The Drowned Gods, #2
Stranger Skies
by Pascale Lacelle
Contents
Chapter 54: Baz
Overview
Baz and Clover deduce the Vault’s wards are powered by the founders’ sacrificial deaths and can be unraveled by four matched magics—abilities Clover alone embodies. Clover faces the peril of revealing himself as a Tidecaller, while rival students close in. Cordie’s partner Louka disappears, and Baz resolves to tell her the truth.
Summary
At dawn, Kai brings Baz coffee, their recent kiss heightening their awkward warmth, before Polina interrupts to report Thames left during the night and has not returned. Kai cannot find Thames in the sleepscape, and Baz reassures Polina despite growing unease.
In the Decrescens library, Baz studies engravings on the founders’ busts and connects their ritualistic deaths to the Vault’s wards. Discussing with Clover, Baz argues the Selenic Order sacrificed the four founders—one from each lunar house—to bind their magic as protective wards, explaining the haunt-like phenomena near the Vault.
Baz proposes that four matching magics—a Shadowguide, Wordsmith, Purifier, and Unraveler—are needed to unpick the wards. Realizing Clover embodies all alignments as a Tidecaller, they devise an approach, though Clover fears outing himself will destroy his influence and safety. Competition intensifies when a mixed-college team nearby appears to make progress, spurring Baz and Clover to act quickly.
Cordie arrives furious: Louka has vanished for Trevel and emptied his shop. She accuses Clover of driving him away; Clover denies it and promises to help find Louka. After Cordie asks if they’ve solved the wards, Baz, burdened by the risk that passing the door may mean no return, follows her outside and tells her he needs to confess something.
Who Appears
- BazProtagonist; connects founders’ deaths to Vault wards, proposes four-magic solution, pushes forward despite risks, intends to warn Cordie.
- CloverResearch partner; realizes his Tidecaller nature can unpick wards; fears exposure and loss of influence; denies causing Louka’s departure.
- Cordie (Delia)Confronts Clover after Louka disappears; distressed yet curious about ward progress; later approached by Baz for a difficult truth.
- KaiShares tender morning moment with Baz; reassures Polina but cannot find Thames in the sleepscape.
- PolinaReports Thames left overnight and hasn’t returned, prompting concern and a promise to look for him.
- ThamesAbsent; left during the night and remains missing, raising fears amid ongoing student incidents.
- LoukaCordie’s partner; abruptly left for Trevel and cleared out, triggering Cordie’s confrontation with Clover.
- Mixed-college student teamRival group studying the same problem; their progress pressures Baz and Clover to act quickly.