The Will of the Many

As they head to Suus, Vis examines his companions: Indol, son of Dimidius Quiscil and highest-ranked Third student; Belli, best at the Labyrinth and a self-assured Foundation player; and Emissa, whose friendship keeps Vis calm as they arrive at the island.

Quiscil lives in the former palace that was Vis’s family home. Vis stumbles in shock when he sees how it has been altered, thinking: “Some part of me thought of it as sacrosanct. Too beautiful to touch, even for Caten” (442).

Vis meets Quiscil and his retinue, including Fadrique, a former Suus royal advisor, who is now a Sextus. Vis is furious with Fadrique’s betrayal and fears being recognized, but Fadrique looks right past him. Vis and the others are offered their choice of rooms, and Vis chooses one he remembers from childhood, in which the fireplace leads to a secret passageway.

Ulciscor arrives for the Military meeting. At an official dinner, Ulciscor parades Vis around to meet the senators. Quiscil questions him about the naumachia. Vis fears that Quiscil must suspect something, then realizes that he is interested in the mysterious weapon Estevan used. Emissa rescues him from the conversation and they stand in a corner to flirt.

Later, Ulciscor warns him to be careful around Emissa.