24. Men of Blood and Sorrow

Dalinar receives King Taravangian and his retinue at Urithiru, including the newly awakened Surgebinder Malata. As they tour the tower, Dalinar grapples with the mysterious return of his memories of Evi and contemplates the fundamental challenge of his mission: no other monarchs have answered his call for alliance against the Voidbringers, leaving him isolated and forced to confront whether conquest might be necessary to save Roshar.

Dalinar stands on Urithiru's plateau, troubled by the unexpected return of memories regarding Evi, his deceased wife—memories he thought permanently erased by the Nightwatcher. He receives King Taravangian of Kharbranth and Jah Keved via fabrial transport, along with Adrotagia, the true power behind the throne, and Malata, a newly awakened Dustbringer Surgebinder. As they tour the tower on its central lift, Dalinar observes Taravangian's diminished mental state following his apoplexy five years prior, though the king displays unexpected philosophical depth when discussing sorrow and the bleak fate of "men of blood and sorrow." Dalinar confides in Navani about his returning memories; she reveals extensive research showing Old Magic curses are permanent, yet cannot explain why his are reversing. The Stormfather confirms the bond is not responsible. At the top of the tower, Taravangian and Adrotagia meet with Dalinar and Navani to discuss the gathering of monarchs. Navani delivers grim news: despite multiple communications, no other rulers have heeded the call. Thaylenah, Azir, and Iri have all refused or dodged requests. A response from the Tukari god-king Tezim arrives, declaring himself the only true Radiant and demanding surrender, making him an impossible ally. Facing complete isolation, Taravangian innocently asks where Dalinar will attack first, revealing that every monarch assumes Alethkar's overtures mask conquest ambitions. Dalinar insists diplomacy will prevail, but Taravangian and Adrotagia remain skeptical. Alone at the window, Dalinar confronts a dangerous thought: whether seizing the Oathgates and capitals by force, ostensibly for Roshar's own good, might become necessary—echoing his past justifications for conquest in Alethkar.