It's certainly not a job. It is clear that it is the ultimate punishment in his culture and from his people. The question is whether or not Szeth is compelled, by curse or power, to obey or if it is his own will and determination to do so. I fall on idea that he is compelled. Truthless seems to be in reference that his punishment is to break all the truths that his people hold dear, and that he'll have no forgiveness or recourse.

They bonded him to a powerful weapon that's only purpose is to kill, which is the lowest thing in his culture. (His people would also come and take back the shardblade when he finally died). He was sent out in the world, highly trained and skilled, compelled to do what others demanded of him expect for ending his own life.

The question I have is whether or not this was intentional. Did whoever govern him place him in the situation to be used as he is being used?



It's been over a month since I looked at that, but from what I remember I think that you're misunderstanding. I'll take a look tonight when I get home. I believe the section details the three different gravity manipulations but connects one of them with another (thus the two types of surgebinding).



I don't know. It seems to be an outgrowth of her ability, but we don't know that yet.



Hmm... a very good question, and one that I don't have a good theory for yet.



Well, I'm not so sure about that. We've got a 10 book series that supposedly has a cast of 100s and dozens of magic systems. I'd actually be surprised if we see all the same people in the next book. WoK had a very narrow focus, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see something almost altogether different in the next book. Of course, this is just my personal feeling. I haven't heard anything to make me think that that will be the case.



Maybe to the readers, yes, but I can easily see how the characters wouldn't have known that. Especially the male characters who are mostly completely illiterate.