52. After His Father

This chapter is a flashback set eighteen and a half years before the main timeline. After a grueling four-year military campaign against the Herdazians and Vedens, Dalinar returns exhausted to his warcamp, only to be surprised by the arrival of his wife Evi and their two young sons, Adolin and Renarin, whom she has brought against his wishes.

Dalinar arrives at his warcamp after crushing a Herdazian raiding group, dealing with minimal casualties while inflicting devastating losses. Despite his exhaustion, he finds himself still feeling the Thrill of battle. When his officer Kadash delivers the battle report, Dalinar reflects on the long campaign ahead and acknowledges that without Gavilar, he must handle the logistical and strategic burdens himself. He is surprised when Evi appears at his tent, having traveled to the warcamp with their children against his expectations. Evi explains that Navani advised her to come, citing Dalinar's long absence from his family. Dalinar is frustrated by her arrival and particularly that she brought the children, whom he believes should remain safely in Kholinar. When Evi asks if he could have enemies surrender rather than die, Dalinar dismisses the idea as impractical. He takes her to see the boys: young Adolin, who has grown considerably and now speaks clearly, greeting his father with a salute; and little Renarin, a toddler who remains largely silent. Dalinar is struck by how much Adolin has developed but finds himself too exhausted to feel much emotion beyond weariness. After dismissing his Blade and spending time with his sons, Dalinar retires to rest, saying he and Evi will discuss her role at the warcamp later.