Chapter XVIII

Summary

• The chapter opens as the protagonist, Vis, travels in a carriage towards the city of Caten, flanked by Septimii guards who are there to protect him. He is traveling first to Villa Claudius, and then to the city.
• Upon arriving at Villa Claudius, Vis meets Aequa Claudius who will accompany him to the city for the naumachia, a mock sea battle staged in an amphitheater. They discuss the event and Vis admits he is excited, though Aequa is less so.
• During their travel, Vis carefully maintains a friendly, unassuming demeanor around Aequa, hoping she will underestimate him. Their conversation revolves around the Catenan Academy, it is revealed that Vis has been rapidly prepared for entry into the prestigious institution by Magnus Telimus.
• As they approach Caten, the reader is introduced to the city's dazzling spectacle, bustling crowds and grandeur as the Festival of Jovan is underway. The city is dense and packed with people, leading to a sensory overload for Vis.
• Leaving the carriage behind, Vis and Aequa navigate their way on foot through the crowded city. Aequa shares the story of Caeror Telimus's suicide. The Principalis of the Academy thought a student had died during a training accident, and Caeror, believing he was responsible, killed himself in despair. Vis discovers that his father had been vehemently against the official explanation and had publicly sought justice.
• Vis is left to ponder the implications of this revelation and wonders whether his father's efforts to inveigh him into the Academy is a revenge plot. However, Vis is not sure whether there is any ulterior motive or not.
• Just as the duo arrives at the naumachia, a flying Transvect passes overhead startling Vis, much to Aequa's amusement. Following this, they finally reach the Catenan Arena, ready for the naumachia.