Chapter XXIV

Summary

• The protagonist, recovering from an illness, talks with his mentor Kadmos. They discuss a physician sent by Tertius Servius who had taken samples of the protagonist's dead skin and dried blood. Kadmos is offended by this and doesn’t know the reason behind it. He assures the protagonist that there is nothing anyone could gain from the samples.
• Kadmos expresses readiness to investigate the matter further, but the protagonist refuses. They discuss Kadmos's past as the head of the Azriat Institute and how he was removed from his position, falsely accused of conspiracy, and ended up where he is now. The protagonist expresses shock and sympathy, but decides Kadmos's submissive approach to the Hierarchy is not who he wants to be.
• They continue with a series of lessons. In one instance, Kadmos informs the protagonist that Lady Telimus might be returning to Caten sooner than expected. They talk about her absence and the implications it has within the Hierarchy.
• The protagonist’s training continues, with anxiety mounting over a potential Anguis attack. Despite being questioned extensively about his experiences and suffering nightmares, the protagonist manages to keep his fears at bay. He looks forward to his departure for the Academy.
• On the morning of his departure, Lanistia informs the protagonist that he will be allowed to attend the Festival of the Ancestors at the Necropolis. The protagonist learns that three of the students he wrongly suspected of drugging him are from important Military families and are unlikely targets for Veridius. Lanistia assures him he will do well at the Academy if he keeps working.
• The protagonist departs for the Academy, leaving behind the place that became his sanctuary. He rides in a carriage bound for a Transvect platform, feeling a sense of loss and anxiety about the future.