Garrick Tavis

Garrick Tavis
Biography
Aliases	The Big One (by Violet) Leader of Flame Section, Fourth Wing (formerly) Lieutenant
Age	23 (Fourth Wing)
Species	Human
Signet	Unknown
Location	Aretia (birthplace) Basgiath War College(formerly) Samara Outpost (formerly) Riorson House (currently, occasionally)
Quadrant	Riders Quadrant
Status	Alive
Physical Description
Gender	Male
Eye Color	Hazel
Hair Color	Dark
Relationships
Dragon	Chradh
Allegiances	Tyrrish Rebellion Second Rebellion Xaden Riorson
Series Information
Appears in	Fourth Wing Iron Flame

Garrick Tavis is a recently graduated dragon rider and Xaden Riorson's best friend since childhood. He has an active role in the rebellion as one of the oldest bearers of the rebellion relic, received as a consequence of his parent's involvement in the Tyrrish Rebellion.

Biography

Before Basgiath

“	"Garrick has always been my best friend. His father was my father’s aide, which in a way makes him my Dain, except trustworthy."	”
–Recovered correspondence between Xaden and Violet, Iron Flame

Xaden mentions in his letters to Violet that Garrick is one of his oldest friends as they have known each other since childhood and Garrick's father was Fen Riorson's right-hand - quite similarly to Violet's relationship with Dain, "except trustworthy". Xaden also notes towards the end of Fourth Wing that, before the Apostasy, Garrick had spent every summer at Riorson House and is very comfortable around the palace-like fortress.

“	He nods once and heads down the hall, almost as familiar with the castle’s layout as I am, considering he spent every summer here before the apostasy, or secession, as the Navarrians call Dad’s rebellion.	”
–Xaden Riorson about Garrick Tavis, Fourth Wing

Garrick was around 17 when the Tyrrish Rebellion failed and, just like the other children of the separatist leaders, he was branded with the rebellion relic and was forced to watch his parents' execution. He also mentions during the events of Fourth Wing that Lilith Sorrengail is responsible for the capture of all of their parents.

“	“Her mom is responsible for the capture of nearly all our parents,” Garrick counters, folding his arms over his wide chest.	”
–Garrick Tavis on Lilith Sorrengail, Fourth Wing

First Year

As part of the deal Xaden Riorson made with General Sorrengail, Garrick (along with the other children of the leaders of the Tyrrish Rebellion) was forced to enroll into the Riders Quadrant.

Being among the first marked ones to get conscripted into the Riders Quadrant, Garrick and Xaden worked very hard to prove themselves and were targeted by their fellow cadets for their parent's actions during the rebellion. During Threshing, Alic Tauri tried to take down Garrick, forcing Xaden to kill the king's second son.

“	Alic deserved it. He was a bully and forfeited his life by coming after Garrick during Threshing.	”
–Xaden Riorson on killing Alic Tauri to protect Garrick, Iron Flame

During Threshing, Garrick also bonded with his dragon, Chradh, a Brown Scorpiontail, and, soon after that, him and Xaden started smuggling weapons to the Poromish fliers.

“	“I’ll tell you the same thing I did after Threshing our first year when we decided to start smuggling weaponry out,” Garrick says. “You kept us alive all these years; we get to decide how we die. I’m with you.”	”
–Garrick to Xaden Riorson, Fourth Wing

Second Year

Not much is known about Garrick's second year at Basgiath, but it can be assumed that he faced the same kind of prejudice from his fellow classmates for being a marked one and had to go through all the trials and challenges as all the second years (including Rider Survival Courses evaluations).

“	"The odds are always stacked against us, and trust me, every other Navarrian in the quadrant will look for reasons to call you a traitor or force you to fail."	”
–Xaden Riorson on being a marked one in the Riders Quadrant, Fourth Wing

Based on Xaden's words during the meeting with the marked ones in Fourth Wing, there have been such meetings to discuss the struggles of first years since Garrick's first year and they continued to hold them during this period as well, while Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran, Eya and Ciaran were first years.

“	“We’ve done this for two years and they’ve never found out.”	”
–Xaden Riorson on the secret meetings, Fourth Wing

Third Year

During his third year, Garrick is appointed as Section Leader for Fourth Wing, Flame Section - a position which puts him below Xaden in the chain of command and above Dain Aetos (after he switches with Aura Beinhaven and is appointed as Leader of the Second Squad within Garrick's Section).

Although it is not confirmed, the day after Conscription, Violet Sorrengail sees Xaden at the top of the stairs (next to the place she was meeting with Dain Aetos) talking to a third year who could be Garrick.

Around a week after Assessment Day, Garrick is among the two dozen marked ones that attend the secret meeting by the Iakobos River to discuss the situation of the new first years. Violet notes during this scene that Garrick's voice is loud enough to be heard over the noise made by the river as he mentions the loss of two marked ones to the Parapet (Jace Sutherland and Dougal Luperco). Learning that numerous first-years struggle with combat, Garrick offers to train them, along with Imogen Cardulo, as Xaden considers them the best fighters among them.

“	“Garrick is our best fighter, but Imogen is right up there with him, and she’s a hell of a lot more patient. So the four of you split yourselves up between the two of them for training."	”
–Xaden on Garrick and Imogen's suitability to train first-years, Fourth Wing

During the same meeting, when the subject of Violet Sorrengail is brought up, Imogen points out that they deserve to take their revenge on her for Lilith Sorrengail's involvement in their parents' execution, but Garrick argues that they should not resume to such actions because Violet had nothing to do with what happened to their parents and blaming her would be similar to how Navarre punished them after the Tyrrish rebellion for their parents' actions.

“	“So we get conscripted because of what our parents did years ago and shoved into this death sentence of a college—” Imogen starts. “In case you didn’t notice, she’s in the same death sentence of a college,” Garrick retorts. “Seems like she’s already suffering the same fate.”	”
–Garrick arguing with Imogen about Violet Sorrengail, Fourth Wing

During challenges, after Xaden decided to give Violet a 'proper' sparring lesson because she can't rely on poisoning her opponents forever, Garrick teases his best friend, pointing out how obvious Xaden's infatuation with the first-year actually is.

Two months into the school year, as she walks through the courtyard, Violet Sorrengail sees Garrick, Xaden and Bodhi Durran returning very late from the flight field, discussing how their efforts to help the gryphon fliers might not be enough after their weapon delivery at Athebyne that night.

Garrick is present during the Gauntlet trial to oversee how the cadets in his Section fare. He is quick to lash out at Amber Mavis when she objects to the way Violet completed the obstacle course by using a dagger, pointing out that it is Xaden's responsibility to deal with problems within the Fourth Wing, not hers.

“	“Back the hell up, Mavis,” Garrick threatens, the sun flashing off the two swords the curly-haired section leader keeps strapped to his back as he puts his body between Amber and Xaden. [...] “I don’t take kindly to calling anyone in my section a cheater,” Garrick warns, his massive shoulders blocking her from view as he turns. “And my wingleader will handle any rule-breaking in his own wing.”	”
–Garrick to Amber Mavis, Fourth Wing

After everyone crosses the Gauntlet (or dies trying), Garrick organizes the squads within his section for Presentation and Violet notes that "his leadership style is more mission first, niceties last". He advices the cadets not to cluster or to approach the dragons in case one of them takes offence. When Luca raises her hand to ask about the rumor about the golden Feathertail showing up for Presentation, Garrick, visibly annoyed by the first-year, dismisses the possibility of the little dragon actually bonding. After that he leaves the squad with Nyra Voldaren.

“	“Well, guess there’s a hundred and one now,” Garrick replies, looking at us as if we’re children he’d like to be rid of before glancing back over his shoulder at the entrance to the valley. “Relax. Feathertails don’t bond. I can’t even remember the last time one has been seen outside the Vale. It’s probably just curious. You’re up. Stay on the path. You walk up, you wait for the entire squad, you walk back down. It really doesn’t get any easier than this from here on out, kids, so if you can’t follow those simple instructions, then you deserve whatever happens in there.”	”
–Garrick's pep talk before Presentation, Fourth Wing

As they wait for the The Empyrean's decision regarding Tairn and Andarna's choice to both bond Violet, Garrick heads towards Xaden to discuss the details about the mission from the other night, but the Wingleader shakes his head to signal that it is not the moment for that.

The day after Threshing, Garrick looks in Violet's direction with visible worry from where he is sitting at the leadership table with Xaden, aware of the fact that his best friend's life is now tied to hers. Later that day, he is seen in the sparring gym training one of the marked first-years while Imogen trains Violet - "he nods once, then goes back to his task", not interfering with Imogen's methods of training. It is uncertain whether he is present during all of their training sessions.

A month after Threshing, Garrick is accompanying Xaden - both of them "leaned up against the wall of the academic building like gods surveying their domain" - when Jeremiah, a first-year in Third Wing, manifests his signet. When the inntinnsic's attention shifts towards Garrick, about to expose his thoughts in front of everyone present, Xaden is ready to kill him for fear he will unveil something incriminating (most likely their plans to help the gryphon fliers). After Carr takes out Jeremiah, Xaden and Garrick leave for the Academic Wing.

After Violet is attacked in her room by the unbounded cadets, Garrick and Bodhi Durran appear a few moments after Xaden kills the attackers and they are left to clean the mess and take care of the bodies while Xaden makes sure Violet is not severely injured and gets her to tell him about the dragon-scale vest from Mira Sorrengail. Violet notes on the strangeness of the fact that all three men and the marked riders they bring in to help with the bodies are all dressed up at 2 a.m. Garrick and Bodhi support Xaden the next day when they publicly accuse Amber Mavis of her involvement in the attack, attesting as witnesses.

Towards early December, as Violet's Squad prepares for the Squad Battles, most of them training in the sparring gym, Xaden and Garrick show up and have a sparring session of their own, attracting more than a few looks as they decide to fight shirtless. Being equally matched power and strength-wise, the fight is like "a beautiful, hypnotizing dance with lethal choreography". Violet assumes Imogen was staring at Xaden during the fight, but we later find out that it is actually Garrick she has a thing for. During the same sparring gym scene, when Jack Barlowe threatens Violet, Garrick, Liam and Imogen inch closer in case they would have to intervene to protect her - arguably, not entirely because they care about her at that point, but because they care about Xaden. Garrick also laughs, clearly approving of Violet's snarky comment to Barlowe about running away during Threshing instead of fighting.

“	Garrick’s hulking frame appears to the left, and I begrudgingly add him to my list of protectors. Hell, even Imogen has inched closer, but not on my behalf. It’s only on his.	”
–Xaden noting on how Garrick and Imogen ready to protect her from Jack Barlowe, Fourth Wing

After Xaden and Violet destroy the furniture in her room, Garrick and Liam Mairi are asked to help move in a new armoire.

During the party in celebration for the end of the Tyrrish Rebellion, aside from Liam, none of the marked ones attend the event. Garrick and Bodhi, as it turns out, are instead waiting by the Parapet for Xaden to return on solid ground. They warn Violet against going to him - an advice she clearly ignores. By the time Xaden and Violet return, Garrick and Bodhi had already left, aware that Xaden would "probably kill them for letting Violet walk the Parapet in a dress".

Later that night, Garrick interrupts Xaden and Violet to announce that the entire Quadrant had been called into formation for what they initially thought was an attack, but later turns out to be just the last trial of the War Games.

“	“You’re not going to want to see him. Not tonight, Sorrengail,” Garrick warns with a grimace. “Self-preservation is a thing. Notice we’re not with him, and we’re his best friends.”	”
–Garrick warning Violet against joining Xaden on the Parapet, Fourth Wing

Garrick is part of the team Xaden takes with him to Athebyne, along with Violet, Bodhi, Imogen, Liam, Eya, Masen Sanborn, Soleil Telery and Ciaran. He is seen discussing with Xaden by a lake when they stop to rest for a moment before they reach the outpost and, later on, when the gryphon fliers show up, he is right by Xaden's side when they go to discuss with the fliers.

Upon reaching the outpost at Athebyne, the riders divide in groups/pairs to search for anything that might give them an idea as to why such an important outpost was abandoned. Garrick leaves with Imogen and the two of them return with a missive from Colonel Aetos addressed to Xaden.

“	“The letter says this is a test of your command,” the section leader reads behind us. “You have the choice of abandoning the village of our enemy or abandoning command of your wing.”	”
–Garrick reading the instructions from Colonel Aetos, Fourth Wing

Before going into battle to protect the civilians in Resson against the venin, Xaden gives everyone the chance to turn around and fly for Eltuvan where the rest of the Wing was sent for the War Games. None of them changes their mind, preferring to die doing the right thing rather than run away from danger. After that, Xaden divides the team according to objectives, asking Garrick and Soleil Telery to "do a perimeter sweep for reconnaissance while the rest of them target the venin on various sides of Resson".

“	“I’ll tell you the same thing I did after Threshing our first year when we decided to start smuggling weaponry out,” Garrick says. “You kept us alive all these years; we get to decide how we die. I’m with you.”	”
–Garrick to Xaden Riorson before going into battle, Fourth Wing

Later on, during the battle, Garrick is seen trying to evacuate the townspeople with Bodhi and then fighting the venin they encounter on the ground. Violet is not able to keep tabs on what everyone is doing during the battle, but there are sporadic mentions of him and the others, everyone doing their best to save as many civilians as possible and struggling against the hordes of wyverns.

“	At the second beat, I draw a stuttered breath of smoke-laden air as a lone gryphon flies through the haze, followed by Garrick and Imogen on their dragons, and I can only hope the others are still alive.	”
–Violet Sorrengail scanning the battlefield, Fourth Wing

At some point during the battle, Garrick's dragon, Chradh, who is sensitive to runes, located an iron box under the ruins at Atherbyne, which they were able to retrieve. The box turns out to be "some kind of lure" of Navarrian craftsmanship, but they had to destroy it before they get the chance to fully investigate it.

“	Garrick’s dragon is remarkably sensitive to runes, which allowed them to locate and retrieve the small iron box beneath the rubble of the clock tower.	”
–Xaden on Chradh's discovery of the box, Fourth Wing

After the battle, when the team is debating the best plan of action and how to save Violet's life, Garrick is initially hesitant at the idea of taking her to Aretia to be mended by Brennan Sorrengail as that could put all their efforts up to that point at risk, which earns him a threatening growl from Tairn and starts a mini-argument between him and Imogen. The argument seems to have continued during the flight to Aretia, but the roles reversed as Garrick is the one chiding Imogen for asking Xaden if he is sure about the decision.

“	“You’ll put everything at risk,” Garrick warns. “I wouldn’t say that again,” Imogen mutters, “or he’ll probably eat you. And don’t forget, if she dies, there’s a damn good chance Xaden does, too.” “I’m not saying he shouldn’t, just reminding him what the stakes are,” Garrick replies.	”
–Garrick and Imogen arguing after the battle at Resson, Fourth Wing

A few days after they arrive in Aretia, Garrick and Bodhi check in on Xaden and Violet. At some point before this, Garrick told Xaden that he is confident Violet would choose to keep their secret and the main problem stands in whether or not she will forgive Xaden, an issue Garrick worries about for his best friend's sake. After informing Xaden that there should be an answer regarding the iron box soon, Garrick leaves to announce the others that Violet is finally awake.

“	I look at Garrick, noting the worry in his eyes. He’s already told me he thinks she’ll keep our secret. That worry is for my mental state if she doesn’t forgive me for not telling her sooner.	”
–Xaden mentioning a previous discussion with Garrick about Violet, Fourth Wing

After Violet's discussion with Brennan and her reunion with her dragons, the eight survivors of the battle of Resson (Xaden, Violet, Garrick, Imogen, Bodhi, Eya, Ciaran, Masen) disregard the decision of the Assembly and take a vote to decide whether or not they should return to Basgiath. Garrick points out that it is crucial that they return, not only for the whole weapon smuggling operation, but also because the lives of the marked ones left in the Quadrant depend on it - in the end everyone agrees that it is best they return, even though Violet's inability to shield her mind completely is a huge risk.

“	“I vote we go,” Garrick says. “We have to risk it. They’ll kill the others if we don’t return, and we can’t cut off the flow of weapons from Basgiath."	”
–Garrick's arguments for returning to Basgiath, Iron Flame

Upon returning to Basgiath, they find out that no one really knows where they have been and when some cadets tease them for losing the War Games, Garrick's competitiveness gets the best of him, and he flips off the said riders. The group divides for a while before formation is called that morning, but they regroup just before the death roll is read.

“	“Garrick Tavis. Xaden Riorson.” Captain Fitzgibbons’s voice carries over the formation as he reads from the death roll. “Well, this is awkward,” Xaden calls out.	”
–The eight survivors from Atherbyne crashing their own 'funeral', Iron Flame

After Graduation

As everyone who left with Xaden for Athebyne was presumed dead, Command is forced to hand-write on the spot orders for the three third-years - Xaden Riorson, Garrick Tavis and Masen Sanborn. There were no other choices by the time they were allowed to pick, but Garrick and Xaden somehow managed to get appointed to the same outpost, at Samara, the "easternmost outpost of the Southern Wing, where the borders of Krovla and Braevick provinces intersect". Before they were allowed to leave Basgiath War College, all the graduates who had a rebellion relic were thoroughly searched as Command started to suspect their smuggling operation.

Samara is described as one of the cruelest outposts there are in Navarre and both Xaden and Garrick have to prove themselves all over again, like in Basgiath. Xaden mentions during one of Violet's visits that Garrick received a somewhat warmer welcome at Samara compared to him, as his father was not the Great Betrayer, but that also came with the disadvantage that the other riders have no qualms sharing a bathroom with him, as they do with Xaden.

“	“I think the last name does it more than the relic. The older riders are easier on Garrick, which I’m thankful for.”	”
–Xaden on Garrick's treatment at Samara, Iron Flame

During another one of Violet's visits at Samara, an unscheduled one following some disturbing news about an attack on the outpost during which Xaden was said to have been injured, she walks in on Xaden and Garrick as they are sparring with their swords. During said fight, Xaden teasingly lectures Garrick on being too slow and needing to get faster, before he "nails Garrick in the face with his elbow, sending him tumbling to the ground", thus ending the training session.

While at Samara, Garrick and Xaden continue the weapon smuggling operation, counting on Bodhi and Imogen sending the weapons from the forge at Basgiath through Violet as Tairn's saddle is not checked by Varrish and his subordinates. They have selected a location close to Athebyne to drop the shipments.

Figuring out that something is wrong when he doesn't hear from Violet, Xaden, along with Garrick, deserts and set off for Basgiath. In order to create a diversion, they have allies drop wyvern carcasses to different outpost throughout Navarre to expose the truth about Venins and forcing all the leaders in Basgiath to leave to help manage this crisis. During these five days while Violet had been under interrogation, Xaden managed to also round up all the marked ones who had graduated and other ones they trusted, like Heaton and Emery.

They arrive just in time to break Violet out of the interrogation chamber after she and Dain Aetos took care of Varrish. Garrick jokingly complains about Xaden not waiting for him and killing everyone, not leaving anything for him to do.

“	“Godsdamn,” Garrick says from behind Xaden. “You took off running and then couldn’t save a single one for me? Took me forever to clear the barricade of bodies in the staircase.”	”
–Garrick to Xaden, Iron Flame

Xaden orders Garrick to clean the stairway and then to find Bodhi to "track down whatever antidote Violet and the rest of her squad need", but on the way he runs into Lilith Sorrengail, who threatens him by putting a blade to his throat. She doesn't try to stop them, just asking for a few moments to explain herself to Violet and to say goodbye.

“	“Xaden!” Garrick calls out from the stairwell. “We have a problem!” “What kind of problem, Garrick?” Xaden asks as we round the corner of the staircase. “A general-size one,” Garrick answers, his hands in the air.	”
–Discussion between Garrick and Xaden, Iron Flame

Deciding to take advantage of the absence of leadership, Xaden, Violet and their team give everyone in Basgiath the chance to choose if they follow them to Aretia or remain behind after revealing the truth. However, not everyone believes them - Aura Beinhaven draws her blades as she advances towards the dais, but Garrick intercepts her and warns her that he is not above killing her if needed:

“	“You’re lying!” Aura Beinhaven shouts, snapping my attention back to the current situation as she charges toward Dain, blade in hand. Garrick steps into her path, drawing his sword. “I have no problem adding to my body count for the day, Beinhaven.”	”
–Garrick threatening Aura Beinhaven, Iron Flame

Once in Aretia, the Assembly holds Xaden, Violet, Garrick, Imogen and Bodhi accountable for the decision to bring half of Basgiath to Riorson House without consulting with them first. They manage to convince the Assembly that the cadets are an advantage and that it is better to get them back to classes, also proving that Dain Aetos and the three scribes they brought along can be trusted.

As a commissioned rider, Garrick, along with Xaden, Emery, Heaton and Nyra Voldaren are "sent in shifts to man the outposts along the Cliffs of Dralor". They are also tasked with running the weapons to the front lines once they acquire the luminary from Tecarus.

After the venin take Pavis, all first and second-year lieutenants are sent back to Aretia. Garrick, Heaton and Xaden are clearly demoralized at the realization that the venin are rapidly advancing and by the losses they suffered, like Nyra Voldaren who met a similar death to Soleil Telery.

Following the battle at Draithus, Xaden argues for the advantages of reorganizing the squads by strengths, since the active riders don’t have a full wing to pull from, which ultimately comes to pass. His riot consists of ten dragons and their riders, including: Garrick, Heaton, Emery and Cianna.

Upon returning from Draithus, Garrick mentions to Violet that Xaden had taken out a venin recently, to Xaden's irritation. To continue teasing his friend, Garrick points out that he is just trying to help Xaden keep his promise of transparency for his stable relationship with Violet, which leads to some bickering between Garrick and Imogen when the latter hears him talking about 'stable relationships'. The whole exchange points to a certain tension between the two of them as Imogen accuses Garrick of not being in the position to talk about stable relationships and Garrick boasts about his sex life.

“	“Just doing my part to help your communication skills thrive in a stable relationship.” Garrick turns and walks backward, lifting his hands in a shrug. “Like you have any room to talk about stable relationships,” Imogen counters from behind him, the squad formation obviously having broken to ready for the mission. “I’m going to skip the obvious pun to be made about plenty of mares in my stable.” He flashes a grin, then turns and heads toward the path at the end of the valley. “Seeing as I’m no longer a cadet but a mature, responsible officer.” She scoffs as he walks by.	”
–Garrick and Imogen bickering, Iron Flame

Garrick takes part in the battle at Basgiath and we know that initially, upon landing on the school grounds, he was assigned the task of gaining control of the dormitory area, along with Professor Devera. Later on, when Lilith Sorrengail assigns active riders to cadet squads, Garrick is assigned to First Squad, Flame Section.

Physical Description

Garrick by Leah Croft

Garrick is described as having pale skin, dark curly hair and hazel eyes. Violet notes that he has broad shoulders and a hulking frame, taking up twice as much space as average people. Compared to Xaden, Garrick is wider, more densely packed with muscle and his rebellion relic extends only up to his shoulder - the second largest, as far as we know. During the battle at Athebyne, Garrick also gained a six-inch scar that stretches from his temple to his jaw.

“	Their voices are still muffled by the river, but I can hear the loudest of them, a tall, dark-haired man with pale skin, whose shoulders take up twice the space of any first-year, standing opposite Xaden’s position and wearing the rank of a third-year.	”
–The first description of Garrick Tavis, Fourth Wing, Chapter 7

Unlike Xaden, Garrick also likes to boast his fighting skills, wearing several parches in a neat line on the right side of his uniform, "proclaiming him Flame’s section leader as well as more than five patches advertising his skill with a multitude of weapons". He also likes to wear his double swords strapped to his back.

Personality

When he is first introduced, Garrick seems to be very serious and duty-oriented - he keeps track of the marked ones they have lost and cares enough about the others having a real chance at survival that he offers to train the struggling first-years. We also see that he tends to be more rational and observant, noticing how blaming Violet Sorrengail for her mother's involvement in their parents' execution is similar to how Navarre punished them for the rebellion led by their families. He also picks up rather fast on Xaden's feelings for Violet - a subject he teases Xaden on mercilessly every chance he gets.

However, Xaden describes Garrick as lacking in patience and this is visible during Presentation when he gets easily irritated with Luca for asking questions in an annoying manner, but also in the scene after the Gauntlet trial when he is quickly angered by Amber Mavis meddling with issues concerning his section. He certainly doesn't shy away from a fight and is willing to resume to killing if the situation asks for it.

Behind the serious exterior, Garrick has a great sense of humor, teasing Xaden on multiple occasions and cracking jokes even when he has a blade pressed to his throat. He is also highly supportive of Xaden's relationship with Violet and acts friendly around her after she saved them all during battle.

Power and Abilities

Powers

Lesser Magic

Every rider is capable of using Lesser magic once their dragon begins channeling through them after Threshing. With this channeling, riders are able to; open doors without touching them, preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, and powering ink pens. Lesser magic also allows riders to place runes.

Signet

Unknown

Abilities

Rune-Detection

Garrick's dragon Chradh is extremely sensitive to runes, which allows them to locate objects that are marked with runes, like the lure boxes in Athebyne and then around Basgiath.

Fighting

• Weapon of choice: double swords strapped across his back, similar to Xaden;
• Xaden considers him the best fighter out of all the Marked Ones, though he's not as patient as Imogen However, Xaden and Garrick are equally matched when they spar and Xaden's speed gives him an advantage; Xaden also has an extra advantage because of his second signet that allows him to read Garrick's intention in a fight.
• The multitude of patches on Garrick's uniform also denote his skills with a variety of weapons and hand to hand combat.

Relationships

Xaden Riorson

Garrick has been Xaden's best friend since they were little as his father was Fen Riorson's aide and Xaden mentions that they used to spend every summer together in Riorson House. It is not mentioned where Garrick was sent to after the Apostasy, but it is clear that the two of them managed to maintain their friendship and Garrick remains one of the few people Xaden completely trusts and would do anything for, completely disregarding any rules:

“	There's no rule in this godforsaken college that would keep me from saving Bodhi's, Garrick's, or Liam's life...	”
–Xaden's POV of Chapter 16, Fourth Wing, Bonus Content

It is clear that there is a deep level of respect between the two of them, as Xaden recognizes Garrick as his equal when it comes to fighting and they use their sparring sessions to blow off steam, they avoid inflicting grave injuries to the other - although Xaden notes that when his best friend teases him about Violet he doubts he would be able to hold back:

“	"Don't finish that sentence when I'm in the mood to hit people." We're mutually assured destruction against each other, which makes us the perfect sparring partners, but I'm just aggravated enough to do some real damage to my best friend, despite the size he has on me.	”
–Xaden about Garrick, Xaden's POV of Chapter 9, Fourth Wing

Garrick is one of the first people to notice that Xaden has a thing for Violet Sorrengail and teases his best friend mercilessly about it, but also encourages him to act on those feelings and "figure their shit out" when Violet is mad at him for the secrets he keeps.

“	"You in the mood to spar with first-years?" Garrick asks, keeping pace with me once I'm a few steps from Second Squad, a smile tugging at his mouth. "Or just that particular first-year?" "Sometimes I hate how fucking observant you are." "It's hard to miss the way you look at her," he says, lowering his voice. "Like I want to kill her?" "Or fu -" "Don't finish that sentence when I'm in the mood to hit people." "Oh, would you, please?" He puts his hand to his heart and grins. "I need you to use those big, strong hands to show me -"	”
–Garrick teasing Xaden about Violet, Xaden's POV of Chapter 9

Garrick proves his loyalty to Xaden on multiple occasions and it is clear that he is grateful to him for saving all of them after the Apostasy and for all his efforts to keep every marked one alive. He is clearly concerned about Xaden's life once he realizes that his fate is tied to Violet's - which prompts him to protect her.

The two of them make a great team and wherever Xaden goes, Garrick is almost sure to follow and jump to help his friend. It is clear that they both care about each other, with Xaden not hesitating to kill the king's second son to protect Garrick and him being grateful that older riders at the outpost in Samara are not as harsh towards Garrick as they are when it comes to him.

“	“I think the last name does it more than the relic. The older riders are easier on Garrick, which I’m thankful for.”	”
–Xaden about Garrick, Iron Flame

Imogen Cardulo

Imogen and Garrick by illustratinghan

It is clear from their constant bickering and teasing that Garrick and Imogen are particularly close. It is not mentioned how long they have known each other or the extent of their relationship - although, based on the fact that Imogen is just as comfortable around Riorson House as Garrick and Bodhi are and that she is among the few people Xaden trusts, they might have known each other way before the Apostasy. Xaden reveals in Fourth Wing that Imogen has a crush on Garrick and Violet notes on "the pure yearning she can’t hide in her expression as she watches Xaden and Garrick" sparring shirtless, but it is not confirmed whether Garrick knows about her feelings or not.

Xaden puts the two of them in charge of training the first year marked ones in Fourth Wing and they are seen multiple times throughout the books as fighting side by side or getting paired together.

There is clearly a level of tension between the two of them as in almost every scene together they are arguing for a reason or another. During the secret meeting with all the marked ones in Basgiath, Garrick tries to convince Imogen that Violet should not be the target of their desire for revenge against Lilith Sorrengail and, later on, after the battle at Athebyne, they are seen arguing again on whether they should take Violet to Aretia or not - an argument that seems to continue during the whole flight and during which their standing on the matter switched at some point.

“	“You’re sure about this?” Imogen asks. “Stop fucking asking him that,” Garrick snaps. “He made his decision. Support him or get the fuck out, Imogen.”	”
–Garrick arguing with Imogen, Fourth Wing

There are, however, hints of sexual tension between the two of them, especially when Imogen argues that Garrick is in no position to talk about stable relationships. Garrick responds by making a joke about his sex life, which seems to infuriate the third year even more.

“	“Like you have any room to talk about stable relationships,” Imogen counters from behind him, the squad formation obviously having broken to ready for the mission. “I’m going to skip the obvious pun to be made about plenty of mares in my stable.” He flashes a grin, then turns and heads toward the path at the end of the valley. “Seeing as I’m no longer a cadet but a mature, responsible officer.” She scoffs as he walks by.	”
–Garrick and Imogen, Iron Flame

Violet Sorrengail

Unlike the other marked ones, Garrick didn't project his hatred for Lilith Sorrengail on her daughter, aware that punishing Violet for her mother's actions wouldn't make them any different than the people who executed their parents. He doesn't have many interactions with Violet before she bonds Tairn, aside from defending her actions in front of Amber Mavis on the Gauntlet.

After Threshing, once they understood that Xaden's life depends on Violet's safety, Garrick and the rest of the marked ones closest to the Wingleader become more concerned with the youngest Sorrengail and appear ready to protect her, but, aside from Liam, none of them actually get to know her.

It is only after the battle at Athebyne that Garrick comes to respect and act friendly with Violet, thankful that she saved all their lives. He also expresses his support for her relationship with Xaden, confident that she will join their cause and encouraging her and Xaden to fix their relationship.

“	“Hey, Sorrengail,” Garrick says, but I can’t peel my eyes from Xaden long enough to glance his way. “Good job today.” “Thanks, Garrick,” I respond, moving closer to Xaden. “Gods, you two.” Garrick shakes his head. “Do us all a favor and figure your shit out. I’ll meet you at the flight field.” He smacks Xaden’s shoulder and walks off.	”
–Garrick to Violet before he leaves for Samara, Iron Flame, Chapter 5

Quotes

“	“I really fucking hope you’re right about this,” Garrick says to Xaden as we face the open door. “It would be unfortunate to make it all three years and then die on graduation day.”	”
–Garrick to Xaden Riorson before they show up for formation, Iron Flame, Chapter 3

Gallery

Garrick by Leah Croft

Garrick by drsoaresrex

Imogen and Garrick by illustratinghan