30. Natrium

Aboard the ship, Severian observes the primitive weapons of his captors.  He watches an island vessel hove into view and admires its natural beauty.

Several men emerge from a hut on the island, and a few set out in a small ship to pursue the hetman.  Soon, a second vessel joins the first.

Severian watches the hetman handle Terminus Est, hoping that he might set it aside.  A member of the hetman’s crew opens a canister containing several oiled metal balls and produces a sling.  Pia shifts close to Severian and identifies the projectile weapon. 

The crewman launches a pellet into the lake ahead of the pursuing boats.  The ball explodes in the water, scattering the islanders.