Chapter I

Summary

• The protagonist, Vis, introduces himself as someone who works in a prison, with an old man named Hrolf as his supervisor. Both play a game of Foundation, a game which encourages strategic thinking, before being interrupted by a demanding visitor, Sextus Hospius.
• Hospius delivers documents and insists that he needs to question a prisoner named Nateo on an urgent basis. Even though the visit is spontaneous and not scheduled as per the protocols, he has the correct paperwork and is admitted.
• Vis notes how carefully maintained Hospius's uniform is—it appears to be never worn before, raising Vis's suspicion.
• Vis also knows the prisoner, Nateo. They appear to have a history. When confronted by Nateo, Vis promises that he's doing everything he can to release him.
• The chapter ends in a dramatic situation where Nateo twists himself quickly and grabs Hospius’s tunic. Vis reacts and pushes Nateo away from him but in the process, his hands come into contact with the "Sapper", the prison device which drains a person's will and energy, something that could have serious consequences.

• The protagonist talks to a character named Hospius, during which he feigns a shake in his voice. He tries to suggest that he narrowly averted falling on the so-called Sapper, hiding the fact that he made contact with it.
• Hospius praises the protagonist's work and rewards him with a valuable silver triangular coin for his effort and discretion. The protagonist hides his fear and tremors until Hospius leaves.
• On his own, the protagonist checks his hands and arms for any damage caused by contact with the Sapper. He finds none and theorizes on why he has remained unaffected, possibly due to his refusal to take part in a ritual called "ceding" at the Aurora Columnae, an ancient pillar.
• The protagonist fetches food and cleaning supplies from the storeroom, during which he overhears a conversation between Hospius and Hrolf about his own character and competence. Hrolf unknowingly embellishes the protagonist's merit, risking unwanted attention from Hospius.
• Hospius suggests that he might mention the protagonist for a better job in Letens, if it becomes available. This causes the protagonist to worry but the conversation ends with no significant outcome.
• The protagonist returns to Hrolf and they exchange vague descriptions about what happened in the cells. They spend time chatting before the protagonist decides to depart.
• Despite Hrolf's offer to stay on and help to avoid potential bruises and enjoy better conversation, the protagonist declines. He collects his payment for the day and leaves.
• The chapter ends with the protagonist reflecting on his identity, implying that while Hrolf might seem friendly, he would still see the protagonist dead if he knew his real name.