Rhythm Of War

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Book 6 in The Stormlight Archive series

Created by: Moonwatcher x Qibli

Please note none of the following content is copied in any way from the original book specific Wiki.

Prologue: To Pretend

Plot Summary

Seven years ago

Navani is occupied with logistics for Gavilar's feast. While managing preparations, she interacts with Aesudan, who is speaking with Rushur Kris, a master artifabrian. She passes through the feast but leaves quickly after seeing Dalinar. Looking for the king, she finds herself outside her study and overhears voices. Her husband is speaking to two men, one a Makabaki and one a Vorin, supposedly ambassadors from the West. On the table between them, she sees strange spheres, which she assumes are meant for fabrials. Gavilar notices her and excuses himself. Navani presses him for answers about the spheres and questions him about missing appointments and responsibilities related to the feast. He, in turn, berates her for rumors of unfaithfulness that have been spreading around the court. They fight about Jasnah's refusal to court Amaram, which becomes a fight about Gavilar's legacy as king. He insults his wife's notion that she is a scholar and says she chose him over Dalinar for power, then leaves. Furious, Navani burns a glyphward which reads, Death. Gift. Death. After the feast, Navani hears of the assassination. She does not believe that her husband is dead until she personally sees his body. She is stunned, hoping her glyphward did not lead to this outcome. She also feels pity, seeing her husband, who thought he was eternal, dead before her. Remembering the strange spheres from his meeting, she checks his pockets. Finding nothing, she conceals her actions. Navani composes herself and begins the process of picking up the pieces among the chaos of Gavilar's death.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Maratham
• Aesudan Kholin
• Rushur Kris
• Elhokar Kholin
• Renarin Kholin
• Adolin Kholin
• Dalinar Kholin
• Nale
• Kalak
• Gavilar Kholin
• Gereh
• Jasnah Kholin
• Torol Sadeas
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Talanah (mentioned only)
• Rine Hatham (mentioned only)
• Sadees (mentioned only)

Part 1: Burdens

Chapter 1: Calluses

Chapter 1 heading

First, you must get a spren to approach. The type of gemstone is relevant; some spren are naturally more intrigued by certain gemstones. In addition, it is essential to calm the spren with something it knows and loves. A good fire for a flamespren, for example, is a must.

Plot Summary

In occupied Hearthstone, Lirin provides medical treatment to Herdazian and Alethi refugees. Since the coming of the Everstorm over a year ago, Herdaz has been fighting Odium's armies, only to fall two months ago. Lirin treats a traumatized Alethi man--Noril, who is missing an arm. The surgeon directs him to a tent for refugees on suicide watch. Abiajan, the singer citylady, oversees his work, ensuring that each refugee is checked for signs of the plague. Laral, while delivering water, tells Lirin that the man he is watching for, Dieno enne Calah--a Herdazian general known as "the Mink"--is near. Lirin intends to connect the man with Kaladin, who will extract him from behind enemy lines. After inspecting the general and his men, Lirin claims that one of them needs surgery in order to get him away from the watchful Parshendi. Roshone provides a distraction with drunken antics. They are nearly at the surgery room when Abiajan interrupts them and demands that Lirin attend her. A visiting Fused has arrived, and he is searching for a man, a spy, bearing slave brands on his forehead. A soldier removes the hood of a refugee in line, revealing Kaladin.

Characters

• Lirin (point of view)
• Hesina
• AricStarfish365
• Noril
• Abiajan
• Laral Roshone
• Durnash
• Toralin Roshone
• Dieno
• Dor
• Lezian
• Kaladin
• Wistiow (mentioned only)
• Tien (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)

Chapter 2: Severed Cords

Chapter 2 heading

Next, let the spren inspect your trap. The gemstone must not be fully infused, but also cannot be fully dun. Experiments have concluded that seventy percent of maximum Stormlight capacity works best. If you have done your work correctly, the spren will become fascinated by its soon-to-be prison. It will dance around the stone, peek at it, float around it.

Plot Summary

Kaladin

Kaladin, having been spotted, challenges the Fused to single combat with a gesture of his sword. The Fused waves at others to attack, so Kaladin draws him away by lashing himself upward. The Fused is not like others Kaladin has previously fought, he is able to leave his physical body, appear as a line of light, and manifest himself a new body made out of Voidlight. The enormous opponent appears experienced at fighting Surgebinders, severing Kaladin's spine and throat repeatedly. He fights with an unusual style--grappling and wrestling. Kaladin realizes that he can teleport three times before needing to rest or recharge. Kal and Syl challenge him after he discards his third body, but the Fused refuses to engage, leaving them with a threat. Kaladin is exhausted because of the fight and many sleepless nights. He admits to Syl that her suggested approach to Hearthstone would have been more effective.

Shallan

Veil is posing as Chanasha, a lowborn lighteyed merchant, in the warcamp market on the Shattered Plains. She negotiates a deal with a shoe merchant and loudly and publicly denounces Dalinar Kholin as king. Shallan, with Veil and Radiant, are attempting to be kidnapped and initiated into the Sons of Honor, but have long been unsuccessful. Adolin's troops are covertly following her for protection. After her business with the merchant, she stops at a winehouse to reconcile her fictional accounts and orders a drink. As she relaxes, Veil encourages her to remember everything from her past. Shallan protests and soon finds her mind becoming unfocused--the wine was drugged, and her ruse has proven successful. She is finally being kidnapped.

Kaladin

Syl speaks with Kal about his ongoing difficulty sleeping. Kaladin muses on his feeling of disconnect from others, while Syl attempts to cheer him up with impressions of Teft and jokes about toes. They approach Hearthstone again and threaten the singer guards--telling them to retreat until sunset. They engage in a fight, and one singer is killed. The rest retreat. Kaladin reunites with his mother, father, and brother. He goes to meet the Mink but does not find him; the man has slipped away, leaving behind a cloak stuffed with rags. The Herdazian general's men explain that he frequently sneaks off. Kal lets them know that he is evacuating the town. He briefly argues with his father, who is displeased that his son caused a violent disruption, but they are interrupted by the arrival of a gigantic floating platform. Navani's newest creation has come to evacuate the people of Hearthstone.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Sylphrena
• Lezian
• Pattern
• Abiajan
• Hesina
• Oroden
• Laral Roshone
• Toralin Roshone
• Lirin
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Chanasha Hasareh (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Turinad Sebarial (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Teft (mentioned only)
• Lyn (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Dieno (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)

Chapter 3: The Fourth Bridge

Chapter 3 heading

The final step in capturing spren is the most tricky, as you must remove the Stormlight from the gemstone. The specific techniques employed by each artifabrian guild are closely guarded secrets, entrusted only to their most senior members. The easiest method would be to use a larkin—a type of cremling that feasts on Stormlight. That would be wonderful and convenient if the creatures weren’t now almost entirely extinct. The wars in Aimia were in part over these seemingly innocent little creatures.

Plot Summary

Navani leans out over the edge of the flying platform to observe the terrain and flora of Alethkar, watching as it is about to land in Hearthstone. The cartographer, Velat, chides Navani for this behavior, but Dalinar says she can do what she wants on her ship. Navani thinks through the design, engineering, organization, and fabrial technology that has allowed them to fly hundreds of miles on this mission. This work has sustained her while mourning Elhokar, and she wishes she could share it with him, even if she thinks her contribution is merely guiding people smarter than her. The flying platform has been named the Fourth Bridge in honor of Kaladin's old team, and the bridge they used has been embedded in the center of the deck as a symbol. There is a full complement of scientists and engineers on the platform, including the Windrunner scribe, Ka, and the ardents Falilar and Rushu.

As the Fourth Bridge sets down, a dozen graceful Edgedancers and Lift disembark and head to the town to usher the people to the transport and heal the wounded. The Windrunners are darting through the sky on watch. Navani discusses the benefits and drawbacks of this new military resource with the Thaylen prince consort, Admiral Kmakl, who has joined them for this first test. Navani then heads over to Dalinar as Kaladin and Lirin approach from the town. Dalinar discusses the logistics of the evacuation with a nonplussed Lirin, who then strides away. Kaladin updates Dalinar on the presence of the Fused and requests Stormlight. Dalinar opens Honor's Perpendicularity to renew Kaladin's Stormlight while Navani writes down her observations. Kaladin pays respect to his old bridge before flying off. Dalinar and Navani discuss her notes. Navani is studying Dalinar's bond with the Stormfather, hoping it will offer some clue about the Sibling and the operation of Urithiru's tower fabrial.

Navani and Dalinar are surprised by the sudden appearance of the Mink. The Mink is wary of Dalinar, the Blackthorn, but is ready to join with him if they will use the flying platform to rescue Herdazian troops. Dalinar quickly agrees without consulting Navani, which irks her. At this point, the refugees begin to arrive at the Fourth Bridge, herded by the Edgedancers. Before Navani can start enacting her evacuation plan, Lyn lands on the deck and warns of three full flights of incoming Fused. Navani prepares to test the precautions she put in place for this eventuality.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Velat
• Dalinar Kholin
• Ka
• Dieno
• Lyn
• Falilar
• Rushu
• Lift
• Kmakl
• Kaladin
• Lirin
• Fen Rnamdi (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Isasik Shulin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• The Sibling (mentioned only)
• The Nightwatcher (mentioned only)
• The Stormfather (mentioned only)

Chapter 4: Architects of the Future

Chapter 4 heading

To draw Stormlight out of a gemstone, I use the Arnist Method. Several large empty gemstones are brought close to the infused one while the spren is inspecting it. Stormlight is slowly absorbed from a small gemstone by a very large gemstone of the same type—and several together can draw the Light out quickly. The method’s limitation is, of course, the fact that you need not merely acquire one gemstone for your fabrial, but several larger ones to withdraw the Stormlight.

Other methods must exist, as proven by the extremely large gemstone fabrials created by the Vriztl Guild out of Thaylenah. If Her Majesty would please repeat my request to the guild, this secret is of vital importance to the war effort.

Plot Summary

Radiant wakes up being carried over someone's back with a sack on her head. Her captors take the sack off, revealing that she has been carried down into the chasms. Veil takes over as the cultists attempt to initiate "Chanasha" into the Sons of Honor. Veil is disappointed that Ialai didn't show up personally. After Veil questions the cultists, they use a fake fabrial she had sold them earlier to try and detect Lightweavings. It doesn't detect Shallan's Lightweaving, and Veil swears a false oath to follow the cult. Veil then tries to ask for an audience with Ialai, but in the process learns that the Sons have a spy close to Dalinar. Shallan then takes over, stating that she isn't who the Sons think she is.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Ulina
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Pattern (mentioned only)
• Chanasha Hasareh (mentioned only)
• Chanarach (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)

Chapter 5: Broken Spears

Chapter 5 heading

If the Stormlight in a gemstone is withdrawn quickly enough, a nearby spren can be sucked into the gemstone. This is caused by a similar effect to a pressure differential, created by the sudden withdrawal of Stormlight, though the science of the two phenomena are not identical.

You will be left with a captured spren, to be manipulated as you see fit.

Plot Summary

Kaladin

The Windrunners hang mid-air, watching as the Heavenly Ones approach. Kaladin directs some to land and guard the civilians while the rest engage the Fused in their customary one-on-one challenges. He watches for Leshwi as the rest pair off, and when they finally spot each other, Kaladin takes pursuit. Dalinar opens a perpendicularity as the groups fight. Kaladin carefully avoids the civilians as he chases Leshwi just above the ground, and Godeke almost scores a hit on her. Kaladin notices that Leshwi wants to observe the Fourth Bridge while he gets Rock to send an ordinary spear up to him. Lashing the spear towards Leshwi, Kaladin loses concentration momentarily when she dodges the weapon and crashes; this ends the confrontation, so Teft flies over and checks on Kaladin. Kaladin, rebuffing Teft's insistent inquiries as to how he feels, orders him to tell the Windrunners to fight defensively before he engages another Fused.

Shallan

Shallan, thinking quickly after promising the cultists that she was more than she appears to be, bluffs her way through an explanation that she sells secret military schematics to other kingdoms. She "proves" it to them by showing them a complicated Lightweaving on her notebook but fails to convince them to bring her to Ialai. As they grab her notebook from her, Red replaces her hood and furtively whispers for instructions. They hear a commotion in the distance, which one of the men identifies as Kholin troops that have followed them.

Kaladin

Kaladin fights the Fused, cutting him to drain away his reserves of Voidlight and then smashing his weapon. After stabbing the Fused so he loses the use of an arm, Kaladin withdraws his weapon and allows his enemy to leave rather than killing him. Lezian darts toward him as a line of red light, but Kaladin evades him. Lyn immediately arrives to check on him, and after a strained conversation he sends her to spread the word about the new type of Fused that moves like a ribbon of light. After landing on the Fourth Bridge, Syl berates Kaladin for his attitude towards Roshone, who is offering to lead some Edgedancers to recover the prisoners at the manor. Kaladin tells Rock about Lezian as well, and he and his family converge on Dalinar to guard him. Kaladin sees Sigzil fighting Leshwi and takes off again.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Leshwi
• Dalinar Kholin
• Lopen
• Drehy
• Leyten
• Skar
• Kara
• Leven
• Sylphrena
• Godeke
• Lunamor
• Teft
• Toralin Roshone
• Red
• Lezian
• Lyn
• Dabbid
• Cord
• Sigzil
• Shalash (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Pattern (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Tien (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)

Chapter 6: A Loose Thread

Chapter 6 heading

With a captured spren, you may begin designing a proper fabrial. It is a closely guarded secret of artifabrians that spren, when trapped, respond to different types of metals in different ways. A wire housing for the fabrial, called a “cage,” is essential to controlling the device.

Plot Summary

Shallan

Radiant hears a rescue party, headed by Adolin, coming for her. Deciding that she needs to meet with Ialai face to face, she demands to go with her captors. Acquiescing, they steer her along a tunnel and up through a building. Shallan maps their route through the streets as they lead her in a circuitous route to a nearby building. She takes off her hood and has time to think before she is directed into the next room, where Ialai Sadeas sits at a table. Veil intends to assassinate the woman, though she knows Dalinar and Jasnah can never sanction such an act.

Kaladin

Kaladin watches helplessly as Leshwi fights Sigzil. When she stabs him, Kaladin can't restrain himself from flying forward. Seeing Kaladin, Leshwi withdraws her spear just before Sigzil's Stormlight runs out. Knowing that Leshwi was repaying him for having mercy on one of her troops earlier, Kaladin directs Sigzil to drop his spear and bow to the Fused. After telling him to return to the ship, Kaladin accepts Leshwi's challenge.

Navani

Navani is coordinating the evacuation of the Hearthstone refugees onto the Fourth Bridge. Ardent Falilar gives her an update on the progress, noting that fifteen people refuse to leave. Meanwhile, Renarin is entertaining the children with Lightweaving; while it differs from standard Truthwatcher powers, Navani is surprised it isn't even more bizarre as his spren is corrupted. Navani gives tasks to Falilar to keep him busy and then reflects on what procedural changes they should make for evacuations during a battle. Rushu is the only person still in the command station and Navani pulls her away from watching a solitary Windrunner to observe Dalinar opening Honor's Perpendicularity. Rock and Cord are protecting Dalinar as he does this. Navani is able to see into Shadesmar, but Rushu just feels a powerful "thump". Navani thinks understanding what Dalinar does will help to discover how Urithiru works, which will lead to advancing all the other technologies they are working on. Rushu is still distracted by the solitary Windrunner. When Navani finally looks, she notices that he actually has a black uniform with no shoulder patch. This isn't a Windrunner, it's Moash.

Kaladin

Kaladin chases Leshwi through the battlefield, noticing that most of his Windrunners were winning their engagements. He engages the Fused, fighting midair with spear and lance. Realizing that their path was bringing them over familiar territory, Kaladin draws ahead of Leshwi and creates a diversion by emptying his canteen onto some lurgs before ducking around the next hill. Leshwi is distracted by the lurgs dropping from their cocoons, and Kaladin gains the upper hand in a brief confrontation. She escapes into the sky again, and Kaladin successfully manages to stab her just as she stabs him. They withdraw their weapons before either dies, however, and then pause when they hear screaming in the distance. They both spot a Fused attacking civilians at the manor, and Leshwi tacitly grants Kaladin permission to deal with the problem. Before he leaves, Kaladin drops Syl in a gesture of surrender and receives a similar gesture in return.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Kaladin (point of view)
• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Ulina
• Ialai Sadeas
• Dalinar Kholin
• Leshwi
• Sigzil
• Falilar
• Renarin Kholin
• Rushu
• Lunamor
• Cord
• Moash
• Sylphrena
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Red (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Thanadal (mentioned only)
• Vamah (mentioned only)
• Tien (mentioned only)
• Nalma (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Glys (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Kmakl (mentioned only)

Chapter 7: The Rarest Vintage

Chapter 7 heading

The two metals of primary significance are zinc and brass, which allow you to control expression strength. Zinc wires touching the gemstone will cause the spren inside to more strongly manifest, while brass will cause the spren to withdraw and its power to dim. Remember that a gemstone must be properly infused following the spren’s capture. Drilled holes in the gemstone are ideal for proper use of the cage wires, so long as you don’t crack the structure and risk releasing the spren.

Plot Summary

Shallan

Veil talks with Ialai, trying to get her to admit to crimes or reveal some other knowledge. Ialai reveals she has access to the Kholin's inner circle and talks about the Sons of Honor; she believes the Ghostbloods killed Thanadal and Vamah, with Restares being the next on the list. She is sure she will be killed and tells Shallan to search for the rarest vintage in her room before others do. Adolin rushes in with soldiers and Lightweaver squires. Shallan's personas debate and decide not to kill Ialai, but she is poisoned to death with blackbane.

Kaladin

Using Godeke as hostage, the Pursuer forces Kaladin to fight indoors and activates a fabrial that disables his Lashings and Shardblade. Kaladin manages to defeat the inexperienced singer soldiers. He anticipates the move of the Pursuer and also kills him. Lift comes to get Godeke out and captures the fabrial for Navani to analyze.

Shallan

Shallan contemplates but discards the idea that she herself poisoned Ialai. She then suspects that the Ghostbloods have a spy among her squires who finished off Ialai when Shallan decided not to. Shallan goes on to search Ialai's room herself.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Kaladin (point of view)
• Ialai Sadeas
• Pattern
• Adolin Kholin
• Ishnah
• Gaz
• Red
• Sylphrena
• Waber
• Godeke
• Lift
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gavinor Kholin (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Thanadal (mentioned only)
• Loradar Vamah (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Restares (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Vathah (mentioned only)
• Beryl (mentioned only)
• Toralin Roshone (mentioned only)

Chapter 8: Surrender

Chapter 8 heading

A bronze cage can create a warning fabrial, alerting one to objects or entities nearby. Heliodors are being used for this currently, and there is some good reasoning for this—but other gemstones should be viable.

Plot Summary

Kaladin

Kaladin goes toward the manor's cellar, and passes a wall of flames. Arriving, he finds Jeber and another man manacled to a wall. He discovers they have been killed with a Shardblade. He finds Moash at a corner of the room, holding a knife to Roshone's neck. Moash slits Roshone's throat, killing him. Kaladin summons his Sylspear, but Moash surrenders.

Shallan

Shallan thinks about the balance she has reached. She tastes the wines in the room, finding one that tastes different. She takes it to Adolin and he says it's Shin wine. With Pattern's help, she finds carvings on the walls, maps of the Epoch Kingdoms. Behind a stone with a carving of Shin Kak Nish, she finds a notebook.

Kaladin

Kaladin talks with Moash. Moash says he killed Roshone for revenge. He says the people Kaladin loves will continue to die, and that the only way out is to kill himself. Suddenly, a strong light appears. An illusion of Moash steps toward the light, confident, loved, and Radiant. The real Moash screams, asking for his pain to be taken away, and runs away. The light fades, and Renarin grabs Kaladin, telling him the ship is ready to leave.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Sylphrena
• Jeber
• Toralin Roshone
• Moash
• Renarin Kholin
• Red
• Gaz
• Adolin Kholin
• Pattern
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Leshwi (mentioned only)
• Leyten (mentioned only)
• Laral Roshone (mentioned only)
• Lift (mentioned only)
• Godeke (mentioned only)
• Teft (mentioned only)
• Lunamor (mentioned only)
• Tien (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Dunny (mentioned only)
• Mart (mentioned only)
• Jaks (mentioned only)

Chapter 9: Contradictions

Chapter 9 heading

A pewter cage will cause the spren of your fabrial to express its attribute in force—a flamespren, for example, will create heat. We call these augmenters. They tend to use Stormlight more quickly than other fabrials.

Plot Summary

Kaladin

Kaladin returns to the Fourth Bridge, and is handed a cup of broth by an ardent. The Windrunners are congratulating Laran, who has sworn the Third Ideal, but Kaladin doesn't join them. Syl talks to him about his depression and helping him. Teft comes and tells Kaladin to congratulate Laran, and they talk about Moash. Kaladin takes off, going to transport Dalinar and Navani to the Shattered Plains.

Navani

Navani is in a wooden sphere, being Lashed toward the Shattered Plains. While stuck in this cramped chamber, she is contemplating the nature of contradictions and studying the Fused's Radiant suppression fabrial. She finds that the fabrial's four garnet design matches a sketch of the Urithiru gemstone pillar. Navani compares her technological fabrials that require trapped spren and clever applications to Soulcasters, that have no technological explanation and manifest as small unresponsive, though seemingly intelligent, spren in Shadesmar.

Anxious to arrive, she is amusing herself thinking of Dalinar's style of travel, when she notices a blinking red light on the wall and finds a spanreed ruby attached to the bottom of her table. She attaches it to a reed pen and sets it to writing as soon as her vehicle lands. The unknown messenger warns that her imprisonment of spren is causing more pain than any living person and that she must stop creating these new fabrials.

Shallan

Shallan and Adolin are in a carriage going toward the Shattered Plains' Oathgate. Shallan thinks about the truths she's suppressing, and about how people would leave her if they knew what she had done. Veil tells Adolin that Ialai was assassinated, and they discuss about whether it would have been right to kill the highprincess. Shallan shows Adolin the notebook, including a list of words containing "Nalathis", "Scadarial", and "Tal Dain", and at the end the name Thaidakar. Shallan thinks she will have to break with the Ghostbloods.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Adolin Kholin
• Dalinar Kholin
• Sylphrena
• Laran
• Laral Roshone
• Teft
• Tien (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Moash (mentioned only)
• Hav (mentioned only)
• Renarin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Lopen (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Lift (mentioned only)
• Pattern (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Lin Davar (mentioned only)
• Shallan's mother (mentioned only)
• Thanadal (mentioned only)
• Helaran Davar (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Iyatil (mentioned only)
• Gaz (mentioned only)

Chapter 10: A Single Casualty

Chapter 10 heading

A tin cage will cause the fabrial to diminish nearby attributes. A painrial, for example, can numb pain. Note that advanced designs of cages can use both steel and iron as well, changing the fabrial’s polarity depending on which metals are pushed to touch the gemstone.

Plot Summary

Syl tells Kaladin, on his way to the Shattered Plains, that Yunfah wants to speak to him. She flies off and returns with Yunfah. The spren tells Kaladin he is still choosing his Radiant. Kaladin suggests Rlain, but the spren refuses, angry. Kaladin orders Yunfah to try and bond Rlain for ten days before he picks anybody else.

Kaladin arrives at Narak, and he talks to Dalinar about the one-on-one engagements with the Fused, explaining how they reduce casualties. Dalinar says he'll relieve Kaladin of duty because Kaladin can't fuction anymore after seeing so many battles and deaths. Kaladin thinks about not being able to speak the Fourth Ideal. Dalinar tells him he'll still be helping with the war effort by teaching and supporting other soldiers. Kaladin says he'll need time to decide what he wants, and Dalinar tells him to report to him in ten days.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Sylphrena
• Yunfah
• Dalinar Kholin
• Navani Kholin
• Lunamor
• Teft
• Renarin Kholin
• Sigzil
• Lyn
• Lopen
• Leyten
• Peet
• Skar
• Drehy
• Laran
• Moash (mentioned only)
• Vratim (mentioned only)
• Rlain (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Leshwi (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)

Chapter 11: Passion and Courage

Chapter 11 heading

An iron cage will create an attractor—a fabrial that draws specific elements to itself. A properly created smoke fabrial, for example, can gather the smoke of a fire and hold it close. New discoveries lead us to believe it is possible to create a repeller fabrial, but we don’t yet know the metal to use to achieve this feat.

Plot Summary

Venli organizes Leshwi's servants to serve her on the spire. Timbre encourages her to go towards the Second Ideal. Venli introduces Shumin as a new servant, and she is accepted after facing the heights. Dul leads in Yokska, a human woman tailor, to design clothing for Leshwi. Leshwi sends her to teach artform singers instead, stating she is already being doubted as being too soft to humans. Venli then discusses running away from the Fused with Shumin, Dul, and Mazish. Shumin, who has newly joined, expresses an over eagerness. Venli reveals her ability to peek into Shadesmar but pretends it is a Regal ability, to Timbre's disapproval. They scramble and pretend nothing is happening when Leshwi comes to gather them and tell them something is happening that will change the war.

Characters

• Venli (point of view)
• Timbre
• Leshwi
• Dul
• Mazish
• Shumin
• Yokska
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Lezian (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)

Chapter 12: A Way to Help

Chapter 12 heading

One of my pleas is for artifabrians to stop shrouding fabrial techniques with so much mystery. Many decoy metals are used in cages, and wires are often plated to look like a different metal, with the express intent of confusing those who might try to learn the process through personal study. This might enrich the artifabrian, but it impoverishes us all.

Plot Summary

Arriving at Urithiru, Kaladin feels depressed despite people wanting to cheer him up. He still tries to maintain the strong façade, but collapses and thinks about Moash as soon as he enters his chambers. Syl fetches Adolin and he arrives to pull Kaladin out for a drink. They go to Jez's Duty winehouse, where Adolin has frequented and blends in well. Kaladin chats with Veil and Radiant about the assassination of Ialai and Shallan's personas. They talk about finding a new relationship for Kaladin, who is reluctant. Kaladin talks with Adolin about his battle shock and Shallan's mental stability. Rock tells Kaladin about his departure to his homeland to face the trials for lifting the bow.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Lunamor
• Lopen
• Skar
• Sigzil
• Sylphrena
• Leyten
• Kara
• Teft
• Adolin Kholin
• Shallan Davar
• Mel
• Jor
• Pattern
• Dakhnah
• Kryst
• Beautiful Song
• Dabbid (mentioned only)
• Rlain (mentioned only)
• Renarin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Dieno (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Lyn (mentioned only)
• Hem (mentioned only)
• Ristina (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Mayalaran (mentioned only)
• Cord (mentioned only)
• Gift (mentioned only)
• Moash (mentioned only)
• Drehy (mentioned only)
• Hoid (mentioned only)

Chapter 13: Another Hunt

Chapter 13 heading

Advanced fabrials are created using several different techniques. Conjoined fabrials require a careful division of the gemstone—and the spren inside. If performed correctly, the two halves will continue to behave as a single gemstone. Note that rubies and flamespren are traditional for this purpose— as they have proven the easiest to divide, and the quickest in response times. Other types of spren do not split as evenly, as easily, or at all.

Plot Summary

After dealing with her administrative duties, Shallan uncovers a spanreed communication she has received from Sja-anat confirming that the Unmade is sending more of her corrupted spren to the tower. Wanting to visit her brothers, she arrives at their rooms and settles down to sketch by the hearth with Jushu. When memories of her childhood cause her to sketch to become disturbing, she switches to looking through Ialai's notebook. Balat and Eylita arrive with a friend, and they go onto the balcony to talk. Veil finally recognizes the voice as belonging to Mraize, so she protectively lingers in the doorway until Mraize subtly indicates he wishes to speak with her and takes his leave. She asks Balat about his friend "Gobby" and is concerned by the story he tells.

Rather than fetching Adolin, who is off riding Gallant, Shallan approaches Mraize alone, disguised as a guard. Mraize commends Veil on taking down the Sons of Honor and asks her if she is fully committed to the Ghostbloods. After getting distracted by his chicken, Shallan tells him that she can't be committed if she doesn't know what their goal is. Mraize reveals that they are looking for ways to transport Stormlight and guides Radiant into the revelation that they want to take it off Roshar. After Radiant declines Mraize's offer of another job, Shallan tells him of Sja-anat's message and tries to uncover the identity of the spy who killed Ialai. Mraize then mentions that Ialai had to die because they don't want anyone to uncover what Gavilar was truly after; he baits Shallan with further knowledge, and she finally asks for details about the job. He instructs her to find Restares in Lasting Integrity, promising that all of his secrets will then be open to he

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Jushu Davar
• Pattern
• Balat Davar
• Eylita Tavinar
• Mraize
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Malise Gevelmar (mentioned only)
• Lin Davar (mentioned only)
• Helaran Davar (mentioned only)
• Wikim Davar (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Ivory (mentioned only)
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Talanan (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gallant (mentioned only)
• Turinad Sebarial (mentioned only)
• Sja-anat (mentioned only)
• Renarin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Iyatil (mentioned only)
• Thaidakar (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Restares (mentioned only)
• Luesh (mentioned only)

Chapter 14: Voice

Chapter 14 heading

All gemstones leak Stormlight at a slow rate—but so long as the crystal structure remains mostly intact, the spren cannot escape. Managing this leakage is important, as many fabrials also lose Stormlight through operation. All of this is tied up in the intricacies of the art. As is understanding one last vital kind of spren: logicspren.

Plot Summary

Venli accompanies Leshwi throughout Kholinar as she seeks information on the newly returned Fused. The next morning, she is called to a conclave of the most important singers in the city. She and the other Voices to the Fused climb to the fifth floor and take their places by their masters. The Nine open the meeting by humming something Venli can't translate but which indicates that Odium has his eye on their gathering. They begin by discussing their recent conflict in Alethkar, including the workings of the Fourth Bridge and the suppressor device the humans had captured. This leads to an interrogation of Lezian, who claims that the device malfunctioned and states that he will shortly leave to pursue Kaladin. After Leshwi explains to Venli about the Desolations and Lezian's tradition, she goads Lezian into losing his temper and manages to gain the Nine's concession that she has the first claim on Kaladin's life.

Raboniel arrives and directly proposes that they seize Urithiru from the humans. Several others bring up objections, but Raboniel explains her plan and declares that it is time to use Taravangian's inside information, even at the risk of exposing him. Meanwhile, Leshwi explains to Venli why she distrusts Raboniel and is wary of her claim to have found a method of stopping the endless cycle of their war. Vyre speaks up, reminding Raboniel to take Kaladin into account, but she dismisses the threat that he poses in favor of focusing on Dalinar and Jasnah. The Nine approve the proposal, and Leshwi hurries after Raboniel as the latter leaves. After Raboniel accepts the gift of Leshwi's staff of servants, Leshwi directs Venli to report to her in secret. Venli is emboldened to ask if there might be a way for her people to be free of the conflict, and after her frustration at Leshwi's rebuke, Timbre grows excited at the possible opportunity to learn how to harness their Radiant powers while at Urithiru.

Characters

• Venli (point of view)
• Leshwi
• Timbre
• Lezian
• Raboniel
• Uriam
• Jeshishin
• Moash
• Eshonai (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Zandiel (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• The Sibling (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)

Chapter 15: The Light and the Music

Chapter 15 heading

Logicspren react curiously to imprisonment. Unlike other spren, they do not manifest some attribute—you cannot use them to make heat, or to warn of nearby danger, or conjoin gemstones. For years, artifabrians considered them useless—indeed, experimenting with them was uncommon, since logicspren are rare and difficult to capture. A breakthrough has come in discovering that logicspren will vary the light they radiate based on certain stimuli. For example, if you make the Light leak from the gemstone at a controlled rate, the spren will alternate dimming and brightening in a regular pattern. This has led to fabrial clocks. When the gemstone is tapped with certain metals, the light will also change states from bright to dim. This is leading to some very interesting and complex mechanisms.

Plot summary

Ten days after the mission to Hearthstone, Dalinar announces Kaladin's change in status, and Kaladin promotes Sigzil and Skar to take over his previous duties. Immediately after the meeting, he goes to the sparring grounds in search of Zahel. Hearing that he is on laundry duty, Kaladin walks toward an outdoor area where they hang clothes to dry. On the way, he passes by a field where Rlain is overseeing rockbud farming with the new listener method that he has revealed to the humans. Kaladin gains Rlain's attention, and they meet in the field to speak. Rlain is at first ecstatic to hear that there is an honorspren that will bond him, but once Kaladin explains that he had told Yunfah either to bond Rlain or leave, Rlain disappointedly refuses the bond. He tells Kaladin about the prejudice he had faced as a parshman that had landed him in Bridge Four, explaining that he wants a spren who will choose him for who he is.

Leaving, Kaladin finds Zahel at the edge of the plateau hanging laundry. He hangs back, and Zahel finally asks him what he wants. When Kaladin explains that he has been forced into retirement, Zahel intuits that he thinks he might belong with the ardentia. Telling Kaladin to prove that he belongs there, Zahel initiates a fight. Kaladin summons Syl as a sword, and Zahel strikes back at him with the laundry; as they fight, Zahel gets Kaladin to search out why he really fights. He asks if Kaladin believes in the Almighty, and they discuss the topic until Kaladin finds himself on the ground with his own knife to his head. Zahel tells him to return when he can truly hate the fight. Kaladin asks him if he is like Hoid, which leads to an explanation of Zahel's understanding of Invested entities before Kaladin finally leaves him.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Dalinar Kholin
• Sigzil
• Sylphrena
• Lahar
• Rlain
• Zahel
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Skar (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Vratim (mentioned only)
• Yunfah (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• The Stormfather (mentioned only)
• Lunamor (mentioned only)
• Cord (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Azure (mentioned only)
• Cultivation (mentioned only)
• Hoid (mentioned only)
• Szeth (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Endowment (mentioned only)

Chapter 16: An Unknown Song

Chapter 16 heading

My final point of the evening is a discussion of Fused weapons. The Fused use a variety of fabrial devices to fight Radiants. It is obvious from how quickly they’ve fabricated and employed these countermeasures that they have used these in the past.

Plot Summary

Navani is visiting Szeth in his cell sixteen days after the test of the Fourth Bridge. She compares the sphere that Gavilar gave Szeth as he was dying to a sphere of Voidlight stolen from a singer. While both glow an impossible purple-on-black that Rushu describes as hyperviolet, the air warps around the sphere Szeth had provided, evoking a wrongness. Navani is befuddled as to where Gavilar could have gotten it let alone all the other spheres she saw that night. Since the test, Navani has been working on practical issues in the tower and has not heard again from the spanreed messenger. Navani turns her attention to Szeth and his strange blade; she wants to sink the Blade in the ocean like they'd done to the gemstone imprisoning the Thrill and execute Szeth, but Dalinar wants him alive and thinks the Blade is safest in his possession. Szeth has been granted his simple requests of white clothes, a shaving razor, a blanket, a bath a day, and lots of light. Szeth says he has found a better way by swearing to Dalinar, but this doesn't relieve Navani's fears. Navani asks Szeth about the night of Gavilar's assassination again. Szeth recounts how Gavilar trusted him with the sphere as he was not sent from the men Gavilar feared had sent him, then after writing down Gavilar's last words, Szeth hid the sphere. Szeth had retrieved the sphere a month ago, only after Navani explicitly asked if Gavilar had given him anything. Navani would like to study the Blade, but being around Szeth makes her sick. Szeth is pleased that when he asks Navani if she hates him, she says yes.

An hour later, Navani is up on Urithiru's Cloudwalk. She marvels at the design of the tower and the views, now being enjoyed by many diverse people. Navani meets up with Gavinor and his nursemaid and gives him a big hug. Gavinor has been improving since his trauma in Kholinar, but is still very solemn. He tells Navani about riding horses with Adolin and asks to have sword training with Dalinar. Navani laments that Elhokar is missing out on all of this. Leaving Gavinor with his nursemaid, she goes to the research station. The head scientist, Brother Benneh, tells her about the atmospheric conditions around the tower which adapt to the storms. Navani spots Dalinar walking with Taravangian and notices the tension between them that has been there since it was discovered Taravangian was using Szeth as an assassin. Dalinar's image is also suffering since he released his memoir that detailed the atrocities he committed in the Kholin unification war. Navani moves on to talk with the engineers constructing a set of telescopes, Talnah and Nem. She asks them to inspect the strange sphere, and they note that it is a practically flawless gem that will hold Voidlight for years. The engineers also note the wrongness of the light and ask to study it further. Navani is hesitant, but agrees as long as they keep it secret. Navani heads to the meeting chamber and reviews notes she took of Rlain's observation of the strange sphere. He said it felt painful and that it has a song he has never heard. Adolin and Shallan arrive for the meeting, escorting the Mink and discussing his escapology techniques. Dalinar arrives and squabbles with Shallan over Adolin. The Mink implies that his wife and son died in a war caused by Dalinar. The Mink asks where the maps are, and Dalinar and Shallan summon the Stormlight map.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Szeth
• Nightblood
• Gavinor Kholin
• Benneh
• Elthebar
• Dalinar Kholin
• Taravangian
• Talnah
• Nem
• Adolin Kholin
• Shallan Davar
• Dieno
• Rushu (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Nergaoul (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)
• Nale (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Aesudan Kholin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Rlain (mentioned only)
• Eshonai (mentioned only)

Chapter 17: A Proposal

Chapter 17 heading

The simplest Fused weapon against us isn’t truly a fabrial, but instead a metal that is extremely light and can withstand the blows of a Shardblade. This metal resists being Soulcast as well; it interferes with a great number of Radiant powers. Fortunately, the Fused seem unable to create it in great quantities—for they equip only themselves, and not their average soldiers, with these wonders.

Plot Summary

Navani watches carefully as Dalinar and Shallan form a map of Roshar from Stormlight. The Mink, enthralled, closely examines it and tests out various features that the Radiants can employ. Jasnah and Wit walk in, and Jasnah immediately asks for the Mink's thoughts on their situation. They discuss the status of the conflict while the Mink walks through the areas mentioned. Asking why they are showing him such information, Dalinar admits that they want his help and promises to help free Herdaz in return. The Mink tumbles to the fact that they are preparing for Taravangian to betray them and brings up their planned offensive to retake Alethkar. Declaring that he is willing to help the man who could write a book like Oathbringer, he tells them that it would be a mistake to attack Alethkar. He points them toward Emul instead, and Jasnah agrees to get him more detailed reports to see if his idea is really workable. After dismissing him with Adolin and Shallan so the couple can get him the maps and reports he needs, Jasnah persuades Dalinar that it is best to listen to him and forego Althkar for now. She sends Wit to fetch the Heralds, and they discuss Jasnah's new law to free all Alethi slaves while they wait. When Wit returns with Ash and Taln, Jasnah has Ash tell Dalinar about the possibility of restoring the Oathpact. Then they discuss Shinovar, which Jasnah touts as one more reason to win stability in Makabak.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar
• Dalinar Kholin
• Dieno
• Jasnah Kholin
• Hoid
• Adolin Kholin
• Shalash
• Taln
• The Stormfather (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Ishar (mentioned only)
• Fen Rnamdi (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)
• Malata (mentioned only)
• Teshav (mentioned only)
• Jezrien (mentioned only)
• Szeth (mentioned only)

Chapter 18: Surgeon

Chapter 18 heading

The Fused have a second metal I find fascinating—a metal that conducts Stormlight. The implications for this in the creation of fabrials are astounding. The Fused use this metal in conjunction with a rudimentary fabrial—a simple gemstone, but without a spren trapped inside. How they pull Stormlight out of a Radiant and into this sphere remains baffling. My scholars think they must be employing an Investiture differential. If a gemstone is full of Stormlight—or, I assume, Voidlight—and that Light is removed quickly, it creates a pressure differential (or a kind of vacuum) in the gemstone. This remains merely a theory.

Plot Summary

The Fourth Bridge is approaching the Shattered Plains, so Kaladin operates the Oathgate to take himself there, then Lashes himself into the sky, landing on the ship. An hour later, he leads his parents up to the sixth floor to show them the neighborhood that has been arranged for the former Hearthstone residents. Syl, Hesina, and Lirin banter in the hallways before they reach the rooms. Kaladin shows them around the area, assuming that Lirin disapproves of the arrangements because of his silence. Syl excitedly leads the group to the rooms they have prepared for Kaladin's family and gives them a tour of a sitting room with a full bookshelf, Oroden's room, and a fully stocked surgery. Lirin finally admits that he thinks his kind of medical care is obsolete now, but Kaladin is able to explain to him that it isn't. At Syl's prompting, Kaladin tells his overjoyed parents that he has retired from battle and wants to be a surgeon with his father.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Sylphrena
• Lirin
• Hesina
• Lunamor (mentioned only)
• Skar (mentioned only)
• Drehy (mentioned only)
• Sigzil (mentioned only)
• Teft (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Oroden (mentioned only)
• Laral Roshone (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)

Chapter 19: Garnets

Chapter 19 heading

The world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, and so I come to the crux of my argument. We cannot afford to keep secrets from one another any longer. The Thaylen artifabrians have private techniques relating to how they remove Stormlight from gems and create fabrials around extremely large stones. I beg the coalition and the good people of Thaylenah to acknowledge our collective need. I have taken the first step by opening my research to all scholars. I pray you will see the wisdom in doing the same.

Plot Summary

Navani visits Rushu in the crystal pillar room, where Rushu informs her that she hasn't made any progress mapping the gems on the pillar to fabrial constructions. She tells Navani that the captured suppression fabrial contains a corrupted spren, and Navani directs her to try to reverse the fabrial's effects. They discuss the tower's security, and then Navani visits the other scholars in the old gem archive room, where Tomor and Falilar show her their personal lifting fabrial prototype. After they convince her to try it out, she takes Falilar to a deep shaft that she has outfitted with several pulley systems. Explaining how this can replace some of the demand for manpower, she tasks him with designing a fabrial that can be linked to the pulleys.

The coalition of monarchs gathers later that day, and Navani immediately runs into Taravangian. He sincerely and terrifyingly, to her mind, explains that he has always been looking out for the future of Roshar before Noura begins the meeting by having Dalinar outline his proposed attack on Emul. Yanagawn shortly adds his support, followed by Taravangian; the latter's agreement causes the Alethi to second guess their idea. When Queen Fen approves the mission as well, she brings up the dearth of honorspren, so Sigzil brings up the idea of sending an envoy to their capital. After discussing their options, Shallan volunteers to lead the mission along with Adolin; they decide to take Godeke, a Truthwatcher, and a Stoneward as well. After dinner with the Thaylen leaders, Navani relaxes with Dalinar by their heating fabrial. They sift through Taravangian's motivations together before Dalinar asks Navani to stay behind to run the tower while he is in Emul.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Rushu
• Tomor
• Falilar
• Fen Rnamdi
• Kmakl
• Dalinar Kholin
• Taravangian
• Noura
• Yanagawn
• Jasnah Kholin
• Vexil
• Malata
• Lift
• Sigzil
• Renarin Kholin
• Godeke
• Shallan Davar
• Adolin Kholin
• Glys (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Dali (mentioned only)
• Sebasinar (mentioned only)
• Savrahalidem (mentioned only)
• Hanavanar (mentioned only)
• Ishar (mentioned only)
• Dieno (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Wyndle (mentioned only)
• Gavilar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)

Interludes

Interlude I-1: Sylphrena

Plot Summary

Syl is flying through the halls of Urithiru while Kaladin is still asleep. She comes across Cord, who is cooking and who gives Syl an offering. Syl takes note of Cord’s Shardplate, then gets distracted. She reflects on how she constantly has to force herself to not get distracted. Syl moves on to Kaladin’s quarters and thinks about how badly she wants to help him cope with his depression, something she struggled to understand. Soon a highstorm approaches and she asks the Stormfather if he can make her feel like Kaladin does. The Stormfather denies her this wish, insisting that she put Kaladin’s needs above her own.

After the storm has passed, she goes to Dalinar and makes the same request of him, asking him to strengthen the bond between her and Kaladin. Dalinar asks Syl what she knows of the powers of a Bondsmith, and she explains that they can Connect things and indeed that it was this power of Connection that created both the Oathpact and the Nahel bonds between human and spren. Dalinar too denies Syl’s request, but reassures her that she can help Kaladin even so.

Characters

• Sylphrena (point of view)
• Cord
• The Stormfather
• Dalinar Kholin
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Lunamor (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Tuaka (mentioned only)
• Relador (mentioned only)
• Rua (mentioned only)
• Ishar (mentioned only)

Interlude I-2: Sja-anat

Plot Summary

Sja-anat moves through the Kholinar palace, living on the edge between the Physical and Cognitive Realms. She thinks about how she is only able to keep a few chosen secrets from Odium. As she feels Odium approaching, she meets with two touched windspren (ones the humans would call "corrupted") and sends them away. This is intended to serve as a distraction for Odium: She also sends a touched Radiant spren to Urithiru, to observe Mraize and then either bond with him or whomever else the spren chooses.

Shortly after, Odium arrives and questions Sja-anat on the spren she sent away. She keeps up a pretense of working for Odium, even though both know that she wants more freedom. Ultimately, Odium commands her to ignore Urithiru and instead observe Taravangian.

Characters

• Sja-anat (point of view)
• Tumi
• Odium
• Nergaoul (mentioned only)
• Ba-Ado-Mishram (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Shallan Davar (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• The Sibling (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Cultivation (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)

Interlude I-3: Into the Fire

Plot Summary

Taravangian has gathered his friends to tell them farewell in his chambers at Urithiru. Later that day, he would leave for Emul with Dalinar and Jasnah, while the rest of the Diagram would go back to Kharbranth. In Emul, Taravangian intends to have his armies betray the coalition, doing his part of the agreement with Odium. Jah Keved too will turn against the coalition at that time. He announces to his group that the Diagram has served its purpose and now has to be disbanded. Kharbranth is to distance itself from Taravangian's actions so that the city may be able to stay out of the war. After his friends have left the room, Taravangian reassures himself that saving a single city was really all he could’ve done, and throws his copy of the Diagram into the fire.

Characters

• Taravangian (point of view)
• Adrotagia
• Mrall
• Maben
• Dukar
• Savrahalidem (mentioned only)
• Gvori (mentioned only)
• Karavaniga (mentioned only)
• Ruli (mentioned only)
• Taravangian's granddaughter (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• The Nightwatcher (mentioned only)
• Danlan Morakotha (mentioned only)
• Delgo (mentioned only)
• Malata (mentioned only)
• Battar (mentioned only)

Part 2: Our Calling

Chapter 20 heading

Dear Wanderer, I did receive your latest communication. Please forgive formality on my part, as we have not met in person. I feel new to this role, despite my years holding it. You will admit to my relative youth, I think.

plot summary

Radiant visits her Lightweavers, who are practicing in the underground chamber they have taken over. Though Radiant disapproves of the mission to Shadesmar, she respects the decision of the other two and tries to ease Shallan's burden by taking control of making the arrangements regarding which of her agents to bring. After giving Beryl and Darcira sparring tips, Radiant contemplates the options and decides to leave the most likely spy behind. As she begins interviewing the Lightweavers, Ishnah asks to go; Radiant asks each of the others their opinions before settling on Ishnah, Vathah, Beryl and Stargyle as the most likely to be a spy. When Radiant and Shallan decide to leave them behind, Veil asserts control with a brief moment of nausea as she walks over to inform Ishnah that she, Vathah, and Stargyle are to come on the mission. Inside herself, Radiant changes her vote to agree with Veil while Shallan pounds weakly at her. Veil remains in control the rest of the day; when she returns to her rooms, she finds a note from Mraize instructing her to keep in communication with him via a strange cube he had left in her dresser.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Pattern
• Beryl
• Darcira
• Ishnah
• Vathah
• Red
• Stargyle
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Restares (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Gaz (mentioned only)
• Godeke (mentioned only)
• Zu (mentioned only)
• Arshqqam (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Gavinor Kholin (mentioned only)

Chapter 21: The Seething Knot

Chapter 21 heading

I have been fascinated to discover how much you’ve accomplished on Scadrial without me noticing your presence. How is it that you hide from Shards so well?

Plot Summary

As Adolin is trying to decide what to wear into Shadesmar, Shallan walks in and gives him a hard time over taking so much time to choose. She gives him an hour to be down at the Oathgate, so after he decides on a uniform he had had designed four years before, he goes to visit Kaladin. Circumnavigating the line, Adolin enters the clinic and waits for Kaladin in an empty room. Adolin kids Kaladin about lighteyed women feigning illness to come see him, and Kaladin's reaction shows that not only is this already happening, but that Kaladin hadn't caught on yet. Despite Syl saying that she thinks his job as a surgeon is helping, Kaladin reacts instinctively when Adolin makes a sudden movement to test him. He then gives Kaladin a coin that Zahel had given him to remind him that while war should not be necessary, they live in an imperfect world. Syl gives Adolin some last minute advice regarding dealing with honorspren.

Joining those waiting at the Oathgate platform, Adolin gives his armorers instructions on what to do with his Plate should it not transfer. He speaks with Beryl before turning his attention to Gallant. Godeke, walking up, is treated to an exposition of the swords Adolin is bringing; when the Edgedancer makes his escape, Zu contends that Adolin should just get a Shardblade by becoming a Radiant. With the Stump's arrival, the whole team is there. Adolin watches as Jasnah observes the Lightweavers perform one last test by Soulcasting obsidian into lavis grain. After their successful attempts, Dalinar addresses the group. They applaud politely, then listen as Jasnah and Taravangian also speak to them. The group enters the control building, leaving Adolin and Dalinar alone. Dalinar stiffly tries to tell Adolin not to make his same mistakes while Adolin, feeling misunderstood and belittled, avoids giving vent to his blocked-up anger over his mother's death. Dalinar leaves his son with the expectation that he will become a Radiant, and Adolin joins the others. Shallan transfers them into Shadesmar with Pattern.

Characters

• Adolin Kholin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar
• Hesina
• Lirin
• Kaladin
• Sylphrena
• Beryl
• Gallant
• Godeke
• Zu
• Merit
• Felt
• Urad
• Arshqqam
• Jasnah
• Hoid
• Ishnah
• Vathah
• Dalinar Kholin
• Taravangian
• Pattern
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Renarin Kholin (mentioned only),
• Zahel (mentioned only)
• Fisk (mentioned only)
• Stargyle (mentioned only)
• Mayalaran (mentioned only)
• Malli (mentioned only)
• Dreaming-though-Awake (mentioned only)
• Lift (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Evi Kholin (mentioned only)

Chapter 22: No Use Talking

Chapter 22 heading

I have reached out to the others as you requested, and have received a variety of responses.

Plot Summary

Adolin

Adolin thanks the gatekeepers as the group regards their surroundings. He takes a count of everyone, and then Shallan points out Maya to him. He hurries over and greets her, then takes her around and introduces her to everyone, defending his actions to an inquisitive Dreaming-though-Awake. Afterwards, while redistributing the load on Gallant, Adolin notices that the horse has a slight glowing afterimage. Adolin puts an arm around Shallan as they set off down the ramp. Pattern comes up behind them and hugs them both, exclaiming over having feet again.

Adolin spends the trip down the ramp speaking with the members of the team. He gets a few scant details on Zu's past before having a discussion about the Almighty with Godeke and then speaking with Arshqqam via her spren's translation. After discussing their plan with Shallan for a bit, Ua'pam points out his cousin's barge to Adolin. They pay the peakspren and board the ship. After moving their possessions onto the deck, Adolin grooms Gallant; noticing Maya watching, he teaches her how to groom the Ryshadium.

Shallan

Checking her trunk, Shallan panics after recognizing that someone has used her cube, presumably to communicate with Mraize.

Characters

• Adolin Kholin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Pattern
• Zu
• Ua'pam
• Godeke
• Archinal
• Dreaming-though-Awake
• Arshqqam
• Mayalaran
• Beryl
• Ornament
• Ishnah
• Motif
• Vathah
• Mosaic
• Felt
• Ledder
• Gallant
• Unativi
• The Stormfather (mentioned only)
• The Sibling (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Evi Kholin (mentioned only)
• Isasik Shulin (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Lift (mentioned only)
• Fen Rnamdi (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)

Chapter 23: Binding Wounds

Chapter 23 heading

Much as you indicate, there is a division among the other Shards I would not have anticipated.

Plot Summary

Kaladin binds Adin's ankle, telling his father to bring him back after a week of staying off it so he can judge its progress. Hawin leads Mil in next, then leaves the room; forgetting that she is gone, Kaladin asks her to read the list of "migraine prodromes." Syl instead finds the right page and begins reading the list to Kaladin while he chats with Mil. After sending Mil away, Kaladin and Syl discuss further uses for their powers that don't have to do with fighting. Kaladin notices that Syl is acting more somber than usual. Walking out to the balcony, Kaladin is spotted by a group of Windrunners, and they salute him before flying down to the Oathgates. He treats patients for the rest of the day, taking special note of Cressa's request to find her uncle. Going to ask Lirin about the man, Kaladin instead encounters Teft speaking with Hesina. Knowing that Teft had been mobilized with the rest of Bridge Four, Kaladin asks why he is still there. When Teft explains that he has gotten approval from Dalinar to step down from active duty, Kaladin tries to tell him to go back. Quickly realizing that Teft is dead set on his decision, Kaladin thanks him for sticking with him and tells him about their search for Noril.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Adin
• Alalan
• Sylphrena
• Hawin
• Mil
• Leyten
• Lirin
• Cressa
• Teft
• Hesina
• Lopen (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Taravangian (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Rlain (mentioned only)
• Shallan Davar (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Noril (mentioned only)
• Phendorana (mentioned only)
• Moash (mentioned only)
• Sigzil (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)

Chapter 24: Full of Awe

Chapter 24 headings

Endowment at least responded to my overtures, though I have not been able to locate Invention again following our initial contact.

Plot Summary

The second day on the barge, Radiant sets assignments for her Lightweavers, then sits down to look through Ialai's book again. Radiant and Shallan discuss the ramifications of the Ghostblood's search for Ba-Ado-Mishram in conjunction with their goal of taking Stormlight offworld, but when Radiant tries to get Shallan to emerge, Shallan instead votes to end Veil's punishment and lets her take control. Veil immediately starts making terrible attempts at sketching. When she draws Adolin very badly, she finally goads Shallan into taking control.

Shallan draws for five hours, at the end of which Adolin brings her a meal and sits down with her. They talk about Adolin's worries for the mission, which leads into Shallan confessing the real reason she had sought to become Jasnah's ward: to rob her. Adolin just laughs at her incredulously, which lightens her feeling of dread over telling him the truth. They trade bad jokes, and then Shallan asks for help with getting the peakspren's clothing right. When Dreaming-though-Awake approaches, Shallan begins to sketch her. The mistspren investigates her drawing and is disappointed to see it is just her, having overheard their earlier talk of the Unmade. They ask her what she knows about Ba-Ado-Mishram, but she just tells them to ask the Heralds.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Zu
• Arshqqam
• Adolin Kholin
• Beryl
• Ishnah
• Vathah
• Pattern
• Archinal
• Dreaming-though-Awake
• Ornament
• Motif
• Mosaic
• Ua'pam
• Ialai Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Thaidakar (mentioned only)
• Ba-Ado-Mishram (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Re-Shephir (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Lin Davar (mentioned only)
• Nale (mentioned only)
• Kalak (mentioned only)

Chapter 25: Devotionary of Mercy

Chapter 25 heading

Whimsy was not terribly useful, and Mercy worries me. I do think that Valor is reasonable, and suggest you approach her again. It has been too long, in her estimation, since your last conversation.

Plot Summary

Kaladin and Teft go looking for Noril, the missing refugee. The ardent at the first devotary they go to tell them that Noril had tried to kill himself, so they had sent him to the Devotary of Mercy. Following her directions, Kaladin and Teft find the devotary on the fourth floor. The ardent there refuses to divulge patient information until Teft summons Phendorana and proves that they are of sufficient rank to authorize the request. After looking up the room number, the ardent leads them to Noril. On the way, Kaladin and Teft are both disillusioned by seeing the way that all the patients are locked up in the dark. They convince Noril to come out to a balcony to talk, and when Kaladin and Teft prove that they understand how he feels, Noril begins to open up to them. Kuno, shocked to see Noril speaking, discusses with Kaladin the standard of care for those with mental illness. He admits that they need to do better but sees no way to change the established system; Kaladin asks that Noril be released into his care and warns Kuno that he will be back for the others.

Characters

• Kaladin (point of view)
• Teft
• Noril
• Kuno
• Phendorana
• Sylphrena
• Lirin (mentioned only)
• Shallan Davar (mentioned only)
• Yara (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Cressa (mentioned only)
• Aladar (mentioned only)
• Navani Kholin (mentioned only)

Chapter 26: A Little Espionage

Chapter 26 heading

The deaths of both Devotion and Dominion trouble me greatly, as I had not realized this immense power we held was something that could be broken in such a way. On my world, the power always gathered and sought a new Vessel.

Plot Summary

On the fourth day on the barge, Shallan is trying to sketch while all four Cryptics crowd around her. She starts to panic as they get excited over a mistake, so Radiant emerges long enough to excuse herself from the spren and wait until Shallan has recovered. Veil wants to walk Shallan through the process of finding the spy, but Radiant insists they make sure the communication cube couldn't have been moved accidentally before they start investigating in earnest. As the three determine that none of them had moved it but that someone must have, Pattern approaches and discusses the nature of Cryptics with Shallan. Veil then decides the best method for them to use is to feed each of the Lightweavers a distinct piece of misinformation and see which one Mraize hears about.

Shallan approaches Ishnah, who is helping the peakspren manifest goods. She overhears Ua'pam and Unativi argue over whether it is best to get involved in the war or not before engaging Ishnah in conversation. Manipulating Ishnah into thinking she already knows the other woman's secret, Shallan discovers that the only thing Ishnah has to confess is how she unwittingly funded illegal enterprises among her former acquaintances in the underground. Mentioning the Ghostbloods elicits no suspicious reaction, so Shallan moves on to Beryl after telling Ishnah about seeing a corrupted windspren. Beryl is practicing Soulcasting obsidian into lavis, and the sunny woman discusses her methods with Shallan. Overheard by Pattern, who comes over to inspect the lavis, they discuss Beryl's past before Shallan feeds her a mention of a corrupted gloryspren. The conversation overwhelms Shallan, so Radiant is the one to approach Vathah. They discuss Vathah's willingness to work aboard the barge, but Shallan emerges again to take over after Radiant's poor attempt to bring the conversation around to corrupted spren. She tells Vathah that the Lightweavers are like a family, then slips into the conversation a sighting of a corrupted fearspren. When Veil tries to bring up what is really bothering Shallan about the conversations that day, Shallan retreats and forces Radiant into control.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Pattern
• Ornament
• Motif
• Mosaic
• Ua'pam
• Ishnah
• Unativi
• Beryl
• Vathah
• Tyn (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Mraize (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Den (mentioned only)
• Sja-anat (mentioned only)
• Stargyle (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Gaz (mentioned only)
• Isom (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)

Chapter 27: Banners

Chapter 27 heading

That said, the most worrying thing I discovered in this was the wound upon the Spiritual Realm where Ambition, Mercy, and Odium clashed—and Ambition was destroyed. The effects on the planet Threnody have been … disturbing.

Plot Summary

Dalinar approaches Navani as she contemplates the troops being transferred to Azir. She tells him again to watch for treachery from Taravangian before Gavinor walks in with his governess, ready to leave. Dalinar exits after him, and Navani goes to give her daughter an awkward hug. After a short discussion, Jasnah heads to the Oathgate as well and Sebarial walks up. They talk about Taravangian's inevitable betrayal, and then Sebarial obliquely solicits advice regarding Palona when Navani mentions her. Navani directs him to bring the warcamps back under Alethi control, then suggests that he try to be more sincere with Palona.

Navani and Brightness Anesa go over various reports regarding the tower as they ride to the atrium. Once there, she inspects a hidden room to which a Stoneward has created access. Falilar promises to conduct a thorough study of the scale model hidden in the room as well as to try to uncover the secrets of the gemstone found in the doorway. As she reenters the palanquin, Isabi runs up holding a blinking spanreed that indicates her mysterious contact wants to speak with her again.

Characters

• Navani Kholin (point of view)
• Dalinar Kholin
• Taravangian
• Szeth
• Nightblood
• Gavinor Kholin
• Jasnah Kholin
• Turinad Sebarial
• Ruthar
• Anesa
• Badali
• Falilar
• Isabi
• Nergaoul (mentioned only)
• Shallan Davar (mentioned only)
• Adolin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Renarin Kholin (mentioned only)
• Hoid (mentioned only)
• Loradar Vamah (mentioned only)
• Thanadal (mentioned only)
• Meridas Amaram (mentioned only)
• Roion's son (mentioned only)
• Aladar (mentioned only)
• Hatham (mentioned only)
• Bethab (mentioned only)
• Mishinah Bethab (mentioned only)
• Torol Sadeas (mentioned only)
• Palona (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Tomor (mentioned only)

Chapter 28: Heresies

Chapter 28 Heading

Other Shards I cannot identify, and are hidden to me. I fear that their influence encroaches upon my world, yet I am locked into a strange inability because of the opposed powers I hold.

Plot Summary

Falilar, Isabi, and the other scholars set up the spanreed, attaching it to a scale so they can measure the amount of decay when the fabrial is activated. Navani converses with the other party regarding the suffering to spren that her fabrial experiments cause while the others take measurements. Falilar, discovering that the writer is close enough to be inside the tower, requests that they move to a second location so they can begin to triangulate their location. Agreeing, Navani and Kalami meet the others on the plateau in front of the tower and reinitiate the conversation. The phantom writer reveals themself to be a spren, but Navani discounts Kalami's suggestion that it is another of the Unmade. The spren severs the connection, and Navani devises a plan to force them to show their hand. On her way back inside, she kicks the spanreed over the edge in such a way that makes it seem like an accident. Though she directs Falilar to search for it, she privately intends to make sure that it is unusable.

Characters

• Adolin Kholin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Gallant
• Godeke
• Ua'pam
• Vathah
• Unativi
• Mayalaran
• Felt
• Pattern
• Mraize
• Testament
• Inkspren shopkeeper
• Archinal
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Nergaoul (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Zahel (mentioned only)
• Zu (mentioned only)
• Azure (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)

Chapter 29: A Cage Without Bars

Chapter 29 Heading

I have begun searching for a pathway out of this conundrum by seeking the ideal person to act on my behalf. Someone who embodies both Preservation and Ruin. A … sword, you might say, who can both protect and kill.

Plot Summary

Adolin is with Gallant when he hears that land has finally been sighted; moving up to the prow with the others, he tells them that they need to let a couple of Lightweavers investigate the town before they enter. The humans convene under the tarp, where Adolin wakes a hungover Shallan, who agrees to take Vathah and scout the settlement. While they, Ua'pam, and Unativi are gone, Godeke and Adolin discuss their waning Stormlight stores. Needing to calm his nerves, Adolin begins teaching Maya a new kata. He gets lost in the training exercise until Shallan's group returns and reports nothing unusual.

Shallan

Realizing that this is a chance for her to be alone, Shallan tells Adolin that she wants to rest as the others leave for Nameless. He reluctantly leaves her, so she goes to tell Unativi that she will watch over the barge if he and his crew wish to visit the town. Pattern stays behind and, correctly intuiting her intentions, wishes to hear her conversation with Mraize. She directs him to station himself where he can both hear the exchange and watch for anyone returning to the barge. After confirming that the cube has been moved again since the last time she checked, Shallan asks the cube if she can speak with Mraize and shortly hears his voice coming from the device.

Adolin

As Adolin and Maya enter the town with a small group of his soldiers, he is transfixed by the different varieties of spren. After a brief exchange with Maya regarding why Shallan would choose to stay behind, Adolin realizes that the deadeye is staring at another deadeye standing in front of a shop. Thinking that it would be best for Maya to move on, Adolin tries to leave; however, her insistent focus on the other spren causes him to approach the shop and engage the shopkeeper in conversation. The inkspren tells Adolin the cryptic deadeye's story, disturbing him greatly when he realizes she has been killed recently. As he turns to go, Godeke jogs up to tell him about a caravan of humans.

Characters

• Adolin Kholin (point of view)
• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Gallant
• Godeke
• Ua'pam
• Vathah
• Unativi
• Mayalaran
• Felt
• Pattern
• Mraize
• Testament
• Inkspren shopkeeper
• Archinal
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• Nergaoul (mentioned only)
• Jasnah Kholin (mentioned only)
• Zahel (mentioned only)
• Zu (mentioned only)
• Azure (mentioned only)
• Elhokar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)

Chapter 30: The Betrayal

Chapter 30 Heading

But this does not get to the core of your letter. I have encouraged those who would speak to me to heed your warnings, but all seem content to ignore Odium for the time being. In their opinion, he is no threat as long as he remains confined in the Rosharan system.

Plot Summary

Shallan

As Veil begins to speak with Mraize, a sense that she has knelt as she is, communicating via a similar glowing cube, overtakes her. Veil tries to make Shallan remember, but Shallan has Veil take over again. She tries to trade for information on the cube, then reports that they are being watched by some corrupted spren. After telling her that there is nothing to report on events at Urithiru or in Emul, Mraize tells her to keep watching the corrupted gloryspren; in doing so, he confirms to Shallan that Beryl is the spy.

Adolin

Adolin, Godeke, Archinal, and Maya go investigate a caravan of humans camped outside of Nameless. After trying several languages, one speaks to them in broken Alethi to tell them they do not want to talk. Adolin and Godeke agree that the group is definitely Tukari and leave pondering the implications of such a fact. As they approach the barge again, Adolin recognizes Notum speaking to Unativi.

Shallan

Pattern finds Shallan sketching the cube over and over, and Shallan explains to him that she has figured out that Beryl has been using the device to communicate with Mraize. Veil, suspicious that the process was too easy, questions their conclusion. Shallan begins sketching the cube from her childhood memory, and Pattern tells her that he is worried about her. In distress, Shallan forces Veil to take over again; Veil, hearing Adolin's voice, realizes his presence is what they need and goes to him but remains silent so as to avoid causing Shallan more pain.

Adolin

Adolin and Maya step up to speak with Notum. Adolin tells the honorspren about their diplomatic mission, and Notum tries to get him to see how futile he thinks the mission will be. They argue over the Recreance, and Maya growls when Adolin states that the other honorspren should listen to Syl since they think she is so precious. Adolin calls out to Notum as he leaves, referring to him as a ship's captain. Notum in turn tells him about his punishment following his decision to let their group go free prior to the Battle of Thaylen Field. He asks if they at least saved Dalinar, and Adolin is forced to admit that it had actually ended up being the other way around. Notum promises to counsel against their mission should they meet again on the road, but Adolin's resolve is only strengthened.

Characters

• Shallan Davar (point of view)
• Adolin Kholin (point of view)
• Mraize
• Godeke
• Archinal
• Mayalaran
• Unativi
• Notum
• Pattern
• Ua'pam
• Zu
• Shallan's mother (mentioned only)
• Iyatil (mentioned only)
• Sja-anat (mentioned only)
• Odium (mentioned only)
• Dalinar Kholin (mentioned only)
• Beryl (mentioned only)
• Ishar (mentioned only)
• Vathah (mentioned only)
• Ishnah (mentioned only)
• Sylphrena (mentioned only)
• The Stormfather (mentioned only)
• Honor (mentioned only)
• Kaladin (mentioned only)