9. The Liege of Leaves

Bound, Severian and Jonas are led outside by their captors and are made to ride a giant pack animal.  They depart Saltus, traveling through hills of detritus.  

Severian learns that the men were sent by Vodalus to thwart Barnoch’s execution.  As they enter an ancient forest, the men describe how Vodalus tortures his prisoners. 

The rocking motion of their ride reminds Severian of his transit across the Lake of Birds in the Botanic Gardens.  He tells Jonas that he envisions the Citadel flooded.  Jonas becomes grave and Severian laughs and stands.