69. Free Meal, No Strings

Kaladin, Adolin (disguised as Captainlord Meleran Khal), and Elhokar (disguised as General Khal) attend a lighteyed party to gather intelligence on potential allies and learn about the city's situation. While testing his Surgebinding in the market earlier, Kaladin discovers that using Stormlight draws dangerous flying spren. At the party, Kaladin separates from the group to scout the city wall and is approached by Wall Guard soldiers who notice his slave brands and offer him a free meal with no strings attached, providing an unexpected opportunity for intelligence gathering.

The chapter opens with Kaladin testing his Surgebinding in a market plaza by lightly Lashing a stone, which attracts two screaming yellow-white spren and a flying Voidbringer. He learns that using Stormlight draws immediate attention from these creatures, though small amounts dissipate quickly. Back at the tailor shop, Kaladin complains about attending a lighteyed party during wartime, but Adolin dismisses his concerns, explaining that such gatherings are normal and useful for intelligence. Adolin has acquired multiple party invitations and is fitted with fashionable clothing by the tailor Yokska. Before departing, Shallan applies Lightweaving disguises to Kaladin, Adolin, and Elhokar, tying the illusions to spheres of Stormlight. The group travels to a modest four-story home where the plan is divided: Adolin and Elhokar will circulate among the lighteyed guests, Skar and Drehy will gather information from the darkeyed guard tent, and Kaladin is assigned to the lighteyed guard tent to learn about Highmarshal Azure. However, Kaladin feels uncomfortable entering that tent and instead walks to the city wall to count guard posts. There, Wall Guard soldiers approach him and notice the slave brands on his forehead—Shallan's illusion has worn off. Rather than arrest him as a deserter, their lieutenant offers him a free meal with no obligation, presenting an unexpected intelligence opportunity.