25: THE BUTCHER

A flashback to seven years before the main story, thirteen-year-old KaLadin experiences gossip about his surgeon father in his hometown of HearthStone while grappling with uncertainty about his future. The arrival of a new citylord, BrightLord RoShone, brings an unsettling first impression when RoShone coldly blames KaLadin's father for the previous citylord's death and departs abruptly, leaving the family and town in an uneasy state.

The chapter opens with KaLadin overhearing two women gossip about his father, the surgeon KaLadin, accusing him of stealing spheres from the deceased BrightLord WiStiow and forging documents. KaLadin confronts the gossipers but later finds his mother, HeShina, chipping ice from the town hall roof. Their conversation reveals the complicated social position of a surgeon—respected for usefulness but feared for knowledge and blamed when healing fails, unlike the easily excused failures of glyphwards. HeShina explains that some people fear what they do not understand. KaLadin reveals internal conflict about his future: he could follow his father into surgery or pursue soldiering, both paths having drawn him. HeShina hints that she had once encouraged him to befriend the citylord's daughter, LaRal, perhaps with marriage in mind. When KaLadin's father suddenly arrives announcing the new citylord's unexpected arrival, the family hurries to witness BrightLord RoShone's first appearance. KaLadin's younger brother, TiEn, has already found a good vantage point atop rain barrels. KaLadin watches the impressive procession of wagons, soldiers, and a fine black carriage with great anticipation, hoping to see a true lighteyed hero. However, when RoShone emerges, he appears disappointing—middle-aged and soft, though wearing a takama and sword. Without addressing the crowd, RoShone turns to re-enter his carriage. When KaLadin's father calls out respectfully, RoShone responds coldly, blaming him for the previous citylord's death and saying that KaLadin is responsible for him being assigned to this remote part of the kingdom. He then slams the carriage door and departs. KaLadin's father uses a metaphor from the game breakneck, suggesting that their situation is now uncertain—neither a clear win nor a clear loss, but a 'butcher' throw whose outcome depends on future circumstances.