17. Ragnarok – The Final Winter

In the morning, Severian wakes and reflects on Terminus Est.  He considers journeying south, but fears capture and assassination.  Recalling Winnoc, Severian determines that he might sell himself into the service of the Pelerines.

Walking to a window, Severian notices that the house now stands above a vast field of ice.  Ash enters the room and assures Severian that the snow will not cover the ground once they descend the stairs.  Severian draws a parallel between the Botanic Gardens and the Last House.  Ash confirms that each level of the house sits in a different era, with the ground floor reaching furthest back into time.