Chapter XXV
Contains spoilersOverview
Vis arrives at Solivagus and is personally welcomed by Principalis Veridius, who acknowledges Ulciscor’s suspicions but promises fair treatment under strict rules. Choosing to begin in Class Seven, Vis quickly collides with the Academy’s social hierarchy when he defends Callidus from a Class Six bully, floors him, and draws Praeceptor Nequias’s ire.
Summary
Vis steels himself with a remembered lesson from his father about fear and growth as the Transvect crosses the Seawall to Solivagus. He’s met by Septimus Filo—Ulnius—the Academy physician, who escorts him past warnings of alupi and through the Will cage, and privately pledges help because his sister survived the naumachia.
In the Praetorium, Veridius greets Vis warmly. The Principalis frankly addresses Ulciscor’s long-held accusations, denies wrongdoing, and promises neither favoritism nor persecution, while warning Vis not to break rules in pursuit of another’s vendetta. Veridius asks Vis to avoid discussing the naumachia, praises his heroism, and probes his goals; though higher placement is floated, Vis elects to start in Class Seven to earn advancement.
Veridius shows Vis the communal Seventh dorm, where Callidus Ericius is found lingering instead of dining. Veridius assigns Callidus to guide Vis to the mess hall. The hall’s tiered seating reflects the class hierarchy: Sevenths below, the elite Thirds above. Vis spots Aequa on a higher tier and Emissa, Indol, and Belli among the Thirds.
On the way to the servery, Eidhin, a hulking Class Six, confronts Callidus—apparently at others’ behest—to “send a message” tied to Callidus’s unpopular father. Vis steps between them. Despite Emissa’s authoritative warning to stand down, Eidhin shoves past and then sucker-punches Vis.
Vis, anger checked then released, counters with rapid body and uppercut strikes, breaking Eidhin’s nose and dropping him. He immediately tends to the boy, as Emissa and Indol assist. Praeceptor Nequias arrives, assumes the Seventh attacked a superior, and dismisses Indol’s defense that Eidhin started it. Recognizing Vis as Ulciscor’s ward, Nequias warns that reputation offers no protection, orders Indol and Ianix to take Eidhin to the infirmary, and commands Vis to follow for discipline.
Who Appears
- Vis Telimus (Catenicus)
Arrives at Solivagus, chooses Class Seven, defends Callidus, knocks out Eidhin, and faces Praeceptor Nequias’s discipline.
- Veridius
Principalis; warmly welcomes Vis, denies Ulciscor’s accusations, sets expectations, and supports Vis starting in Class Seven.
- Callidus Ericius
Class Seven; nervously guides Vis. Targeted due to his father’s unpopularity, nearly assaulted by Eidhin.
- Eidhin
Class Six; confronts Callidus and sucker-punches Vis, who breaks his nose and knocks him unconscious.
- Nequias
Praeceptor of Class Three; assumes Vis is at fault, sends Eidhin to the infirmary, summons Vis for consequences.
- Emissa Corenius
Class Three; warns Eidhin to stop, helps tend Eidhin afterward, notes the political motive behind the attack.
- Indol Quiscil
Class Three; backs Vis’s account, assists Emissa, and helps carry Eidhin to the infirmary.
- Septimus Filo (Ulnius)
Academy physician; escorts Vis, offers support because his sister survived the naumachia.
- Ianix
Class Six; initially supportive of Eidhin, then ordered to help take him to the infirmary.
- Aequa
Class Four; present in the hall; previously asked, like Vis, not to discuss the naumachia.
- Belli Volenis
Class Three; seen observing from the top tier, focused on a Foundation board.