Chapters Twenty Five - Twenty Seven Summary

Perry stands outside Aria's door but hears nothing, so he heads down to the Navel. Marron has rigged a camera outside so that they are able to monitor the activities of the Croven until the Aether destroys it. It is easy to see that they are setting up camp. Marron talks about some old tunnels under the mountain which he says may still be passable. Perry goes to Aria's room and tries to console her, telling her they aren't sure of anything yet, and apologizes to her for being so difficult. She accepts the apology under two conditions - that he describe his own temper to her, and that he stay with her for the night. He agrees.

Marron takes Aria down to the Navel where a vase of roses sit. Her Smarteye...