Page 320 - Fourth Wing

self-loathing?”

“Not particularly. Now pay attention.”
“Stop butting in and maybe I can,” I counter.

Tairn chuffs. One day I might be able to translate that sound, but it’s not

today.
“I know the Squad Battle doesn’t commence until spring,” Devera

continues, “but I figured that news would give you all the proper motivation

to apply yourselves in every area leading up to the challenges.”
Another cheer resounds.

“And now that we have your attention.” Markham lifts his hand and the

room quiets. “The front lines are relatively quiet today, so we’re going to
take this opportunity to dissect the Battle of Gianfar.”

My quill hovers above my notebook. Surely he didn’t say that.
The mage lights rise to the Cliffs of Dralor that separate Tyrrendor, lifting

the entire province thousands of feet above the rest of the Continent, before

shining brightest on the ancient stronghold along the southern border. “This
battle was pivotal to the unification of Navarre, and though it happened

more than six centuries ago, there are important lessons that still impact our
flight formations to this day.”

“Is he serious?” I whisper to Liam.

“Yeah.” Liam’s grip bends his quill. “I think he is.”
“What made this battle unique?” Devera asks, her eyebrows raised.

“Bryant?”

“The stronghold was not only set for a siege,” the second-year says from
high above us, “but was equipped with the first cross-bolt, which proved

lethal against dragonkind.”

“Yes. And?” Devera prompts.
“It was one of the final battles where gryphons and dragons actually

worked alongside each other to annihilate the army of the Barrens,” the
second-year continues.