Contents
Part II The Baths — Chapter Thirteen
Overview
Senlin recalls his early years as headmaster and Marya’s transformation from defiant student to trusted assistant, culminating in a parting kiss. Returning to the present, Ogier equips Senlin to reach New Babel and identifies Marya’s likely abductor as a Pell noble. Senlin departs for Pella, raising the stakes and narrowing his quest.
Summary
Senlin remembers inheriting the school from Headmaster DeSeay and struggling with the contrarian student Marya Berks. Her relentless questioning undermines his confidence until he assigns her real responsibility as a teaching assistant. The work tempers her confrontations, and over years their respect grows into warmth.
On the day Marya leaves for further study, Senlin impulsively races to the station. After playful banter, Marya kisses him and departs, sealing a bond that reframes their past friction as affection and promise.
Back in the present, Senlin and Ogier reach North Port, a stepped harbor carved into the Tower. While sallow young women queue to board the lone airship, Ogier gives Senlin bribe money for customs and a note for the skipper, urging silence and caution.
Pressed for answers, Ogier shares the key clue: a monogrammed glove, W.H.P., likely identifying a Pell noble. He explains the Pell dynasty’s control, the Commissioner’s role under their crest, and concludes that the Count would take Marya to Pella. Ogier apologizes for mistrusting Senlin, affirms their late-blooming friendship, and ushers him forward.
As a parting gift, Ogier places a tiny key-gun in Senlin’s bag, warning that New Babel is rife with villains. He hints that larger powers keep him safe, refuses further explanation, and wishes Senlin bon voyage as Senlin sets out toward New Babel and the path to Pella.
Who Appears
- Thomas SenlinProtagonist; recalls Marya’s origins with him, then departs North Port for New Babel to pursue Pella.
- Marya BerksFormer contrarian student turned assistant; shares a parting kiss in flashback; current object of Senlin’s search.
- OgierPainter-ally; identifies Pell link (W.H.P.), supplies bribes and a key-gun, and orchestrates Senlin’s passage.
- Regimond DeSeayRetiring headmaster who warns Senlin about Marya; passes him the school’s keys.
- Commissioner (Pound)Pell-aligned enforcer in the Baths; cited as untouchable and part of greater forces.
- Count W.H.P. (likely a Pell)Aristocrat believed to have taken Marya; destination presumed Pella.
- PorterStation worker who handles Marya’s trunk before her departure.
- Cabin boyRings the boarding bell at North Port, cueing embarkation.