58. Burdens

Dalinar and his party use the Oathgate to travel from Urithiru to Thaylen City, where they meet Queen Fen. Before departing, Dalinar grants Kaladin a landed title and charges him with keeping Elhokar safe during a dangerous mission to Kholinar. Upon arrival in Thaylen City, Dalinar witnesses the devastating destruction wrought by the Everstorm on what was once one of Roshar's finest cities.

Dalinar stands on the Urithiru plateau contemplating the height of the tower while waiting for the Oathgate transfer. He is troubled by his recent vision of Odium and discusses with Navani the decision to suspend use of the visions to avoid exposing people to the dark god. His guard Rial, a lighthearted drunkard, arrives with the others including Taravangian, Adrotagia, and Malata, a Surgebinder working with Taravangian. Navani and Malata work the Oathgate mechanism, which has been improved to transfer only the control building rather than the entire platform, saving Stormlight. Kaladin and Shallan arrive from Thaylen City after unlocking the gate from their end. Dalinar privately informs Kaladin that he has been granted a landed title along the Deathbend River with six or seven villages, explaining this is a burden that comes with being a Shardbearer. Kaladin resists but accepts, planning to fetch his family once the Kholinar mission is complete. Dalinar expresses concern about the Voidbringers' advance northward but assures Kaladin his family should be safe since the enemy is not killing noncombatants. Dalinar then uses the Oathgate to travel to Thaylen City, inserting Malata's Shardblade into the control mechanism. Upon arrival at Thaylen City's platform, Dalinar is confronted with widespread devastation. The once-magnificent coastal city, built in tiers up a mountainside, has been severely damaged by the Everstorm. Entire sections have collapsed, marble structures are broken, and the wooden docks and lower wards have been almost entirely destroyed. The Everstorm has passed five times since the initial catastrophic crossing. Queen Fen greets Dalinar with her attendants, including her consort Kmakl, and reflects that the city's previous luxury and mild weather have left it unprepared for such destruction. She offers to give Dalinar a tour of what remains standing.