19. Closets

Alone, Severian dons his torturer’s mask and begins to search for Terminus Est.  Although he passes others in the hallways of the House Absolute, Severian’s presence goes unchallenged.  He recognizes a woman who resembles the Chatelaine Thea of the House Azure.

Severian reaches the entrance of the Antechamber and, opening a nearby door, causes the gongs to ring.  The sound summons a steward, Odilo, who offers to help Severian locate his sword.