Chapter 124

A flashback nine and a half years before the present timeline. Szeth, empowered with Windrunner and Bondsmith abilities, travels to the city of Ayabiza to meet the Voice. After a contemplative flight into the upper atmosphere, he lands in the ancient city, marvels at its architecture and beauty, and prepares himself mentally before proceeding to his meeting.

Szeth begins high in the sky, using his Lashing powers to ascend further into the thin air and darkness above the clouds. Reflecting on the smallness of humanity against nature's wind, he eventually cancels his Lashing and falls back toward the land below, which is shrouded in white clouds. As he descends, the city of Ayabiza becomes visible on the highlands near the Bondsmith monastery. He lands in the central square with a crash of Stormlight, startling the marketplace crowd. The chapter describes Ayabiza as the most ancient city on Roshar, architecturally brilliant with tall clay buildings reinforced by wood, painted with vibrant murals and hanging gardens. Szeth had always wanted to visit but never had the opportunity until now. He wanders the city, delaying his meeting with the Voice, aware that this encounter will mark another significant change in his life—following the Voice's previous acts of stealing his grasslands, his innocence, and granting him mastery of wind and Truth. Szeth observes the city's famous sewer system and its beauty, reinforcing his conviction that this place is worth fighting for and preparing for the End of All Things. He exchanges empty gemstones for full ones with a merchant and takes to the sky again to finally meet the Voice.