Chapter Summaries (Disquiet Gods)
Full Disquiet Gods spoilers below, proceed with caution.
Chapter 1: The Shadow of the Empire
- Perseus Arm
Chapter 2: Like Distant Thunder
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Tor Gibson
- Tor Alcuin (mentioned only)
- Aleister Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Simeon the Red (mentioned only)
- Merlin (mentioned only)
After the lesson, Hadrian seeks out Gibson to inquire about what his teacher wishes to tell him. As he finds him, Gibson explains to Hadrian that the Wong-Hopper Consortium will visit them within the week, which Hadrian is surprised to have not learned. Next, Gibson informs him that the planet Cai Shen has been destroyed by the Cielcin. After the shock of revelation recedes slightly, Hadrian connects the Wong-Hopper Consortium's presence with his family's uranium mines. With Cai Shen destroyed, his own planet of Delos has become the largest licensed supplier of uranium in the sector. Though more concerning to Hadrian is that he wasn't informed of these events, especially since Gibson confirms that his brother Crispin was.
Chapter 3: Consortium
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Lena Balem
- Aleister Marlowe
- Crispin Marlowe
- Adaeze Feng
- Kyra
- Uma Sylvia
- Sir Roban Milosh
- Elmira Kephalos (mentioned only)
- Sir Ardian Tullo (mentioned only)
- Julian Marlowe (mentioned only)
On the day of the Wong-Hopper Consortium's arrival on Delos,Hadrian has been sent away from the premises. He has been given the task of negotiating with Lena Balem, the Mining Guild representative. She brings up her concerns about the poor working conditions in the uranium mines, requesting better machines and protective gear. She tells of an accident, wherein she lost seventeen of her workers and an entire drill rig, and becomes increasingly bitter toward House Marlowe's inaction. Hadrian does not reprimand her insubordination—as his father might have—but offers to her no more than to take her concerns to his father.
After he has left the meeting with the Mining Guild representative, Hadrian falls into conversation with his lieutenant, Kyra, as they fly toward Devil's Rest. They speak of their own interests and of their own families, with Kyra telling of her love of piloting ships, and Hadrian expressing his dislike of his father.
As they arrive, Hadrian walks into the castle, searching for his father and the meeting with the Consortium. Eventually, he finds the room in which the meeting is already ongoing, but the room's guard, Sir Roban Milosh, refuses to let him in, stating that Hadrian's father prohibits anyone from entering. Nevertheless, Hadrian forces himself past Roban, and walks into the meeting, introducing himself to their guests. His father orders him to take a seat, though Crispin occupies the seat on which Hadrian usually sits. Instead, Hadrian picks up another chair and carries it two steps up the dais where his father sits.
Chapter 4: The Devil and the Lady
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Liliana Kephalos-Marlowe
- Aleister Marlowe
- Crispin Marlowe
- Tor Gibson
- Tor Alcuin
- Adaeze Feng
- Xun Gong Sun
- Tor Terence
- Sir Felix Martyn (mentioned only)
- The Emperor (mentioned only)
- The Prince of Jadd (mentioned only)
- Sappho (mentioned only)
- Caesar (mentioned only)
After the meeting, Hadrian is speaking with his mother, Liliana Kephalos-Marlowe, in his rooms. They speak of the reason that Aleister could have for excluding Hadrian from the meeting, and both agree that he intends for Crispin to take Hadrian’s place as heir to the throne. Though House Marlowe has traditionally always bestowed the throne to the eldest child, it is not a tradition that can’t be broken. Hadrian is ambivalent to this, not really wanting the role, but also not wanting Crispin to get it. They speculate further about Aleister’s plans, and Hadrian regrets the degree to which his parents are estranged.
Soon thereafter, Hadrian and Liliana, together with Aleister, Crispin, and the Consortium dignitaries among others, dine together. Hadrian eats in silence, listening to the conversation until Junior Minister Xun Gong Sun brings up the Cielcin. Here, Crispin bluntly asks whether or not it is true that the Cielcin eat people. Though reprimanded by Liliana, Crispin persists until Hadrian and Tor Terence confirm his question. Hadrian then continues the conversation about the Cielcin, and the Consortium dignitaries are surprised about his knowledge. Director Feng suggests that Hadrian consider a career with the Chantry, to which Hadrian is quietly disappointed, wanting instead to become a scholiast. As the discussion goes on, Hadrian speaks of the difficulty of completely eradicating the Cielcin—seeing as they are not planetbound. Aleister interrupts him, finding his words borderline treasonous, and the conversation returns to business.
Chapter 5: Tigers and Lambs
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Aleister Marlowe
- Crispin Marlowe
- Adaeze Feng
- Xun Gong Sun
- Tor Gibson
- Tor Alcuin
- Sir Felix Martyn
- Eusebia
- Severn
- Lena Balem (mentioned only)
- Sir Ardian Tullo (mentioned only)
- Liliana Kephalos-Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Elmira Kephalos (mentioned only)
- Julian Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Thaddeus Orin (mentioned only)
- The Emperor (mentioned only)
Having been awoken late by a servant, Hadrian hurries through the keep to attend another meeting between House Marlowe and the Wong-Hopper Consortium. This time, the guards let him through, though Crispin has again taken the seat closest to Aleister. At the time of Hadrian’s entry, the meeting is revolving around the issue of the uranium miners' discontent. Eusebia, the Chantry prior in Meidua, soon changes the topic of the conversation to the Cielcin. The Chantry representatives present argue for greater expenditure on planetary defence, in case of a Cielcin attack, though Aleister thinks this unnecessary. He brings the conversation back to local affairs, and Director Feng makes vaguely threatening remarks to Aleister about the uranium quotas he has pledged. Aleister dismisses the threats, and Hadrian is reminded of the time his father destroyed Lord Orin’s rebellion on Linon.
The meeting breaks up, with the Consortium representatives leaving to meet with the Mining Guild factionarius, though Aleister orders Hadrian to stay. As they are given privacy, Aleister confronts Hadrian with what he promised Lena Balem during their previous negotiation. Here, their opinions contrast, with Hadrian believing they should upgrade their faulty equipment to parity, and Aleister disagreeing. They argue back and forth, during which Aleister considers sending Tor Gibson away to a cloister—to Hadrian’s dismay—until they eventually come upon the matter of inheritance. Aleister assures Hadrian that if he keeps acting the way he has, he will not be heir to the throne.
Chapter 6: Truth without Beauty
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Colosso
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Crispin Marlowe
- Sir Roban Milosh
- Tom Marcoh
- Kyra (mentioned only)
- Sir Felix Martyn (mentioned only)
- Valka (mentioned only)
Hadrian and Crispin are at the coliseum, watching a group of douleters detaining an azhdarch and cleaning away the remains of the slaves who had fought it. While Hadrian hates the arena for its disregard for human life, Crispin is excited by it, having obtained permission from their father to fight on this day. While Crispin speaks enthusiastically with Sir Roban Milosh, Hadrian is absently drawing a portrait of Kyra in a book of his. As the Meidua Devils enter into the arena, the announcer tells a story of the 617th Centaurine Legion repelling a Cielcin horde that had ravaged the Bellos colony. The Meidua Devils are meant to reenact this battle, killing slaves that represent the Cielcin. Hadrian is disgusted by the scene, while Crispin eagerly cheers with the crowd. Eventually, Crispin is informed that it is his turn to fight, and he makes his way down to the arena floor along with Sir Roban. Hadrian leaves the coliseum as the crowd cheers for Crispin.
Chapter 7: Meidua
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Lowtown
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Jem
- Zeb
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Aleister Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Elmira Kephalos (mentioned only)
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Kyra (mentioned only)
- Eusebia (mentioned only)
- Adaeze Feng (mentioned only)
As Hadrian leaves the Colosso, he questions whether his father might not be right about his inability to rule, doubting that he has the cruelty to rule like Aleister. He determines to walk the short way back home by himself, moving parallel to the Redtine. Consumed by his own thoughts as he is, Hadrian does not notice the thieves before they assault him. Hadrian attempts to yield, but, realizing the thieves don't care, activates his Royse field, taps his panic button to alert Sir Roban and Kyra, and tries to fight back. Though he loses his knife and has his wrist shattered, he manages to hold off the thieves for a time. Eventually, however, he is knocked down, and the thieves reach to steal his rings. Here, they panic as they realize that Hadrian is of House Marlowe, and Hadrian loses consciousness.
Chapter 8: Gibson
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Tor Gibson
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Aleister Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Liliana Kephalos-Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Sir Ardian Tullo (mentioned only)
- Kyra (mentioned only)
- Tor Alma (mentioned only)
- Lucian Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Fuchsia Bellgrove-Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Eusebia (mentioned only)
- Oedipus (mentioned only)
As he writes of his mugging in the alley, Hadrian imagines how different the world would be if he had died on that day. The planet Gododdin would still exist and still have a sun, and the Cielcin would not live as thralls to humanity.
He wakes five days later in his rooms, lying in his bed with Gibson sitting beside it. Having almost died, Hadrian was cared for by Tor Alma after being found by Sir Roban and Kyra. As he becomes more conscious, Gibson tells him that the thieves that assaulted him have been killed, and that his signet ring has been returned to him. Feeling both numb and lightheaded, Hadrian is hurt by the absence of his parents and brother, especially since his father’s only comment was a request that Hadrian consider how the attack might reflect on the dignity of their house. As Gibson leaves to go to sleep, Hadrian tells him of his fears that Aleister will announce Crispin as his heir, though Gibson informs him that his father has made no such announcement during his unconsciousness. He tells Hadrian that his way of leading is vastly different from his father’s, who forces obedience through fear of pain.
Dreaming, Hadrian walks the mausoleum, reliving his grandmother Fuchsia’s funeral. In the dream, as he walks behind the Chantry prior, a statue of his father comes alive and seizes him. Gripped by terror, he imagines himself waking, though he is still dreaming, and finds Gibson, marked as a criminal. As he writes of this dream, Hadrian believes he saw Gibson’s injury before it was inflicted upon him.
Yet if I were again threatened with beheading, still I think I would swear that it was so: that I saw Gibson's injury before it was inflicted upon him.
I was old and young again before I understood.
— Hadrian Marlowe
Chapter 9: Bread and Circuses
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Capitol Building
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Aleister Marlowe
- Sir Roban Milosh
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Tor Gibson (mentioned only)
- Tor Alcuin (mentioned only)
- The Emperor (mentioned only)
- Simeon the Red (mentioned only)
- Juvenal (mentioned only)
A week later, Hadrian feels well enough to meet with his father. The door to Aleister’s office is guarded by Sir Roban Milosh, and Hadrian thanks him for saving his life. Sir Roban lets him through, and Aleister orders Hadrian to take a seat. Hadrian is hurt that his father never came to visit him while injured, though Aleister dismisses this, demanding instead to know why Hadrian was in the city on the day he was attacked. After informing his father that he was simply walking home from the Colosso, Hadrian is aghast to realize that Aleister has placed a curfew on the district and shot anyone in violation of it.
Aleister expresses displeasure at Hadrian leaving the Colosso as he did, noting that Hadrian spurning the Colosso made it onto the Meidua Broadcast before it could be suppressed. They debate the proper way of ruling, with Hadrian supporting the system of the Eudorans and Norman Freeholds, while Aleister favors the Empire’s methods. Aleister compares Hadrian with his brother Crispin, who is loved by the people, and has decided to send Hadrian away to study with the Chantry at Lorica College on Vesperad. Hadrian is horrified, despising the Chantry and wanting instead to become a scholiast, which earns him a physical reprimand from Aleister. Despite Hadrian’s opposition, his father is determined to send him to Vesperad at the beginning of autumn.
Chapter 10: The Law of Birds and Fishes
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Shoreline outside of Devil's Rest
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Tor Gibson
- Aleister Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Elmira Kephalos (mentioned only)
- Sir Felix Martyn (mentioned only)
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Tor Alcuin (mentioned only)
- Tor Alma (mentioned only)
- Eusebia (mentioned only)
- Severn (mentioned only)
- Kyra (mentioned only)
- Timon Marlowe IV (mentioned only)
- The Emperor (mentioned only)
- Shakespeare (mentioned only)
- Serling (mentioned only)
- Sargon (mentioned only)
- Marcus Aurelius (mentioned only)
Chapter 11: At What Cost
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Delian Miners Guild Hall Office
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > House Marlowe Family Penthouse
Chapter 12: The Ugliness of the World
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
Chapter 13: The Scourging at the Pillar
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Devil's Rest
Chapter 14: Fear is a Poison
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Meidua Prefecture > Meidua > Airfield outside of Devil's Rest
Chapter 15: The Summer Palace
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Haspida > House Kephalos Summer Palace
Chapter 16: Mother
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Haspida > House Kephalos Summer Palace
Chapter 17: Valedictory
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Haspida > Landing Field at the House Kephalos Summer Palace
Chapter 18: Rage is Blindness
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Haspida > House Kephalos Summer Palace
Chapter 19: The Edge of the World
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Karch (Island City)
Chapter 20: Off the Map
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Artemia Prefecture > Karch (Island City) > On Board the Starship Eurynasir
Chapter 21: The Outer Dark
- Spur of Orion > Delos > Orbit Shipping Lanes > On Board the Starship Eurynasir
Chapter 22: Marlowe Alone
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > City Clinic
Chapter 23: Resurrection in Death
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Starport Terminal
Chapter 24: Those Mindless Days
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Belows
Chapter 25: Poverty and Punishment
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Storm Drain Between the Belows and the White District
Chapter 26: Cat
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Belows
Chapter 27: Forsaken
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > White District
Chapter 28: Wrong
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > White District
Chapter 29: Less Wings to Fly
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Belows
Chapter 30: The Umandh
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Southern Docks / Fishery Warehouses
Chapter 31: Mere Humanity
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Storm Drain beneath the stock exchanges on High Street
Chapter 32: Stand Clear
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Rooftop Above a Corner Store
Chapter 33: To Make a Myrmidon
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Examination Room
Chapter 34: Men of Grosser Blood
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Training Field
Chapter 35: Proper Men
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Showers (Hypogeum)
Chapter 36: Teach Them How to War
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Arena
Chapter 37: Might Never Die
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Bar Hopping in the White District
Chapter 38: Blood Like Wax
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Outside the Colosso Dormitories
Chapter 39: A Kingdom for a House
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Starship Salvage Yard in the Belows
Chapter 40: A Monopoly on Suffering
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Belows
Chapter 41: Friends
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Training Field
Chapter 42: Speak Like a Child
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Hypogeum
Chapter 43: The Count and His Lord
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > House Mataro Palace
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Balian Mataro
- Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro
- Camilla
- Liada Ogir
- Tor Vladimir
- Anaïs Mataro (mentioned only)
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Makisomn (mentioned only)
- Ghen (mentioned only)
- Siran (mentioned only)
- Cat (mentioned only)
- Demetri Arello (mentioned only)
- Tor Gibson (mentioned only)
- Aleister Marlowe (mentioned only)
- William Avent XXIII (mentioned only)
- William Windsor (mentioned only)
Eventually waking from his unconsciousness, Hadrian finds himself seated in a comfortable armchair in the company of Count Balian Mataro. With Balian having discovered Hadrian's palatine blood, he is forced to confirm his identity as Hadrian Marlowe of Delos, and to recount the story of how he ended up on Emesh. Hadrian further reveals that the reason he left his homeworld was to avoid being sent to study with the Chantry. The thought of the Chantry unsettles Balian, and Hadrian manages to escape execution by the hands of House Mataro. Soon thereafter, the count's husband, Lord Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro, enters. Knowing of Luthor's Mandari heritage, Hadrian introduces himself in Mandar, impressing the lord. As Hadrian reveals that it is Lorica College, on Vesperad, the Chantry's greatest seat of authority, that he has spurned, the lords are in disagreement about what should be done with him. Eventually, Balian gets his way, and it is decided that Hadrian shall remain in the Mataro palace, tutoring their children under false name of Hadrian Gibson. During the conversation, it was also revealed—to Hadrian's shock—that thirty-five years have passed since he went into fugue aboard the Eurynasir.
Chapter 44: Anaïs and Dorian
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro
- Balian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Pallino (mentioned only)
- Elara (mentioned only)
- Ghen (mentioned only)
- Siran (mentioned only)
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Kyra (mentioned only)
- Valka (mentioned only)
Standing in his new chambers, surrounded by luxury yet feeling a prisoner, Hadrian considers what his friends at the Colosso must think of him vanishing as he had. Not long after, the count's children, Anaïs and Dorian Mataro, enter his rooms to instroduce themselves. As they make their introductions, Hadrian is struck by the incongruence between this finery and his previous experience on Emesh, though he expresses nothing of this. Instead, Dorian and Anaïs exclaim their fascination with Hadrian's time as a myrmidon and his knowledge of different languages. Soon enough, they invite Hadrian to join them in visiting the coliseum, as a way for him to get to know the court. Wearing a perfect mask to disguise his dismay at the thought of watching his friends fight for their lives without him, Hadrian accepts.
Chapter 45: Lose the Stars
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Lord Mataro's Seat Box at Colosso
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro
- Melandra
- Jaffa
- Erdro
- Alis
- Light
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Pallino (mentioned only)
- Ghen (mentioned only)
- Siran (mentioned only)
- Makisomn (mentioned only)
- Saltus (mentioned only)
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Bastien (mentioned only)
- Cyrus (mentioned only)
Hadrian recalls visiting the Colosso with Anaïs and Dorian, an event of which he remembers almost nothing, apart from the slaves and myrmidons fighting below him. During the fighting, he bears witness to the death of Erdro, a man who had fought with Hadrian at the coliseum from the beginning, and sets a full cup of wine on the rail for him. During this, he is attended by an audience of nobles, fabricating a story of how he ended up at Castle Borosevo. His audience is fascinated, especially Anaïs, who later appoaches him privately. She offers her commiserations for Erdro's death, though Hadrian quietly finds her sympathy callous and detached. He can recall none of the following conversation with Anaïs, instead remembering only his regret at his situation. Alone again, he watches the ongoing play of Cyrus the Fool, swatting Erdro's cup of wine from the rail and seeing it shatter on the killing floor below.
Chapter 46: The Doctor
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > House Mataro Palace
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Talat Melia (mentioned only)
- Perun Veisi (mentioned only)
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Makisomn (mentioned only)
- Cat (mentioned only)
Then a voice—the voice—first broke into my universe. There are moments, instants that divide. Time fractures about them so that there is a time after . . . and so that all that was before is a kind of dream. “No, no, damn it—you’re doing it wrong.” I did not know it then, but my life had split, was cloven evenly in two from the moment I heard those words.
— Hadrian Marlowe
Walking away after lecturing Anaïs and Dorian in Jaddian, Hadrian is caught up to by Anaïs, who invites him to join her at a boat race at the end of the week. It is then that he overhears a voice, one that he writes of as cleaving his life asunder—though at the time he did not know it would. The voice is that of Doctor Valka Onderra, a Tavrosi woman currently working with a trio of Umandh. Anaïs interrupts her to introduce Hadrian, and he is immediately captivated by her and the knowledge she has of the Umandh and xenobites in general. They make cordial conversation for a while, until Anaïs mentions that Hadrian was a myrmidon at the Colosso. Valka finds this fact distasteful, even after Hadrian hastens to explain that he fought among the slaves, not the gladiators. She is nevertheless delighted to learn that Hadrian speaks Nordei and Panthai—both Tavrosi languages—and they talk further of the nature of the Umandh. Valka explains that her business on Emesh concerns Calagah, a collection of alien ruins of unknwon origins. Seeing both Hadrian's knowledge and enthusiasm, she invites him to her chambers to see holographs of the Calagah site, though also underpins her distaste of his time in the Colosso. Leaving him then, Hadrian can only describe himself as dumbstruck.
Chapter 47: The Cage
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra (mentioned only)
- Anaïs Mataro (mentioned only)
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Pallino (mentioned only)
- Elara (mentioned only)
- Ghen (mentioned only)
- Siran (mentioned only)
- Daedalus (mentioned only)
- Faustus (mentioned only)
The weeks pass, during which time Hadrian attends the regatta with Anaïs, another fight at the Colosso, and two Eudoran operas. Though it is only on special occasions such as these that he is allowed to leave the castle, and most of his time is occupied with tutoring and attending to Anaïs and Dorian. He thinks more upon his regrets of leaving his friends at the Colosso behind, and expresses a desire to contact them and discuss again their plan of escape—however difficult that may be.
Chapter 48: Triumph
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Lord Mataro's Seat Box at Colosso
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Sir Elomas Redgrave
- Makisomn
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro
- Balian Mataro
- Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro
- Liada Ogir
- Tor Vladimir
- Camilla
- Ligeia Vas
- Gilliam Vas
- Raine Smythe
- Perun Veisi
- Lydia Redgrave-Veisi
- Talat Melia
- Ivanis Kvar
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Pallino (mentioned only)
- Ghen (mentioned only)
- Siran (mentioned only)
- Crispin Marlowe (mentioned only)
- Sir Felix Martyn (mentioned only)
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Tor Alcuin (mentioned only)
- Eusebia (mentioned only)
- Severn (mentioned only)
Hadrian stands among the other gathered nobles in the lord's box at the Colosso, watching the parade march out into the coliseum through the vomitorium. The ceremony is meant to honor Dorian Mataro's Ephebeia, his ascent into manhood. Standing there, Hadrian falls into conversation with Valka, and they speak briefly before they are approached by Sir Elomas Redgrave. Valka introduces him as her sponsor, and Hadrian greets him under the guise of Hadrian Gibson from Teukros. They are soon interrupted by Gilliam Vas, who again accuses Hadrian of assaulting him that night with the Cielcin prisoner Makisomn. Before they can argue much further, however, Makisomn is let out into the arena. Above the Cielcin, from the lord's box, Grand Prior Ligeia Vas holds a religious speech, condemning Makisomn and its kind as demons and Children of the Dark. Visibly drugged, Makisomn is held fast by two legionnaires and easily decapitated by the White Sword. The Cielcin's head is passed on to Dorian, who holds it aloft for all to see. Through the cheering of the crowd, Hadrian whispers a single word: “Udatssa,” meaning “Farewell” in the Cielcin tongue.
Chapter 49: Brothers in Arms
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > House Mataro Palace
Having been informed of a visitor, Hadrian walks to the palace barbican and finds Pallino emerging from the guardroom. They share a stiff joke before Pallino, angry, asks why he kept his nobility a secret and abandoned them at the Colosso. Hadrian explains that he was unable to send them a message, as his freedom in the palace is quite restricted. Pallino accepts this, though he laments their plan to buy a ship and escape the planet. They steer toward the topic of Erdro and his demise at the hands of the gladiator Jaffa, and grieve his death. Returning to the discussion of the ship, Hadrian suggests that they might still be able to fulfill the plan, and Pallino is not opposed to the idea. He promises to try to make Switch come around, and Hadrian asks for Pallino to apologize to Switch on his behalf. They turn the conversation to lighter topics, and eventually part with the promise of holding to the plan.
Chapter 50: Without Pretense
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Unknown Prefecture > Ulakiel (island) > Umandh Alienage
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro
- Niles Engin
- Makisomn (mentioned only)
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Tor Philemon (mentioned only)
- Demetri Arello (mentioned only)
- Saltus (mentioned only)
- Shakespeare (mentioned only)
Having traveled to the Umandh alienage at Ulakiel, accompanied by Anaïs, Dorian, and Valka, Hadrian is taken aback by the poor conditions the xenobites are kept in. They are greeted by Vilicus Niles Engin, who speaks of his trade of the Umandh to the planet Triton. Valka is infuriated by this and stalks off, Hadrian following, leaving Anaïs and Dorian with Niles Engin. They speak together of the language of the Umandh and other alien species, with Valka eventually explaining that the Umandh see with their ears, and can be communicated with using hoop-like devices. As their conversation turns to Calagah, their attention shifts instead to Anaïs, Dorian, Engin, and the Umandh, and Valka explains that Engin beats the xenobites, leaving brown, striped scars. Hadrian tries to explain that not all Sollan Imperials are like that, and Valka smiles and softly rests her hand on his triceps. Her smile soon turns hard-edged, however, as they are joined by the others. Hadrian is dragged away to watch the Umandh more closely, and as they walk away, Hadrian spots Anaïs glaring at Valka.
Chapter 51: Familiar
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Courtyard
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Anaïs Mataro
- Dorian Mataro
- Balian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro (mentioned only)
- Valka Onderra (mentioned only)
- Sir Elomas Redgrave (mentioned only)
- Sir Preston Rau (mentioned only)
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Ligeia Vas (mentioned only)
- Amarei (mentioned only)
- Makisomn (mentioned only)
- Tor Gibson (mentioned only)
- Sir Felix Martyn (mentioned only)
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Simeon the Red (mentioned only)
Chapter 52: Little Talks
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Diplomatic Apartments at the House Mataro Palace
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Anaïs Mataro (mentioned only)
- Dorian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro (mentioned only)
- Gilliam Vas (mentioned only)
- Tor Philemon (mentioned only)
- Cat (mentioned only)
- Demetri Arello (mentioned only)
- Aldia du Otranto (mentioned only)
Chapter 53: A Game of Snake and Mongoose
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Great Hall
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Sir Elomas Redgrave
- Bassander Lin
- Raine Smythe
- Dorian Mataro
- Balian Mataro
- Luthor Astin-Shin-Mataro
- Ligeia Vas
- Gilliam Vas
- Liada Ogir
- Camilla
- Perun Veisi
- Lydia Redgrave-Veisi
- Sir Roban Milosh (mentioned only)
- Adaeze Feng (mentioned only)
- Aurelian III (mentioned only)
Chapter 54: Gaslight
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Gilliam Vas
- Valka Onderra (mentioned only)
- Anaïs Mataro (mentioned only)
- Dorian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Pallino (mentioned only)
- Switch (mentioned only)
- Ligeia Vas (mentioned only)
Chapter 55: The Quiet
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Diplomatic Apartments at the House Mataro Palace
- Hadrian Marlowe (point of view)
- Valka Onderra
- Malo
- Cat (mentioned only)
- Sir Elomas Redgrave (mentioned only)
- Dorian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Balian Mataro (mentioned only)
- Niles Engin (mentioned only)
- Tor Gibson (mentioned only)
- Tor Philemon (mentioned only)
- Hemachandra (mentioned only)
- Markarian (mentioned only)
Chapter 56: Witches and Demons
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Emeshi Fishers Guild Main Hall
Chapter 57: Second
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Colosso Hypogeum
Chapter 58: Barbarians
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Garden
Chapter 59: On the Eve of Execution
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
Chapter 60: The Sword, Our Orator
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Garden
Chapter 61: A Kind of Exile
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Lord Mataro's Office
Chapter 62: The Gilded Cage
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
Chapter 63: Calagah
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Archaeological Site
Chapter 64: The Larger World
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Research Camp at Calagah
Chapter 65: I Dare Not Meet in Dreams
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Tunnels
Chapter 66: The Satrap and the Swordmaster
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Archaeological Site
Chapter 67: Lost Time
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Archaeological Site
Chapter 68: Help
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Archaeological Site
Chapter 69: Of Monsters
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Cielcin Shipwreck
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Tunnels
Chapter 70: Demon-Tongued
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Tolbaran Prefecture > Tolbaran > Calagah Tunnels
Chapter 71: Inquisition
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Council Chamber
Chapter 72: Pale Blood
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Interrogation Chambers beneath the Chantry Bastille
Chapter 73: Ten Thousand Eyes
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > City Suite owned by House Mataro
Chapter 74: The Labyrinth
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Interrogation Chambers beneath the Chantry Bastille
Chapter 75: Mercy Is
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Chambers
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Interrogation Chambers beneath the Chantry Bastille
Chapter 76: Deathbed Conversions
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Interrogation Chambers beneath the Chantry Bastille
Chapter 77: A Rare Thing
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Borosevo Castle Council Chamber
Chapter 78: Quality
- Veil of Marinus > Emesh > Borosevo Prefecture > Borosevo > Private Airfield on the Edge of the City
Dramatis Personae
- House Marlowe of Delos
- On the Planet Delos
- House Mataro of Emesh
- On the Planet Emesh
- The Wider World