Chapter 62

In a flashback set twenty-six years before the present timeline, young Szeth kills a soldier in self-defense after an attack, and the Farmer (a local authority figure) proposes sending him away for military training. Szeth's father Neturo ultimately chooses to accompany his son into this training rather than let him face it alone, committing his entire family to a new path.

The chapter opens with young Szeth alone in bed the night after he has killed a soldier with a rock during an attack. His parents speak with the Farmer outside, discussing what has happened. The Farmer explains that Szeth acted in self-defense when a soldier attacked him and that the soldiers have become increasingly difficult to control, with violence feeding upon itself. The Farmer suggests that Szeth possesses a talent for killing and proposes sending him for training with the Stone Shamans, framing it as necessary for the community's defense against raids. He references the ancient Knights Radiant and their philosophy of watchers at the rim who fight and are changed so others might live. When Szeth's mother resists, the Farmer warns that if the shamans discover Szeth hid a stone, there could be consequences. Szeth internally hears a voice—seemingly from spren—telling him they watch him and are curious. His parents initially resist the proposal, with his mother declaring the Farmer intends to steal their son and turn him into a killer. However, Szeth's father makes a dramatic decision: he announces he will accompany his son into training so Szeth will never face darkness alone. His mother and sister Elid declare they will go as well, with Elid having the option to move to town if she wishes. Despite the Farmer's objection and plea for reconsideration, Neturo stands firm, and the family commits to this new path together.