64. Binder of Gods

Dalinar retrieves the Honorblade from its hiding place and learns from the Stormfather that Ishar, the Herald of Luck (formerly called Binder of Gods), is behind the wars in Emul. The Stormfather reveals that Dalinar's power is Connection itself—the greatest of all Surges—and that only three Bondsmiths can exist at any time. Dalinar gives the Honorblade to Bridge Four for training, then departs alone through the Oathgate to meet with the Azish emperor, hoping to establish a crucial alliance.

Dalinar retrieves the Honorblade hidden in a stone shaft and holds it while conversing with the Stormfather. He learns that the ancient weapon belonged to Jezrien (Jezerezeh), who became known as Ishi'Elin, Herald of Luck. When Dalinar asks about the god-priest Tezim waging war on Emul, the Stormfather confirms that Tezim is actually Ishar, now insane and seeking his own death. The Stormfather reveals that Dalinar possesses the Surges of Connection—the power Ishar once held when he was called Binder of Gods and founder of the Oathpact. This makes Dalinar's potential greater than any other Radiant, though only suited for purposes beyond mere battle. The Stormfather explains that only three Bondsmiths can exist, one bonded to each of three sibling spren; he declines to name his siblings. When Dalinar asks if the Stormfather can renew spheres without a storm, the Stormfather attempts but finds he cannot access Honor's power away from storms.

Dalinar presents the Honorblade to Bridge Four, explaining it grants Windrunner powers to whoever holds it. Rock volunteers to wield it while the others practice, and Teft organizes a rotation. Dalinar notices the men could use their newfound Radiant powers to heal themselves. He then prepares to depart for a meeting with an Azish emperor a thousand miles away. Navani and Fen discuss the risks, with Fen vouching for Dalinar's capabilities. Navani gives him food wrapped with a glyphward before he leaves.

On Urithiru's western plateau, Dalinar observes soldiers attempting to absorb spheres to become Radiant—a backwards approach the Stormfather finds foolish. He interrupts a brutal mock battle between Sadeas and Aladar's forces that has devolved into real fighting fueled by angerspren. Using Stormlight, he pins the combatants to the ground. He notes that Meridas Amaram, who now commands the Sadeas forces following Torol's murder, is having difficulty controlling these increasingly unruly soldiers. Dalinar considers assigning them hard labor in ruined cities as a solution. Jasnah, waiting in the Oathgate control building, suggests exactly this—putting Sadeas's troops to work assisting Queen Fen in Kholinar. They confirm that the infiltration team at Kholinar has sent no word yet. Jasnah activates the Oathgate, and Dalinar steps through into Azir's hot, spice-scented climate to meet the emperor.