Vathek

Vathek, Nouronihar, and the rest of his traveling companions set off. Vathek’s former favorite wife, Dilara, is upset by Nouronihar’s presence. Dilara, having been raised amongst magi, desperately wants Vathek to succeed in his quest and bring her with him to the subterranean palace. She writes to Carathis of Vathek accepting the hospitality of a pious man, hoping that Carathis will punish him and force him back on track toward Istakar. The news enrages Carathis, who resolves to set out after Vathek, declaring that either she will die or Vathek will reign in the palace.

Carathis departs Samarah with her attendants, ignoring and delighting in the dangers of the road. Never allowing herself to rest from her devotion to evil, she terrorizes her peasant guides along the way. Happening upon a graveyard, Carathis summons ghosts and converses with them. Finally reaching Vathek, she yells at him for not following the Stranger’s instructions and insists that he drown Nouronihar. Vathek refuses to do so, and Nouronihar impresses Carathis with her bravery and devotion to Vathek.

Carathis, upon hearing the full story, decides that while Vathek resided with a holy man, he has likely made up for it by breaking the rules of hospitality and stealing his host’s daughter.