Key Out of Time · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Key Out of Time by Andre Norton.
Chapter 1
I: Lotus World
Ross Murdock surveys the idyllic but unsettlingly perfect world of Hawaika, a rose-tinted paradise that lulls its Terran settlers into forgetfulness. The planet does not match the ancient voyage tape that guided them there, and no trace of the civilization that once existed has been found. Ross, scarred by a past encounter with the Baldies, is wary of the world's seductive peace. Karara Trehern, a dolphin handler, emerges from the sea and exchanges tense words with Ross about their lack of progress. Later, Gordon Ashe and Karara study maps, noting that the modern islands may be remnants of a larger landmass shattered by a cataclysm. Ross proposes a systematic search with a team including dolphins, and Ashe agrees, relieved to have a plan. Ross reflects on his past as a loner and Time Agent, his partnership with Ashe, and his discomfort with Karara's presence, but resolves to join the search the next day.
Chapter 2
II: Lair of Mano-Nui
Ross Murdock leads an underwater search for ancient ruins on Hawaika, discovering a suspiciously regular depression on the seafloor. While investigating, he is attacked by a dragon-like sea creature and takes refuge in a crevice. After the creature is killed, the team debates the implications of the encounter and the need to carefully set up a peep-probe at the site.
Chapter 3
III: The Ancient Mariners
The Terrans set up a peep-probe on a reef to observe Hawaika's past, aiming at 10,000 years ago. After installation, they view a rugged coastline with a fortress and a war canoe, glimpsing the ancient inhabitants. Karara questions the ethics of altering history, while Ross and Ashe prepare for further exploration.
Chapter 4
IV: Storm Menace
As the team races to complete the time gate before a severe storm hits, Ross Murdock is unexpectedly pulled through the gate into a violent past. He finds himself shipwrecked on a rocky shore during a tempest, witnesses the murder of a survivor by armored men, and takes refuge in a sea cave, separated from Gordon Ashe.
Chapter 5
V: Time Wrecked
Ross and Karara recover from their involuntary time gate passage, stranded on Hawaika after a storm. They plan a search for Gordon Ashe, with Karara tasked to find the gate while Ross scouts the shore. Ross observes two alien groups on the beach: furred laborers and armored overseers, then a cloaked figure with a wand that interacts with his sonic device. The chapter ends with Ross witnessing a tense standoff between the parties.
Chapter 6
VI: Loketh the Useless
Ross captures a Hawaikan youth named Loketh who was spying on Karara. Through a unique mental link with the dolphins Tino-rau and Taua, they learn that Loketh is a crippled son of a local lord, rejected by his own kind. He reveals the existence of the Foanna, a mysterious and powerful ancient race, and the Wreckers who lure ships to their doom. Ross begins to piece together the political and mystical landscape of Hawaika, hoping to find Ashe among the slaves.
Chapter 7
VII: Witches’ Meat
Ross and Karara learn from Loketh that Ashe has been taken by the Wreckers and turned over to the Foanna as a sacrifice, or 'witches' meat.' Loketh swears loyalty to Ross through a ritual of bread and salt, and the trio plans to rescue Ashe by sea, using Loketh's secret boat.
Chapter 8
VIII: The Free Rovers
Ross, Karara, and Loketh journey by canoe toward the Foanna citadel, navigating through a strange fog. Ross reflects on the possibility that galactic invaders (the Baldies) have been meddling on Hawaika, leaking advanced technology to upset the balance of power. Loketh explains that his father Zahur obtained a 'magic' from Glicmas, who received it from a mountain voice, and that the Rovers now have ships that fly without sails. Loketh reveals his personal quest to prove himself despite his twisted leg, believing Karara and Ross are 'Shades' with powers to challenge the Foanna.
Chapter 9
IX: Battle Test
Ross Murdock and Loketh are captured by Rovers led by Captain Torgul. Ross uses his wits and bravado to face his captors, while Loketh suffers from a mysterious 'fire' in his mind—likely Foanna magic. Ross realizes his lack of psychic sensitivity is a potential weapon. Torgul offers Ross a choice: take to the sea or accompany the Rovers to Kyn Add. Ross chooses to go to Kyn Add to gather information.
Chapter 10
X: Death at Kyn Add
Ross Murdock, aboard a Rover ship nearing Kyn Add, observes the vessel's hybrid technology and a mysterious sea creature trailing the fleet. Tensions escalate when news arrives that Kyn Add has been attacked by bald, hairless strangers from the sea. Ross and Loketh are nearly killed by the crew, but Lady Jazia, the sole survivor of the attack, identifies the raiders as not being like Ross. Ross learns of the Rovers' clan structure and the recent pattern of brutal raids on their fairings.
Chapter 11
XI: Weapon from the Depths
Jazia recounts the devastating raid on her island by the Baldies, who emerged from the sea invulnerable to Rover weapons and used mind control to slaughter the inhabitants. Ross and the Rovers learn of a submerged enemy submarine emitting lethal energy waves. They devise a risky plan to drive salkars (dragon-like creatures) into the bay to disrupt the sub's defenses. Ross and Karara coordinate with dolphins Tino-rau and Taua to scout and bait the salkars, while Ross struggles with fatigue and the need to return to the Foanna gate.
Chapter 12
XII: Baldies
Ross and Karara witness a chaotic battle in the lagoon as salkars are driven mad by enemy energy broadcasts. Ross swims along the reef to shore, where he observes three Baldies using energy weapons to attack the salkars until their power fades. After the Baldies are incapacitated, Ross prevents Rovers from killing them, advocating for their capture to gain intelligence. Torgul agrees, and the aliens are netted. Meanwhile, Jazia and Torgul recover a carved head from a pillar, which crumbles after removal. The chapter ends with Torgul reflecting on their losses and the need to move on.
Chapter 13
XIII: The Sea Gate of the Foanna
Ross Murdock participates in a Rover council of war, arguing against a direct assault on the Baldies and proposing instead to infiltrate the Foanna citadel to rescue Gordon Ashe and seek an alliance. With Torgul and Jazia's support, he attempts the sea gate alone, navigating its misty defenses and hearing the Foanna's chanting.
Chapter 14
XIV: The Foanna
Ross Murdock meets the three Foanna, who are revealed to be the last of an ancient, powerful race. He reports the alliance with the Rovers and the threat from the Baldies. The Foanna consider their options, weighing the use of their powers against the potential for widespread destruction. Ross is teleported by the Foanna and reunites with Gordon Ashe, learning that the time gate is destroyed and there is no return to their own time.
Chapter 15
XV: Return to the Battle
Ross and Ashe plan to use the Foanna citadel as a trap for the Baldies, who are seeking the Foanna's secrets. The Foanna agree to consider the plan, while Ross grapples with his sense of exclusion from their mental bond and his growing understanding of the enemy's methods.
Chapter 16
XVI: The Opening of the Great Door
Ross, Karara, and Ashe join the Foanna in a ritual dance to open the Great Door, risking identity loss to access an ancient force against the Shadow's corruption. They witness silent, frozen warriors in Zahur's courtyard and undergo a transcendent experience of pure energy.
Chapter 17
Shades Against Shadow
In the aftermath of the Foanna citadel's destruction, the survivors regroup and plan their next move against the Baldies. Torgul considers using the river to approach the Baldies' mountain lair, but Glicmas, a Wrecker lord allied with the enemy, poses a threat. Ashe suggests a party disguised as Foanna to bypass Glicmas, but Torgul warns that impersonating the Foanna is forbidden. Meanwhile, the Foanna use their wands to break through a glass wall into a hidden chamber, where they engage the Baldies in a devastating energy battle that destroys the citadel. Ross awakens to find Ashe with a Foanna named Ynvalda, and Karara also survives.
Chapter 18
XVIII: World in Doubt?
Ross Murdock, disguised in a Foanna robe, infiltrates a Baldy spaceship to sabotage it. He uses his memory of a similar ship to teleport into the control cabin, swaps a route disk to misdirect the crew, and cuts off the air supply to lure them into a trap.
