Chapter XXXVI

Summary

• The chapter opens on the first day of the Catenan Festival of the Ancestors amid a stormy day. Throughout the hall, students prepare for the Transvect, a tradition associated with the festival, which will arrive shortly.
• The protagonist is joined at his table by his friend Callidus, who surprises him by revealing that he will not be attending the festival as his father wants him to focus on his studies. The protagonist expresses sympathy, as attendance at the festival is a significant cultural practice linked to family honor.
• They are interrupted when Veridius, the Principalis, unexpectedly joins them. He reassures the protagonist about the safety measures in place for his upcoming trip on the Transvect and announces the end of his penance, meaning he will soon be able to eat with the rest of the academy.
• Departing, Veridius also expresses condolences for the protagonist's deceased father, implying that he believes the protagonist's father may have misled him about certain matters.
• The protagonist and Callidus discuss Veridius's proposed theory, but the protagonist is committed to investigating the death of Caeror, despite Callidus's reservations.
• The protagonist prepares to depart and, while on the Transvect, strikes up a conversation with fellow students Aequa, Emissa and Indol. They discuss their classes, upcoming festival participation, and the past naumachia event.
• The chapter ends with the group reaching Agerus, a vast field of tombstones signifying the Necropolis and home to the upcoming Festival of the Ancestors.
• As they disembark the Transvect, they're met by a larger crowd than anticipated and further recognition of the protagonist's status as 'Catenicus'. The tension of potential danger from an enemy group known as the Anguis lingers.