Embassytown

Question 1

vagaries

Answer 1

(often used in plural) an unpredictable, unexpected change e.g. the vagaries of wind

Question 2

salver

Answer 2

a silver tray for serving drinks and food

Question 3

frisson

Answer 3

a thrilling shiver; a uniquely pleasurable fright e.g. the frisson of exitement before taking a rollercoaster

Question 4

vatic
[veh-tick]
also mantic has the same meaning

Answer 4

resembling a prophecy or a prophet e.g. a vatic warning