15. The Last House

Furnished with a map, Severian departs the Pelerine encampment.  Instructed by Mannea to follow the precise route indicated, he instead takes a circuitous path.  Severian encounters several soldiers and is made to present his letter of safe conduct.

Entering a canyon, Severian notices the hermitage atop a nearby bluff.  He resolves to scale the cliff-face rather than continue along the winding road.  The sun sets and Severian becomes disoriented in the darkness.  On reaching the summit, Severian decides to rest.