New Sun: "The pelagic argosy sights land"

[avram]

I’ve just finished Chapter XX (“Pictures”) of Claw [pages 329-334 of the Orb edition, also see page 335], the one where Severian meets the person he thinks of as the proprietor of the House Azure, and who will much later be revealed to be the Autarch, in the room that is disguised as a painting. Severian asks for directions to the garden:

“Then you can show me where the garden is.”

I sensed at once that he had been caught off guard, possibly for the first time in many years. There was pain in his eyes, and his left hand moved (though only slightly) toward the vial at his throat. “So you have heard of that . . .” he said. “Even supposing that I knew the way, why should I reveal it to you? Many will seek to flee by that road if the pelagic argosy sights land.”

The “pelagic argosy” line is the code phrase Vodalus has told Severian to expect. And we learn later that Vodalus is actually working for the Autarch, and the vial is involved in the autarchial succession. Presumably Vodalus is involved in the hunt for the Autarch’s successor. But what’s the significance of the garden? I think I recall a garden being involved in the events of Urth of the New Sun. But what would cause the Autarch to think that Severian was referring to that, rather than to the (relatively) ordinary garden above the House Absolute?

(These are mostly rhetorical questions. I’m posting them here to as memos, for reference as I get further into the series.)

Comments

[avram]

It might, but I still don’t see why the Autarch would interpret Severian’s statement as referring to that, rather than to the mundane garden and the fact that it’s hard for a newcomer to find his way around the House Absolute.

[hissilliness.livejournal.com]

still not an answer, but do recall also that the Heirophants/Cacogens have told the A. (whose wisdom is the illumination of his people) that Severian is his successor, so it's not too surprising that the event will be in the front of his mind when talking with Severian.