Chapter 3 Summary

They continue to climb down the ladder until they finally reach stone instead of bronze. A bucket of torches sits at the bottom of the ladder and entrance to the passageway. As Lirael tries to take one, it disappears. As she reaches for each torch, it disappears, and finally the bucket holding them disappears too. Lirael and Sam each draw their swords as they enter the passageway.

At an entranceway of one of the passages they come upon is a pile of bones and bells. They have found Kalliel, who has been missing for years. Lacking confidence, the dog chooses one of three passageways for them to continue. Lirael feels cooler air moving through the passageway and notices black water swirling at their feet. As they move deeper into the tunnel, the bells start to vibrate in the leather strap on Lirael's chest...