The paradox of Emperor Valerius II
Valerius II's action to decorate and sanctify the Great Sanctuary is illogical. Valerius II purports to be holy, knowing that he manipulated and assassinated leaders to enable him to put his uncle Petrus on the throne as the Sarantine Emperor. Consequently, Valerius II is a murderer, but he decorates the Cathedral at the heart of the golden city to show his subjects that he is a holy man.
The absurdity of Queen Gisel
The Queen of Batiara and Antens, Gisel, is an absurd character because she kidnaps Crispin to conduct a dangerous assignment that she should execute herself. The Queen knows that Crispin might not make it into the Sarantine capital, but she forces him to carry her message to the king and deliver it himself. The Queen's letter is a marriage offer to the Emperor. Ironically, Queen Gisel knows that her request is impossible because the Emperor is already a married man.
The sacrifice of Linon
Linon is the guardian angel that guides Crispin and helps him to avoid dangers while on his way to the Sarantine capital. While on their way, Crispin meets Kasia, an enslaved woman about to be sacrificed by the god of pagans on the Day of the Dead. Kasia requests Crispin to help her escape, and he offers to help. However, the townspeople start pursuing Crispin to kill him because he has taken their sacrifice. When Crispin is caught, Linon offers himself for the sacrifice, and Crispin is left free to continue with his journey. Linon's offer to be sacrificed instead of Kasia and Crispin is ironic because he had the power to evade the sacrifice.
