26. The Eyes of the World

Typhon exits the car as it comes to rest in a vast, stone chamber.  Two open circular windows dominate the space and snow drifts across the floor.  Dehydrated, Severian scoops the powder into his mouth.

The two-headed man leads Severian to a crystalline larder.  He requests Severian relinquish the Claw of the Conciliator in exchange for food.  Severian feigns ignorance and discounts the power of the talisman.  At Typhon’s direction, Severian reveals the Claw.

Typhon orders Severian to kneel and swear allegiance.  Severian is evasive.  Enraged, Typhon lifts Severian and carries him to one of the gaping windows.  He dangles Severian over the expanse and taunts him to use the Claw to escape.  Typhon identifies the windows as the eyes of the mountain, carved to resemble his face.