How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"He betrayed the Old Ones once, long ago, and this was his doom." His voice softened a little. "It has been a hard age for him, the carrying of the second Sign. He has one more part in our work, before he may have rest, if he chooses. But that is not yet." (4.95)
Merriman explains what's happening with the Walker to Will. The guy's really grumpy because of a bad decision he made a while ago, which makes us think twice about our fate theory. Since the Walker is able to make choices, everything can't be predetermined.
Quote #5
"You seem to know what's happening. Tell me something. Here I am brought into the past, a century that's already happened, that's part of the history books. But what happens if I do something to alter it? I might, I could. Any little thing. I'd be making something in history different, just as if I'd really been there." (6.53)
Here Will is questioning how he can change fate. He knows that he can radically change the future by making a small tweak to the past, and he's tempted to do it, too. So do the Old Ones just know the future because they can time travel, or is it because they can alter the events of history?
Quote #6
"And as a result, in this room in the next few minutes, Hawkin will betray me and betray the Light and mould the whole course of your quest, young Will. The shock just now of actually risking his life, for me and the Book of Gramarye, was too much for his loyalty." Merriman pointed across the room. "See where it begins." (7.74)
Before Hawkin's betrayal, Merriman tells Will what happens. Check out how he describes it: "Hawkin will betray me." Importantly, not only does he know what will happen, he doesn't even try to stop it. Hawkin might have a choice initially, but as far as Merriman's concerned, these events are already written in stone.