The Sun Eater, #1
Empire of Silence
by Christopher Ruocchio
Contents
Chapter 70: Demon-Tongued
Overview
Hadrian leads the human force into the sepulcher and uses his knowledge of Cielcin language to prevent a final firefight. By disarming himself and speaking directly with the wounded captain Itana Uvanari Ayatomn, Hadrian turns a likely massacre into a surrender.
The chapter marks a major shift because Uvanari claims no Cielcin has ever surrendered to humans before, yet yields after Hadrian frames the war as an inherited cycle both sides can refuse. Uvanari’s cryptic statement that “they are not here” hints that the Cielcin mission sought something specific in Calagah and failed to find it.
Summary
With the Cielcin ambushers stunned or dead, Hadrian, Bassander Lin, Olorin, legionnaires, and mamluks continue deeper into Calagah by following the captured Cielcin’s uncertain directions. The route leads Hadrian back near the sepulcher, the keyhole-shaped Quiet chamber where Anaïs once kissed him. Bassander sends soldiers back to guard the prisoners and then orders a cautious advance, though scans show no life signs.
Hadrian realizes the remaining Cielcin may be hiding in the sepulcher and calls out to them in their own language. He deliberately uses rude phrasing, then demands that the Cielcin surrender. The hidden Cielcin answer with contempt, insisting that their people do not surrender to animals, but Hadrian argues that they are surrounded and that fighting will only kill them.
To make himself trustworthy, Hadrian steps forward, throws down his Jaddian phase disruptor, and says he is only a man who can speak their words. After tense exchanges among the Cielcin, a commander agrees to treat with him. Hadrian tells Bassander that he will speak with the commander by the altar, and Bassander insists on accompanying him.
In the sepulcher, the Cielcin commander emerges wounded and weakened. The commander introduces itself as Itana Uvanari Ayatomn, former captain of the ship the humans shot down. Hadrian gives his own name and asks for surrender; Uvanari asks whether Hadrian can guarantee the safety of the Cielcin soldiers, but Hadrian admits privately to Bassander that he cannot truly know what the knight-tribune will do.
Uvanari says the People have never surrendered and that they still remember how to die. Hadrian counters that the war was inherited by both sides and will continue only as long as both peoples keep choosing death. In a risky gesture, Hadrian walks between Uvanari and the other Cielcin, pleading for the captain to lay down arms.
Uvanari weakens, and a young Cielcin named Tanaran moves to help but stops when ordered back. Hadrian calls for a med kit, and Uvanari recognizes that Hadrian is trying to help. Near collapse, Uvanari says, “They are not here,” grants Hadrian the peace he seeks, and formally surrenders with the surviving Cielcin.
Who Appears
- Hadrian MarloweNegotiates in Cielcin, disarms himself, and persuades Uvanari to surrender.
- Itana Uvanari AyatomnWounded Cielcin captain who doubts surrender but ultimately yields with surviving soldiers.
- Bassander LinLegion lieutenant commanding the human formation and accompanying Hadrian into the parley.
- OlorinSwordmaster present in the advance, wary of the narrow hall and hidden enemies.
- TanaranYoung Cielcin who moves to aid Uvanari and witnesses the surrender.
- Cielcin soldiersHidden survivors in the sepulcher, hostile and fearful before their captain surrenders.
- Legionnaires and mamluksHuman troops securing tunnels, covering Hadrian, and preparing for possible combat.