35. The Signal

Bidding farewell to Severian and Baldanders, the cacogens board their floating ship and depart.  Looking out over Lake Diuturna and clutching the Claw, Baldanders complains about the aliens and their refusal to provide him meaningful guidance.  

Severian and Baldanders discuss the shore people and their weapons.  Angered by Severian, Baldanders hurls the Claw of the Conciliator over the battlement.

Believing the gleam of the gem to be a signal from Severian, the islanders commence their attack on the castle.  Severian brandishes Terminus Est against Baldanders, but Talos intervenes. He blocks Severian’s assault with a cane sword while Baldanders retreats into the tower.  Severian disables and disarms Dr. Talos before entering the castle in pursuit of Baldanders.