Relic Theory

Obligatory Spoilers for Onyx Storm. stop reading now unless you want to be spoiled.

Ive been thinking a lot on the idea of second signets and how they interact with relics. We know relics are what channels magic from dragon to rider, and thus they are the source of signets in general. However, there is also a decently clear correlation between number of signets and number of relics. As far as I can remember, literally every person with 2 signets we've seen has also had multiple relics. When Vi ask Xaden about Garrick being a distance wielder, she asks "How often do second signets accompany these particular relics"(OS 102) and he responds "Our dragons came looking for us. They knew what they were doing"(OS 102). Xaden never says that the bonds only follow family lines, he just says the dragons chose them and knew what they were doing. The wording is suspicious.

This interaction, as well as the eventual reveal that Imogen and Liam, as well as potentially Bodhi and others we dont know all have second signets, leads down an interesting path. Surely this many people couldn't have bonded dragons in the direct familial line without someone like Kaori noticing at least once.

So the theory: I think multiple relics is actually the explanation for multiple signets, not bonding in the family line. Maybe its both, but at least 2 relics=2 signets.

Additionally, i think this would mean that Vi is entitled to 4 signets (in theory), which is a long shot among long shots, but in my head the math checks out. 2 signets, 2 dragons each imparting a signet through each relic. This might explain why she could still dreamwalk without the ability to channel Andarnas power after she left. It might also entitle Xaden to a third, but again I think this part is a long shot.