34. Resistance

Dalinar enters a vision sent by the Stormfather to Queen Fen of Thaylen City, taking the place of a female Windrunner Knight Radiant. He witnesses her leadership as she organizes townspeople to defend against creatures called the Midnight Essence, then confronts her about joining forces against the coming Desolation. Fen remains skeptical of Dalinar's claims but agrees to consider his offer after hearing the Almighty's message.

Dalinar meets the Stormfather in a place of bone-white stone between worlds, where the spren reveals it has sent a vision to Queen Fen during a storm hitting her city. The Stormfather explains that all things have souls that eventually die when forgotten, and insists Dalinar participate in the vision rather than merely observe. Dalinar is transported into the vision flying alongside a Windrunner Knight Radiant, taking the place of a female companion. He descends into an ancient village under attack by Midnight Essence creatures—oily, multi-legged monsters of unknown origin. Dalinar finds the family he protected in his previous vision, discovering Taffa dead in the house. He encounters Fen, who has taken command of the townspeople and organized them into an effective defensive force around a bonfire. The Windrunner defeats the remaining creatures. Dalinar then speaks with Fen away from the frozen crowd, revealing his purpose and attempting to convince her to ally with him. Fen explains her skepticism: reports through spanreed networks described Dalinar as mad, claiming he killed the Almighty and acting erratically—behavior that made her suspect he was in contact with Voidbringers. The Everstorm's arrival partially vindicated him, but her trust remains incomplete. Dalinar grows frustrated and shouts his argument about the necessity of their alliance despite their mutual distrust, which unexpectedly resonates with Fen—she prefers his honest passion to diplomatic coldness. The vision resumes normal speed as Fen rejoins the townspeople. The Radiant addresses her with an invitation to Urithiru and speaks the Almighty's words about not letting strife consume her and acting with honor. Afterward, Fen remains uncertain whether Dalinar truly serves the Almighty or has allied with Odium, but Dalinar believes her willingness to listen indicates she may eventually come to Urithiru. He tells the Stormfather he now understands how to communicate with her: through authenticity rather than diplomatic courtesy.