Hadrian Marlowe opens his account from a far-future perspective, haunted by the light of a sun he destroyed and the billions killed with it. He refuses apology or denial, identifying himself as the monster later known as the Sun Eater. Rather than begin with human history, imperial politics, or the long war against the alien Cielcin, Hadrian chooses to begin with his own life.

Hadrian explains that he was born the eldest son and heir of Alistair Marlowe, Archon of Meidua Prefecture and lord of Devil’s Rest. His parents’ marriage was political and distant; Hadrian was decanted from a vat under the supervision of scholiasts rather than born naturally. His father cared primarily for duty, power, and the family’s uranium wealth, while his mother remained mostly absent from the estate.

Hadrian describes his childhood education as the heir of a palatine house. Sir Felix Martyn trained him in weapons and discipline, Helene taught etiquette, Abiatha exposed him to prayer and doubt, and Hadrian’s mother gave him stories. Most importantly, the scholiast Tor Gibson taught Hadrian languages, sciences, philosophy, history, and a fascination with the Cielcin, a fascination Hadrian fears history may later condemn.

The narrative shifts to a training hall at Devil’s Rest, where Hadrian prepares to spar with his younger brother Crispin. Tor Gibson arrives unexpectedly and asks for a private word in the cloister, but the conversation is postponed when Crispin and Sir Felix enter. Crispin mocks Gibson’s stooped walk, angering Hadrian, which reveals Hadrian’s respect for his tutor and tension with his brother.

Sir Felix drills the brothers in sword practice, criticizing Crispin’s sloppy form and Hadrian’s reluctance to commit to attacks. In their bouts, Crispin relies on size, strength, and aggression, while Hadrian uses speed, precision, and patience. Hadrian gains openings but hesitates, then begins striking Crispin more directly after Felix’s rebukes.

As the sparring intensifies, Crispin grows angry and throws Hadrian off the fencing round, kicking him while boasting that Hadrian only succeeded by luck. Hadrian responds by tripping Crispin, seizing his sword, pinning him underfoot, and tapping him on the head with the blade. Sir Felix ends the exchange only by ordering them to go again, showing that rivalry and discipline define the brothers’ early lives.