Chapter 56

Summary

• Livira identifies a fire started in the book library and alerts the group, leading to immediate evacuation.
• Yamala decides to aim for Chamber Seven, despite its reputation as forbidden. Some of the librarians are skeptical about this decision but Yute reassures them he can open the door.
• Master Synoth, an elderly librarian, accuses Yute of withholding his ability to open chamber doors without the need for sabber prisoners. Yute defends his actions, arguing that there was already plenty of existing literature to be read.
• Livira questions why the library assistants can't prevent the fire or provide fireproof books, to which Yute explains the library exists as a compromise between conflicting parties in a balance of good and evil. The potential for fire is part of a test of a civilisation's readiness for the knowledge contained within a book.
• Livira reveals she can make a portal to the exchange which can be used to escape the library. This is a surprise to the group, prompting disbelief from some, but ultimately leads them to the decision to pursue this route.
• Journeying through the library, the group hears the distant drone of the fire getting closer and Livira's fear grows. They push on, despite the ominous calmness that precedes the explosion of a fire.
• The group becomes aware they are being pursued by attackers who are gaining on them quickly.
• As the group approaches the library’s far wall, the fire starts to become visible in the distance and sparks could can be seen setting off smaller fires. Despite their fear, they continue moving.
• Eventually, sabber attackers reach the group and chaos breaks out. Livira manages to guide Yute towards the corridor leading to Chamber Seven, insisting they ove quickly.
• As Livira attempts to push Yute onwards, soldiers break into the clearing. A sabber lands in the midst of the group causing commotion, immediately followed by a wave of smoke pouring into the clearing, creating a hot, choking environment.