Chapter 107

This chapter is a flashback nine and a half years prior, showing young Szeth's ascension to become the Windrunner Honorbearer after defeating the previous holder, Tuko-son-Tuko, in ritual combat. Szeth is accepted by the other Honorbearers and learns he must complete a second pilgrimage, while being summoned by the mysterious Voice to seek answers at Ayabiza.

Szeth stands in the monastery's grand hall after defeating Tuko-son-Tuko in a brief duel, his sword bloodied. As Tuko lies dying, he warns Szeth that Pozen—the Elsecaller Honorbearer who trained him—will discard him like a tool, and urges him to walk away and reject Pozen's control. Tuko dies uttering cryptic words about climbing toward light. Szeth is shaken by having killed one of the holiest people in the world, but Moss, the younger Lightweaver Honorbearer, comforts him and reminds him this is the expected path. Moss offers to inform Szeth's waiting father of his success. Szeth reverently places Tuko's body on a mosaic tile and takes the Windrunner Honorblade. The six assembled Honorbearers—Moss, Pozen, Sivi, Dulo-son-Tudla, Vambra-daughter-Skies, and Gearil—welcome him, with Pozen assuring him that the second pilgrimage is merely a formality. As they depart to celebrate, Sivi remains behind with Szeth and the corpse. Szeth realizes he was used as an instrument to kill Tuko, whom Sivi claims spoke of rebellion and civil war. Sivi departs, and the Voice—speaking directly to Szeth—commands him to complete his second pilgrimage, then come to the holy grotto beyond Ayabiza to learn the full extent of Truth and receive his answers.