Codagh

Codagh is the largest dragon Violet has seen when he first arrives near her, larger even than Tairn. His battle-scarred wings and hostile golden gaze make his presence immediately imposing.

At Athebyne, Codagh is about five feet larger than Tairn and bears numerous battle scars across his chest scales and wings.

Codagh’s size is large enough to serve as Violet’s comparison point for Theophanie’s enormous wyvern, which Tairn confirms is even bigger than Codagh.

Codagh protects Melgren during retreat. When Melgren leaves Athebyne, Codagh backs away with him while baring his teeth.

Codagh is bonded to General Melgren.

Codagh is the head of Andarna’s den. Tairn points to that authority when discussing Andarna’s request to the Empyrean to bond, while Andarna pushes back that Tairn is not her den head.

Other dragons treat Codagh as a figure whose authority or awareness may matter across distance. Violet jokes about asking him whether Andarna must obey, and Tairn describes a chain of contact through Greim and Maise at Samara to reach Codagh.

Codagh can relay the Empyrean’s decisions to Melgren. After leading dragons from the field to the southern peak for an Empyrean meeting, he communicates the dragons’ decision to his rider.

Codagh descends from the original hatching grounds of the Dubhmadinn Line in the valley above Riorson House. Tairn later cites him as the source for the report that two more black dragons have hatched within the last year.

Codagh stands outside Basgiath’s gate with Melgren during the dispute over Violet’s ward plan. His tail forms part of the wall of dragons behind Melgren, and Melgren moves toward him when refusing to wait.

Codagh is the black dragon Violet needs for Basgiath’s wardstone because Tairn’s fire has already been spent on Aretia’s stone. Violet confronts him directly, accuses him of withholding the secret from Melgren because dragonkind protects dragonkind, and gains his curt nod to come if she powers the stone.