Chapter 66

Summary

• A woodcutter in a mysterious and timeless wood has the ability to travel to any place and any time, and cannot return to the wood once he leaves.
• In Chapter 66, the characters, led by Livira and Evar, are in a chamber of a library and can see black smoke coming closer.
• They figure out that the fire, creating the smoke, is spreading differently depending on the materials and arrangements of the books.
• Despite Evar being immune to the fire, the group is racing to escape the chamber through a door which leads to Chamber 68.
• As they approach the door, they hear a clunking sound, revealing it to be a black, robotic 'assistant' which has been taken over by an 'Escape' - aa shadowy entity. It seems multiple are needed to control the assistants.
• More black assistants emerge and collapse, giving the group the idea that the Escapes are trying to save the assistants for some unknown purpose.
• It's revealed that the Escapes are servants of Jaspeth, who opposes the library, and they are trying to tear it down. However, the library is supposedly eternal due to a compromise to stop a war and it is continually rebuilt.
• In Chamber 68, Livira and Evar move with increasing speed. They become separated from their dog, Volente, but catch up and discover other library staff members and friends, who they thought were in danger!
• Despite their joy, Evar & Malar are preoccupied with the encroaching fire and attempt to think of a plan to help save their friends.
• Unfortunately, smoke is found to be entering from all entrances to the chamber. They consider the idea of Evar possessing one of their friends to communicate their situation, but decide against it due to potential harm.
• Finally, Livira, in a determined state, asks Malar if he's ready for a major fight, and they leave to confront their situation.