Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
After healing in the canith circle, Evar’s group retrieves the white Soldier’s sword from the disabled automaton. When a skeer blocks their route, Evar kills it during hibernation to secure the doorway. A tense choice about holding the door ends when Kerrol forces a test that proves Evar can reopen the doors himself, freeing the group to advance together.
Summary
Evar endures painful treatment outside the circle to remove splinters, then rapidly heals once inside. The humans—Jella and Salamonda among them—show unexpected concern, giving Evar hope for human–canith cooperation. Despite Arpix urging a longer rest, Clovis insists circles are frequent, and the party moves on.
They revisit the wrecked automaton to reclaim the white Soldier’s sword. Arpix studies the machine, likening it to a mechanical ganar that seems hostile to canith, prompting speculation about its long dormancy and targeted reactivation.
Guided by Wentworth through several chambers, they spot an open door—a sign a skeer holds it. Debating tactics, they reject using the orb in case the door won’t open for them. Clovis, still weakened, is overruled; Kerrol maneuvers the task to Evar, whose agility suits fighting a single skeer.
Evar approaches the sentinel, deduces it is in a hibernant watch, then vaults onto its back and drives the Soldier’s blade through its head, killing it while keeping the doorway from reforming. He feels shame rather than triumph at the killing and lets Clovis reclaim her sword.
With the group through, a dilemma arises: leave someone to hold the door or risk entrapment. Evar resolves to stay, but Kerrol tricks him forward with a handshake yank, letting the door close—and Evar’s desperate lunge proves he can reopen it on touch. The discovery lifts the threat of isolation, allowing them to proceed together.
Who Appears
- EvarHeals in the canith circle, retrieves the Soldier’s sword, kills a hibernating skeer, and learns he can reopen doors.
- KerrolPushes Evar to take the fight, then yanks him through to prove Evar can reopen the door.
- ClovisRecovering warrior; insists on moving; wants to fight but yields sword to Evar and reclaims it after.
- ArpixTranslates and strategizes; studies the automaton and theorizes about mechanical ganar hostility.
- WentworthLeads the group through chambers toward the skeer-held doorway.
- SheetraAttempts to reopen the closed door; confirms it won’t yield to her.
- JellaHuman companion who tends Evar during recovery, showing concern.
- SalamondaHelps fuss over Evar as he heals, signaling growing trust.