16. Wrapped Three Times

Dalinar hides the Honorblade in the tower and learns from the Stormfather that Odium cannot break oaths, making a champion contest viable. He spars with soldiers, refuses to recant his faith claims to appease the church, and discovers the Iriali queen will only negotiate if he returns Adolin's Shardplate—stolen from his first wife, Evi, whose name and face he has just suddenly remembered.

Dalinar examines the Honorblade in a private chamber, learning from the Stormfather that it was forged from Honor's soul and lacks a gemstone because it doesn't scream like other Shardblades. The Stormfather confirms that Odium, like Honor, cannot break oaths due to the permeating power of ancient Adonalsium, making a champions' contest a viable strategy to buy time. Dalinar hides the blade in a shaft in the tower's sewage system, realizing it could serve as a backup for Windrunning if Kaladin doesn't return. He encounters guard Rial, who shows unusual perceptiveness, then proceeds to the training grounds where he spars with Aratin Khal in a wrestling match and loses. Resisting the urge to access the Thrill—which he now recognizes as profoundly wrong—he admits defeat fairly. Navani arrives and informs him that the Iriali queen wants to meet immediately. Dalinar insists the meeting occur in the training chamber while he continues sparring with Kadash, an ardent and former soldier. As Navani reads the queen's messages, it becomes clear that Iri is considering alliance with the Voidbringers and resents Dalinar as a thief. Dalashi questions Dalinar's faith, but Dalinar refuses to recant his belief that the Almighty is dead, claiming he needs truth rather than comforting lies. Dalinar illustrates his point with a story about a takama belt tied three times—a tradition he traced back to a practical reason rather than ancient wisdom. He then demonstrates his Radiant powers by using Stormlight to bind Kadash to the ground, declaring the Knights Radiant have returned. The queen's final message demands return of stolen goods—Adolin's Shardplate—for consideration of alliance. When Navani mentions the Shardplate belonged to "Evi," Dalinar is struck by sudden memory: the name triggers recall of his first wife's face, which he had been unable to remember until this moment.