Chapter 29

Summary

• Clovis and her injured mother, who've survived an attack on their library by the Sabbers, are on the run from them.
• The mother seeks refuge in a reading-room, meeting a young couple along the way -- the man of whom is also injured, apparently from the Mechanism, a door made of the same white substance as the Assistant they often consult.
• Clovis's mother attempts to hide their tracks but realises her blood will give away their position.
• As the sabbers close in on them, they decide to hide inside the Mechanism. The mother lies to Clovis, saying they will be safe if they enter together.
• The moment Clovis crosses the entrance of the Mechanism, the entry closes, leaving her mother outside. The mother attempts to divert the sabbers while some of them wait to capture Clovis as she emerges from the Mechanism.
• Evar, Clovis's brother and a ghost, is helpless; he can only observe. Suddenly, two figures, the Assistant and the Solider, emerge from the Mechanism.
• The Soldier and Assistant start fighting the sabbers with great success, even though to Evar's surprise, they show no sign of recognising him. Evar is astonished that they did not prevent the massacre earlier.
• The Assistant and the Soldier notice that Clovis has entered the Mechanism and also Evar's presence around them. The Assistant enters the Mechanism to check on Clovis and is followed by the Soldier.
• Seeing more horror and tragedy in the room, Evar decides he can't bear it anymore and walks away, aiming for the peace he knows lies in the woods.