Chapter XII

Summary

• The main character observes the body language of Ulciscor and Lanistia and interprets it as a sign that they have a pressing private matter to discuss.
• They are at a large sandstone house, and Lanistia seems surprised and unamused that Ulciscor has adopted a son, the protagonist.
• The protagonist learns that Ulciscor has a wife named Relucia, who is away and doesn't know about the adoption yet.
• Once inside the house, Ulciscor introduces the protagonist to the house steward, Kadmos, and arranges for him to be accommodated in the guest quarters.
• After eating and changing into new clothes, the protagonist, curious about what Ulciscor and Lanistia are discussing privately, decides to eavesdrop by climbing down from his window. He falls and injures himself, but remains undetected.
• He overhears them discussing an Anguis ambush, the recent murders of regional leaders, and the testing for infection by the Correctors.
• They also discuss the protagonist. Lanistia expresses reservations about his sudden appearance, but Ulciscor insists that everything is okay and maintains that he trusts him.
• Kadmos finds the protagonist outside and urges him to stay indoors until given a formal tour the next day. The protagonist suspects that Kadmos might be tracking his movement.
• After Kadmos lets him back into his room, the protagonist collapses onto the bed, physically and emotionally exhausted by the day's events.