Was Szeth Feeling the Thrill at the end of WOR?

[SteelBagel]

At the end of WOR, when Szeth fights a doling and kaladin, is he under the effects of the thrill? He seems to be enjoying killing, even trying to kill Adolin when he doesn’t have to and smiling about it. This is especially out of character to me given what we’ve learned about him in WAT. Is this the effects of the thrill or what? 

[Treamayne]

5 hours ago, SteelBagel said:

At the end of WOR, when Szeth fights a doling and kaladin, is he under the effects of the thrill? He seems to be enjoying killing, even trying to kill Adolin when he doesn’t have to and smiling about it. This is especially out of character to me given what we’ve learned about him in WAT. Is this the effects of the thrill or what? 

Nergaoul and the Thrill it creates had moved to Jah Keved - as seen in the scene with Taravangian before Szeth returns to the Shattered Plains. This, to me, was Szeth experiencing a Psychotic Break as the evidence of his senses and experiences conflicts with his Oaths and orders from his Master. It's not so much that he is enjoying the fight, as he is at war with his own mind as his body is at war with those around him. WoR Ch 85:

Spoiler

Quote

 

“Why?” Dalinar asked the assassin, who still stood there in the rain. “Why kill my brother? Did they explain the reasoning behind your orders?”

“I am Szeth-son-son-Vallano,” the man said. Harshly. “Truthless of Shinovar. I do as my masters demand, and I do not ask for explanations.”

Dalinar revised his assessment. This man was not calm. He seemed that way, but when he spoke, he did it through clenched teeth, his eyes open too wide.

He’s mad*, Dalinar thought. Storms.

“You don’t have to do this,” Dalinar said. “If it’s about pay . . .”

“What I am owed,” the assassin shouted, rainwater spraying from his face and Stormlight rising from his lips, “will come to me eventually! Every bit of it. I will drown in it, stonewalker!”

<snip>

The assassin parried the thrust, then placed his hand against Dalinar’s chest.

The highprince, suddenly glowing, lurched up into the dark sky. He didn’t scream.

The plateau fell silent. Some bridgemen propped up wounded fellows. Others turned toward the assassin, pulling into a spear formation, looking frantic.

The assassin lowered his Blade, then started to walk away.

“Bastard!” Adolin spat, dashing after him. “Bastard!” He could barely see for the tears.

The assassin stopped, then leveled his weapon toward Adolin.

Adolin stumbled to a halt. Storms, his head hurt.

“It is finished,” the assassin whispered. “I am done.” He turned from Adolin and continued to walk away.

Like Damnation itself, you are! Adolin raised his Shardblade overhead.

The assassin spun and slapped the weapon so hard with his own Blade that Adolin distinctly heard something snap in his wrist. His Blade tumbled from his fingers, vanishing. The assassin’s hand slapped out, knuckles striking Adolin in the chest, and he gasped, his breath suddenly gone from his throat.

Stunned, he sank to his knees.

“I suppose,” the assassin snarled, “I can kill one more, on my own time.” Then he grinned, a terrible smile with teeth clenched, eyes wide. As if he were in enormous pain.

 

* Mad meaning insane

It becomes more obvious when you see the Thrill from the PoV characters in Oathbringer.

Hope that helps.

[earthexile]

Szeth at that point is at his psychological breaking point, it's the lowest and most crazed that we ever see him. He wants to die but he's not allowed, so the only thing that seems to make him feel hopeful is when he's fighting a Shardbearer who might be able to take him out. Adolin is the best fighter with no superpowers out there. He's a golden opportunity, in a way.

And I think there's a part of him that's just like Adolin, and it's still there when Szeth is healthy and thinking clearly- he loves the dance. He enjoys the way it feels to push himself and move to the limit of his abilities. He doesn't feel good about the fact that it feels good, but it does.