Chapter XXV

Summary

• Diago has to give a speech at Suus and experiences nerves for the first time, his father reassuring him that nervousness is a sign of growth and opportunity.
• Traveling on a Transvect, Diago is the only passenger and notes the Seawall, a submerged stone barrier that drags down any ship or individual attempting to cross it.
• He reaches Solivagus island and is greeted by Septimus Filo, a man who reveals himself to be an Academy physician and offers Diago support should he need it due to his heroic deeds.
• Dropped off at the Academy, Diago meets Veridius, who is friendly and accommodating; he notes Veridius and Ulciscor's shared history, though says Ulciscor’s accusations come from a place of grief rather than fact.
• Veridius takes Diago to his dormitory, which he will share with others in his class, and introduces him to Callidus, who shows signs of nervousness.
• Callidus takes Diago to the mess hall, where Eidhin confronts them and gets into a physical fight with Diago, who wins with an uppercut.

• The main character is chastised by another student, who tells him that he shouldn't have attacked Eidhin.
• The character and some members of the Third Class aid Eidhin, applying first-aid to his injuries.
• There is mention of a potentially political motive for the attack, as Eidhin's father is apparently unpopular.
• The Praeceptor, Nequias, who is an authoritative figure in the Academy, appears and demands an explanation.
• Despite other students attempting to explain that Eidhin started the fight, Nequias places the blame on the main character, citing his recent arrival as making him an easy scapegoast.
• The main character is recognized as Ulciscor's son, an apparently significant individual, which sparks murmurs within the onlooking students.
• The main character is instructed by Nequias to follow him, potentially to face punishment for the fight.