# XIII: The Sea Gate of the Foanna explained — Key Out of Time

> Chapter companion for Key Out of Time by Andre Norton.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alliance and Trust

Ross proposes allying with the Foanna despite past enmity, highlighting the theme of forming unlikely alliances.

### Power and Corruption

The Baldies manipulate factions to weaken them, demonstrating corrupt use of power.

### Survival and Resilience

The Rovers and Terrans seek a clever strategy to survive against a technologically superior enemy.

## Character check-ins

### Ross Murdock

Proposes infiltrating the Foanna citadel to rescue Ashe and treat with the Foanna; attempts the sea gate alone.

### Torgul

Rover captain who supports Ross's plan and provides knowledge of the sea gate.

### Lady Jazia

Represents the Power of Phutka; supports Ross's plan and explains Foanna magic.

### Ongal

Rover commander who argues for direct fighting but is countered by Ross.

### Karara Trehern

Warns Ross about the gate's defense; remains on the ship due to sensitivity.

### Loketh

Hovers behind Ross during the council; contributes knowledge of the sea gate.

### Gordon Ashe

Ross's sword-lord, imprisoned in the Foanna citadel; Ross hopes to rescue him.

### Vistur

Rover officer who points out the impracticality of moving salkars inland.

## Key lines

> Instead of fighting the Foanna, we must warm, cherish, try to ally ourselves with them. And do all that while we still have time!

Ross argues that they should seek an alliance with the Foanna rather than fight them, and time is running out.

_Ross's key proposal to the Rover council._

> The Foanna have a powerful magic; they can order wind and wave, man and creature⁠—if so be their will. Well might these killers fear the Foanna!

Jazia explains that the Foanna's magic controls nature and beings, which is why the Baldies fear them.

_Jazia's explanation of Foanna power._

> These could kill you before you came in blade range.

Ross warns that the Baldies' weapons can kill from a distance, making a direct charge futile.

_Ross's argument against a frontal assault._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters/xiii-the-sea-gate-of-the-foanna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters