(urth) b sharps's Inire theory

[Roy C. Lackey]

Just because I have an old-fashioned sense of fairness, I am going to
surprise everyone and see if I can present b sharp's case, as I see it, so
that it is more palatable. Maybe I can recast his theory, in outline, so
that it doesn't seem to trip all over itself.

The theory that Inire is Rudesind, Fechin and Boatman (maybe some others,
but not now) is predicated on similarity of physique, simian in nature. The
other component is that Inire is a Hierogrammate. Like Tzadkiel (hell, he
may *be* Tzadkiel), he is capable of assuming any form, large or small. As
evidenced by Tiny Tzadkiel at the Brook, he can have multiple versions of
himself that maintain separate existences that need not be aware of each
other at any given time. Thus the Boatman and Rudesind can both be telling
the truth to Severian about their life stories, even while living
simultaneously. Conflicting details of their lives, if they were all the
same person running on and off stage all the time, juggling costumes, so to
speak, become moot. Fair enough?

I hope I don't come to regret this. <g>

-Roy