Easy to read full book summaries for any book.
The story takes place in the world of Roshar, where powerful beings known as Surgebinders wield magical abilities known as Surges, and a powerful entity known as the Everstorm threatens to destroy the land. The tale follows a variety of characters, including Navani, a scientist and engineer; Kaladin, a skilled warrior and leader; Shallan, a young noblewoman with extraordinary abilities; and Venli, a member of a species known as the Parshendi. As the story unfolds, alliances are formed and broken, and the characters must navigate complex moral landscapes and confront their own demons in order to survive and ultimately save their world from destruction. The narrative explores themes of power, identity, and redemption, and raises questions about the nature of morality and the consequences of one's actions. Throughout the book, the characters face numerous challenges and struggles, including battles with powerful enemies, personal struggles with their own pasts and motivations, and difficult choices that must be made in order to achieve their goals. Ultimately, the story builds towards a climactic showdown between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of Roshar hanging in the balance.
The story takes place seven years ago, at a grand feast in the Kholinar palace, where King Gavilar is hosting various dignitaries, including the Parshendi, with whom he has recently signed a treaty. Navani, Gavilar's wife, is managing the logistics of the feast, while also dealing with her husband's increasingly erratic and secretive behavior. As the evening wears on, Navani discovers that Gavilar is meeting with mysterious ambassadors, discussing a project involving strange, glowing spheres. When she confronts him, Gavilar reveals his disdain for her, questioning her worth and accomplishments, and Navani, in turn, threatens to write a history that would tarnish his legacy. Later that night, Gavilar is assassinated by a Parshendi, and Navani is left to grapple with the consequences of his death, including the revelation that she had, in a moment of anger, prayed for his demise. Despite her complicated feelings about her husband, Navani decides to present a united front and help maintain stability in the kingdom, while also searching for the mysterious spheres that Gavilar had been hiding.
The story takes place in the town of Hearthstone, where a massive influx of refugees from the fallen kingdom of Herdaz has created a sense of chaos and desperation. Lirin, a skilled surgeon, is tasked with inspecting the refugees for any signs of disease or injury, while also secretly searching for a specific individual - the leader of the Herdazian resistance, known as the Mink. Meanwhile, the town is ruled by a parshwoman named Abiajan, who has recently returned with a group of parshmen and has taken on a role of authority. As Lirin continues his inspections, he discovers the Mink and his soldiers hiding among the refugees and attempts to sneak them past the parshmen guards. However, their plan is disrupted by the arrival of a Fused, a powerful and intimidating creature with a jagged carapace and glowing red eyes, who is searching for a young spy with a distinctive slave's brand on his forehead. The Fused's search leads to the revelation of Kaladin, Lirin's son, who has arrived in Hearthstone and is now at risk of being discovered and captured.
Kaladin engages in a fierce battle with a new variety of Fused, a powerful and intimidating creature with unique abilities, including the power to teleport and heal quickly. Despite being severely injured, Kaladin manages to outmaneuver and defeat the Fused, but not before realizing that the creature's powers are fueled by Voidlight. After the battle, Kaladin returns to Hearthstone, where he meets with the town's leaders and the Herdazian resistance, including the elusive Mink. However, the Mink has escaped, leaving behind a dummy in his place. Kaladin warns the townspeople of an impending attack by a larger force of Fused and prepares to evacuate them using a massive floating platform created by Navani, which arrives just in time to rescue the town. Meanwhile, Veil, a spy and assassin, continues her mission to infiltrate the Sons of Honor by posing as a merchant, and after being drugged, she finally gets kidnapped, marking a significant step forward in her mission.
Navani's flying ship, the Fourth Bridge, has successfully landed in Alethkar to rescue a town and its people from the enemy. As the townspeople board the ship, Navani meets with various individuals, including the Thaylen prince consort, Kmakl, and Kaladin's father, Lirin, a surgeon. Lirin expresses interest in using the ship to deliver mobile hospitals to battlefields, while Kmakl ponders the implications of air travel on the navy and traditional ways of warfare. Meanwhile, Dalinar uses his Bondsmith powers to refill Kaladin's Stormlight, and Navani takes notes on the phenomenon, seeking to understand the secrets behind Stormlight and the Bondsmiths. The ship's mission is soon disrupted by the arrival of the Mink, a Herdazian leader, who requests that the Fourth Bridge rescue his remaining army from hidden locations. Dalinar agrees, and the ship prepares to face incoming Fused enemies, putting Navani's precautions and the ship's defenses to the test.
Veil, one of Shallan's personas, has been captured by the Sons of Honor, a cult trying to bring back the Heralds, and is being initiated into their group. She pretends to be a lighteyed woman named Chanasha Hasareh, and the cultists believe she is a potential recruit. During the initiation, Veil uses a device she had previously sold to the cult to "prove" she bears no illusions, and she swears oaths to serve the Sons of Honor and their true queen, Ialai Sadeas. However, when the cultists mention that they have a source close to Dalinar Kholin, Shallan takes over and reveals that she is not who they think she is, attempting to extract more information about the potential informant in Dalinar's inner circle.
The story continues with Kaladin and his Windrunners engaging in a battle with the Fused, a group of powerful and immortal enemies. Kaladin faces off against Leshwi, a skilled and cunning Fused warrior, and the two engage in a intense and intricate chase through the skies. Meanwhile, Shallan, in her persona as Veil, is being held captive by the Sons of Honor, a cult trying to bring back the Heralds. She uses her Lightweaving abilities to create an illusion, making it seem like she has access to valuable secrets and schematics, in an attempt to gain the trust of the cult leaders and get closer to their queen, Ialai Sadeas. As the battle between the Windrunners and the Fused continues, Kaladin becomes increasingly distracted and tired, and his relationships with his fellow soldiers are put to the test. The chapter ends with Kaladin spotting a new and powerful Fused, one that can fly incredibly quickly and strike at the Windrunners without warning.
Shallan, in her persona as Veil, is being held captive by the Sons of Honor, a cult that serves Ialai Sadeas. She is taken to a secret location where she meets Ialai, and her goal is to assassinate her. Meanwhile, Kaladin is engaged in a fierce battle with Leshwi, a skilled Fused warrior. Despite being outmaneuvered, Kaladin uses his knowledge of the terrain to gain the upper hand and wounds Leshwi. As they pause to catch their breath, Kaladin notices a group of civilians being threatened by another Fused and his soldiers, and Leshwi seems to give him permission to intervene. Navani is overseeing the evacuation of the town using the Fourth Bridge, a flying ship, and is concerned about the strain on the ship's gemstones and the potential for disaster. She is also searching for a way to unlock the secrets of the ancient tower and discover the source of Dalinar's power. Moash, the traitor who killed Elhokar, is spotted on the scene, causing Navani to sound the alarm and warn the others.
Shallan, in her persona as Veil, has infiltrated Ialai Sadeas's fortress and is engaging in a conversation with her, trying to extract information about her plans and the Ghostbloods. Ialai is suspicious and seems to know that Veil is not who she claims to be, but Shallan is able to keep up the illusion. Just as it seems like Shallan is getting close to the truth, Adolin bursts in with soldiers and they take Ialai into custody. However, in the chaos, Ialai is found dead, apparently poisoned, and Shallan begins to suspect that the Ghostbloods may have had a hand in her death. Meanwhile, Kaladin is fighting against a group of Fused and singers, and discovers a strange fabrial that suppresses his powers. He is able to defeat the Fused and capture one of the singers, but not before the fabrial is activated, leaving him temporarily powerless. Lift appears and helps Kaladin, and they discover that the fabrial is powered by Voidlight. As Kaladin and Lift escape, they realize that the fabrial could be a game-changer in their fight against the Fused.
Kaladin is struggling to come to terms with his loss of powers after being exposed to a fabrial that suppressed his abilities. He is on a mission to rescue Brightlord Roshone, but upon arriving, he finds that Moash has already killed Roshone and two other prisoners. Moash, who has become a ruthless and emotionless killer, reveals that he has given up his guilt and pain, and is now convinced that the only way to achieve freedom is to stop existing. He tries to persuade Kaladin to join him in his twisted philosophy, but Kaladin is torn between his desire to stop hurting and his sense of duty to protect others. Just as Moash's words seem to be having an impact on Kaladin, a brilliant light fills the room, and Moash flees. The light is accompanied by the arrival of Renarin, who helps Kaladin to his feet and informs him that the Fused have retreated and the ship is ready to leave. Meanwhile, Shallan is investigating Ialai's fortress, searching for secrets and clues. She discovers a hidden notebook and begins to unravel a mystery involving ancient glyphs and a hidden map. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she starts to suspect that the Ghostbloods may have infiltrated her inner circle.
The story follows multiple plotlines as Kaladin struggles to come to terms with his encounter with Moash, who has become a ruthless and emotionless killer. Kaladin is haunted by his own darkness and the things Moash said to him, leaving him feeling tired and uncertain. Meanwhile, Navani is studying a mysterious fabrial that suppresses the powers of Radiants, and she discovers a connection between it and the ancient tower of Urithiru. She also receives a mysterious message through a spanreed, warning her to stop creating a new kind of fabrial and threatening consequences if she doesn't. Shallan, on the other hand, is dealing with her own secrets and lies as she navigates her relationships with Adolin and her various personas. She discovers a book belonging to Ialai Sadeas, which contains information about the Ghostbloods, a secret organization that Shallan has been working with. As Shallan delves deeper into the mystery, she realizes that she needs to find a way to leave the Ghostbloods and break ties with them before it's too late.
Kaladin returns to Narak, the Alethi outpost on the Shattered Plains, feeling refreshed after a few hours of flying. He speaks with Yunfah, a free honorspren who has been considering bonding with a new Radiant, and orders him to try bonding with Rlain, a singer who has been working with the Alethi. Dalinar then pulls Kaladin aside and expresses his concerns about Kaladin's behavior, citing reports of him letting enemy Fused go and his apparent lack of dedication to the war effort. Dalinar reveals that he has decided to relieve Kaladin of his duty as a Windrunner, citing Kaladin's battle fatigue and his own well-being. Kaladin is devastated by the decision, feeling that he is being stripped of his identity and purpose. Despite his initial resistance, Kaladin eventually comes to accept Dalinar's decision, recognizing that he is no longer capable of functioning as a Windrunner. Dalinar assures Kaladin that he will still be valuable to the war effort, but in a different capacity, and offers him a range of alternative duties. Kaladin is given ten days to decide on his new role, and is forced to confront the reality of his own limitations and the toll that the war has taken on his mental and emotional health.
The story follows Venli, a Regal and a secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates her complex life serving the Fused, particularly Lady Leshwi. Venli is tasked with expressing Leshwi's desires to the other servants and is responsible for finding a new tailor for the lady. However, Leshwi rejects the human tailor, Yokska, and instead suggests that she teach a singer with the artform. Meanwhile, Venli meets with a new recruit, Shumin, and begins to explain the goals and motivations of the "listeners," a group of objectors who seek to free themselves from the oppression of both humans and Fused. Venli reveals that she has the ability to contain and imprison the Voidspren within her, giving her Regal powers, and hints at the possibility of forming alliances with other spren who may support their cause. Just as Venli is about to delve deeper into the details of their plan, Leshwi returns unexpectedly, warning of a potentially dangerous turn in the war, and Venli must quickly cover up any signs of their secret discussions.
Kaladin is struggling to come to terms with his relegation from active duty by Dalinar, feeling lost and useless without his role as a Windrunner. Adolin, noticing Kaladin's distress, takes him to a winehouse where they meet up with Veil, one of Shallan's personas. Despite the festive atmosphere, Kaladin's mood remains somber, and he eventually confides in Adolin about his concerns and feelings of inadequacy. Adolin listens and offers support, and the two discuss the possibility of finding a way to help Kaladin overcome his battle fatigue. Meanwhile, Rock, a close friend and ally, announces his decision to leave and return to his people, seeking justice for his past actions. Kaladin is torn between wanting to support Rock and feeling abandoned by his friend's departure. As Rock prepares to leave, Kaladin gives him his blessing and promises to provide a Windrunner honor guard to escort him. The chapter ends with Kaladin feeling a sense of loss and disconnection, struggling to find his place in the world without his role as a Windrunner.
Shallan is struggling to balance her multiple personas and her life as a highprince's wife. She is haunted by her past and the memories she has repressed, and is drawn to Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, who offers her a sense of excitement and intrigue. Mraize reveals that he has been searching for a way to unlock the secrets of Stormlight and the Investiture that binds it to specific locations, and believes that Shallan's unique abilities as a Lightweaver make her the key to unlocking this secret. He tasks her with finding Restares, a former leader of the Sons of Honor, who is hiding in the fortress city of Lasting Integrity, home of the honorspren in Shadesmar. Mraize promises that if Shallan completes this mission, he will reveal all of the Ghostbloods' secrets to her, including the truth about her past and her family's involvement with the organization. Shallan is torn between her desire for answers and her loyalty to her friends and allies, but ultimately decides to accept Mraize's challenge and embark on the mission to find Restares.
The chapter takes place in the palace at Kholinar, which has been transformed by the Fused, a group of powerful and immortal beings, into a grand construction with a unique, organic design. Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, attends a conclave of the most important singers, where the Nine, leaders of the Fused, discuss a plan to seize the tower of Urithiru from the humans. The plan, proposed by Raboniel, a Fused scholar, involves using a suppressor fabrial to disable the Radiants' powers and then corrupting the tower's defenses to turn them against the humans. The Nine agree to the plan and decide to use Taravangian, a human king who has given himself to the Fused, to provide intelligence and divert the attention of the Bondsmith and Elsecaller. Leshwi, Venli's master, is skeptical of the plan and offers to lend her staff to Raboniel as a way to keep an eye on her. Venli is tasked with gathering Leshwi's people and attending Raboniel, while also reporting back to Leshwi in secret. Throughout the chapter, Venli's thoughts and feelings are revealed, including her desire for independence for her people and her frustration with the Fused. The chapter ends with Venli preparing to embark on another invasion of the human lands, while also considering the possibility of capturing a human Radiant and learning from them.
Kaladin, still grappling with his forced retirement from active duty, seeks advice from Zahel, a wise and enigmatic swordmaster. Zahel agrees to spar with Kaladin, using unconventional tactics involving sheets and scarves, which leave Kaladin both impressed and frustrated. After the fight, Zahel reveals that he is a Type Two Invested entity, a being who has died and been reborn with a new soul, and explains that the Fused are similar entities, feeding on power and nearly immortal. Zahel warns Kaladin about the dangers of the Fused and the difficulty of killing them permanently, but Kaladin expresses his desire to find a way to live with them instead of killing them. Zahel's words are laced with a deeper understanding of the nature of power, souls, and the intentions of the beings involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, Kaladin's interactions with Rlain, a listener who has been working with the Alethi, reveal Rlain's past and his desire to be respected as an individual, rather than being seen as just a parshman. Rlain declines Kaladin's offer to bond with an honorspren, citing his desire to wait for a spren who will accept him for who he is.
Navani studies a mysterious dark sphere given to her by Szeth, the Assassin in White, which is different from Voidlight and seems to warp the air around it. She meets with scientists to discuss the unique properties of the sphere and decides to have them run tests on it. Meanwhile, Navani spends time with her grandson, Gavinor, and reflects on her late husband, Elhokar, and his growth as a leader. She also attends a meeting with Dalinar, Jasnah, Adolin, Shallan, and the Mink to discuss troop layouts and strategies against their enemies, the singers. Throughout the chapter, Navani grapples with her own emotions and sense of purpose, as well as the complexities of the war and the moral implications of working with former enemies, like Taravangian.
Navani observes as Shallan and Dalinar create a magnificent map of Roshar using their combined powers as a Lightweaver and a Bondsmith. The Mink, a Herdazian leader, is impressed by the map and begins to analyze the war efforts, pointing out the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. He advises against attacking Alethkar, suggesting instead that the coalition focus on reclaiming Emul and pushing the enemy out of Makabak. The Mink's words have a significant impact on Dalinar, who is forced to reconsider his plans. Meanwhile, Jasnah discusses her proposal to free all Alethi slaves, which Dalinar strongly opposes, citing concerns about chaos and social upheaval. The conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Wit, who brings two Heralds, Shalash and Talenelat, to the meeting. Jasnah questions Shalash about the Oathpact and the possibility of repairing or replicating it, which could potentially seal the enemy away. The discussion highlights the importance of finding a way to deal with the Shin, who possess Honorblades and may hold the key to understanding Bondsmith powers.
Kaladin visits his parents, Lirin and Hesina, in Urithiru, showing them the accommodations he has arranged for the people of Hearthstone. He is excited to share with them the surgery room he has set up for his father, who is a skilled surgeon. However, Lirin is initially unimpressed, feeling that his skills are no longer needed with the presence of Radiants who can heal with a touch. Kaladin reassures him that there is still a need for surgeons, especially with the limitations of the Radiants' powers. Lirin eventually warms up to the idea and is excited to familiarize himself with the new equipment and medications. Kaladin then reveals to his parents that he will be leaving the military, as commanded by Dalinar, and is considering a new path in life. Lirin is overjoyed, believing that Kaladin will finally follow in his footsteps and become a surgeon, which Kaladin reluctantly agrees to, acknowledging that his father has always been right about his true calling.
Navani is working to unlock the secrets of the ancient tower of Urithiru and understand the nature of Stormlight and fabrials. She discovers that a set of garnets on the tower's crystal pillar match the construction of a suppression fabrial, which could be the key to understanding the tower's security. Meanwhile, the coalition of monarchs discusses a proposal by Dalinar to launch a large military offensive into Emul, which is unanimously agreed upon. However, Navani is concerned about Taravangian's sudden support for the proposal, as it seems out of character for him. The coalition also decides to send an envoy to the honorspren in Shadesmar, led by Shallan and Adolin, to try to repair relations and gain their aid in the war. As the meeting concludes, Navani reflects on the potential dangers and uncertainties of their plans, and she and Dalinar share a quiet moment together, discussing their concerns and their love for each other.
Sylphrena, Kaladin's spren, is excited for the approaching highstorm and spends her time before it arrives interacting with the people in Urithiru, including Rock's daughter Cord, who can see her. As the storm hits, Syl joins the windspren and enjoys the music and energy of the storm. During the storm, she meets with the Stormfather, her father, and asks him to help her understand Kaladin's darkness and emotions, but he refuses, warning her that giving too much of herself to a human can be dangerous. After the storm, Syl speaks with Dalinar, who also refuses to help her understand Kaladin's emotions, citing that it's not right to invade someone's privacy. However, their conversation gives Syl an idea that she might be able to understand Kaladin's emotions by remembering her own past experiences of feeling alone and adrift after the death of her previous knight. She realizes that she had a "dark brain" of her own and that by recalling those feelings, she might be able to help Kaladin with his struggles.
Sja-anat, also known as the Taker of Secrets, is an Unmade being who exists between the Physical and Cognitive Realms. She is able to move through the Kholinar palace, gathering secrets and information, and is bound to Odium, the god of passion and hatred. Sja-anat has sent some of her children, Enlightened windspren, to the tower to investigate options and distract Odium, while keeping others safe. She meets with Odium, who is suspicious of her actions and questions her about the spren she has sent away. Sja-anat pretends to be obedient, but is secretly planning to undermine Odium's will and gain more freedom. She is tasked with watching Taravangian, a human king who has given himself to the Fused, and sees him as a potential weapon to be used in her plans. As Sja-anat navigates her complex relationships with Odium and her children, she must carefully balance her loyalty and deception in order to achieve her goals.
Taravangian prepares to embark on a perilous journey with Dalinar and Jasnah, knowing that his actions will ultimately lead to his own demise. He says goodbye to his friends and loyal companions, including Adrotagia, Mrall, and Dukar, instructing them to return to Kharbranth and dismantle the Diagram, the secret organization they had formed. Taravangian reveals that his goal was always to protect Kharbranth, and now that it is safe, he is willing to sacrifice himself to further Odium's plans. He reflects on the cost of his actions and the weight of his responsibilities, but remains resolute in his decision. As his friends depart, Taravangian destroys his copy of the Diagram, symbolizing the end of his mission and the beginning of his journey into the unknown.
Radiant, one of Shallan's personas, is preparing for a mission to Shadesmar with Adolin and a small group of Radiants and Lightweavers. She is training her team of Lightweavers, known as the Unseen Court, in a private chamber beneath Urithiru. Radiant is concerned about a potential spy among her team, as Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, had previously hinted at having a spy within their ranks. She begins to suspect certain members of her team, particularly those who had been on a previous mission to the warcamps, and considers bringing them on the mission to Shadesmar in order to keep a closer eye on them. Meanwhile, Shallan struggles with her multiple personas and the moral implications of her actions, and Veil, another of Shallan's personas, takes control and decides to bring the suspected spies on the mission. As Radiant and Veil clash over the decision, they discover a mysterious metal cube left by Mraize, which contains a hidden message and a powerful artifact that could change the course of their mission.
Adolin prepares to embark on a mission to Shadesmar with a team of Radiants and Lightweavers, led by Shallan. He spends time choosing the perfect outfit, eventually deciding on a Uniform he designed years ago. Adolin visits Kaladin, who is struggling to come to terms with his new role as a surgeon, and gives him a metal disc with a message from Zahel. Adolin then meets up with his team and they prepare to depart through the Oathgate. Before leaving, Adolin's father, Dalinar, gives a speech and Adolin has a tense conversation with him, revealing their complicated relationship and Adolin's feelings of frustration and anger towards his father's past actions. Despite this, Adolin sets aside his emotions and proceeds with the mission, using Shallan's Shardblade to activate the Oathgate and transport the team to Shadesmar.
Adolin and his team, including Shallan and several Radiants, arrive in Shadesmar, a spiritual realm, through an Oathgate. They are greeted by enormous spren, attendants of the gateway, and begin their descent down a long ramp to the "sea level" of Shadesmar, where the landscape is reversed and objects manifest as beads. As they walk, Adolin introduces his Shardblade, Maya, to the team and they discuss their plans to meet with the honorspren, a group of spren who may hold the key to understanding the secrets of the Stormlight and the Bondsmiths. The team boards a barge, captained by a peakspren, to begin their journey to the southern bank, where they will caravan to the honorspren stronghold, Lasting Integrity. Along the way, Adolin reflects on his role as a dignitary and emissary, and Shallan discovers that someone has riffled through her belongings and used a communication cube, revealing that a spy is indeed on their mission.
Kaladin is settling into his new life as a surgeon, working in a clinic in Urithiru and helping those in need. He reflects on his decision to leave the military and his role as a Windrunner, feeling a sense of peace and contentment in his new profession. However, when his friends and former comrades, including Shallan and Adolin, leave for a mission to Shadesmar, Kaladin can't help but feel a pang of loneliness and longing. Just as he's coming to terms with his new life, Teft, a former member of Bridge Four, arrives at the clinic, claiming to be sick and in need of rest. Despite Kaladin's initial skepticism, he eventually warms up to the idea of having Teft by his side and decides to let him stay and assist with his work as a surgeon. Together, they set out to help a refugee woman find her missing uncle, and Kaladin finds a sense of comfort and companionship in Teft's presence, realizing that not all of his friends have left him behind.
Shallan, in her various personas, including Radiant and Veil, navigates her complex emotions and relationships while on a mission to Shadesmar with Adolin and a team of Radiants and Lightweavers. As they travel, Shallan works on deciphering a book belonging to Ialai Sadeas, learning about the Ghostbloods' search for the Unmade spren Ba-Ado-Mishram. Meanwhile, she struggles with her own darkness and the secrets she keeps from Adolin, including her past attempt to rob Jasnah. Adolin's humor and kindness help Shallan relax and open up, but she is reminded of the looming threat of a spy among their group and the importance of uncovering the truth about the Ghostbloods and their connection to the Heralds.
Kaladin and Teft visit the Devotary of Mercy in search of a refugee named Noril, who is missing an arm and has attempted suicide. They find Noril in a dark, isolated cell, and Kaladin, who has experienced similar feelings of darkness and despair, is able to connect with him and persuade him to open up. Kaladin criticizes the ardents' methods of treating mental ailments, arguing that they need to approach each patient differently and try new treatments, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. He decides to take Noril under his care and vows to challenge the ardents' traditional methods, planning to work with his father to develop new and more effective treatments for those struggling with mental health issues.
Shallan, in her various personas, navigates her complex emotions and relationships while on a mission to Shadesmar with Adolin and a team of Radiants and Lightweavers. She is tasked with finding a spy among her team, and with the help of Veil, one of her personas, she begins to investigate and gather information. Shallan talks to Ishnah, one of her Lightweavers, and discovers that Ishnah has been funding a criminal enterprise, but Ishnah seems genuinely shocked and remorseful when confronted about the possibility of Ghostblood involvement. Shallan then speaks with Beryl, another Lightweaver, and learns about her method of Soulcasting, which seems to be different from Jasnah's. Shallan also interacts with Vathah, a member of her team, and tries to understand his past and motivations. Throughout the chapter, Shallan's personas, including Radiant and Veil, take turns in control, each bringing their unique perspective and skills to the investigation. As Shallan delves deeper into the mystery of the spy, she must confront her own flaws and weaknesses, and learn to trust herself and her abilities.
Navani watches as Dalinar prepares to leave Urithiru with his army, including Taravangian, who she suspects may try to betray them. She reflects on the symbolism of war banners and the importance of discipline on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Sebarial, a highprince, stays behind to help administer the tower and Navani tasks him with bringing order to the warcamps. Navani also visits a newly discovered hidden room in the tower, where she finds a intricate stone model of the tower, which may hold secrets about the tower's mechanisms and hidden rooms. As she leaves the room, she receives a message from an unknown person via a mysterious spanreed, who had previously warned her about the dangers of fabrials.
Navani engages in a conversation with a mysterious spren through a spanreed, discussing the morality of using fabrials and capturing spren. The spren, who claims to be motivated by a desire to free its kind, warns Navani to stop her experiments and threatens to take action if she does not comply. Navani, suspecting that the spren has a spy watching her, uses the conversation to gather information and measure the distance between the two spanreeds. She then intentionally drops the spanreed, pretending it was an accident, in an attempt to deceive the spren and its agent into thinking that the communication channel has been lost. Navani's goal is to see how the spren will react to this development and potentially gain an advantage in their interaction.
Adolin and his team arrive at a waystop in Shadesmar, a spiritual realm, after a long journey by barge. As they disembark, Adolin is cautious and decides to send some of the Lightweavers, including Shallan, to scout the town and ensure it's safe. Shallan, in her persona as Veil, stays behind on the barge, pretending to rest, but actually intending to contact Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, using a communication cube. Meanwhile, Adolin explores the town with his soldiers and scribe, marveling at the variety of spren and their eclectic fashion sense. He also encounters a deadeye Cryptic, which sparks a conversation with the shopkeeper, an inkspren, who claims that the deadeye was afflicted recently, implying that a Radiant may have broken their oath. Adolin is skeptical but intrigued by the possibility. As he continues to explore, he is approached by Godeke, who has discovered something important regarding the humans in the town.
The chapter begins with Shallan, in her persona as Veil, communicating with Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, through a mysterious cube. She discovers that she has a lost memory of using a similar cube in her past, and Mraize reveals that he is searching for a way to unlock the secrets of Stormlight and the Investiture that binds it to specific locations. Shallan also learns that Mraize is looking for a spren known as Sja-anat, who is believed to be willing to betray Odium. Meanwhile, Adolin and his team arrive in Shadesmar and encounter a group of humans who seem out of place in the spiritual realm. They are met with hostility by the humans, who are revealed to be from Tukar. Adolin then meets with Notum, a former captain of the honorspren, who has been exiled for allowing Syl, the Stormfather's daughter, to escape. Notum warns Adolin that the honorspren will not accept his diplomatic mission and that they view humans as criminals due to their past betrayal of the spren. Adolin is determined to find a way to get the honorspren to listen to him, despite the challenges ahead.
Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, accompanies Raboniel, a Fused scholar, and a group of soldiers on a mission to infiltrate the human fortress of Urithiru. Along the way, Venli is fascinated by the Deepest Ones, a new brand of Fused with the ability to meld with stone. Raboniel notices Venli's interest and begins to explain the Surges, the innate forces that govern the world, and how the Fused and Radiants interact with them. Venli learns that the Fused have a deeper understanding of their Surge, while Radiants have more abilities but lack control. Raboniel also reveals that Odium, the god of emotions, is the one they serve, rather than Honor or Cultivation. As they near their destination, Venli is warned by Rothan, a soldier, to be cautious around the Fused, and she must navigate her complex loyalties and ambitions in order to survive the impending test.
Adolin joins Zu atop an obsidian outcropping, where they spot a Tukari caravan following them in the distance. Adolin decides not to confront them, as they are outnumbered and their Stormlight is running out. He discusses alternative approaches to meeting with the honorspren with Shallan, who is struggling with her multiple personas and the weight of her secrets. Adolin considers offering the honorspren Stormlight or begging for their help, but Radiant suggests appealing to their rational side. Adolin realizes that the honorspren will be prepared for any argument they bring, and that their only hope may be the skill of the one arguing. He asks to speak with Shallan, but Radiant explains that she is tired and scared, and that her past traumas have created coping mechanisms that are starting to break down. Veil takes over and explains Shallan's fears to Adolin, who promises to find a way to help her and reassure her that he doesn't care about her past and that she doesn't have to face her demons alone.
Kaladin is working with his father, Lirin, to help patients in the sanitarium who are struggling with mental health issues, such as battle fatigue, nightmares, and suicidal tendencies. He takes a group of six men with similar symptoms and gets them to support each other, sharing their experiences and talking about their lives. The approach is showing promise, with the men making progress and finding comfort in each other's company. Kaladin's mother is impressed by the results, but Kaladin is hesitant to share his own past experiences with her, fearing it would cause her pain. He reflects on the importance of human connection and understanding in helping people overcome their struggles, and how his own experiences as a slave and a Radiant have given him a unique perspective on the issue. Meanwhile, Kaladin's thoughts turn to the larger conflict, and he wonders if Odium's goal is to destroy and splinter all Shards except himself, and if there are ways to protect against this threat.
Adolin and Shallan are on a mission to meet with the honorspren in Shadesmar, accompanied by a team of Radiants and Lightweavers. As they journey through the spiritual realm, they discuss their plans and ideas for appealing to the honorspren, with Adolin seeking to find a way to honorably persuade them to support their cause. Meanwhile, Shallan struggles with her multiple personas and the weight of her secrets, and Veil, one of her personas, takes control to investigate a potential spy among their group. Adolin and Shallan share a moment of tenderness and understanding, and Shallan begins to open up to him about her feelings and struggles. The group encounters a majestic starspren, a creature that embodies the beauty and wonder of the spiritual realm, and Shallan is inspired to sketch it. As they continue on their journey, Adolin and Shallan's relationship deepens, and they find comfort and support in each other's company.
Adolin realizes that the Tukari humans who have been following them were not actually after his group, but were instead tracking Notum, a former captain of the honorspren. Adolin decides to intervene and save Notum, who is being tortured by the Tukari. Despite being outnumbered, Adolin uses his greatsword and his training to hold off the attackers, and is eventually joined by Maya, who surprises him by taking up a sword and fighting alongside him. Together, they manage to drive off the Tukari, and Adolin's soldiers arrive soon after to find him battered but victorious, propping up the wounded Notum.
Adolin, accompanied by Shallan, Pattern, and Maya, accepts the honorspren's offer to stand trial for the perceived wrongs of his ancestors, hoping to initiate a conversation and prove his dignity and integrity. He is taken into custody, chained, and led into the honorspren's fortress, Lasting Integrity, while the rest of his party remains outside, tasked with sending word to his father, Dalinar, about the developments. Meanwhile, Shallan, who has been struggling with the possibility that Pattern might be a spy for the Ghostbloods, tries to come to terms with her suspicions and the potential consequences of Pattern's actions, all while maintaining a strong exterior to support Adolin in his perilous endeavor.
Navani is working on unlocking the secrets of the ancient tower of Urithiru and understanding the nature of Stormlight and fabrials. She is experimenting with a new device created by Tomor, a young ardent, which is a levitating gauntlet that uses Stormlight to pull the wearer up. Meanwhile, a phantom spren has been trying to contact Navani through a spanreed, and she has set a trap to catch the person delivering the spanreed. The plan works, and they capture a servant who is revealed to be working with the Radiants. Kaladin is struggling to come to terms with his new role as a surgeon and is working with his father, Lirin, to help patients with mental health issues. Lirin is frustrated with the lack of knowledge and understanding about mental health and is trying to learn more. Kaladin reflects on his own experiences with mental health and realizes that he could have ended up in a sanitarium if he hadn't gone to war. Venli, a Regal, is on a mission with a group of Fused to infiltrate the human fortress of Urithiru. They are using the Everstorm to cover their approach and are making their way through the tunnels beneath the tower. Venli is struggling with her own morality and the violence of the mission, and is forced to confront the reality of killing humans when she is attacked by a soldier. The group eventually reaches the inner caverns of the tower, where they engage in a fierce battle with human soldiers. Raboniel, the leader of the group, kills a human woman who is trying to send a message through a spanreed, and Venli is left to grapple with the consequences of her actions.
The chapter begins with Navani investigating an explosion in the tower, where two scholars, Nem and Talnah, have been killed, and a valuable sphere is missing. She suspects that the explosion may be related to her research on fabrials and decides to thoroughly examine the scene to gather evidence and understand what happened. Meanwhile, Venli, a Regal, is part of a group of Fused and singers who have infiltrated the human fortress of Urithiru. They successfully navigate the tunnels and reach the basement chamber, where they engage in a brutal battle with human soldiers. Raboniel, the leader of the group, manages to corrupt the tower's defenses, making it difficult for Radiants to fight. As the battle rages on, Venli reflects on the morality of her actions and the violence of the mission. In a separate storyline, Kaladin, now a surgeon, meets with his friends Teft and Rlain at a winehouse. They discuss their past experiences and the challenges they face, including Kaladin's struggles with his mental health. Rlain encourages Kaladin to participate in a program to help people with similar struggles, and Kaladin eventually agrees. The chapter ends with Raboniel achieving her goal of corrupting the tower's defenses, and the Fused and singers preparing to seize the city.
The chapter begins with Kaladin struggling to come to terms with his new role as a surgeon and his inhibited powers as a Radiant. He is with his friends Teft and Rlain at a winehouse when Teft suddenly collapses, and Kaladin realizes that something is wrong with his powers. He tries to use his abilities to help Teft, but they don't work, and he feels a sense of oppression on his mind. As they make their way to the clinic, they discover that other Radiants are also unconscious, and Kaladin begins to suspect that something is targeting them specifically. Meanwhile, Navani is investigating a mysterious attack on the tower and discovers that the spanreeds are not working. She sends out messengers to mobilize the remaining runners and scribes, and prepares to defend the tower against the incoming attack. The chapter ends with Kaladin, still struggling with his powers and his emotions, deciding to hide with his family and wait for the battle to pass, while Navani prepares to face the enemy head-on.
Navani rushes to the map room in the tower, where she finds a group of officers and soldiers preparing to defend against the enemy's invasion. She assesses the situation and decides that their best chance of survival is to try and retake the crystal pillar in the basement, which she believes is the key to restoring the Radiants' powers. Battalionlord Teofil, a darkeyed officer, agrees with her plan and begins to mobilize the troops. Navani also discovers that the enemy has taken control of the Oathgates and is using them to flood the tower with singers. As she prepares to launch the counterattack, Navani speaks with the Sibling, the soul of the tower, who reveals that the Fused have corrupted a part of it and are using its defenses against the Radiants. The Sibling warns Navani that the Lady of Pains, a powerful Fused, is trying to change it further and that their only hope is to recover the pillar and reverse the effects. Navani promises to help and the Sibling tells her that she will need a great deal of Stormlight to stop the Fused from corrupting it further.
The chapter delves into the ongoing siege of Urithiru, with Venli, a Regal, accompanying Raboniel, a powerful Fused, as they infiltrate the human fortress. Raboniel's true intentions are revealed, as she seeks to understand and utilize human fabrials to break the cycle of war between humans and Fused. Meanwhile, Navani navigates the chaos of the invasion, attempting to rally her troops and find a way to restore the Radiants' powers. Kaladin, now a surgeon, delivers aid to refugees on his floor, but is confronted by a hostile stormform Regal who accuses him of hypocrisy for not showing concern for the parshmen in the past. As tensions rise, Kaladin must restrain himself from engaging in a fight, instead choosing to continue his mission to provide comfort to those in need. Throughout the chapter, the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions, the nature of war, and the complexities of their own moralities.
Navani, after discovering a hidden fabrial in the tower, works with her scholars to infuse it with Stormlight using a method discovered by the Thaylen artifabrians. They manage to activate the fabrial, creating a barrier that prevents the enemy from reaching the tower's core. However, the enemy leader, Raboniel, is fascinated by the barrier and sees it as a puzzle to be solved. Meanwhile, Navani is captured by the enemy and forced to surrender. She agrees to the terms of surrender, which include the disarming of her soldiers and the release of a proclamation calling for the capture of all Radiants. Raboniel offers Navani a deal: in exchange for her cooperation and engineering expertise, Navani will be allowed to live and work on fabrial projects for the enemy. Navani is torn, knowing that she could potentially learn valuable secrets from Raboniel, but also aware that she would be betraying her people and her husband, Dalinar. The chapter ends with Navani considering Raboniel's offer, weighing the potential benefits and risks of cooperating with the enemy.
The chapter begins with Kaladin, his family, and a messenger discussing the recent surrender of Queen Navani to the enemy. The messenger informs them that all Radiants are to be taken into custody, and soon, a group of singers, led by a Regal, arrive to collect the fallen Radiants being cared for by Kaladin's father, a surgeon. Kaladin tries to reason with them, but they refuse to listen, and a fight ensues. Kaladin is able to overpower the Regal and kill him, but not before the Regal unleashes a powerful blast of energy that damages the room. After the fight, Kaladin's father is horrified by his actions and feels that Kaladin has become a monster. Kaladin takes Teft, a fallen Windrunner, and escapes, leaving his family behind. His father refuses to go with him, saying that he will take responsibility for his actions and try to protect the others. Kaladin is left to navigate the dangers of the tower, carrying Teft and trying to find a way to keep him safe.
The chapter focuses on Moash, also known as Vyre, a former member of Bridge Four who has given himself to Odium, the god of passion and hatred. Vyre has become a being with limited emotions, having surrendered his negative emotions to Odium, and now seeks to understand and prove a truth. He works in a quarry, cutting and hauling rocks, and is observed by his companions, who are puzzled by his behavior. Vyre explains that he is no longer bound by emotions and is free to act as he chooses. He recalls a conversation with Prince Adolin, who threw his Shardblade in a unique manner, and Vyre seeks to understand and replicate this ability. Meanwhile, Khen, one of Vyre's companions, decides to leave his group, seeking to experience life and find her own path. Vyre is taken into a vision by Odium, who instructs him to go to Urithiru and transport ground forces, as the Oathgates are not functioning. Odium also expresses concern about Kaladin, a Windrunner and Vyre's former friend, who has left the battle and become a potential problem. Vyre and Odium discuss ways to hurt Kaladin, including isolating him and making him afraid, and Vyre agrees to manipulate Kaladin's emotions and bring him to the brink of destruction.
Lift, a young Radiant, is struggling to come to terms with her changing body and her desire to remain the same. She steals food from others, but it no longer gives her the thrill it once did. When she discovers a wounded red-feathered chicken being chased by a green chicken, she intervenes and saves the red chicken. As she tries to heal the chicken, she realizes that her powers are not working as they should, and she begins to investigate the source of the problem. She follows the chicken, which leads her to a corpse, an old Alethi man who was killed with a knife wound. The chicken seems to have a special connection to the man, and Lift begins to suspect that something is amiss in the tower. As she tries to uncover the truth, she is confronted by a dangerous man with a green chicken on his shoulder, who threatens to hunt her down. Lift is forced to flee, clutching the red chicken and trying to stay one step ahead of her pursuer.
Taravangian, in his weaker and less intelligent state, is struggling with the moral implications of his impending betrayal of the coalition. He is visited by Odium, who confirms that the time has come to carry out the plan to destroy the coalition from within. Taravangian is forced to confront the reality of his actions and the consequences of his deal with Odium. However, during their conversation, Taravangian discovers a potential weakness in Odium's plan and learns that the god fears Szeth, the Assassin in White. Taravangian realizes that Odium's vulnerability and his own limited understanding of the god's plans may provide an opportunity for him to subtly subvert Odium's intentions. Despite this, Taravangian knows he must still carry out his part of the deal and orders his soldiers to betray the coalition. He is subsequently captured by Dalinar's soldiers, but finds a sense of hope and determination in his newfound understanding of Odium's weaknesses.
Kaladin navigates the dark tunnels of Urithiru, carrying his injured friend Teft, while being pursued by a Fused known as the Pursuer. Despite his efforts to evade capture, Kaladin finds himself trapped by the enemy's forces, who are searching for him in a coordinated effort. With the help of his spren, Syl, Kaladin attempts to lead the Pursuer away from his location, but the plan ultimately fails. As the enemy closes in, Kaladin prepares for a desperate last stand, but instead discovers a hidden passage revealed by a faint violet light. He infuses a gemstone with his remaining Stormlight, unlocking the secret door and escaping into a hidden corridor. Kaladin follows the light, which leads him through a series of hidden passages and eventually to a safe location, where he finally collapses from exhaustion.
The chapter takes place nine years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she explores the forest and maps its size. She is met with skepticism by her family and friends, who believe that mapping the world removes its mystery. Eshonai is determined to discover new things and prove that there is more to life than fighting over the ten ancient cities. Meanwhile, Venli, Eshonai's sister, is learning the songs and trying to memorize them perfectly. She is encouraged by her mother, Jaxlim, who is the keeper of songs, to seek to improve herself and not become distracted. Venli is trying to discover new forms, including warform, and is experimenting with spren during storms. Jaxlim decides to take Venli to speak with the Five, the elders, about her initiatives, but their conversation is interrupted by the warning drums, indicating an attack on their town. The chapter ends with Venli staying back as the elders leave to respond to the threat, unaware of the significant discovery that Eshonai has made, which will change their world forever.
The chapter begins with Navani, who has been captured by the Fused, being led to the library rooms in the basement of Urithiru. Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, is going through Navani's notes and asks her to explain the secrets of the flying machine. Navani decides to cooperate, hoping to stall and gather information, and begins to draw diagrams of the conjoined fabrials used in the machine. Meanwhile, Kaladin is experiencing a series of disturbing and surreal visions, including one where he sees his friends killing each other and another where he is confronted by Moash, who tells him that he is selfish and that his actions have led to suffering. Kaladin eventually wakes up in a dark, cold place, and realizes that he is in the tower, which is now controlled by the Fused. He finds Teft, who is still in a coma, and tries to care for him, but is struggling with his own emotions and the weight of his responsibilities. Syl, Kaladin's spren, appears and tells him that she has found a way out, but it is too small for Kaladin to fit through. She also shares her theory that the tower was created by a spren called the Sibling, who was bonded to a Bondsmith, and that this spren may still be alive. Kaladin discovers a gemstone in the wall that can be used to open a secret door, and decides to leave Teft and go scouting for supplies, hoping to find a way to escape and defeat the Fused.
The chapter begins with Dalinar and the Mink on a flying platform, observing the battlefield below as they engage with the enemy forces led by Taravangian, who has betrayed their coalition. The Mink expresses his concern about the potential consequences of their actions and the possibility of being trapped in the city of Azimir without supplies. Dalinar assures him that they will emerge victorious and that he has a hidden escape plan in place. As they watch the battle unfold, Dalinar notes that the enemy's Heavenly Ones are not as numerous as expected, and he begins to suspect that something is amiss. The Mink shares his concerns, and they agree to be cautious and prepare for any unexpected turns of events. Meanwhile, Szeth, the Assassin in White, appears beside Dalinar, wearing a false face and a hidden sword. When Nale, the Herald and leader of the Skybreakers, arrives on the platform, Dalinar touches him, and they form a brief Connection, revealing visions of Nale's past and the Oathpact that bound the Heralds together. The vision shows that the Oathpact is broken, but one line remains vibrant, and Dalinar wonders if he can reforge it to bind the Fused away again. As the battle concludes, Dalinar is lost in thought, determined to understand his powers and find a way to use them to solve the war and bind Odium once and for all.
The chapter takes place nine years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she interacts with a group of humans who have arrived on the Shattered Plains. The humans are led by King Gavilar, who is fascinated by the listeners and their way of life. Eshonai is equally fascinated by the humans and their technology, and she spends time with them learning about their language and customs. The humans are particularly interested in the listeners' songs, which they believe may hold the key to understanding the ancient magic of the Radiants. As the humans prepare to leave, King Gavilar gives Eshonai's people a gift of modern weapons and asks them to promise to settle in one of the cities at the edge of the Plains, so that he can return and learn more from the keepers of songs. The chapter explores the initial interactions between humans and listeners, and sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the future.
Navani, held captive by the Fused, is working with her scholars under the supervision of singer guards to make progress on understanding the ancient fabrials. She is trying to stall and gather information while pretending to cooperate with the enemy. Meanwhile, Kaladin, who has managed to evade capture, is trying to survive and find a way to resist the enemy. He uses his remaining Stormlight to practice his Lashings and discovers that Reverse Lashings still work, allowing him to unlock a lantern and retrieve gemstones. Kaladin then sneaks into a monastery to gather supplies, including food, water, and medical equipment. He meets with an ardent, Kuno, who agrees to help him by providing supplies and keeping his presence a secret. Kaladin continues to explore the tower, trying to find a way to contact Dalinar and the other monarchs, and discovers that the enemy is using the Oathgates at night. He talks to Navani through the Sibling, the spren of the tower, and they discuss their plans to resist the enemy and find a way to restore the Radiants' powers. Navani tasks Kaladin with finding out how the enemy is operating the Oathgates, and he agrees to try and gather more information.
Dalinar is attending a meeting with other monarchs to discuss the ongoing war against the singers. He is concerned about the recent betrayal of Taravangian and the potential consequences of the war. Meanwhile, Jasnah is acting as bait to draw out Ruthar, a highprince who has been questioning her authority. Ruthar is goaded into a challenge, which Jasnah accepts, and she defeats him in a duel. However, instead of killing him, she heals his wound using her Truthwatcher powers and strips him of his title, declaring him forfeit. The chapter ends with Dalinar reflecting on the events and wondering how to intimidate Odium, the god they are fighting against. He considers discussing the matter with Jasnah and Wit, but decides to put it off for now.
The chapter focuses on Venli, a Regal, as she navigates her complex relationships with the Fused, particularly Raboniel, and her own people, who are secretly planning to escape. Venli is tasked with helping Raboniel understand the human queen's notes and equipment, while also trying to stall and gather information. Meanwhile, Venli's staff of singers are working to make sense of the human queen's research, and Venli is trying to find a way to escape with her people. She confides in Dul, a trusted member of her group, about her plans and the risks involved. Venli also reflects on her past and her feelings about the humans, who she sees as valiant but also potentially dangerous. As she navigates the corridors of Urithiru, Venli begins to open up to her spren, Timbre, about her difficult past and her doubts about her ability to lead her people to freedom.
The chapter takes place eight and a half years ago and follows Venli, a listener, as she navigates her complex relationships with her family and the humans who have arrived on the Shattered Plains. Venli's mother, Jaxlim, is struggling to remember songs, which is a cause for concern as she is the keeper of songs for their family. Venli is frustrated with the humans, who are asking her to recite songs over and over, and is worried about her mother's condition. She meets with a human woman named Axindweth, who speaks the listener's language and offers to help Venli restore her people's lost glory. Axindweth reveals that she knows about the listeners' past and their abilities, and offers Venli a glowing gemstone that could potentially hold the key to saving her mother. Venli is torn between her loyalty to her family and her curiosity about the humans and their offers. The chapter explores the tensions between the listeners and the humans, as well as the complexities of Venli's relationships with her family and her own identity.
The chapter focuses on Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates her complex relationships with the Fused and her own people. She reports to Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, about her interactions with the humans and her discovery of a conscious Windrunner, Kaladin Stormblessed, who is still able to access his powers. Leshwi, a Fused and Venli's mistress, takes an interest in Kaladin and decides to intervene to prevent the Pursuer, a violent Fused, from harming Kaladin's family. Venli's spren, Timbre, encourages her to show compassion and kindness, which Venli struggles with as she tries to maintain her cover as a loyal Fused. The chapter explores the moral complexities of Venli's actions and her growing sense of empathy for humans, particularly Kaladin and his family. Meanwhile, Leshwi's actions suggest that she may have ulterior motives for wanting to capture Kaladin, and Venli must navigate the treacherous landscape of Fused politics to protect those she cares about.
Dalinar visits his grandson Gavinor and reflects on his role as a leader and a father. He then meets with his son Renarin, who has been experiencing strange visions of the future. Renarin shares his vision with Dalinar, which depicts Dalinar fighting a distraction rather than the true enemy, Odium. Renarin believes that Odium is not omnipresent, but rather sees possibilities, and that the war is dangerous because the Oathpact is broken and the Fused cannot be locked away. Renarin also reveals that he sees himself as a "blackness" that interferes with Odium's ability to see the future, and that he is not alone in his abilities, as there are other spren like his that have been touched by Sja-anat. Dalinar is open to considering the possibility of working with these spren, but is cautious due to his past experiences with the Unmade. The chapter ends with Renarin feeling a sense of comfort and acceptance from his father, and a determination to find others like himself who can help bring about a path towards peace between singers and humans.
Kaladin is hiding in the tower with his injured friend Teft, trying to survive and find a way to resist the enemy. He is discovered by Dabbid, a bridgeman who is not a Windrunner, and asks for his help in caring for Teft. Kaladin then decides to climb down the outside of the tower to try and gather information about the enemy's use of the Oathgates. He uses Stormlight-infused brushes to stick to the wall and make his way down, trying to avoid detection by the enemy scouts who are watching the sky for Windrunners. As he climbs, he learns that the scouts are using a spanreed to communicate with the Oathgate operators, and he decides to try and steal the spanreed to gain more information about the enemy's plans.
The chapter takes place in the tower of Urithiru, where Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, is overseeing the care of the fallen Radiants. She is working with her loyalists to gather supplies and information, while also trying to stall and gather intelligence on the enemy's plans. Venli meets with the Deepest Ones, a group of Fused, who are searching for the nodes that maintain the shield around the crystal pillar. They discuss the possibility of using secretspren to find the nodes, but Venli suggests that they might be useless in the tower. The Deepest Ones decide to search the tower, and Venli is tasked with interrogating humans to see if they have any information about the nodes. However, Venli is hesitant to help the Fused and is instead thinking about how to use the information to her own advantage. She realizes that the nodes might be hidden in a place where Stormlight can naturally recharge them, and the Deepest Ones come to the same conclusion. Meanwhile, Venli receives news that another listener has been found, which could potentially change the dynamics of the situation.
The chapter takes place eight and a half years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she interacts with humans who have arrived on the Shattered Plains. Eshonai is fascinated by the humans and their way of life, and she spends time with them learning about their language and customs. Meanwhile, Venli, Eshonai's sister, receives a glowing gemstone from a human and decides to use it to try and find a new form, despite the risks. Venli goes out into a storm and breaks the gemstone, summoning a spren who offers to grant her a new form. The spren, who claims to have been imprisoned in the gemstone, tells Venli that he will take up residence inside her and that together they will do great things. Venli returns to her family's shelter, still in workform, but with a newfound confidence and a strange grin. Eshonai notices that Venli's words lack rhythms, and Venli struggles to hum to a rhythm, suggesting that something has changed within her.
Kaladin is on a mission to steal a Voidlight spanreed from the enemy's spanreed hub in the tower of Urithiru. He navigates through the tower, avoiding guards and using his Stormlight-infused brushes to climb and move stealthily. With the help of his spren, Syl, he disguises her as a Voidspren to distract the guards and creates a diversion to sneak past them. Kaladin then enters a ventilation shaft to reach the spanreed room, where he uses his Reverse Lashing to pull a leather case containing multiple spanreeds towards him. He successfully steals the case and its contents, but decides not to risk stealing more information from the room. As he makes his escape, he discovers a flashing garnet light that leads him to a mysterious node, which begs for his help in defending it against the Lady of Pains. Kaladin agrees to help, and the node offers to lead him to its location on the second level of the tower, near the central atrium.
Kaladin navigates the tower of Urithiru, trying to evade capture by the enemy while searching for a way to restore the Radiants' powers. He follows a mysterious garnet light that leads him to a secret room, where he confronts the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, and another Fused who is trying to corrupt a node that maintains the shield around the crystal pillar. Kaladin engages in a fierce battle with the Pursuer, using his wits and Stormlight to evade the creature's attacks and eventually trap it in a hidden room. However, he is stabbed by the other Fused and begins to experience a slowdown in his healing process. The Fused reveals that she is interested in studying Kaladin's hybrid powers and warns him that if he kills her, she will be reborn and potentially harm innocent singers. Kaladin decides to flee, trusting in the tower's spren and Syl to guide him to safety.
The chapter focuses on Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates her complex relationships with the Fused and her own people. She discovers that Rlain, a listener and her acquaintance, is being held in a cell in the tower of Urithiru. Venli decides to visit Rlain and learns that he has been living among humans and has become sympathetic to their cause. Rlain asks Venli to free him, and she agrees, despite the risks and challenges involved. Meanwhile, Venli observes Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, as she receives a gift from a human - a young Edgedancer who is fueled by Lifelight, a rare and valuable form of Investiture. Raboniel is intrigued by the gift and sees it as an opportunity to gain an advantage. Venli eventually negotiates with Raboniel to release Rlain into her care, using her unique position and influence to secure his freedom. As Venli reflects on her actions, she realizes that she needs to start thinking about others and not just herself, and that her powers as a Radiant deserve respect. She attempts to make a new oath, seeking freedom for those in bondage, but it is not accepted, suggesting that she still has much to learn and grow from.
Navani communicates with Kaladin through the Sibling, the spren of the tower, and learns that he has stolen a set of spanreeds that could potentially be used to contact Dalinar. Kaladin reports that his Stormlight healing is slower than usual and that he has been practicing his Lashings to climb the tower. Navani tasks Kaladin with finding a way to stop the enemy's use of the Oathgates and with protecting the nodes that maintain the shield around the crystal pillar. Meanwhile, Navani is forced to work alone in a separate room, with limited access to her scholars, under the supervision of Raboniel, the leader of the Fused. Raboniel shows Navani a glass globe that is a reproduction of the crystal pillar room and explains that the shield is a type of Soulcasting. Navani discovers that the globe is connected to the node that operates the field and that the fabrial is persuading the air to think it is solid glass. Raboniel also shows Navani a diamond filled with a mixed form of Stormlight and Lifelight, which she calls Towerlight. Navani is tasked with experimenting with this new form of Light, and Raboniel promises to send gemstones that can power fabrials in the tower. Navani uses this opportunity to try to understand more about the various forms of Light and how they work, and she begins to write down her knowledge in the hopes of coming up with a plan to distract the enemy and prevent them from finding the nodes.
The chapter takes place eight years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she interacts with her family and the elders of her people. Her sister, Venli, has discovered a way to trap spren in gemstones, similar to the humans, and is seeking to use this knowledge to gain an advantage for their people. The elders are considering responding to the humans' offer to formalize relations, but Eshonai suggests that they should instead focus on uniting their own people and exploring the world beyond their city. Meanwhile, Eshonai's mother, Jaxlim, is struggling with memory loss and is concerned that she may be losing her ability to remember the songs that are crucial to their people's culture. Venli proposes that her mother try a new form, one that could potentially preserve her memories and strengths, and Jaxlim agrees to volunteer for the change. The chapter explores the complexities of the listeners' society and the tensions between tradition and progress, as well as the relationships between the characters and their motivations.
Kaladin practices using a personal lift fabrial, a device that allows him to levitate and move around the tower, in order to prepare for a potential confrontation with the enemy. The fabrial, created by Navani's engineer, uses a system of weights and pulleys to pull Kaladin in a specific direction, and he must learn to control it in order to use it effectively. Despite some initial crashes and difficulties, Kaladin persists in his training, determined to master the device and use it to his advantage in the coming battle. Meanwhile, he also struggles with the emotional toll of his experiences, including nightmares and feelings of exhaustion, but finds some solace in his interactions with Syl, his spren.
The chapter follows Jasnah, the queen, as she prepares to go to war for the first time, despite never having experienced it before. She decides to join the battle to understand what her soldiers are going through and to prove to herself and others that she is capable of fighting. Jasnah is equipped with Shardplate and a Blade, and she fights alongside her soldiers, using her powers to break through the enemy lines. However, she soon realizes that she is not as effective as she thought she would be and that the enemy is better prepared to deal with Shardbearers. She is forced to use her Soulcasting powers to gain an advantage, and she eventually retreats from the battlefield to rest and regroup. After the battle, Jasnah reflects on her experiences and the cost of war, and she is met by Wit, who informs her that one of the Sleepless, a group of ancient and powerful beings, has infiltrated their camp and may have gathered sensitive information. Wit warns Jasnah that the Ghostbloods, a mysterious organization, are more dangerous than she realizes and that their leader, Thaidakar, has a larger scope and ambition than she can imagine.
Navani, held captive by the Fused, is forced to work on understanding the nature of Stormlight and fabrials. She conducts experiments with light, including splitting Towerlight into its component colors, and discovers that it is a combination of Stormlight and Lifelight. Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, is fascinated by Navani's findings and asks her to try and combine Stormlight and Voidlight, which Navani is hesitant to do. Raboniel reveals that she wants to end the war and believes that understanding the nature of light is key to doing so. Navani is skeptical of Raboniel's intentions, but agrees to continue her research in the hopes of gaining an advantage. Meanwhile, Navani reflects on her past and her relationship with her husband, Gavilar, who had been obsessed with gaining power and control. She also remembers a conversation with Gavilar about spheres that warp the air around them, which Raboniel seems to be searching for. As Navani continues her research, she begins to suspect that Raboniel may be searching for a way to create a powerful weapon, and that her true intentions may not be as peaceful as she claims.
Dalinar meets with Taravangian, who has betrayed their coalition, and attempts to understand his motivations and reasoning. Taravangian claims that he saw a vision of the future and knew that their side would lose, so he made the decision to save as many people as he could by betraying them. Dalinar is disappointed and hurt by Taravangian's actions, but also feels a sense of sorrow and regret for what has been lost. Despite their differences, the two men share a moment of understanding and Dalinar tells Taravangian that he will keep him alive so that he can see the day when Odium is defeated and know that he was wrong. Taravangian seems to accept this and the two men part ways, with Szeth warning Dalinar not to trust Taravangian's words.
Venli, a Regal, is reflecting on her past and her connections to the natural world, particularly the stone and the rhythms of the earth. She recalls her mother's songs and the memories they evoke, and she begins to experiment with her powers as a Radiant, using Voidlight to communicate with the stones and shape them to her will. As she works, she is joined by three small spren who are eager to bond with her friends and become Radiants themselves. Venli is cautious, knowing that her actions could put her and others in danger, but she is determined to find a way to escape the tower and free her people from the Fused. She begins to formulate a plan to use her powers to sculpt a path through the collapsed tunnels beneath the tower, potentially allowing her to escape and cover her tracks. With the help of her spren, Timbre, and the other small spren, Venli feels a sense of hope and determination, and she is ready to take the first steps towards achieving her goal.
The chapter takes place eight years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she accompanies her mother into a storm to adopt a new form. Eshonai's mother, Jaxlim, is struggling with memory loss and is concerned about losing her ability to remember the songs that are crucial to their people's culture. Eshonai and her mother use a gemstone to adopt a new form, which is revealed to be a powerful and armored form known as warform. Eshonai is transformed by the experience and feels a sense of pride and connection to her people. She and the others who have adopted the warform, including her sister Venli, return to their city to find it under attack by a rival family. Eshonai uses her newfound strength and authority to broker a peace between the two families and proposes the idea of a unified listener nation to resist the humans, who she believes will eventually turn against them. The chapter explores the complexities of listener culture and politics, as well as Eshonai's growth as a leader and her relationships with her family and community.
Navani experiments with Stormlight and Voidlight, trying to understand how they interact and potentially create a new form of Light, known as Towerlight. She uses tuning forks to create tones that resonate with the Lights, and discovers that Voidlight responds to a specific tone. However, she is unable to get the Lights to mix, and begins to suspect that Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, is searching for a way to create a powerful weapon. Navani also communicates with the Sibling, the spren of the tower, and learns that one of the nodes that maintain the shield around the crystal pillar is located in the Breakaway market. She plans to have Kaladin, a Windrunner, visit the node and infuse it with Stormlight to counteract the corruption caused by Raboniel. Meanwhile, Navani is working on a plan to distract Raboniel and create a series of fabrial defenses to protect the crystal pillar. Just as she is making progress, the Sibling informs her that the enemy has already found the node in the well, and that they are running out of time. Navani instructs the Sibling to contact Kaladin, and prepares to find a way to distract Raboniel and save the tower.
The chapter begins with Kaladin experiencing a nightmare, filled with dark visions and the voice of Moash. He wakes up to find himself in a dark place, but Syl's presence helps him calm down. Kaladin then sets out to complete his mission to destroy a node that maintains the shield around the crystal pillar in the tower of Urithiru. He uses Navani's fabrial device to navigate the tower and evade the enemy, but is eventually confronted by the Pursuer, a powerful Fused. Kaladin engages in a fierce battle with the Pursuer, using his wits and Stormlight to evade the creature's attacks. He then faces off against Leshwi, a Fused warrior, in a duel, but is unable to match her skills. Just as Leshwi is about to deliver the final blow, Kaladin breaks off the duel and flies towards the well, where the node is located. He dives into the water and uses the fabrial device to navigate the underwater tunnel, avoiding the Fused and eventually reaching the node. Kaladin destroys the node, but is then trapped by the Pursuer, who seals the well and prepares to wait for Kaladin to suffocate. However, Kaladin uses his knowledge of the water system to find an alternative exit and escapes, emerging into a reservoir beneath the tower. Exhausted and wounded, Kaladin stumbles out of the reservoir and into the stormy night, pursued by enemy soldiers. He uses the fabrial device to evade them and makes a desperate run for the storm, hoping to lose his pursuers in the tempest.
Dalinar, accompanied by the Stormfather, embarks on a journey through a highstorm, exploring the landscape and witnessing the effects of the Everstorm on various villages and cities. He expresses his concern for the people affected by the war and the storm, and the Stormfather responds by explaining the natural cycle of the storms. As they approach Urithiru, Dalinar discovers that the tower has been invaded by singers and that Navani has been captured. He also finds Kaladin, who is clinging to the outside of the tower, wounded and unconscious. Dalinar manages to throw Kaladin to safety and learns that the enemy has turned the tower's protections against the Radiants, making it difficult for them to access their powers. The Stormfather warns Dalinar that he would need to be much stronger to open a perpendicularity at Urithiru. Dalinar realizes that he needs to find a way to speed up his training as a Bondsmith and discovers that there is another Bondsmith, Ishi, Herald of Luck, who may be able to help him. Dalinar decides to embark on a mission to find Ishi, who is located in Tukar, and convince him to help rescue Urithiru.
Navani is being held captive by the Fused, specifically Raboniel, after she discovered that her conversations with the Sibling, the spren of the tower, were being listened to. Raboniel reveals that she has been aware of Navani's attempts to communicate with the Sibling and has been using this information to her advantage. Navani is filled with regret and nausea as she realizes the extent of her failure and the damage she may have caused. Raboniel offers Navani a chance to redeem herself by working together to understand the nature of Light and end the war. Meanwhile, Kaladin's fate is left uncertain after he was spotted fleeing the tower with an unhealed wound, and Raboniel expresses interest in studying his corpse if he is indeed dead. The chapter ends with Navani feeling defeated and helpless, but still holding on to hope as she writes a prayer of protection for Kaladin.
The chapter focuses on Szeth-son-Honor, a Truthless and a Skybreaker, as he guards Dalinar Kholin and his grandnephew Gavinor in a forest clearing. Szeth is haunted by his past and struggles to understand his emotions, feeling a sense of kinship with the young boy who has been through traumatic experiences. Meanwhile, Szeth is visited by a highspren who is pleased with his dedication and discusses his proposed crusade to cleanse his homeland. The highspren warns Szeth that he will need to become the law and judge the truth himself, rather than relying on others. Szeth is then alerted to a potential threat when a messenger arrives with a list of requests from Taravangian, including a round stone with quartz inclusions, which Szeth recognizes as an Oathstone. Szeth becomes determined to stop Taravangian, who he believes is planning something dangerous, and decides to investigate further.
The chapter focuses on Chiri-Chiri, a cremling with unusual abilities, as she interacts with her caretaker Rysn and an older man named Babsk. Chiri-Chiri is struggling to understand the complex communication methods of humans, but is able to pick up on their emotions and moods. Rysn is discussing a sensitive topic with Babsk, involving the Sleepless, a group of mysterious beings that are not human. Babsk is concerned about the danger that Rysn has put herself in by getting involved with the Sleepless, and Rysn is seeking his advice and guidance. Meanwhile, Chiri-Chiri is sensing a warning rhythm, a vibration that signals dark times are coming, and is feeling encouraged to be better and do difficult things. As the conversation between Rysn and Babsk comes to a close, Chiri-Chiri attempts to mimic human speech, making sounds that approximate words, and Rysn is surprised and delighted by this development. The chapter explores the unique bond between Chiri-Chiri and Rysn, as well as the complexities of communication and understanding between different species.
The chapter focuses on Taravangian, who is being held captive by Dalinar's guards. He is struggling with his mental faculties, which are diminished due to his advanced age and his decision to relinquish his intelligence to Odium. Despite this, Taravangian is determined to carry out his plan to defeat Odium and is waiting for an opportunity to meet with Szeth, the Truthless and a Skybreaker. When Renarin, Dalinar's son, visits Taravangian, he senses that something is off about the old man and offers him a chance to redeem himself. However, Taravangian is hesitant to accept Renarin's offer and instead waits for Szeth to arrive. When Szeth finally appears, disguised as a guard, Taravangian tries to manipulate him into helping him defeat Odium. He reveals that Odium fears a certain sword and asks Szeth to give it to Dalinar, who may be able to use it to harm Odium in one of his visions. However, Szeth is skeptical of Taravangian's intentions and refuses to help him, leaving Taravangian feeling defeated and ashamed.
The chapter takes place eight years ago and follows Venli, a listener, as she navigates her complex relationships with her family, the humans, and the Unmade spren Ulim. Venli is struggling to understand her newfound connection to Ulim and the powers he offers her, while also trying to help her mother, Jaxlim, who is struggling with memory loss. Ulim is pushing Venli to adopt new forms of power, including nimbleform, and to prepare her people for war with the humans. Venli is torn between her loyalty to her family and her desire for power and recognition, and she begins to question the old ways of her people and the teachings of her ancestors. She decides to work with Ulim to influence the humans and bring about a war that will force her people to adapt and evolve, and she proposes a plan to Ulim to invite her people to visit the Alethi palace and showcase the humans' power. Meanwhile, Ulim reveals more about the history of the listeners and the Unmade, and Venli begins to understand the true nature of her people's past and their connection to the gods.
The chapter focuses on Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates the complexities of her life in the tower of Urithiru, which is now occupied by the Fused. She is working with a human surgeon, Lirin, and his wife, Hesina, to care for the comatose Radiants, and is also trying to gather information and resources to help her people escape the tower. Rlain, a listener and Venli's acquaintance, brings a crate of maps to the infirmary, which he had stolen from the map room in the tower. The maps could be useful for planning an escape, but Venli knows that the Fused are becoming increasingly ruthless and that their situation is precarious. Meanwhile, Lirin is concerned about the risks of resisting the occupation and prefers to focus on survival, while Venli is determined to find a way to escape and free her people. The chapter also touches on the theme of symbols and hope, as some of the human water carriers in the tower have begun to wear a shash glyph on their foreheads, which is the same symbol that Kaladin Stormblessed, a Windrunner and champion, bears on his forehead. This symbol has become a source of hope for the humans, but Lirin is worried that it will provoke a massacre.
The chapter begins with Adolin, who has been imprisoned in the honorspren fortress of Lasting Integrity, reflecting on his past and his current situation. He is taken to the top of the fortress walls, where he can see the landscape of Shadesmar and the gathering of deadeye spren on the coast. Adolin is confused by the deadeyes' behavior and wonders what could be causing it. Meanwhile, Veil, one of Shallan's personas, is searching for a man named Restares, who is supposedly hiding in the fortress. She has been trying to gather information about him, but the honorspren seem reluctant to talk. Veil meets with Pattern, a Cryptic spren who is bonded to Shallan, and they discuss their mission and the strange behavior of the deadeyes. As Veil waits for Restares to emerge from his home, she talks to Pattern and tries to understand his motivations. Pattern reveals that he has been lying to Shallan and has been using a cube given to them by Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, to communicate with him in secret. Veil is outraged and demands to know why Pattern has been spying on them. Shallan, who has been hiding behind Veil, emerges and confronts Pattern about his lies. She is angry and hurt, and tells him that she wants nothing to do with him. Veil tries to calm her down, but Shallan is determined to move forward with their mission. As Shallan tries to gather information about Restares, she encounters a Shin man who is not Restares. She realizes that Mraize's intel was wrong and that Restares is not in the fortress. The chapter ends with Shallan and Pattern parting ways, with Shallan determined to report back to Mraize and Pattern trying to explain himself.
Navani, held captive by the Fused, is working with Raboniel to understand the nature of Stormlight and Voidlight. Raboniel reveals that she has been searching for a way to mix the two Lights, hoping to gain an advantage in the war. Navani is skeptical, but agrees to help, and together they conduct an experiment. Navani uses a device to hold gemstones against her skin, allowing her to feel the rhythm of the Stormlight, and Raboniel sings the tone and rhythm of the Voidlight. As they work together, they begin to create a harmony, and eventually succeed in mixing the two Lights, creating a new, vibrant color. Raboniel reveals that she had been seeking this mixed Light, which she calls the Rhythm of War, and Navani realizes that her husband, Gavilar, had been searching for a way to kill a god using a similar process. Navani also discovers that Raboniel's true intention is to use this knowledge to gain power over the gods, and that she has been misled by her own assumptions. The chapter ends with Navani reflecting on the implications of their discovery and the true nature of the war.
The chapter takes place seven and a half years ago, during the events leading up to the signing of the treaty between the listeners and the Alethi. Venli, a listener, is sneaking through the human palace, trying to gather information and complete a task given to her by Ulim, a spren who has been guiding her. However, she is caught by a human guard and taken to a room where she is held until the treaty is signed. Ulim eventually appears and helps her escape, but not before they encounter Nale, a Herald who is aware of Ulim's presence and is determined to stop him. Nale reveals that the king, Gavilar, is planning to betray the listeners and that Venli's people are in danger. He offers to help her by giving her information about a slave who possesses an artifact that could aid her people. Ulim and Venli escape and begin to formulate a plan to strike at the humans first, using the information provided by Nale to their advantage. Venli is torn between her desire to protect her people and the moral implications of starting a war, but Ulim's influence and her own ambitions eventually win out, and she agrees to go along with his plan.
The chapter begins with Shallan hurrying into her room, where she contacts Mraize using a communication cube. Mraize reveals that he has been searching for a way to mix Stormlight and Voidlight, and Shallan updates him on her mission to find Restares, a man Mraize is looking for. Shallan discovers that Restares is actually the High Judge, a Herald named Kalak, who has arrived at the honorspren fortress of Lasting Integrity. Meanwhile, Adolin is preparing for his trial, where he will be judged by the honorspren for the actions of the ancient Radiants. His tutor, Blended, an inkspren, is helping him understand the honorspren's legal system and prepare for the trial. Adolin learns that the trial will be a "trial by witness," where he will be given the opportunity to testify and prove his character. However, Blended warns him that the honorspren's concept of honor is different from humans, and that they may not be swayed by Adolin's arguments. As Adolin and Blended discuss the trial, they are interrupted by a commotion outside, where the High Judge, Kalak, has arrived. Adolin is shocked to learn that the High Judge is human, but Blended explains that Kalak is actually a spren who has taken on a human form. Veil, one of Shallan's personas, realizes that Mraize's true intention is to kill Kalak, and that she has been manipulation into being an unwitting accomplice.
The chapter focuses on Rlain, a listener, as he navigates the complexities of his life in the tower of Urithiru, which is now occupied by the Fused. He visits the laundry room, where he is met with hostility and suspicion by the human workers, who view him as a traitor. Rlain then heads to the Radiant infirmary, where he delivers clean bedding and meets with Lirin and Hesina, Kaladin's parents. They discuss their situation and the potential dangers they face, including the Pursuer, a powerful Fused who is seeking to harm them. Rlain also meets with Dabbid, a former member of Bridge Four, who reveals that Kaladin is asleep and unresponsive, and may be dying. Rlain agrees to help Dabbid care for Kaladin, and the two begin to make plans to save him. Meanwhile, Rlain reflects on his own identity and his place in the world, feeling like an outsider among both humans and singers. He also discovers a map of the Shattered Plains, which reveals a surprising symmetry and pattern to the landscape.
Kaladin finds himself in a desolate, windswept environment, struggling to come to terms with his past and his role as a Windrunner. He is haunted by visions of his friends and family, and the wind itself seems to hate him. Wit appears to him in a vision, bringing a warm and inviting fire, and a pot of stew that Kaladin devours gratefully. Wit tells Kaladin a story called "The Dog and the Dragon", about a small dog who tries to become a dragon by mimicking its scales, speech, and flight. Despite failing at each task, the dog ultimately saves a child's life and finds acceptance and belonging with a family. Kaladin is initially frustrated by the story's ending, feeling that it is unsatisfying and pointless. However, Wit reveals that the story is meant to be open to interpretation, and that Kaladin must assign his own meaning to it. As Kaladin prepares to leave the vision and return to the real world, Wit tells him that things will get worse before they get better, but that he will find warmth and sunshine again. The story ends with Kaladin feeling a sense of hope and determination, ready to face the challenges ahead.
The chapter takes place seven years ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she navigates her life in warform, a new and powerful form that her people have adopted. She and her friends, Thude and Rlain, spend their time exploring the Shattered Plains, leaping across chasms and enjoying the freedom and strength that warform provides. However, Eshonai is aware of the looming threat of the humans, who have arrived on the Plains in force and are preparing to attack. She believes that the listeners can hold out against the humans, using their gemstones to speed crop growth and harvest food, and that the terrain of the Plains will favor them in a fight. Meanwhile, Venli, Eshonai's sister, is working with a group of friends to unlock the secrets of the Voidspren, powerful spren that can grant them new abilities and powers. Venli believes that with the help of the Voidspren, the listeners can solve the greatest challenge they have ever faced and become a powerful and dominant force.
The chapter focuses on Shallan, who is struggling with her multiple personas and her mission to find Restares, a Herald who is hiding in the honorspren fortress of Lasting Integrity. Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, reveals that Restares is actually Kelek, one of the Heralds, and that he has been hiding in the fortress to avoid his duties. Mraize tasks Shallan with capturing Kelek's soul using a special knife, which would allow them to access his knowledge and potentially gain an advantage in the war. Shallan is hesitant and conflicted about the mission, but Mraize's words and the potential benefits of capturing Kelek's soul persuade her to consider it. Meanwhile, Adolin meets with Kelek, who is dismissive and uncooperative, and agrees to a trial by witness, which will determine the fate of the humans and their relationship with the honorspren. The trial is set to take place in two days, and Adolin is advised by Blended to object to the public nature of the trial, but ultimately decides to proceed.
The chapter follows Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates her complex relationships with the Fused and her own people. She uses her powers to communicate with the stones of the tower of Urithiru, remembering her past and her connection to the natural world. Venli also meets with Leshwi, a Fused and her mistress, who warns her about Raboniel's true intentions and the danger she poses to the Fused and the humans. Meanwhile, Venli discovers that the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, is closing in on Kaladin's parents and decides to take action to save them. She enlists the help of Rlain, a listener and her acquaintance, and Dabbid, a former member of Bridge Four, to rescue an Edgedancer who is being held in a cell. The Edgedancer's powers may be the key to saving Kaladin's life, as his own powers are not working properly and he is slowly dying. Venli's actions are motivated by her desire to protect her friends and the humans, and to find a way to free her people from the Fused.
Navani is being held captive by the Fused in the tower of Urithiru, but she is allowed to continue her research and experiments. She is trying to understand the nature of Stormlight and Voidlight, and how to mix them to create a new form of Light. Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, is also working with Navani, and they make a breakthrough in their research, discovering a way to conjoin spren and potentially create a new form of fabrial. Navani is excited about the implications of their discovery, but she is also aware of the dangers of their research and the potential consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, Raboniel reveals that the Fused have been using a special metal to drain Stormlight from Radiants, and Navani realizes that this metal could be used to conduct Stormlight and Voidlight. Navani's ultimate goal is to find a way to destroy Odium, the god of the enemy, and she believes that her research may hold the key to achieving this goal.
The chapter focuses on Dabbid, a member of Bridge Four, who has been different his whole life due to being born with a condition that affects his cognitive abilities. Despite this, he has found a sense of belonging and purpose among his friends in Bridge Four. Dabbid leads Rlain and Lift to Kaladin, who is badly injured and infected, and Lift uses her Stormlight healing powers to save his life. As they tend to Kaladin, Dabbid opens up about his past and his struggles, revealing that he has been able to speak all along but chose not to in order to avoid being treated differently. The group is eventually joined by Teft, who is healed by Lift, and Kaladin, who awakens from his coma. The chapter explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
The chapter takes place a year and a half ago, during the war between the listeners and the humans. Venli, a listener, is working with Ulim, a spren, to bring about a storm that will give her people the power to defeat the humans. Venli's sister, Eshonai, is a skilled warrior who has obtained Shardplate, but Venli feels overshadowed by her sister's accomplishments. The two sisters share a moment of connection as they sing a song together, the Song of Mornings, which brings back memories of their childhood. However, their relationship is complex, and Venli struggles with feelings of resentment and rivalry towards Eshonai. Meanwhile, their mother is struggling with memory loss and is found wounded, which adds to the tension and concern within the family. Venli decides to go into a storm to hunt for stormspren, a crucial step in her plan to bring about the storm and gain power for her people.
The chapter focuses on Adolin's trial by witness, where he is forced to defend himself against the accusations of the honorspren. The trial is held in the honorspren fortress of Lasting Integrity, and Adolin is allowed to present his case to the High Judge, Kelek. However, the witnesses called against him, including Amuna and Blended, present damning testimony that highlights the historical betrayals of humans against the spren. Adolin struggles to respond to their accusations, and the trial becomes increasingly heated. Meanwhile, Shallan, who is watching the trial, uses the opportunity to sneak into a restricted area and steal a valuable gemstone containing Stormlight. She uses her skills of deception and subterfuge to convincingly pretend to be injured and gain access to the restricted area, and then swaps the gemstone with a fake one. The chapter ends with Shallan and Pattern making their escape, having successfully obtained the Stormlight they needed.
The chapter takes place a year and a half ago, during a storm on the Shattered Plains. Eshonai, a listener, is visited by her sister Venli, who has managed to capture a stormspren, a powerful and mysterious entity, using a gemstone. Venli believes that the stormspren holds the key to unlocking a new form of power for their people, which they call "stormform". Eshonai is skeptical and concerned about the potential dangers of this power, but Venli is determined to pursue it. As they discuss the implications of Venli's discovery, Eshonai decides to step out into the storm, seeking answers and guidance from the Rider of Storms, a legendary spren. However, instead of receiving an answer, she encounters a massive chasmfiend, a dangerous creature that inhabits the chasms of the Shattered Plains. The chasmfiend is distracted by a small, star-like spren that appears and spins around Eshonai, allowing her to escape. The chapter ends with Eshonai returning home, accompanied by the mysterious spren, and contemplating the significance of her encounter with the chasmfiend and the potential consequences of Venli's discovery.
Navani, while being held captive by the Fused, is allowed to work on understanding the nature of Stormlight and Voidlight. She conducts experiments, including one where she uses a device to measure the strength of Investiture in gemstones. Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, joins her in the research and they make a breakthrough, discovering a way to mix Stormlight and Voidlight. However, Navani realizes that Raboniel's true intention is not to use this knowledge to end the war, but to gain power over the gods. Navani tries to negotiate with Raboniel, proposing a treaty and offering to work together to find a way to end the war without harming the Sibling, the spren of the tower. Raboniel refuses, stating that she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, even if it means unmaking the Sibling. Navani is given the title "Voice of Lights" by Raboniel, but she is unsure of what this title means or what it will bring. As Navani continues her research, she begins to understand the true nature of Stormlight and Voidlight, realizing that they are not just types of illumination, but sounds and vibrations. She becomes determined to find a way to use this knowledge to help the Sibling and stop Raboniel's plans.
The chapter begins with Adolin, who is on trial by the honorspren, attempting to defend himself against accusations of human wrongdoing. Despite the hostile audience, Adolin tries to make his case, arguing that humans are capable of growth and change, and that the honorspren should consider bonding with them again. However, the trial quickly devolves into chaos, with the honorspren presenting a deadeye Cryptic as evidence that modern Radiants are untrustworthy. Adolin tries to respond to the accusations, but the honorspren are uninterested in his arguments, and the trial ends with Adolin feeling defeated. Later, Adolin is with Shallan, who is trying to comfort him and plan a rescue mission to break him out of prison. Shallan has stolen some Stormlight and is considering using it to stage a rescue, but Adolin is uncertain if it's the right thing to do. Meanwhile, Shallan is struggling with her own internal conflict, as her different personas argue about whether to fulfill Mraize's plan to kill Kelek, the High Judge, and imitate him at the trial. Ultimately, two of Shallan's personas, Radiant and Veil, decide not to go through with the plan, leaving Shallan to reconsider her actions.
The chapter focuses on Teft, a member of Bridge Four, as he recovers from his injuries and reflects on his past. He reveals to his friends that he had been part of a group that sought to become Radiants, but their methods were dark and ultimately led to his father's death. Teft's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of blindly following a cause or ideology. Meanwhile, the group discusses their plan to rescue the captured Radiants, with Kaladin suggesting that they wait and plan carefully before taking action. Rlain proposes a possible way to contact the queen, Navani, by disguising himself as a servant and delivering food to her. The group agrees to wait and plan, but Teft is eager to take action and prove that he is still useful. Throughout the chapter, Teft's character is explored in more depth, revealing his complexities and motivations. The group's dynamics and relationships are also highlighted, particularly the bond between Teft and Kaladin.
The chapter begins with Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, standing beside Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, as they receive daily reports from their Regals. Venli is tasked with interpreting and communicating with the Regals, who speak Azish. Raboniel is searching for a Windrunner, and Venli reports that the Windrunner is alive, despite initial claims that he was dead. As they discuss the reports, Venli's thoughts turn to her past and her feelings of guilt and shame over her betrayal of her people. Raboniel senses Venli's emotions and begins to open up to her, discussing the nature of their fight and the cost of their immortality. Raboniel reveals that she understands Venli's confusion and weakness, and values her ability to question and seek truth. She gives Venli a gift, a paper with a writ of authority and a map, which appears to show the location of a group of Parshendi who escaped into the chasms before the Everstorm. The chapter ends with Venli clutching the paper and running, eager to investigate the possibility that some of her people may have survived.
The chapter focuses on Shallan, who is struggling with her multiple personas and her mission to find Restares, a Herald who is hiding in the honorspren fortress of Lasting Integrity. She discovers that Restares is actually Kelek, the High Judge, and decides to kill him to fulfill her mission. However, as she prepares to carry out the deed, her personas, including Veil and Radiant, argue with her, and she begins to question her actions. Veil reveals that Shallan's past traumas and memories have been hidden away, and that she has been using her personas to protect herself from the pain. Shallan eventually decides not to kill Kelek and instead tries to reason with him, revealing that she was sent by the Ghostbloods to kill him. Kelek is receptive to her words and agrees to reconsider his stance on Adolin's trial. Meanwhile, Shallan's Stormlight is depleted, and she is left vulnerable. The chapter ends with the arrival of several honorspren, including Lusintia, who accuse Shallan of attempting to influence the trial, and Sekeir, who suggests that Kelek is having another bout of weakness and should be sequestered.
The chapter focuses on Adolin's trial by the honorspren, where he is forced to defend himself against accusations of human wrongdoing. The trial takes a dramatic turn when Maya, Adolin's Shardblade, is brought in as a witness and speaks for the first time, revealing that the spren had chosen to sacrifice themselves alongside the Radiants during the Recreance. The revelations spark a turning point in the trial, and the honorspren begin to question their long-held assumptions about humans and their role in the Recreance. The chapter ends with Adolin and Maya leaving the trial, and Blended, an inkspren, reflecting on the significance of the events and the potential implications for the future of human-spren relationships.
The chapter explores Venli's past and her experiences during the war between the listeners and the humans. It delves into her emotions and thoughts as she navigates the battlefield, seeking refuge and trying to make sense of the chaos around her. Venli is forced to confront her true nature, admitting to herself that she is not the powerful, confident leader she has pretended to be, but rather a coward who is driven by self-preservation. The chapter also touches on the theme of identity and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, as Venli struggles to come to terms with her own weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Throughout the chapter, Venli's character is fleshed out, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual who is capable of both bravery and cowardice. The story ultimately sets the stage for Venli's future growth and development, as she is forced to confront the consequences of her actions and the true nature of her identity.
The chapter follows Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant, as she navigates her complex emotions and relationships. She discovers that a group of her people, the listeners, may have survived the war and are living in the Unclaimed Hills. Venli is determined to find them and potentially redeem herself for her past actions. She reveals her plan to Rlain, a listener and her acquaintance, who is hesitant to trust her due to her involvement in the war. Despite this, Rlain agrees to work with Venli to save the Radiants, but also warns her that leading the Fused to the listeners would be disastrous. Venli decides to proceed with her plan, using a writ of authority given to her by Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, to travel to Kholinar and potentially escape into the wilderness. She gathers her people and prepares to leave, hoping to find her mother, Jaxlim, who may still be alive and able to forgive her.
In this chapter, Navani is being held captive by the Fused in the tower of Urithiru. She has been working on understanding the nature of Stormlight and Voidlight, and has made a breakthrough in discovering the opposite tone of Voidlight. However, Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, discovers Navani's discovery and takes her notes, refusing to let her continue working on the project. Navani tries to stall and hide her true intentions, but Raboniel is determined to use the discovery to create a new form of Light that can be used as a weapon. Meanwhile, Raboniel's daughter, who is a Fused, is revealed to be brain-dead and Raboniel kills her using the anti-Voidlight, freeing her from her immortal existence. Raboniel's actions are motivated by a desire to end the war and prevent further suffering, and she believes that destroying the Radiant spren is the key to achieving this goal. The chapter ends with Raboniel taking Navani's equipment and notes, intending to use them to test the anti-Stormlight on the Radiants being held captive in the tower.
Hesina tends to a map of Alethkar, focusing on the area around Tomat, her hometown, which has been taken over by the singers. She discusses the map with her husband, Lirin, who has been distant from their son Kaladin due to his complicated past. Hesina tries to persuade Lirin to reconcile with Kaladin and understand his motivations as a soldier. Lirin remains stubborn, but Hesina encourages him to see the positive impact Kaladin has on others, such as the people in the tower who wear a glyph in solidarity with him. She asks Lirin to talk to these people and understand their perspective, hoping he will come to appreciate Kaladin's actions. The chapter explores the complex relationships within the family and the emotional struggles they face, particularly Lirin's feelings of guilt and responsibility regarding Kaladin's past and his role as a soldier.
The chapter focuses on Adin, a 13-year-old boy who lives in the tower of Urithiru, which is under occupation by the Fused. Adin hopes to become a Windrunner, a prestigious group of warriors with magical abilities, and believes that his bravery and strong arms make him a good candidate. He works with his father, a potter, and Master Liganor, the owner of the shop, to create pottery and maintain a sense of normalcy despite the occupation. However, when Master Liganor closes the shop due to a disturbance in the atrium, Adin's father sneaks out to investigate, and Adin follows him, eager to prove himself and potentially earn his spren. Adin's father is revealed to be involved in some secret activities, and Adin is determined to join him and help with whatever is happening in the atrium.
The chapter focuses on Taravangian, who is struggling with his diminishing intelligence and abilities due to his advanced age and the deal he made with Odium. He is determined to find a way to stop Odium and prevent further destruction, but he is uncertain about how to proceed. Taravangian reflects on his past and his experiences, realizing that he has a unique advantage in understanding the dynamics of intelligence and stupidity. He begins to formulate a plan, using his knowledge of Nightblood, a powerful sword, and its ability to feed on Investiture. Taravangian also considers the limitations and vulnerabilities of Odium, who is a powerful but not all-consuming entity. As he ponders his next move, Taravangian is visited by Sja-anat, one of the Unmade, who appears to him in a mirror. She reveals that she is aware of Taravangian's deal with Odium and the limitations of the god's power. Sja-anat offers to help Taravangian by providing him with gemstones containing her children, which will lure Odium to him at the right time. Taravangian sees this as an opportunity to stop Odium and prevent further destruction, and he begins to make plans for their confrontation.
Dalinar surveys the aftermath of a battle, reflecting on the cost of war and his own role in it. He meets with his generals and allies, including the Mink, and discusses the progress of the war. Meanwhile, Szeth and the Windrunners report back to Dalinar with information about the location of Ishar, a Herald who is said to be able to help Dalinar in his fight against Odium. The Windrunners use their powers to create an illusion of Ishar's camp, showing Dalinar that Ishar is waiting for him and has left a message in the form of a glyph. Dalinar decides to meet with Ishar, hoping to gain valuable information and insight into the war.
In this chapter, Jasnah is in her secure room, studying the reports from the war and reflecting on her life's work as a Veristitalian. She receives a visit from Wit, who is her companion and potential love interest. Wit shares a story about a man who was a skilled gambler, but was still defeated despite his abilities, and Jasnah realizes that Odium's ability to see the future gives him a similar advantage. Wit proposes a contract between Dalinar and Odium, where if Dalinar wins, Odium will retreat for a thousand years, and if Odium wins, he will remain in the Rosharan system but get to do as he pleases with the world. Jasnah is hesitant, but Wit convinces her that this is the best option, as it limits their losses and contains Odium's power. Wit also reveals that he is not bound by the same rules as others and offers to help Jasnah openly if she agrees to the contract. The chapter ends with Jasnah feeling uncertain and unsure if she can trust Wit, but also drawn to his mysterious and ancient nature.
The chapter begins with Kaladin waking up from a nightmare, still struggling with his emotions and the weight of his responsibilities. He receives a message from the tower's spren, warning him that the final node has been located and the Radiants are in danger. The spren asks Kaladin to send Rlain to Navani, and Kaladin realizes that they need to act quickly to rescue the Radiants. He comes up with a plan to create a distraction outside while Teft and Lift sneak in to wake up the Radiants. Dabbid is sent to inform Rlain and the queen about the plan, and Kaladin and Teft prepare to put their plan into action. As they get ready, Kaladin and Teft discuss the risks and uncertainties of their plan, and Kaladin is reminded of the importance of protecting his friends and allies. The chapter ends with Kaladin and Teft setting out to rescue the Radiants, with Kaladin ready to face whatever dangers lie ahead.
Dalinar meets with the Prime of the Azish, Yanagawn, and Jasnah to discuss their strategy to retake Urithiru from the enemy. Jasnah presents a gloomy assessment of their chances, citing the difficulties of navigating the tower's defenses and the enemy's ability to suppress Radiant powers. Dalinar remains determined to find a way to liberate Urithiru and proposes a small team to sneak in and disable the enemy's suppression fabrial. He also reveals his plan to approach Ishar, a Herald, with a flag of peace and parley, in the hopes of recruiting him to their cause. Meanwhile, Jasnah is working on a contract to present to Odium, which would limit the god's power and prevent further destruction. Dalinar gives Jasnah a copy of his book, "Oathbringer", and asks her to write an undertext, a commentary on the book, which would provide a contrasting perspective and critique of his ideas.
The chapter begins with Venli, a Regal, waiting in line to use the Oathgate to travel to Kholinar with her group of friends. She is planning to escape the tower and potentially find her mother, who may have survived the war. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is struggling to come to terms with her failure to prevent the enemy from discovering the secret to killing Radiant spren. She is visited by Moash, who is now working with the enemy, and he reveals that he has been ordered to kill Kaladin Stormblessed. Navani is horrified and tries to warn Kaladin, but Moash is undeterred. Kaladin, meanwhile, is preparing to face the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, in battle. He is determined to rescue his parents and the other Radiants, and he is willing to risk his own life to do so. As the highstorm approaches, Kaladin and Syl prepare to face the Pursuer, and the fate of the Radiants and the tower hangs in the balance.
The chapter describes Kaladin's battle with the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, in the atrium of Urithiru. Meanwhile, Teft and Lift sneak into the infirmary to rescue the Radiants, but they are confronted by Moash, who has been waiting in ambush. Moash attacks Lift with his Shardblade, severely injuring her, and then turns his attention to Teft. Kaladin, determined to give Teft and Lift time to complete their mission, engages the Pursuer in a fierce battle, using his Stormlight and scalpel to try and defeat him. As the fight continues, Kaladin reveals that he has discovered the Pursuer's weakness: his legend and reputation are what make him strong, and each time Kaladin defeats him, it will damage that legend and make him weaker. The chapter ends with Moash and Teft facing off against each other, Moash wielding the assassin's Honorblade, while Kaladin and the Pursuer continue their intense battle.
The chapter begins with Rlain, a listener, trying to deliver water to the scholars in the tower of Urithiru, but he is stopped by a singer guard who recognizes him as a listener and a potential traitor. Rlain is forced to accompany the guard to see her superior, but he is determined to find a way to complete his mission and rescue the Radiants. Meanwhile, Kaladin is fighting the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, in the atrium of the tower. Kaladin uses his knowledge of the Pursuer's weaknesses and his own determination to gain the upper hand, and he eventually defeats the Pursuer. However, the battle is not without its costs, and Kaladin is left exhausted and wounded. In the infirmary, Teft is trying to evade Moash, who has turned traitor and is now working with the enemy. Teft tries to distract Moash and lead him away from Lift, who is trying to rescue the Radiants. However, Moash eventually discovers Lift and attacks her, and Teft is forced to intervene. Despite his bravery, Teft is fatally wounded by Moash, and he dies after a final confrontation with his former friend. The chapter ends with Moash standing over Teft's body, feeling no emotion or remorse for his actions.
The chapter describes the intense battle between Kaladin and the Pursuer, a powerful Fused, in the atrium of Urithiru. Kaladin uses his knowledge of the Pursuer's weaknesses and his own determination to gain the upper hand, and he eventually defeats the Pursuer. However, the victory comes at a great cost, as Teft is killed by Moash, who has turned traitor and is now working with the enemy. Kaladin is consumed by grief and despair, and Moash takes advantage of his emotional state to further his own goals. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is trying to find a way to escape and stop Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, from corrupting the Sibling, the spren of the tower. Navani uses her knowledge of fabrials to set a trap for Raboniel, and the two engage in a tense confrontation. The chapter ends with Raboniel stepping into Navani's trap, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown between the two characters.
The chapter begins with Kaladin, overwhelmed by grief and despair, after Teft's death. He is consumed by his emotions and feels like he has failed to protect those he cares about. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is trying to find a way to escape and stop Raboniel, the leader of the Fused, from corrupting the Sibling, the spren of the tower. Navani uses a painrial, a device that inflicts pain, to subdue Raboniel and then kills her with a dagger. However, Moash, who has turned traitor, appears and attacks Navani, stabbing her with a throwing knife. Venli, a Regal, watches as Kaladin, still grieving, engages in a fierce battle with the Pursuer, a powerful Fused. Kaladin uses his skills and determinations to defeat the Pursuer, and in the process, he reveals a hidden depth of power and emotion. The Pursuer is eventually killed, and Kaladin turns his attention to the Heavenly Ones, who are holding his father captive. Kaladin fights his way through them and eventually reaches the top of the tower, where he finds the last Heavenly One holding his father. In a desperate bid to save his father, Kaladin jumps off the edge of the tower, into the stormy abyss, to rescue him.
The chapter begins with Navani, who has been stabbed by Moash, fleeing from him and trying to escape. However, she is too weak and loses consciousness. Meanwhile, Kaladin is falling through the air, having jumped off the tower to rescue his father. He is struggling to come to terms with his emotions and the weight of his responsibilities, feeling like he has failed to protect those he cares about. The Stormfather appears to Dalinar, who is flying through the air with the help of a Windrunner, and warns him that Kaladin is in danger. Dalinar asks the Stormfather to slow down time to give Kaladin more time, and the Stormfather agrees. In the slowed-down time, Kaladin meets the Stormfather, who tries to persuade him to say the Words of his oath and find the strength to continue. However, Kaladin is too tired and feels like he has nothing left to give. The Stormfather tells him that he would be consigning his spren, Syl, to misery if he gives up. Dalinar intervenes, searching for a way to give Kaladin more time and finding a warmth in the darkness that he can use to connect with Kaladin. He forges a bond with Kaladin, uniting him and potentially changing the course of events.
The chapter begins with Kaladin waking up in a small tent, confused and disoriented. He finds himself on a battlefield from his past, where he sees a young squadleader, Varth, and a young messenger boy, Tien, who is his brother. Kaladin remembers this battle and knows that it ended in tragedy, with many lives lost, including Tien's. As he watches, Tien approaches him and they talk about the impending battle and the importance of standing together. Kaladin is overwhelmed with emotions, remembering the pain and guilt of not being able to protect Tien and the others. Tien comforts Kaladin, telling him that it's okay to be afraid and that the moments they spent together are what truly matter. Kaladin breaks down, feeling the weight of his failures and the loss of those he cares about. Tien reminds him that he is strong enough and that he has the support of those who believe in him. Kaladin finds the strength to accept his limitations and the pain of his past, and with Tien's help, he says the Words of his oath, accepting that there will be those he cannot protect. The storm responds, and Kaladin feels a surge of Light and warmth, as he hears the voice of the Stormfather, accepting his Words. With renewed determination, Kaladin sets his sights on saving his father, and the chapter ends with a sense of hope and resolve.
The chapter begins with Leshwi, a Fused, falling to her knees before Venli, a Regal and secretly sworn Knight Radiant. Venli reveals that she has sworn the First Ideal of the Radiants, and Leshwi is overjoyed, believing that this means the Radiants have returned and forgiven the singers. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is trying to understand the rhythm she is hearing, which seems to be connected to the events in the atrium. She sees a vision of the fighting in the atrium, where humans and singers are working together to protect the fallen Radiants. Rlain, a listener, is also in the atrium, helping with triage and trying to make sense of the situation. He is shocked to see Teft's body and learns that Lift is injured and unconscious. Leshwi, who has taken charge of the singer forces, is trying to negotiate with the humans, but they are resistant to submitting to her authority. Rlain steps in and takes charge, using his experience with Bridge Four to lead the group and plan their escape from the tower. They decide to transport the unconscious Radiants and wounded to the Oathgates, where they can escape to the Shattered Plains. However, they soon realize that they don't have a Shardblade to work the Oathgate, and Venli reveals that she was lying about having a Blade. Despite this setback, Rlain is determined to find a way to escape and save the Radiants.
The chapter, titled "Reborn", begins with Kaladin Stormblessed falling through the air, surrounded by a thousand joyful windspren, after jumping off the tower to rescue his father. He uses his powers to slow down time and creates a tunnel of light, allowing him to reach his father and grab him before they hit the ground. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is trying to find a way to escape and stop Raboniel from corrupting the Sibling, the spren of the tower. Navani uses her knowledge of fabrials to set a trap for Raboniel and eventually kills her, but not before Moash, who has turned traitor, attacks her. As Navani lies dying, she finds the strength to hum the song of anti-Voidlight, which hurts Moash and allows the Sibling to begin to heal. The Sibling accepts Navani's Words, and together they create a new form of Light, the song of science itself, which is a mixture of Honor's and Cultivation's songs. This new Light infuses Navani, healing her wounds and granting her new powers. The chapter ends with Kaladin and his father, Lirin, reunited and flying through the air, surrounded by windspren, as they prepare to protect the people in the tower. Lirin notices that the brand on Kaladin's forehead has disappeared, and Kaladin realizes that he has been reborn, with his past mistakes and weaknesses being replaced by something stronger.
In this chapter, titled "Unchained", Dalinar Kholin meets with Ishar, a Herald, who claims to be the Almighty and the first man. Ishar has the ability to open a perpendicularity, a portal to the Spiritual Realm, and uses it to attack Dalinar and his Windrunners. However, Szeth, a Truthless, intervenes and uses his black Shardblade to collapse the perpendicularity. Ishar flees to Shadesmar, taking his soldiers with him. Meanwhile, Navani Kholin, who is being held captive by the Fused, discovers that she can create a new form of Light by combining Stormlight and Voidlight. She uses this power to heal herself and drive back the enemy. Kaladin Stormblessed, who had been struggling with his powers, achieves his Fourth Ideal and becomes a more powerful Radiant. He leads a group of humans and singers in a battle against the enemy, using his newfound abilities to turn the tide of the fight. The chapter ends with Dalinar reflecting on the implications of Ishar's actions and the potential consequences of his own bond with the Stormfather.
The chapter begins with Dalinar, exhausted and confused, returning to his warcamp after a failed meeting with Ishar, a Herald. He receives news that the tower of Urithiru is safe and that Navani has bonded a spren, becoming a Bondsmith. Dalinar meets with Odium, the god of anger, in a vision, where they discuss the terms of a contest of champions to determine the fate of Roshar. Odium proposes a deal where if his champion wins, Dalinar will give up his soul and become one of the Fused, serving Odium personally. If Dalinar's champion wins, Odium will return Alethkar and Herdaz to Dalinar and cease hostilities. Dalinar agrees to the terms, hoping to contain Odium and end the war. The chapter ends with Dalinar and Odium finalizing their agreement, setting the stage for the contest of champions.
The chapter begins with Navani feeling small and disconnected from the powers of the Sibling after their bond is broken. She searches Raboniel's desk and finds a diamond filled with anti-Voidlight, a powerful and potentially deadly form of Investiture. Navani uses the diamond to kill Raboniel, who had been mortally wounded by Moash. Before dying, Raboniel reveals that she had discovered a way to create anti-Voidlight and had been trying to use it to end the war. Navani then meets with the Sibling and they discuss their bond and the consequences of their actions. The Sibling is hesitant to trust Navani, but they agree to work together to find a compromise on the use of fabrials and spren. Meanwhile, Taravangian awakens in his hut, feeling stupid and emotional due to his advanced age and the deal he made with Odium. He receives a visit from Szeth, who confronts him about his actions and reveals that he knows about Taravangian's betrayal. Szeth kills Taravangian, but not before Taravangian uses his last moments to grab the sword Nightblood and stab Odium, who had appeared in the room. The sword drinks in Odium's Investiture, and Taravangian feels a sense of Connection to the power of Odium. The power surges around him, and Taravangian Ascends to godhood, becoming the new Odium.
The chapter begins with Rlain, a listener, walking with Venli, a Regal, and their new friends to the Oathgate, where Kaladin is waiting to transfer them to the Shattered Plains. Rlain has recently spoken his first Words as a Truthwatcher and is still processing this new development. Meanwhile, Navani is being held captive by the Fused and is trying to find a way to escape and stop Raboniel from corrupting the Sibling, the spren of the tower. Taravangian, who has become the new Odium, is struggling to control his newfound power and is aware of the possibilities and potentials that lie before him. He is determined to save the world and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal. The chapter ends with Taravangian smiling and taking Cultivation's hand, ready to learn how to control his new power and fulfill his destiny.
The chapter, "Testament", begins with Shallan sitting by candlelight, writing in her notebook, while Adolin sits beside her. She is reflecting on her past and her relationships, including her bond with the spren, Pattern. Shallan contacts Mraize, the leader of the Ghostbloods, using a seon, a type of spren, and informs him that she has killed the Cryptic, Testament, as he had requested. However, she reveals that she has discovered the truth about her past and her connection to the Ghostbloods, and that she is no longer loyal to them. Mraize threatens her, but Shallan remains firm, stating that she will stop him and his organization from harming others. Meanwhile, Venli, a Regal, is shown to be trying to make amends with her past and her people, the listeners. She meets with Thude, a listener, and his group, and reveals that she has become a Radiant and has the power to heal her mother, Jaxlim, who has lost her mind. Venli also brings a group of spren, known as Reachers, who can bond with the listeners and grant them Surgebinding powers. The chapter ends with Venli's mother showing signs of recognition, and the listeners beginning to accept Venli's offer of alliance and Surgebinding powers.
The story continues with Kaladin, who has finally found some sense of peace and is trying to come to terms with his new role as a surgeon. He is tasked by Dalinar to go on a mission to recover the Herald Ishi, who is insane and has the potential to help Dalinar master his powers. Kaladin agrees to the mission, feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility. Meanwhile, Dalinar is preparing for his contest of champions with Odium, which will determine the fate of Roshar. He is feeling uncertain and second-guessing his decisions, but is determined to find a way to win and bring peace to the world. The Pursuer, a powerful Fused, is reborn and seeks revenge against Kaladin, who had killed him previously. The Pursuer is met by El, another Fused, who has a mysterious plan for him. The story also explores the relationships between the characters, including Dalinar and Navani, who are trying to find a way to live in a new world with the singers and humans coexisting.
The chapter takes place fourteen months ago and follows Eshonai, a listener, as she falls into a chasm during a battle with a human Shardbearer. She struggles to survive, using her Shardplate to walk against the current and find handholds on the chasm wall. As she tries to escape, she realizes that a highstorm is approaching, and she hears the Everstorm, a powerful and destructive force. Eshonai begins to feel a sense of determination and refuses to give up, even as she is submerged in the water and struggles to breathe. She manages to resummon her Blade and hold on, eventually finding a sense of peace and acceptance as she waits for her death. However, the Rider of Storms appears to her, telling her that she was highly Invested when she died and that he accepts her as a Radiant. The Rider takes Eshonai on a journey through the world, showing her the entirety of Roshar and its many wonders. As they fly over the land, Eshonai comes to understand the rhythms of the world and how everything fits together. The Rider eventually lets her go, and Eshonai passes into the eternities, excited to discover what lies on the other side.