16. Jonas

In the darkness, Severian grasps the Claw of the Conciliator and is healed.  Nearby, Jonas is wounded and appears to be hallucinating.  Severian tries to repair Jonas with the Claw but is unsuccessful. While comforting his companion, Severian realizes that Jonas is comprised largely of metal.

Severian leaves Jonas to rest and walks around the Antechamber, where he discovers a silk scarf and encounters a young girl.  The child explains that the nighttime terrors occasionally leave behind personal effects and that Severian should not keep his findings.  Thecla’s memories confirm for Severian the torment of the prisoners by the aristocrats of the House Absolute.

Jonas wakes and calls to Severian, who returns to him.  They discuss their captivity and the room in which they are held.  Jonas describes reading histories of the world aboard his ship.  He is interrupted by the arrival of a meal service.