22. The Darkness Within

Adolin and Shallan visit Ialai Sadeas to investigate her husband's murder. During the meeting, Shallan encounters Mraize disguised as a soldier, who tasks her with securing Urithiru against a mysterious darkness and mentions her dead brother Helaran. Ialai suggests the killer may be among Dalinar's own soldiers and reveals that Highmarshal Amaram has arrived to lead her investigation. The chapter ends with news that highstorms have returned to the coast.

Adolin and Shallan confront Ialai Sadeas in her chambers at Urithiru, where Adolin attempts to investigate the murder of her husband. Ialai deflects suspicion toward Dalinar through veiled insinuations, comparing the situation to a whitespine lurking near its kill. When Adolin directly challenges her logic, asserting that his father had no motive to kill Sadeas now that his position is secure, Ialai responds by ordering them about—sending Shallan to fetch tea. In the side room, Shallan encounters Mraize, who reveals he is a Ghostblood operative monitoring Ialai. He confronts Shallan about her use of their symbol the previous night and presents a task: secure Urithiru and eliminate the source of the mysterious darkness present in the tower. As payment, he mentions Helaran—Shallan's dead brother—hinting at knowledge of his fate. During the meeting's conclusion, Ialai suggests the murder may have been committed by one of Dalinar's soldiers acting without direct orders. Most significantly, she reveals that Highmarshal Amaram has arrived at Urithiru and is now leading her investigation into the murder. Adolin recognizes the political danger: Ialai's protection of the discredited Amaram undermines Dalinar's credibility. As Adolin and Shallan leave, they learn from a guard that highstorms have been spotted returning to the coast near New Natanan.