36. The Fight in the Bailey

Wading into the mist-filled room, Severian confronts Baldanders.  As the smoke dissipates, Baldanders explains that it mirrored the battle outside between the islanders and the castle’s defenses.

Brandishing Terminus Est, Severian recalls his first meeting with Baldanders and the dream he experienced alongside the giant.  Baldanders darts across the room and begins tearing stones from the wall, hurling them at Severian. Evading the projectiles, Severian actives a machine and refills the room with an opaque vapor.

Severian creeps towards Baldanders, who continues to rip apart the stonework.  In a crash, the wall collapses and the fog pours out of the room.  Severian rushes to attack Baldanders, but the giant leaps outside through the hole in the ruined masonry.  Rather than follow in pursuit, Severian descends the stairs.