67. Mishim

Shallan, recovered from her recent ordeal, joins Elhokar's planning session where he proposes a strategy to address the crisis in Kholinar: investigating the Cult of Moments and their use of the Oathgate, recruiting lighteyed houses for military support, and gathering intelligence on the mysterious Azure and his Wall Guard. As Veil, Shallan scouts the city's market and grain distribution, discovering corruption in the system before encountering Wit performing a cryptic story about the moon Mishim and Queen Tsa.

A day after being murdered and revived, Shallan feels physically better, though haunted by a glimpse of an Unmade presence in mirrors. She joins Elhokar, Adolin, and Kaladin in the tailor's shop workroom where the king presents his plan: Shallan will infiltrate the Cult of Moments to access the Oathgate platform and transport it to Urithiru; Adolin and Elhokar will pose as lighteyes to rally private guard forces; Kaladin will investigate Azure and the Wall Guard. Adolin raises concerns about accusations against Queen Aesudan regarding excess and waste, but Elhokar insists something must have compelled her behavior and defers judgment until they rescue her.

Disguised as Veil, Shallan ventures into Kholinar's ancient market to understand the city's population and the Cult of Moments. She observes House Velalant soldiers distributing grain from a converted Thaylen bank, but notes their incompetence allows servants from wealthy homes to collect food meant for the poor. Veil witnesses despair and angerspren throughout the crowds and contemplates her inability to help, haunted by her missing brothers. While moving through the market, she hears a familiar voice telling a story and discovers Wit performing near a storm cistern. He tells the story of the moon Mishim and Queen Tsa, using smoke and powders to create visual effects. The tale describes how Mishim tricks Tsa into trading places for a night, but Tsa, after experiencing the heavens, refuses to return and later bears a blue-skinned child fathered by the moon Nomon. When the performance ends, Wit recognizes Shallan despite her Veil disguise, and the two arrange to meet for food. Shallan glimpses a mysterious sealed jar in his pack that is white on one side and black on the other.