Chapter 139

In a flashback set nine and a half years before the present timeline, Szeth infiltrates his former monastery intending to assassinate his master Pozen but encounters both Pozen and the Honorbearer Sivi instead. After learning they serve one of the Unmade and discovering evidence that contradicts their claims, Szeth chooses not to commit murder in darkness and instead flees, publicly declaring his intention to raise armies against the Honorbearers in the name of Truth.

Szeth returns to Pozen's monastery at night, six weeks after discovering that the Honorbearers serve the Unmade. He has been preparing for war and attempting to gather support from other cities and monasteries. Szeth plans to assassinate Pozen to obtain his Soulcaster Blade and strengthen his position, believing this will prevent him from needing to fight other Honorbearers like Sivi and Moss. Upon entering the monastery, he overhears Pozen and Sivi discussing Szeth's rebellion and Tuko's death at their hands. Szeth hides in a meditation chamber and initially plans to kill Sivi as well to claim her Willshaper Blade. However, remembering his father Neturo's affection for Sivi and her kindness to him, he chooses instead to confront her directly. When Sivi reveals confusion about what Szeth witnessed, suggesting she may have been deceived, Pozen arrives and discovers them together. Rather than kill Pozen in stealth, Szeth grapples with him briefly, then flees the monastery. Before leaving, Szeth publicly declares to both Honorbearers that he has told the Windrunner acolytes the truth and is raising a banner of opposition, offering them the choice to join him or face his armies.