The Dassem part was the best part, i've got to agree with that. Especially since it put Whiskeyjack's and thus Kallor's skill with a sword in a better perspective.
Also, I got the impression that Temper was the most competent fighter of in the sword. No matter his technique, he managed to hold of a champion assumed to be the better of all but Dassem. He dispatched an elite member of the claw in mocks hold with little difficulty. And most importantly, he stood his ground against a Jhagut tyrant (or so she seemed to me).
Also, Kiska i think it was, describes Temper as a huge man, and he is shown several times to hold an almost inhuman strenght.
Dassem being traveler fits even better now.
"What will you do?"
"Travel. Head West"
He just fits so nicely as Traveler.
Gothos can travel between Azaths, is it not then natural to asume that the other guradians can as well? If so the the female Jhagut could have come from any Azath.
As an end note, I think Ferrule is Barathol from the BH prologue. Ferrule is of Sethi heritage, Barathol is described as a tribesman from the south. Ferrule returned to his homeland, Barathol lives on the subcontinent. My knowledge of the timeline is not perfect yet 11 years does sound fairly right to me. Also, Ferrule is described as a man fond of close in fighting, more a brawler than a swordfighter. An axe would be the right weapon for such a man I think. And he also has a special helmet, just like Temper
