The plot thickens as the book continues to expand. We are still bereft of Lyra, but Will and Iorek are focusing while the battle lines are drawn. Mary's captivating experiences with the Mulefa threaten to draw all our attention away from the main plot...or is THIS now the main plot!? We missed everyone! Due to a health scare, we had to take a little time off, but we are back!
As they head south towards the Himalayas, Will and Iorek discuss the unique properties of the subtle knife. Will explains how he came to possess the knife and shows Iorek the wound he obtained fighting for it. He tells Iorek that he is supposed to take the knife to Lord Asriel but first he must rescue Lyra Silvertongue, to which Iorek pledges the bears’ help. Once they reach the shore, Will shows an awestruck Iorek how the subtle knife opens windows to other worlds. Afterwards, they begin the three day journey to Lyra, unaware that both Lord Asriel and the combined forces of the Magisterium are also on their way. Meanwhile, in the world of Ci’gazze, Father Gomez listens as a little red-haired girl and her brother tell him about a woman who passed through town, unaware and unafraid of the Spectres, on her way south towards the mountains. He thanks the children for their help and sets off through the hot, silent streets towards the south. Further ahead, Mary Malone has learned a great deal about the mulefa she is traveling with. After three days in their company she discovers that these creatures have language, fire, and formed a society. Mary realizes that, while they are not human like she is, the mulefa are indeed a people. She consults the I Ching about what to do next and it replies that she should continue her stay. Mary is taken by the mulefa and works to become a useful part of their intricate and intimate society. One afternoon, while Mary helps to repair the roof of a hut, a flock of giant white birds called Tualapi attack the mulefas’ village, emptying the food supplies and demolishing the wheel store. As a final insult, the Tualapi defecate throughout the decemated village before heading downstream towards the sea. Reeling after the attack, Mary collects the few seedpods that remain to the relief of the anxious mulefa, for despite the great effort, care, and love that they give them, the wheel-pod trees are inexplicably dying.