Chapter 26 Summary

Sam, the Major and the soldiers continue to fight. Some of the Dead are taken down by the Ranna pipe when Sam starts blowing the pipe again. Some other Dead are killed by the bayonets and swords. The Major urges Sam to play the Ranna pipe again because the Dead are getting close to the frozen body of Lirael that is left behind when her spirit crosses into Death.

When Sam plays Kibeth, many of the Dead retreat back into Death. A group of soldiers also runs away down the hill, defecting. The Major, Sam and the remaining soldiers circle around Lirael's frozen body to protect it from even one Dead reaching it before Lirael returns.

Four Shadows Hands come toward Sam and the others protecting Lirael's body. Sam tries to compel them to obey him, but the Shadows Hands are stronger and...