Chapter 38: Baz

Baz and Clover start the scavenger hunt at Noviluna, using the name Porpentious Stockenbach to locate his book. Realizing the real clue is a misplaced landscaping title, they pivot to Crescens, confirming the trail points through the libraries via their founders.

At Crescens, a map credits Wordsmith Florien Delaune, prompting them to seek the Pleniluna founder. In Pleniluna, the librarian identifies Lutwin de Vruyes, a Purifier who authored a hostile treatise. Wulfrid, a Purifier rival, jeers at Baz, heightening tension.

Suspecting the history connects all founders, Baz and Clover go to Decrescens, by the Vault entrance. They learn the libraries were funded by Hilda Dunhall (Shadowguide), Florien Delaune (Wordsmith), Lutwin de Vruyes (Purifier), and Suera Belesa (Unraveler), but none were Wardcrafters, leaving the Vault’s wards’ creator unknown.

A sudden chill and unnatural wind sweep the library as an Ilsker competitor tries to unravel the Vault door and triggers a deadly curse. She bleeds from eyes and ears and begins drowning in her own blood while lanterns dim and ward-lines blaze.

Clover scrambles for aid, but Baz acts first, pulling on time to reverse the girl’s injuries and the ward’s activation. The door calms, warmth returns, and the student recovers fully. Witnesses, including the rescued girl, openly thank Baz; the crowd applauds despite his Eclipse mark.

As the hunt continues, Baz and Clover gain no direct answer on the Wardcrafter but realize the competition can be lethal. Baz’s public rescue shifts campus perception and underscores that the “games” carry profound risks and consequences.