Chapter XIX

Summary

• The chapter is narrated by the protagonist known as Vis, who seems overwhelmed and dismayed by the grandeur of an arena he's visiting.
• The arena held a body of water, surrounded by stands of people, and held various ships docked for an upcoming naumachia.
• Aequa is at Vis's side, pulling him through the crowd despite his astonishment at the sheer magnitude of the place and event.
• After a long journey, they reach their seats amongst the eager spectators making bets and discussing the upcoming spectacle.
• Vis, in their conversation, probes Aequa about her past with her parents and whether she has any siblings.
• Lantermented by the sheer magnitude of the event, Vis decided to wander around the crowded arena for a bit.
• Vis is eventually approached by a mysterious woman named Sedotia, who insists he follows her without any explanation.
• She leads Vis through various passageways and twists and turns until they reach a hidden side opening where they meet a man named Melior.
• Vis recognizes Melior as Estevan, a close advisor to his father and a fierce adversary of the Hierarchy that now runs the arena.
• Estevan pleads with Vis to help his cause by taking up a prominent position in the academy, but Vis refuses, stating that he has new perspective on the conflict
• Estevan is understands but is disappointed by Vis' decision. He asks Vis to consider more about why his hometown was attacked, suggesting that there are secrets Vis might be missing.
• Sedotia then reveals that she's been giving her strength (or 'ceding') to Estevan. She also tells Vis that the implement she threw at him was meant to protect him in some way.
• Vis returns to the arena just as the battle is about to begin.