Chapter XXXIX

Summary

• Tense, raised voices echo down the short entrance to the Telimus tomb because of disagreement between Ulciscor, Lerius, Lanistia, and Milena about Ulciscor's request for a favor and about involving an unknown boy into their affairs. They argue about past events, allegations, and the fact that their actions cannot bring back a loved one.
• The tension reduces when Relucia and the narrator enter the room, pretending not to have heard the argument. They eventually turn the conversation into a more lighthearted one.
• During their conversation, the narrator notes that Relucia is skilled in steering the conversation away from certain topics and that Lerius is more concerned about the young boy's wellbeing than he is suspicious of him.
• Ulciscor leaves the room briefly and returns an hour later, which the narrator finds concerning as Ulciscor supposed to make something for him, and the narrator suspects that it's not something made in a rush. Ulciscor excuses the young boy not long after, citing the need to study for his class as the reason.
• Before they leave, Lanistia advises the young boy to stay safe and avoid getting caught as she suspects the family is using him to investigate a certain person, Veridius.
• On their way down the valley, Ulciscor asks the boy about his real origins, insisting that he couldn't have received the kind of education he had if he was an orphan from Aquiria. The boy concedes to Ulciscor's deduction but assures him that his past will not interfere with their plans.
• Ulciscor gives the boy two stone cuffs that will bring them together when both are closed and two more stones to help locate him when he jumps from the Transvect. He warns the boy to time it perfectly to avoid any serious injury.
• They reach the Transvect platform manned by a single attendant. As they wait for the Transvect, the boy suspects that Ulciscor's thoughtful silence is because of his dead brother.
• They board the Transvect; the boy finds a hiding place for the stone cuffs and the clothes Ulciscor gave him. He then positions himself in a spot where he will be almost invisible due to the lack of light and braces himself as the Transvect begins to move.