10. The Last Year

Disturbed by his experience at the House Azure, Severian decides he will not return.  Instead, he deepens his relationship with Thecla and visits her cell often.  Severian and Thecla pass months in each other’s company, discussing history, philosophy, and court life.  Thecla teaches Severian from her books and they reflect on the Autarch, his vizier, Father Inire, and the Commonwealth.