Fourth Wing Author Confirms Major Fan Theory in New Book

Threshing Day released on Sept. 29 as the latest entry in the Empyrean series. The novella expands the Fourth Wing universe with 13 short stories, each centered on a character from the main books. The opening chapter follows Brennan Sorrengail, the older brother of Violet and Mira. The story offers insight into the family and Brennan’s romantic life while confirming a long-standing fan theory.

Brennan was largely absent during his sisters’ early years in the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. Despite this, he guided Violet and Mira through The Book of Brennan. He wrote this private survival manual specifically to help relatives survive the same trials he faced.

Violet learns about Tairn’s previous rider, Naolin, after bonding with the dragon. Naolin possessed a siphon signet that redistributed energy. He died trying to use this ability to resurrect a fallen rider during battle. That rider was Brennan. While the world believed Brennan died on the battlefield, he survived under an alias.

Violet questions Brennan about his survival at the start of Iron Flame. Their conversation sparked theories that Brennan and Naolin shared a deeper connection than simple comradeship.

“I glimpse a rune-shaped scar on his palm before he grips the edge of the table. ‘Naolin… He was—’ His jaw flexes.

‘Tairn’s previous rider,’ I suggest slowly, wondering if he was more than that to Brennan.”

Naolin gave his life to save Brennan. Such sacrifices in the Empyrean books typically occur between individuals who share a strong bond. Violet wonders if their relationship extended beyond friendship, which adds a compelling context to Tairn later bonding with Violet.

Characters are often open about their sexuality in the Empyrean novels, but Brennan’s orientation remained unconfirmed until now. Threshing Day explicitly establishes that Brennan is queer. Before finding Marbh in the forest, Brennan parts ways with a male rider named Flynn Ennis. Brennan’s narration confirms a romantic history between them and reveals his anxiety about losing Flynn during the Threshing.

“I give him a curt nod and a quick half smile to assuage the fear shining in his eyes. We spent a night together a few weeks ago, but I can’t let anything I feel for him sway me from my years of preparation for this moment. Especially when he’s making a stupid choice.”

This confirmation strengthens the existing theories about Brennan and Naolin. A prior romantic history recontextualizes Naolin’s ultimate sacrifice.

The short story also illuminates the Sorrengail family dynamic through an interaction with Asher Sorrengail. Their father visits Brennan during the Threshing.

“[Asher] walks away, disappearing into the trees with an ease that makes me wonder how many times he’s faded into other backgrounds of perilous situations in the name of his research.”

Conversations between Brennan and Asher portray him as a mysterious figure. His remarks about his wife reveal a tender side rarely observed through Violet’s perspective.

Rebecca Yarros might be planting seeds for a prequel centered on the Sorrengail parents. Questions also remain about the exact nature of Brennan and Naolin’s relationship. Because Naolin does not appear during the timeline of Threshing Day, their romantic involvement remains unverified on the page. Yarros retains countless options for expanding the Fourth Wing spin-offs and exploring complex character histories.

Source: Polygon