31. The Cleansing

Hildegrin requests dispatches for Vodalus from the House Absolute. Severian does not have any information to report, but Dorcas does. She explains that she was entrusted with a message by the man who paid Dr. Talos for his play.

Hildegrin admits to tracking Severian from the Botanic Garden until losing him at the Wall of Nessus.  He is introduced to Jolenta, whose artificial beauty and vitality continue to wane.

Requesting assistance from Severian, Hildegrin announces his plan to travel to the past and retrieve an ancient mystic, Apu-Punchau.  Severian and the Cumaean discuss the Wonders of Urth and Sky.