# Shades Against Shadow explained — Key Out of Time

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

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Corruption

The Baldies' alliance with Glicmas and their use of advanced technology to dominate the Hawaikans illustrate the corrupting influence of power.

### Alliance and Trust

The fragile alliance between the Terrans, Rovers, and Foanna is tested as they plan a risky deception and face the Baldies' superior force.

### Cultural Clash and Conflict

The Hawaikans' reverence for Foanna robes clashes with the Terrans' pragmatic suggestion of disguise, highlighting cultural differences in the face of war.

## Character check-ins

### Ross Murdock

Participates in planning the next move against the Baldies; survives the energy battle and awakens in the ruined citadel.

### Karara Trehern

Disappears with the Foanna into the inner burrows; later found standing in the aftermath of the battle.

### Gordon Ashe

Strategizes with Torgul and Ross; suggests using Foanna robes as a disguise; found supporting the Foanna Ynvalda after the battle.

### Foanna

Use their wands to break into a hidden chamber and engage the Baldies in a destructive energy conflict; one named Ynvalda is found by Ashe.

### Torgul

Discusses river approach and Glicmas's threat; warns against impersonating the Foanna.

### Baldies

Possess gill-packs and Loketh; engage the Foanna in an energy battle in the hidden chamber.

### Loketh

Captured by the Baldies, who took his gill-pack.

### Glicmas

Wrecker lord allied with the Baldies; controls the river route and is a potential obstacle.

## Key lines

> No man would take on the guise of the Foanna; he would be blasted by their power for so doing.

Torgul insists that impersonating the Foanna is sacrilege and would invite their wrath.

_Highlights the cultural taboo against using Foanna robes as a disguise._

> We live in perilous times when the Shades require our swords to go up against the Shadow!

Torgul remarks on the dangerous era where even lesser forces must fight a greater evil.

_Reflects the theme of survival and resilience against overwhelming odds._

> The Baldies have the gill-packs they took from Baleku and Loketh, and they have Loketh. They will want to learn more about us.

Ross notes that the Baldies possess captured equipment and a prisoner, making them eager to study the Terrans.

_Sets up the Baldies' motivation to capture rather than destroy the group._

> There is the river—here—perhaps I think in terms of water because I am a sailor.

Torgul proposes using the river as a route to approach the Baldies' mountain base, acknowledging his maritime perspective.

_Shows Torgul's strategic thinking and reliance on naval tactics._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters/xvii-shades-against-shadow
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/key_out_of_time_se/chapters