My question is this: During the Last Chronicles, prior to Foul's incorporation, does Covenant demonstrate that he's making use of his inner despiser?
Some candidates that I can think of:
- Dead Covenant possesses Anele. It struck me right off, as I read Runes, that this was rather evil of Covenant. Covenant believes possession is evil. Possessing Anele puts him in the same company as Lord Foul and Kastenessen. Not to mention Ravers.
Dead Covenant manipulates Linden. As Timewarden, Covenant was particularly cold-blooded in steering Linden to Andelain and the Worm. Such far-sighted choice-predicting manipulation is the providence of Lord Foul. Although, to be fair, the Dead have done so as well (e.g. Vain). Still, he understood that Linden would suffer for it.
Covenant causing Elena's death. We know he didn't plan it, but he agrees that he's at fault.
Covenant kills Joan with the krill. I point this out because Covenant has always been clear on his position on killing. Not to mention that this is his wife. (He also attacks Roger with the krill, with the intent to at least maim.) He even admits that the act has a selfish component: "One of us has to die. One of us has to live."
Covenant mowing down the Cavewights with his ur-Sword. Again, Covenant has always been against slaughter. And he knows the Cavewights have only been Foul's gullible pawns.
I just want to note that just because "it had to be done", just because necessity demanded it, doesn't mean Covenant is not tapping into his inner despiser. It only means that tapping into his inner despiser was called for. Killing in self defense still requires calling upon your inner killer.