31. The Sand Garden

As the flying ship ascends, Master Malrubius acknowledges Severian as Autarch.  He suggests that Severian must yet learn to organize the memories of autarchs past.

Severian and Malrubius discuss the coming of the New Sun and the return of the Conciliator to Urth.  Malrubius questions whether Severian would travel beyond the solar system if the journey might bring about the restoration of the sun.  Overcoming his hesitation, Severian agrees that he would undertake such a quest.

Verifying Severian’s commitment, Malrubius advises that the voyage will entail a trial endured by previous autarchs and that failure will result in castration.  Severian feels the touch of his three-legged dog, Triskele, and assents.  Malrubius advises Severian that he may embark for space only after he has consolidated his rule on Urth.