Final answer:
Two phrases from the specified paragraph that contribute to the mysterious plot are "he heard a crow caw three times and fly away," and "in stepped the assassins." These phrases evoke a sense of foreboding and present a direct threat, propelling the story toward its climax.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question regarding selecting two phrases that help to advance the mysterious plot from paragraph 12, two distinctive phrases stand out. The first phrase, "he heard a crow caw three times and fly away," imbues the scene with an ominous atmosphere, aligning with traditional associations of crows with bad omens and foretelling misfortune, thus heightening the suspense.
The second phrase, "and in stepped the assassins," introduces a clear and immediate threat, propelling the narrative towards an impending climax and maintaining the reader's engagement with the element of danger.
The overall effect of these phrases is to deepen the mystery and anticipation, portraying a protagonist who is acutely aware of impending peril. This technique is a critical device in storytelling, particularly in the context of rising action within a plot structure. By utilizing cues such as animal omens and the sudden entrance of antagonists, the author skillfully sets the stage for the story's peak, demonstrating a classic approach to building narrative tension.