At a Purelake town, Skybreaker hopefuls and squires are tasked with finding escaped convicts and executing them by writ. While many rush out, Szeth questions the legitimacy and circumstances, suspecting a test beyond simple efficiency. He enters the lake, reflects on his past obedience, and debates “evil” with his sentient sword.

Tracking signs, Szeth confronts a filthy, desperate Reshi convict. Without Lashings he fights awkwardly, subdues the man, and nearly kills him before restraining himself. In the struggle the sword is briefly grabbed, but Szeth recovers it and fells the man with a sheathed blow, leaving him paralyzed. The prisoner admits the escape included killing a guard and reveals misery within the prison; Szeth leaves him in the shallow water.

Investigating the prison, Szeth finds foul conditions, darkness, and a single dead guard—confirming negligence and a predatory inmate hierarchy. He concludes the test concerns judgment, not speed. Returning, he sees others bringing in corpses while no other hopefuls found anyone to question.

Szeth challenges the beefy town noble who summoned them, pointing out the under-guarded, starved, and unregulated prison and asking where the allocated funds went. When Ki confirms they hold a writ for the noble, Szeth draws his sword. A surge of power erupts; the blade consumes the man entirely, draining Szeth’s Stormlight and blackening his arm before the pain fades. Onlookers are horrified, and Szeth declares he has dealt with the worst criminal.

After the escapees are accounted for, the sword’s mind clears and chatters about prior bearers. Ki names Szeth her squire, explaining they waited for a clear legal breach before acting. Szeth swears to seek justice until he finds a more perfect Ideal. He breathes in Stormlight and, restored, takes to the sky once more.