Assuming that he is 'borrowing' power from the elements. Would it be then that he is returing their power, that was on credit to him, with the bringing of the New Sun? Or is it completely unrelated? I suppose what I am trying to say is this, Is the reason that Severian is able to draw energy from the land (and etc...) because he is going to be able to return it with his new energy source? If this proves true then it is interesting to note that, once again, the future is shaping the past.
Xury