12. Following the Flood

Severian recalls his final interaction with Cyriaca on the grounds of the Acies Castle.  Charged with her execution, Severian questions Cyriaca.  Fearful, she discloses the location of the Pelerines and alleges that the Autarch serves otherworldly cacogens.

Cyriaca begs for her life.  She confesses her adultery and the embarrassment of her husband, an embattled ally of the archon.  Thinking of Thecla, Severian resolves to spare Cyriaca.  He secures from her a promise of secrecy and leads her to a boat moored along the river.

At the Duck’s Nest Inn, Dorcas learns that Severian will travel north to rendezvous with the Pelerines and to escape the reach of the archon.  She offers Severian a share of her purse, but he declines.  As Severian leaves Dorcas, she warns him of a dangerous creature loose in the city.