| “ | In this, the 628th year of our Unification, it is hereby recorded that Aretia has been burned by dragon in accordance with the Treaty ending the separatist movement. Those who fled, survived, and those who did not remain entombed in her ruins. | ” |
–Public Notice 628.85 transcribed by Cerella Neilwart | ||
Aretia is the location of Riorson House and was the capital city of Navarrian province of Tyrrendor until it was burned as a result of the apostasy.[1] It was destroyed by dragon fire after the Tyrrish Rebellion failed, but is currently rebuilding as a town.[2] Following the death of Fen Riorson, no noble has claimed duchy of Aretia, leaving Xaden Riorson as the heir apparent.[3]
Geography[]
Aretia is located in the East of Tyrrendor Province, a couple of hours' flight from the Cliffs of Dralor.[4] The town is not under the protection of any wards, as it's too far from Basgaith War College.[5] The town is located next to hillsides, one of which is used by Xaden to mentally ground his power.[6] There is a network of caves within the valley that houses Aretia.[5] Aretia is an eighteen hour flight by dragon from Basgiath.[7]
It snows earlier in Aretia than Basgiath, due to the altitude. However, the valley above doesn't see much snow because it's heated by natural thermal energy and magic.[8] The valley remains warm throughout the year. Even during winter, the heat wards off layers of snow, with temperatures continuing to rise as the magical presence intensifies.[8] It was the ancestral hatching ground for the Dubhmadinn line of black dragons.[5] During the events of Iron Flame, the valley is transformed back into a hatching ground, changing the magic of the region.[9]
History[]
Tyrrish Rebellion[]
During the reign of Fen Riorson, he led a rebellion against Navarre from his home in Aretia. The goal of the rebellion was to declare independence for Tyrrendor, making Aretia the capital of a new kingdom.
The Battle of Aretia[]
During the Battle of Aretia, the Navarrian military fought against the Tyrrish Rebellion. The city was burned to the ground, leaving it in ruins.[1] Following the battle, the Treaty of Aretia was signed. In honor of the lives lost and those saved by the treaty, July 1 was proclaimed as Reunification Day.[10] The treaty also resulted in the transfer of Tyrrendor’s representation in the King’s Senarium from the House of Riorson to the House of Lewellen.[11]
Tyrrish Revolution[]
Rebuilding Aretia[]
Since the city’s destruction, it has become home to the Revolution, and the Assembly that governs it. It has been working to rebuild what is now the town of Aretia. The buildings in the town have identical green roofs.[2] Because General Melgren cannot foresee any outcomes when more than three children with rebellion relics are together, and most nobles weren't eager to spend money to rebuild a scorched town or be taxed on unusable land, they are able to assemble unnoticed in Aretia for the time being.[2][12] During the events of Iron Flame, half of the rider cadets leave Basgiath to join the Revolution in Aretia. The town struggles to accommodate the increase in both human and dragon population while trying to make improvments. Improvements made to the town since the influx of rider cadets includes the addition of a forge, a luminary,[9] an a printing press.[8] Currently, Aretia serves as a sanctuary for both civilians and members of the revolution.[8]
Relocation of Cliffsbane Cadets[]
Following the destruction of Cliffsbane Flight Academy by the venin, Brennan Sorrengail, representing The Assembly, negotiated the relocation and training of gryphon flier cadets to Aretia in exchange for Viscount Tecarus' luminary.[13] To increase unity between riders and fliers, the drifts were integrated into the riders' chain of command, as outlined in Article Two, Section One of the Aretia Accord.[14]
Notable Locations[]
Riorson House[]
Also known as the Fortress of Aretia,[12] it is the home of the Riorson family.[2] In the Northwest wing of the house, one of the earliest reconstructions in Aretia was of a theater.[15] The roof is accessible, and there is a defensive turret that offers a good view of the city.[16]
Valley[]
A large valley located above Aretia and Riorson House, serving as the resting place for the dragons and gryphons allied with the revolution.[15][17] It is the original hatching ground of the Dubhmadinn Line[5] and later reclaims this purpose after several hatchlings choose to emerge following their relocation from The Vale. This transformation alters the magic of the area, sending a pulse that alerts every creature within a 4-mile radius capable of channeling.[8][9]
At the valley’s end, a well-worn path descends to Riorson House.[8] The valley has been utilized on numerous occasions for training exercises. Professor Emetterio has cadets run its rocky trails to acclimate to the high altitude, while Professor Trissa has used it for rune-weaving classes.[8][15]
Temple of Amari[]
A temple dedicated to Amari, the Queen of the Gods, uniquely recognized by its columns adorned with Tyrrish runes.[18] It stands as Aretia's most notable landmark, second only to its library.[2]
Wardstone[]
Initially dormant[5] until the events of Iron Flame, this wardstone is accessible via a trail that begins at the back door of Riorson House. The trail winds up the ridgeline, wide enough for two people to walk side by side. As the trail levels out, it transitions into a guarded gravel path illuminated by mage lights, leading into a man-made canyon carved into the mountainside. At one point, the path narrows, and the canyon walls rise higher until, 20 feet further, the canyon opens into a large circular chamber.[19]
The chamber walls are lined with intricate, ancient masking runes that extend upward towards the open sky, concealing the location from anyone flying overhead. The wardstone itself is described as a shimmering black pillar, standing twice the height of Xaden Riorson, with an estimated circumference requiring nine people with arms outstretched to encircle it. A series of circles, each fitting within the next and spanning at least six feet across are etched into the stone's center. Along the path of these circles, runes are carved, almost resembling the pattern found in Warrick's journal. When inactive, the stone is said to feel cold and lifeless.[19]
Forge[]
The location is set in an offshoot of the valley above Aretia. It is where the luminary acquired from Viscount Tecarus resides.[9]
Printing Press[]
The city of Aretia has a functioning printing press for disseminating information thanks to Jesinia Neilwart and her team's efforts in restoring it.[8]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Tyrrendor hasn’t had a crown in over six hundred years—they melted them all down to make the Unification Crown.[14]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Fourth Wing, Chapter 21
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Fourth Wing, Chapter 39
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 37
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 40
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Iron Flame, Chapter 2
- ↑ Fourth Wing, Chapter 22
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 3
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 Iron Flame, Chapter 45
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Iron Flame, Chapter 43
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 31
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 48
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 1
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 42
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 49
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Iron Flame, Chapter 38
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 11
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 36
- ↑ Iron Flame, Chapter 21
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Iron Flame, Chapter 39