In a moment of vulnerability, Lan reflects on the weight of duty, likened to a mountain, as expressed by Dai Shan. This profound statement briefly unsettles him, showing the power of words to evoke deep emotions. It prompts Lan to recall a time when he imparted this important lesson to a young sheepherder from the Two Rivers, who was naïve and anxious about the future determined by the Pattern.

This passage captures the essence of responsibility and its burdens. Lan’s connection to both past and present highlights the universal struggle individuals face when confronting their destinies and the heavy expectations placed upon them by their roles in the world.