27. Before Vodalus

Two women retrieve Severian from his chamber and escort him to a nearby river, where Vodalus is holding court.  Vodalus chides Severian, who reminds the outlaw of their encounter in the necropolis of Nessus.  

Acting on intelligence from his spy, Hildegrin, Vodalus presses Severian about his identity.  Severian maintains that he is a journeyman of the Order of the Seekers for Truth and Penitence.  Vodalus is skeptical and thinks Severian might be the Autarch.  He describes his alliance with the Ascians and probes Severian about the Autarch.  Severian is evasive and answers by misdirection.