20. The Circle of the Sorcerers

In the morning, Severian and the boy enter the mountain jungle.  Little Severian points out a sinister talisman that Severian believes to be a ward against the New Sun.  Sensing danger, Severian resolves to turn back.

Several painted men emerge from the forest and Severian draws his sword to confront them.  The men pledge to permit Severian free passage if he leaves Little Severian to them.  Severian realizes that the boy has vanished, relinquishes Terminus Est, and follows the men to a village among the trees.

The men lead Severian to a hatch in the ground and he is made to descend a ladder into an underground chamber.  Severian searches the room and, finding no exit, attempts to sleep.  He recalls the necropolis of Nessus, his first encounter with Triskele, and conversations with Thecla.