Short Fiction · Chapter
VII explained
Garth awakens to find his companions in a Noctoli trance and, realizing the Zarno believe them helpless by day, orchestrates an escape from their cell.
What happens
Garth awakens to find his companions in a Noctoli trance and, realizing the Zarno believe them helpless by day, orchestrates an escape from their cell. He leads the entranced Earthmen through the labyrinthine underground city, evading Zarno pursuers until they are trapped in a cul-de-sac. In desperation, the group passes through a mysterious black curtain into a hidden cavern where they discover an army of four-armed robots and a machine that projects visions of the Ancients. There, Garth is reunited with Doc Willard, who is alive.
Themes in this chapter
Survival and Endurance
Garth's desperate escape from the Zarno, leading his entranced companions through the labyrinthine city, highlights the theme of survival against overwhelming odds.
The Unknown and Cosmic Horror
The mysterious black curtain, the hidden cavern with ancient machines, and the reunion with the presumed-dead Doc Willard evoke the eerie and unknown aspects of the lost city.
Characters to notice
- Ed Garth
Leads the escape from the Zarno cell, navigates the underground city, and discovers the hidden cavern where he reunites with Doc Willard.
- Sampson
Despite being entranced, Sampson's instinctive skill with the lock allows the group to escape their cell.
- Paula Trent
Entranced, she is the first to walk through the black curtain, leading the others into the hidden cavern.
- Captain Brown
Awakens in the cell and questions Garth about their situation; his chronometer helps Garth determine the time.
- Doc Willard
Reunited with Garth in the hidden cavern; he is alive and emerges from a cavern-mouth to greet Garth.
Key passages
“He had a vague hunch that there might be a way out—but he was too exhausted to follow it up now. A few hours' sleep was vital.”
Garth sensed a possible escape but was too tired to pursue it; he knew he needed rest.
Garth's exhaustion and intuition foreshadow the escape plan that follows his sleep.
“Garth jerked to a halt, knowing the utter hopelessness of futility. They were trapped now.”
Garth stopped, realizing their situation was completely hopeless and they were cornered.
The moment of despair before the group discovers the black curtain.
“Ed! You made it!”
Doc Willard exclaims in joy upon seeing Garth alive.
The emotional reunion between Garth and the presumed-dead Doc Willard.