@AussieKid:
Yes, much will be happening with the skyfleet/Rod over the next few books. In book ii, we have a lot of regrouping to deal with the new situation and positioning and alliances involving them and freehold…the problem is, as you point out, the target of their ire has fled the scene and seriously annoyed the Rod and in particular the other Knights Rampant who arrive late and are totally smoked about their missing “brother knight” who they are sworn to defend, one for all, all for one sort of thing.
@JMX:
T-A-G really had hoped for sooner, but editor and artist have their timelines that aren’t as fast. However, T-A-G say he can use that time to improve the book. Things start to get complicated in terms of the number of involved parties and which side they are on in book ii, so getting it right is important.