AFTERWORD

Chapter 108

96. Pieces of a Fabrial

Overview

Navani orchestrates the first major conference of monarchs at Urithiru to forge a unified coalition against the Voidbringers. She skillfully redirects the fractious discussion away from territorial conquest toward mutual defense and cooperation, assigning specific roles to each kingdom based on their strengths while Dalinar sits troubled and withdrawn.

Summary

Navani and Dalinar arrive first at the grand meeting room atop Urithiru, where Navani has instituted an Alethi tradition requiring each leader to carry their own chair as a symbol of equality. Dalinar appears haunted since his collapse after visiting Azir, and Navani has taken the lead on his request. Bridge Four settles behind them with characteristic irreverence as various monarchs and representatives arrive—the young Azish Prime with his grand entourage, representatives from Tashikk, Yezier, and Emul (Azir's subject states), the Alethi contingent including Renarin and Jasnah, Ialai Sadeas (who ignores the chair requirement), Queen Fen of Thaylen, Taravangian of Jah Keved, and the Natan ambassador Au-nak. The discussion quickly becomes chaotic, with delegates arguing over trade tariffs, gate access, and territorial ambitions. Ialai deliberately provocatively suggests seizing Shinovar's resources, which derails the conversation toward conquest rather than defense. Navani regains control by treating the room as "pieces of a fabrial"—individual components that must be assembled into a functioning whole. She strategically compliments the Azish Prime's bureaucratic expertise and requests his scholars create administrative codes for the coalition. She then assigns Thaylen merchants oversight of trade administration through the Oathgates, offers Alethi military support to help Emul secure its remaining territory, and proposes Jasnah's strategy of entrenchment over expansion. When Navani reveals that Alethkar has fallen and Kholinar is lost, the room falls silent. She and Jasnah explain the military situation grimly, prompting fears that Jah Keved will be next. Dalinar offers Taravangian military support, and the Azish Prime pledges five battalions to defend Jah Keved as a test of Oathgate mobility and coalition solidarity. During a break, Navani observes Dalinar's continued distress and suggests he tour Vedenar to gain perspective, which he accepts. Though Navani has successfully unified the coalition's direction, she feels powerless as she worries about Dalinar's state and the fate of Elhokar, whose survival remains unknown.

Characters

  • Navani KholinOrganizes and moderates the first coalition meeting, redirects chaotic discussion toward mutual defense, and strategically assigns administrative roles to each kingdom
  • Dalinar KholinSits haunted and troubled throughout the meeting, offers military support to Taravangian, and accepts Navani's suggestion to visit Jah Keved
  • Renarin KholinArrives with the Alethi contingent, appearing terrified about his brother Adolin's fate
  • Jasnah KholinParticipates in the Alethi delegation, advocates for defensive entrenchment over conquest, and reveals the details of Alethkar's fall and Kholinar's loss
  • The Azish PrimeYoung emperor who initially expresses concerns about Radiant powers, agrees to have his scholars create coalition administrative codes, and commits five battalions to defend Jah Keved
  • NouraAzish vizier who advises the Prime, recognizes the Voidbringers' strategic focus, and helps negotiate the Prime's commitment to the coalition
  • Vexil the Wise (Prime of Emul)Calls for reclamation of Emul from parshmen and conquest of Tukar, receives offer of Alethi military aid to secure remaining territory
  • Tashikki AmbassadorRaises questions about Oathgate access and tariffs, notes the difficulty of attacking across the Shin mountains
  • Yezier PrincessSpeaks briefly about concerns regarding Iri and Rira falling to the enemy
  • Queen Fen of ThaylenAdvocates for free trade, questions Alethi greed, and accepts administrative responsibility for trade and supply through the Oathgates
  • Fen's ConsortSits with Queen Fen, provides non-verbal agreement to her positions
  • TaravangianKing of Jah Keved who asks if the Voidbringers are coming for him, accepts offers of military support and commits to defending his kingdom
  • AdrotagiaSits with Taravangian as his companion
  • Au-nakNatan ambassador representing the city-state of Natan, notes that the Voidbringers bypassed Emul and suggests the border between Alethkar and Jah Keved is vulnerable
  • Ialai SadeasRefuses to carry her own chair as required, provokes the discussion toward territorial conquest by proposing the seizure of Shinovar, and attempts further sabotage before being cut off by Jasnah
  • SebarialArrives late without a chair, makes wisecracks about the Desolation, and attempts to secure the trade administration role before Navani assigns it to Fen
  • PalonaArrives with Sebarial, pounds him on the back when he chokes
  • AladarHighprince who offers scribes expert in fortification to help Emul and counters Tashikki arguments about information sharing
  • LiftA young Radiant from Bridge Four who outeats the large Horneater bridgeman in a contest
  • Bridge Four membersSettle behind Navani carrying simple chairs, joke optimistically about Kaladin's survival, and help create an atmosphere of levity