Chapter 36 Summary

Severo tries to explain to Palinor how a curse affected the experiment with Amara, but then he realizes that Palinor never knew about Amara. Palinor doesn't want to be saved now, but he is afraid of dying in fire. Palinor wants to make sure his promise of gold and rubies to the fishermen is fulfilled, and Severo says it will be done. Palinor asks Severo to say a prayer for him, and then Palinor declares that he should have swum the other way. Outside, Severo sees Joffre and Dolca staring at him with pure hatred. Severo gives the pair his heavy purse, but it doesn't ease Severo's tormented conscience.

Rafal tells Severo that he can no longer serve him, because he no longer believes in God. Severo orders his men to take Rafal to the port, throw him on a ship, and pay...