28. Carnifex

Disoriented, Severian wakes up in an infirmary with Dorcas asleep beside his bed. She is holding Terminus Est and Severian’s clothes. Severian dresses himself and leaves the ward.

A trooper informs Severian that he is inside a military encampment nearby the Hall of Justice.  Severian is directed to a mess hall where many soldiers question him. They explain to Severian that they are preparing to return soon to the campaign north of Nessus. One soldier tells Severian that an injured carnifex was brought recently into the camp. Severian does not admit to being the wounded executioner and returns to Dorcas.