10. Thea

Vodalus’s court retires to dinner.  Infatuated, Severian stares across the table at Thea and recalls his graveyard encounter with her.  Vodalus interrupts Severian’s reverie to describe his struggle against the Autarch and his objective of elevating mankind to its previous heights.

Severian confides in Vodalus that he is in possession of the Claw of the Conciliator.  Intrigued and alarmed, Vodalus instructs Severian to dispose of it.  A messenger calls Vodalus away from the conversation.

Eventually, others leave the table to Severian, Jonas, Thea, and her servant.  Thea informs Severian that he is to depart on a mission in service to Vodalus, the details of which will be disclosed over supper.  In the meanwhile, Severian and Jonas are instructed to rest nearby.  Before they are led away, Severian intimates that he has a message from Thecla to deliver to Thea.