Cover of The Book That Wouldn't Burn

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

by Mark Lawrence


Genre
Fantasy, Science Fiction
Year
2013
Pages
577
Contents

Chapter 44

Overview

Livira and Arpix attempt to access forbidden Chamber 7 using Volente but fail, prompting the hound to awaken an ancient metal guide. Speaking in sabber-tongue, the guide reveals the Raven’s name, letting Livira summon the Raven and finally enter Chamber 7. The method validates Livira’s linguistic gamble and raises immediate stakes inside.

Summary

Livira stashes The Forest Between on a random shelf to avoid discovery, then with Arpix ventures toward the librarians’ entrance to test what they learned. She calls Volente, who appears, but when asked to open Chamber 7 the hound passes through the white door alone and cannot grant them entry.

Seeking alternatives, Livira tries to recall a book title from the chamber and even asks for the Raven, neither of which works. When she asks for the Raven’s name, Volente leads them across the library to the immobile metal guide. Volente delivers a concussive bark that reanimates the ancient figure.

The metal guide cycles through many languages until Livira recognizes sabber-tongue. Using the language she learned, Livira asks for the Raven’s name. The guide, fading again, provides it—Edgarallen—before falling silent. Livira combines the name with the feather and successfully summons the Raven.

With the Raven present and having reclaimed the summoning feather, entry to Chamber 7 is finally granted. Livira and Arpix step through the vanishing door, wary but determined. They do not see the corrupted assistant in the corridor, follow the Raven to the entrance clearing, and brace for whatever dangers lie deeper within.

Who Appears

  • Livira
    Librarian; hides The Forest Between, uses sabber-tongue to get the Raven’s name, summons him, and enters Chamber 7.
  • Arpix
    Companion; suggests practical steps, loudly calls Volente, follows Livira into Chamber 7 despite fear.
  • Volente
    Mysterious hound; can’t open Chamber 7, leads them to the metal guide, awakens it with a concussive bark.
  • Metal guide
    Ancient humanoid at a doorway; reanimated, cycles languages, in sabber-tongue reveals the Raven’s name, then falters.
  • Edgarallen (the Raven)
    Summoned by name and feather; enables entry to Chamber 7 and immediately reclaims the feather.
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