Chapter L

Summary

• The speaker, Diago, reflects on the numerous religious festivities in the land of Caten, with its many gods, and discusses his preference for the Festival of Pletuna. This celebration provided an abundant feast, which he appreciated during his hardship after fleeing from Suus.
• Diago is now attending the feast in Caten as part of an escort for students. He receives a stone tile tracker from Scitus, a supervisor, who warns him to be cautious during the festivities.
• Once they land in Caten, the students partake in diverse entertainments including street performances, music, Victorum matches, and Foundation games. Diago's friends have a playful argument about which attractions to visit.
• Diago receives a magical tug on his cloak indicating a summons from an unknown party. He leaves his friends, promising to meet them later, hides his tracker, and navigates the city until he reaches a house indicated by the magical pull.
• In the house, Diago meets Relucia, a member of the Anguis, a subversive group opposed to the powerful Hierarchy. Relucia has plans for Diago to act as a spy for them.
• Relucia and Diago discuss his progression through school and the Anguis's covert actions, including a murder to facilitate his advancement. They also discuss an upcoming trip to Suus, Diago's hometown, serving as a meeting venue for political figures. Diago fears recognition as the rightful prince, but Relucia insists he is well hidden.
• Only after some time does Diago learn that Relucia suggested the choice of Suus for the meeting. She wants him to spy on a private council, hoping to learn about any secret orders or actions taken by the attendees.
• Diago resists and questions Relucia's motives for fighting the Hierarchy, arguing that it isn’t the fault of the common citizens for how things are, but Relucia insists every participant in the system is culpable. She warns him that his school friends, as members of the system, will turn against him if they learn of his true identity.
• As their meeting concludes, Relucia suggests that Diago will be sent a stylus to record and transmit his findings at the Suus meeting. If he fails in his mission, she threatens to kill one of his friends.