Mountains Like Mice

In a walled courtyard of the academy, Otho the Captive dyes Dirk’s body purple. Dirk gazes at the distant mountains, recalling Master Theophilus characterizing them as mice.  As Otho paints Dirk’s feet, he recalls his own failed attempt to endure the Great Retreat. 

A raven takes flight and settles on Otho’s shoulder. Otho indicates that the bird is his pet, and Dirk suggests a name.  The Captive tells Dirk that he will return from the Great Retreat a Master with the ability to hold sway over animals. 

A gate along the western wall of the square swings open to reveal Master Aleksandr on horseback.  The rider sweeps the courtyard before urging his horse away. Otho rushes inside to prepare a meal, leaving Dirk to wait for the start of his initiation.

Dirk settles into a small room in which to pass the remaining hours before his Great Retreat. He finds waiting for him a bag with provisions, including a knife and a flask.  Looking through a narrow window, Dirk scans the desert and plans his journey to the mountains.  He wonders whether Theophilus will anticipate his route and intercept him.

Theophilus and Otho retrieve Dirk.  The Master delivers a ritualized explanation of the Great Retreat before directing Otho to deliver Dirk to his point of departure.