In honour of the Onyx Storm midnight release TODAY, here’s one last, extremely unhinged, theory.
Hear me out. I finished my re-read last night and something didn’t sit right with me. We know that Xaden’s been having dreams of the Sage, just like Violet, but it’s clear at the end of Iron Flame that he knows more than he’s letting on (shocker I know).
The venin leader (the Sage), who we later find out is actually a general, is referred to as “him” several times. By Jack, by Xaden, by the other venin. It almost seems personal. It also seems personal when Xaden tells Violet, “I killed him.” She describes his voice as being flat and emotionless after, almost like he’s sad. Why would Xaden be upset over killing the venin general?
Stay with me it’s getting good, I promise. We learn in Fourth Wing that Xaden is the grandson of Sgaeyl’s previous rider. The one who, and I quote, “didn’t make it through the quadrant”. We also learn that this was 50 years ago.
Why else is 50 years significant? Xaden tells Violet on the roof of Riorson house that they’re “fifty years too late” when it comes to fighting the venin war.
Also, Sgaeyl freaks out when Xaden pulls from the earth. I mean naturally, that’s her rider and she’s obviously upset, but what if it’s more than that. What if it reminds her of something.
What if, XADEN’S GRANDFATHER, Sgaeyl’s previous rider, IS THE VENIN GENERAL?!
Yes I know, very unhinged and unlikely.
-It could explain Sgaeyl’s anger/reaction to Xaden drawing.
-I don’t think it ever states in the book that Xaden’s grandfather was dead. Just that he “didn’t make it through the quadrant”. Maybe he turned instead? Or even if it does say he died, so did Jack Barlowe.
-Her last rider being 50 years ago and them being 50 years too late seems a little much to be a coincidence, at least in my opinion.
-Is this the whole reason Fen started the rebellion in the first place? To expose him?
And yes I know, there are plenty of theories out there that make Naolin the Sage, but this makes more sense as to why Xaden’s connected. I mean what could Naolin possibly want with Xaden. But yes, I do think Naolin is also a venin, just not this specific one.
Also, Naolin only ‘died’ 6 years ago. One would assume that a general would be around for a lot longer than that. Say like, 50 years?
Anyways, like I said, very unhinged. Just something I put together after finishing my re-read that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
Guess we’ll have some answers soon enough!!
