Chapters 45-47 Summary

In Chapter 45 Vane contemplates his new-found oneness with all of creation, noticing every detail. His consciousness keeps expanding and Life becomes "a cosmic holiday." Bliss sweeps aside "life-in-death," and everything inspires thanksgiving. The monsters' hollow holds placid water. The rising sun reminds Vane of God's care for his children and the need to be vigilant. The desert has become grassy plains and forests. In Chapter 46 the company heads to a massive solitary mountain, above which swirl clouds, split by lightning that reveals radiance. A rainbow spans it and a great angel waits to greet them. Vane and Lona climb toward the throne of the Ancient of Days, but a warm hand pushes Vane through a little door into his own library. In Chapter 47 Vane contemplates all that he has learned and wonders if he is still in the chamber of death...