “Riddoch” or “Riddick” are sometimes said to mean “son of the red-haired servant,” prompting more speculation. The only prominent redhead in the story is Brennan Sorrengail, though any direct connection remains purely theoretical.
3. Meaning of “Aotrom”
   Aotrom’s name is commonly translated from Gaelic as “light” or “lightweight,” which can be read as the polar opposite of “-trom,” meaning “heavy.” Observers note this notion of “light versus heavy” could reflect the broader tension or balance in the series—especially if brown dragons (Aotrom included) represent certain hidden or deceptive qualities. Meanwhile, the surname Gamlyn (“old”) for a young dragon introduces yet another instance of contrasting themes.

Some fans connect the color brown to the god Hedeon (sometimes described as a deity of deception) and to the neutral or colorless island of Hedotis, speculating that brown dragons might embody subtlety or secrecy. This wouldn’t necessarily imply malevolence—it could mean they quietly work in the background or keep more secrets than other dragon colors. The Barrens, mentioned casually by Ridoc, could be that “smooth field” implied by his name.

Furthermore, readers have noticed Ridoc’s background remains mostly unaddressed. While we do learn his father was due to arrive in Aretia alongside other families, Ridoc never seems to reconnect with him—or at least, it isn’t shown on-page. Some see this as supporting the possibility that Ridoc might be hiding something, reflecting a broader “deception” motif many fans have posited for brown dragons. Whether Ridoc’s covert or simply underdeveloped in the text, these name choices and incomplete details continue to stoke speculation that there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Conclusion

All of this leads to the overarching question:

• Did Ridoc secretly form a second bond—thereby acquiring a second relic and possibly a second signet?
• Is his neck “tattoo” actually that second relic?
• Has he been quietly training to harness enough power to protect Violet in the final battles ahead?

Nothing is confirmed (yet). But the textual clues about his new “tattoo,” his hush-hush secrets, and the repeated emphasis on his unusual, ever-expanding abilities raise more than a few eyebrows. Fans have theorized everything from a “storm-wielding signet inherited from Aimsir” to “distance-wielding teleportation,” all of which might serve to guard Violet and maintain the world’s magical balance.

And one more thing. Should Ridoc be a type of distance wielder, it would mean that our new brother really is Garrick. Seeing as nature always likes a type of balance.

At minimum, the recurring spotlight on Ridoc’s dragon tattoo and his insistence on traveling with Violet strongly suggests there is more to Ridoc Gamlyn than meets the eye. Perhaps by the end of Book 5, we’ll know for sure whether he truly is a second “two-dragons-one-rider” scenario, or if we’re all just seeing conspiracies in the Basgiath air.