# Days of Preparation explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Andre Norton.

## What happens

As the Great Mists descend upon Tav, Garin, Dandtan, and Thrala race to the safety of the Caverns, which are sealed for forty days. During this time, Garin and Dandtan work tirelessly in the laboratories to prepare defenses against the coming attack of the Black Ones. Garin has a tense encounter with Thrala, who dismisses him coldly, leaving him confused and hurt. The chapter ends with the Mists lifting and the Cavern dwellers readying for battle.

## Themes in this chapter

### Transformation and Renewal

Garin undergoes physical and spiritual renewal in the Chamber of Renewing, emerging exultant and ready for the coming conflict.

### Love and Sacrifice

Garin's unspoken love for Thrala and his self-restraint cause tension; Thrala's coldness masks deeper feelings, highlighting the theme of sacrifice and emotional distance.

### War and Its Aftermath

The forty-day preparation for war against the Black Ones dominates the chapter, with Dandtan and Garin building weapons and defenses.

## Character check-ins

### Captain Garin Featherstone

Awakens to the urgency of the Mists, carries Thrala to safety, undergoes renewal in the Chamber of Renewing, and works with Dandtan on defensive preparations.

### Dandtan

Leads the race to the Caverns, oversees the forty-day preparation, works with Garin in the laboratories, and reveals his past capture by the Black Ones and knowledge of their defenses.

### Lady Thrala

Falters during the flight, is carried by Garin, then dismisses him coldly in her audience chamber, showing anger and distance.

### Trar

Lord of the Folk, greets Dandtan and Garin in the Hall of Thrones, accepts Dandtan's plan, and orders preparations.

### Sera

Welcomes Thrala back, escorts Garin to Thrala's chamber, and angrily rebukes Garin for his coldness toward the Daughter.

### Urg

Points out the Cavern mouth as the Mists close in, helps seal the entrance, and later assists in deploying defenses.

## Key lines

> The Mists draw close; we must hurry

Dandtan urges the group to move faster as the deadly Mists approach.

_Highlights the urgency and danger of the Great Mists._

> So will it be for forty days. What is without—dies

Urg explains that the Mists will last forty days and kill everything outside the Caverns.

_Sets the timeframe for the chapter's preparations._

> Kepta makes the mistake of underrating his enemies

Dandtan reflects that Kepta underestimates the Cavern dwellers' ability to defend themselves.

_Foreshadows the coming battle and Kepta's potential downfall._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters/ix-days-of-preparation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_3_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_3_se/chapters