| Name | Garrick Tavis |
|---|---|
| Age | 23 years (Fourth Wing) |
| Species | Human |
| Status | Alive |
| Quadrant | Riders Quadrant, Basgiath War College |
| Rank/Title | Leader of Flame Section, Fourth Wing (formerly) → Second Lieutenant |
| Signet | Distance Wielding, Air Wielding |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Dragon Bond | Chradh (Brown Scorpiontail dragon) |
| Love Interests | Imogen Cardulo (alluded) |
| Appears in | Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025) |
Contents
Biography
Garrick Tavis is one of Xaden Riorson’s oldest and most trusted friends, having grown up at Riorson House during summers before the Tyrrish Rebellion. After the rebellion failed, he was branded with a relic like the other 107 children and conscripted into the Riders Quadrant, where he bonded with his dragon Chradh. Known for his hulking frame and unmatched skill in combat, Garrick rose to become Section Leader of Fourth Wing’s Flame Section and earned a reputation as one of the rebellion’s most reliable fighters.
He fought alongside Xaden, Violet, and the other marked ones at the Battle of Resson, later graduating and being stationed at Samara Outpost, where he continued smuggling weapons to support the gryphon fliers. Garrick took part in Violet’s rescue from Basgiath and helped lead cadets and riders to safety in Aretia, where he became a Second Lieutenant.
In Onyx Storm, Garrick shared responsibility with Bodhi and Imogen for monitoring Xaden after he began drawing venin power, often clashing with his best friend while still protecting him. He remained deeply loyal to the rebellion, fought in battles against venin, and showed hints of a developing connection with Imogen. By the novel’s end, Garrick’s whereabouts remain unresolved.
Physical Description
Body & Build
- Broad shoulders and a hulking frame, taking up nearly twice as much space as the average rider.
- Wider and more densely muscled than Xaden.
- His imposing presence is one of his most recognizable traits.
Hair
- Dark curly hair, often described as thick and unruly.
Eyes & Skin
- Hazel eyes.
- Pale skin.
- Bears a six-inch scar running from his temple to his jaw, earned during the battle at Athebyne.
Clothing & Gear
- Wears rider’s black uniform, marked with multiple patches denoting his skill across a range of weapons.
- Displays his position proudly, with patches proclaiming him as Flame Section Leader.
- Carries double swords strapped to his back.
- His rebellion relic extends up to his shoulder, noted as the second-largest among the marked ones.
Powers
Lesser Magic
Like all riders, Garrick channels lesser magic through his bond with Chradh. This allows him to lock and unlock doors without touching them, move with preternatural speed, manipulate mage lights, power ink pens, and place runes.
Signet
Air Wielding: His official signet, recorded by Navarre, grants him control over air.
Distance Wielding: A rare and unrecorded second signet that enables him to cross great distances in seconds, giving him a unique and powerful advantage on the battlefield.
Abilities
Rune-Detection
Through Chradh’s heightened sensitivity to runes, Garrick can locate rune-marked objects. This ability was crucial in discovering the lure boxes hidden in Athebyne and later around Basgiath.
Fighting
Garrick is renowned as one of the rebellion’s strongest fighters. His weapon of choice is a pair of double swords strapped across his back, and he has earned numerous patches for his skill with a wide variety of weapons and hand-to-hand combat. Xaden considers him the best fighter among the marked ones, though less patient than Imogen. When sparring, Garrick and Xaden are evenly matched in strength, but Xaden’s speed and ability to read intent through his second signet give him an edge.
Relationships
| Imogen Cardulo | Garrick and Imogen share a complicated, slow-burn connection. Their relationship is often marked by sharp banter and teasing, with their comrades frequently noting the tension between them. While neither openly admits to deeper feelings, moments of flirtation and protective concern—particularly in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm—suggest that their bond may extend beyond friendship. |
|---|---|
| Xaden Riorson | Garrick has been Xaden’s best friend since childhood, their bond beginning when Garrick’s father served as Fen Riorson’s aide. They spent summers together at Riorson House and remained close after the Apostasy, with Xaden trusting Garrick completely. The two share mutual respect as equals in combat, often using sparring to release tension. Garrick is one of the first to notice Xaden’s feelings for Violet and teases him about it while also encouraging him to act on them. Fiercely loyal, Garrick stands by Xaden through every battle and remains one of the few people he would risk anything to protect. |
Dragon
Chradh
Garrick is bonded to Chradh, a massive brown Scorpiontail dragon. Known for his sensitivity to runes, Chradh played a key role in locating lure boxes hidden by Navarre at both Athebyne and Basgiath. Together, Garrick and Chradh form a formidable fighting pair, with Chradh’s raw strength complementing Garrick’s skill with weapons.
