How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Hawkin," Merriman said again, gently, "every man has a last choice after the first, a chance of forgiveness. It is not too late. Turn. Come to the Light." (10.2)
Finally we're told about the choices that people get to make in their own lives. Merriman tells the Walker that he can still turn away from the Dark and join the Light. It's a sad moment for Merriman, who clearly cares about the Walker, because it's a decision that only Hawkin can make. Merriman can't change fate or make the choice for him.
Quote #8
"This is a meeting for the only bargain that my lord the Rider will make. Your sister for the Signs. You scarcely have much choice. You people are good at risking the lives of others"— the bitter old mouth curved up in a sneer—" but I do not think Will Stanton would enjoy watching his sister die." (11.99)
Will does have a choice when it comes to trading the Sign for his sister's life; it's just not a choice with a lot of good options. We get to see free will in action here as Will manages to save his sister and keep the Sign. Boo ya.
Quote #9
"I gave you the freedom to choose, Hawkin, and I did not take it away. I may not. It is still yours. No power of the Dark or of the Light can make a man more than a man, once any supernatural role he may have had to play comes to an end. But no power of the Dark or the Light may take away his rights as a man, either. If the Black Rider told you so, he lied." (12.89)
Merriman insists that Hawkin made a choice all on his own, saying that no one is stripped of free will. Sure, the Old Ones know the future, but they don't take away people's choices. Ever. They are the good guys, after all.