Chapter VIII

Summary

• The protagonist charges at three men, the first of which is Helmfrid. Despite slipping in mud, the protagonist manages to knock Helmfrid unconscious.
• The protagonist fights and defeats the other two men, including one with a red beard who identifies himself as an Anguis. The group reveals they are looking for food.
• A woman who had been previously seen at the Theatre appears, holding a drawn bow directed at the protagonist. She addresses him by the name Diago, which he has not heard for three years, indicating she knows his true identity.
• The woman, introducing herself as Sedotia (though not her real name), reveals that the three men the protagonist just fought were Anguis members who were not supposed to have taken action yet.
• Sedotia has been trying to get Diago's attention at the Theatre, but when she saw Ulciscor, another character, she knew they would be on board for Solivagus. Yet, she admits that Ulciscor got to Letens Prison earlier than she expected.
• Sedotia reveals that she wants Diago to join the Anguis, explaining that they want him to succeed at the Academy and earn a powerful position in the Hierarchy. However, Diago refuses, asserting Ulciscor will train him. Sedotia, frustrated, insists he’s not ready and needs preparation.
• Sedotia makes one final offer – Diago should attend the Festival of Jovan in a month’s time in Caten, else she threatens to reveal his real identity to everyone.
• Despite his injury, Diago manages to get Ulciscor into the Transvect as more members of the Anguis approach, starting the vessel and leaving the scene. Despite now being alone on the Transvect with an unconscious Ulciscor and an injury, he decides to rest.