- The hand doesn't get Sabriel after all. Charter Magic in the door itself automatically summons a defensive soldier spirit, or Charter-ghost, who temporarily drives away the Mordicant, shutting it out of the passageway. Phew.
- Sabriel sets off through the stone passage in the cliff, the Mordicant close behind her, accidentally forgetting her pack and skis by the door.
- Just as the Mordicant breaks through the door into the passage, Sabriel reaches the exit. She hears a huge rumble and realizes it's the rushing of water. This is potentially great news—the dead have two rules: they can't cross running water or be in bright, noonday sun.
- A second Charter-ghost, or sending, appears to help, and Sabriel opens the door to find herself on a ledge over a river, right next to an enormous waterfall. In the middle of the river, on an island surrounded by walls, is Abhorsen's House.
- Sabriel leaps across treacherous stepping stones on her way to the house, and though the Mordicant breaks through the second door, it can't cross the river. Exhausted, Sabriel makes it across and collapses near the house.
- Waiting for her at the house is a very cute little white kitty cat. This is no ordinary kitty cat, however—he's wearing a miniature necromantic bell, and Sabriel can sense that he is "a Free Magic creature of ancient power" (7.43). What's more, he can talk.