Chapter LIV

Summary

• The narrator, Vis, is sitting on a dune watching Emissa and Indol playing in the water, refusing to join in due to emotional trauma connected to the beach from her past.
• Vis and Belli, who is also not swimming, engage in light conversation with each other, discussing their mutual dislike for swimming, a board game called Foundation, and a man named Callidus—Bell's reaction to the mention of Callidus is notably tense.
• Shortly after, Fadrique approaches, asking everyone to join him and his father in town for a meal.
• As they walk into town, Vis notes the major changes that the city of Suus has undergone under the Hierarchy's rule, transforming the lively and animated city into one that's filled with weary faces.
• Once arrived at their destination, a local tavern, the group encounters hostility from its owner, Menendo, who makes clear his resentment against the Hierarchy's destruction of their previous kingdom and the hanging of their king and his family.
• Hearing the words about her family, Vis feels a rush of emotion, even though no one seems to notice her reaction.
• Although disturbed by the hostility, the group leaves the tavern and end up eating at a small shop owned by a Catenan citizen.
• Back at the palace, the conversation during lunch revolves around their training, where Vis's thoughts continue to be disregarded due to her being a Fourth. Despite the evident power dynamics, Vis comments that for the first time since she arrived, it feels a bit like home.