Zolya

An unsealed leaflet claims Zolya has fallen after a two-day battle, with everyone who failed to evacuate dead and the trade routes barricaded; the truth of the claim is still uncertain at that point.

The battle of Zolya is leaked in Battle Brief and dismissed by Markham as propaganda, but the report remains important enough for Violet to bring it to Xaden.

Zolya's fall is confirmed when Devera admits she intentionally spread the information at Battle Brief.

After Anca falls and is drained, the dark wielders pull back to Zolya to reassemble, making the fallen city an apparent base for the enemy campaign.

The occupation includes Cliffsbane, where dark wielders take up residence after destroying the city.

Aretia does not know how many venin are gathering at Zolya, leaving the city as a strategic blind spot.

An updated map still marks Zolya in red after enemy forces leave Pavis, much of the south, and the Tyrrish border.

Zolya lies at the foot of the Esben Mountains along the Stonewater River, about a four-hour flight from Navarre's border.

The city is close enough to the border region that nearby rendezvous points can fall within wyvern flight from Zolya.

Zolya is the location of Cliffsbane, the flier academy, which gives the city military importance beyond its civilian population.

Zolya's loss scatters the flier community connected to Cliffsbane, and a third of the feathered ones' ranks take shelter at Cordyn.

Cat and other displaced Poromish fliers are among those affected by Zolya's destruction.

Maren's parents are also displaced by Zolya's fall, relocating to Newhall rather than south to Cordyn or back to Draithus.