The symbol of hope
The author figuratively uses the golden city to represent hope. Crispin is a hopeless and heartbroken man because he lost his entire family two years ago to the plague. The only thing that Crispin does to remain occupied is mosaic and decorations. When Crispin gets an opportunity to go to the golden city to decorate the Great Sanctuary, he feels refreshed because he will meet new people and a new environment. Therefore, the visit to the golden city symbolizes hope because it gives Crispin new energy to do new things.
The Great Sanctuary
The Great Sanctuary symbolizes holiness. When Valerius II took power in the Sarantine Empire, his first assignment was to decorate and restore the Great Sanctuary as a sign of giving thanks to God to thank for his holiness. Similarly, when Crispin decorates the Great Sanctuary, he feels better because it is a holy place that heals the pain and wounds he has gone through for most of his life.
The guardian angel
To embody the guardian angel, the author uses the bird called Linon. Crispin is heading to meet the Emperor in the Sarantine capital, and it will not be an easy journey. The alchemist Zoticus gives Crispin a bird, Linon, to host his soul and guide him through dangerous maneuvers. While on his way, Linon helps Crispin to avoid danger until he arrives in the capital safely.
