After London · Chapter
I: Sir Felix explained
On a bright May morning, Felix Aquila, eldest son of the Baron, is introduced through a detailed description of his sparsely furnished room and the precious contents of his locked chest: ancient books, parchments, gold sovereigns, and a tre
What happens
On a bright May morning, Felix Aquila, eldest son of the Baron, is introduced through a detailed description of his sparsely furnished room and the precious contents of his locked chest: ancient books, parchments, gold sovereigns, and a treasured ivory cross and letters from Aurora Thyma. The narrative reveals Felix's solitary and proud nature, his secret pursuit of forbidden learning, and his alienation from the young nobles who ridicule him. His absence from court intrigues has placed him on two watchlists—one by the Prince's councillors and another by a pretender—though he remains ignorant of this attention.
Themes in this chapter
Collapse of Civilization
The world has regressed to a primitive state where glass windows are a luxury, ancient books are decaying, and gold is hoarded by the prince.
Loss of Knowledge
Felix secretly studies decaying ancient texts, reconstructing knowledge that was once common, while society despises learning.
Individual vs. Society
Felix's independent spirit and contempt for courtly servility isolate him from his peers and place him on watchlists for his perceived disloyalty.
Characters to notice
- Felix Aquila
The protagonist, a proud and independent young noble who secretly studies ancient texts and treasures relics of the old world, including letters from Aurora Thyma.
- Lady Aurora
Aurora Thyma is mentioned as the giver of the ivory cross and the author of several parchment letters kept in Felix's chest.
- Baron Thyma
Implied as Aurora's father and a noble of the region, though not directly present in the chapter.
Key passages
“The glass left by the ancients in their dwellings had long since been used up or broken, and the fragments that remained were too precious to be put in ordinary rooms.”
The ancient glass windows are all gone or shattered, and the few surviving shards are too valuable for common use.
Illustrates the scarcity and decay of ancient resources in the post-collapse world.
“He would rather be alone than join their company, and would not compete with them in any of their sports, so that, when his absence from the arena was noticed, it was attributed to weakness or cowardice.”
Felix prefers solitude to the company of other nobles, and his refusal to participate in their games leads them to think him weak or cowardly.
Highlights Felix's alienation and the misinterpretation of his character by his peers.