Chapter 2, The Soldier's Talem, War Lovers Summary

The pilgrims arrive in Keats only to find a massive group of people there. They are all trying to leave Hyperion, in fear of the Shrike and the Ousters. The Consul runs into his old work buddy, Theo, near their landing strip. He is now Governor-General and wants the Consul to abandon the pilgrimage, stay in Keats and take over the governor-generalship. The Consul refuses, and instead requests to go to the Shrike Temple.

Upon arrival the pilgrims realize that the Temple has been reduced to rubble. Shaped plasma charges have destroyed it. The pilgrims go to Cicero's that night, where it is overflowing with barbarians. They take up every possible inch of space. Luckily, the owner, Stan Leweski offers them a more private area upstairs. After their meal an Android meets them...