Chapter 21 Summary

The King of Laredo demands Texarkana withdraw its troops, is poisoned overnight, and a one-day war puts Hannegan in control of his region. Hannegan then brutally executes Msgr. Apollo for treason and espionage and throws his remains to the dogs. Taddeo offers to depart, for although he privately condemns his uncle's policies, publicly he dares not endanger the collegium. The abbot insists common humanity makes him welcome at the abbey, but relations cool. A citizens' committee from Sanly Bowitts asks sanctuary in the event of invasion, which the abbot declines only for military-age males. Refugees flee famine. Some Laredans go home as ordered, but others vow to fight Hannegan to the death and, weakened, fall to Mad Bear's hit-and-run assaults. Taddeo first notices the Poet is gone, leaving his eye behind. Paulo says the Poet jokes with it, treats it like a fetish...