forbidden-knowledge

The discovery of the hidden stairway to the library's lowest catacombs symbolizes access to potentially dangerous or forgotten knowledge.

1 chapter across 1 book

A Canticle For Leibowitz (1961)Walter M. Miller

Chapter 5

In this chapter, Brother Cadderly faces reprimand for taking Headmistress Pertelope's tapestry without permission, which he used as a reference to complete a crossbow. Meanwhile, Cadderly and Kierkan Rufo discover a hidden, ancient stairway leading to the lowest levels of the Edificant Library, a secret long thought sealed. The chapter also introduces Barjin, an evil priest who spies on Rufo and Cadderly, using magical charms to manipulate Rufo for his own sinister purposes.