19. The Subtle Art of Diplomacy

In a flashback to thirty-one years ago, Dalinar and Gavilar host Western emissaries Toh and his sister Evi at a feast during a highstorm. Political discussions center on securing Toh's Shardplate through a marriage alliance between Dalinar and Evi. An assassination attempt on Gavilar is thwarted when Dalinar kills the would-be assassin, impressing the Westerners and prompting Dalinar to agree to the marriage.

The chapter opens thirty-one years before the main narrative at a highstorm waystop where Dalinar attends a feast with his brother Gavilar and their allies Sadeas and Ialai. Western emissaries Brightlord Toh and his sister Evi have arrived seeking protection and alliances. Gavilar engages Toh in diplomatic discussion about Alethi military strategy and fortifications, learning that the Westerners lack Soulcasters and possess fewer Shards. Dalinar, uncomfortable with the political nature of the feast, grows restless and ventures into the raging highstorm to search for a lost knife, an action that shocks Toh, who is unaccustomed to such fearlessness. Upon returning drenched, Dalinar sits with Gavilar, Navani, Ialai, and Sadeas, who explain that the diplomatic purpose is to secure Toh's stolen Shardplate through marriage. Ialai suggests Dalinar marry Evi to bind the Western house to Kholin and strengthen Gavilar's legitimacy among the remaining highprinces. Gavilar theorizes about why great conquerors like Sunmaker fail—their endless ambition prevents them from enjoying their conquests. During the meal, a server concealing a knife attempts to assassinate Gavilar. Dalinar notices the weapon and violently prevents the attack by kicking Gavilar's chair, then kills the assassin. The assassination attempt, coupled with Dalinar's brutal effectiveness, thoroughly impresses Toh and Evi. Gavilar attributes the cowardly attack to desperate enemies. Dalinar, recognizing that Navani is lost to him as Gavilar's wife, immediately agrees to marry Evi without further hesitation.