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A cold wind made Szeth shiver. He was wearing traditional Shin garments outside the Kholinar Palace.
White to be seen, white to intimidate, white to mark blood as proof of his success, white like lightning. In a fell swoop of his honorblade he severed the life of the guards standing at the entrance.
As he sauntered through the winding corridors of the palace he looked towards the king’s chambers.
Szeth was quick and efficient, but unlike other assassins, he wanted to be seen, he wanted them to remember his face, to remember his name. This was not murder, it was retribution.
Kaladin’s eyes twitched, he sensed something. He was there to serve as the king’s guard, a high honor, even for a Radiant. Someone was approaching, and he wouldn’t hesitate to kill. As he opened his palm Syl zipped into a beautiful azure sword.
Szeth controlled his breathing, as he turned the corner he faced Kaladin, ready to strike.
“Identify yourself, thief”
Szeth breathed in Stormlight, his veins burned blue. “My name is Szeth-son-son-Vallano, Truthless of Shinovar”, he pointed his blade at Kaladin. They inched closer to each other..
“Kaladin Stormblessed” he responded, pointing his blade at Szeth.
“Kaladin…”
“I’m sorry for this”
Szeth lashed himself towards the wall, and lunged himself towards Kaladin.
I just need to touch him. Szeth thought.
Kaladin used a Reverse Lashing to catch Szeth in the air and bring him down. He drove the blade in a downwards thrust.
Szeth quickly rolled to the side, causing Kaladin’s Sylblade to be impaled in the ground.
Now I have the high ground, Szeth thought.
Szeth quickly got up and wrestled with Kaladin, bringing him to a standstill.
Kaladin tried to move his arms, he tried to move his legs, he tried to move something…he couldn't. Szeth laid his edge on Kaladin’s throat.
“Any last words?”
Kaladin gritted his teeth, but then relaxed his body.
“I’m…sorry”
Szeth didn’t know the reason why but those words made him incredibly furious.
I can’t kill this man.
Why can’t I kill this man?
Why?
Szeth let his shardblade disappear in thin air.
Kaladin started to cry.
“I can’t protect anyone…I never could…”
“Why did you give life to me Almighty…why?”
What are you talking about? Szeth thought.
They stood there, like rotting corpses.
Szeth gritted his teeth and gently wiped the tears from Kaladin’s face.
What am I doing? Kaladin wailed.
“Don’t cry, Kaladin.”
“Please…”
Szeth leaned in to kiss Kaladin, exchanging stormlight in an act of healing.
“...live”