3. The Autarch's Face

The day after the altercation in the necropolis, Severian returns to class.  Following a lecture by Master Palaemon, the apprentices are led to the lower levels of the Matachin Tower.  Severian describes the structure, noting the rooms for the masters, journeymen, and apprentices, a propulsion chamber that has been converted to the torturers’ examination room and several floors of prison cells known as the oubliette. Master Palaemon resumes his lesson in one such cell, highlighting the surgical techniques applied to a female prisoner.  The woman mentions Vodalus.  Curious, Severian asks Master Palaemon about Vodalus but is told that he must ignore the inmates.