33. The Citadel of the Autarch

Leaving the ruined sections of Nessus in his wake, Severian recounts the features of the Samru.  The ship approaches the Citadel and deposits Severian along the shoreline.  

He attempts to pass through the necropolis to the Matachin Tower, but the gate is locked.  Severian walks along the defensive wall of the Citadel to a guardhouse.  He is accosted by several sentries, and they attempt to whip him.  Severian defends himself and demands to be taken to their commander, the castellan.

The castellan scrutinizes Severian’s scars and deduces that he spent time in combat and in the northern jungles.  Severian utters a passphrase known to the Autarch and the castellan leaps to attention.  He honors Severian and dresses him in the ancient robes of his office.