To escape the endless staircase, you see those quiggle statues? Go to the second one. If his hand is pointing down, go down. If his hand is pointing up, go up. Repeat this process until you see a door. Go through it.
Four sword pieces location
The first three pieces are on the west bridge that you take in front of the Meridell Castle Gate. You must go in-between two houses and climb up the wooden ladder, then jump onto the wooden plank. When you are on the plank, walk to your left and get that piece. Then, walk back across. Next, climb up the ladder in front of you. Collect the piece up there, then grab the rope. Slide down until you get to the last platform and collect that piece. For the fourth piece, you must go to the recruitment center. When you walk in, go directly ahead and turn right. You will be in the jail. Talk to one of the prisoners and he will trade you 100nps for the hilt. Take all of these pieces to the blacksmith. After you have the completed sword, take it to the master in the pub and he will sign your sponsor papers.
Unlockable stage
The Brightvale Library is a little difficult. But all you do is In the left corner right next to the door where you come in there is a switch. All you do is step on that switch, and the bookshelves will move, allowing you to get to one of the giant sparkling books up high. After you read that book,the bookshelves will move again allowing you to get to another,but different book that you need to read. After you read that one, the bookshelves will move again and once more and then you can get to the book in the middle of the Library and after you read that book, Roberta,or Tor (whoever you are at this point) will have all the information he or she needs. After that you will have a new destination to get to.