71. A Sign of Humanity

Flashback eleven years prior: Dalinar approaches the city of Rathalas with his army to crush a rebellion, but Evi's pleas for mercy weigh on him. After a tense negotiation with the young rebel leader Tanalan, they arrange a false accord claiming collusion to trap traitors—revealing that Highprince Sadeas has been secretly supplying the rebels and may have sent a Shardbearer to ambush Dalinar's forces.

The chapter opens eleven years in the past as Dalinar marches toward Rathalas to assault the rebel-held Rift. Throughout the journey, he observes Evi weeping in her carriage while she performs prayers and burns incense, crushed by their conflict. When he joins her to reconcile, Evi begs him not to kill indiscriminately, speaking of a terrifying void she sees in him that feeds on souls. She asks him to spare the rebels and show mercy. Dalinar agrees to hold back, though internally he battles the bloodlust he calls the Thrill. Upon arrival, Teleb reports that a guarded caravan has left the Rift. Dalinar immediately marches his vanguard toward the city walls without resting. He dons his Plate and Blade, then rides alone into the killing field to parley. When the gates open, young Brightlord Tanalan emerges with his men. Dalinar dismounts, dismisses his Blade, and challenges Tanalan to consider surrender. He offers an alternative: a duel between them for the city's fate. Tanalan refuses but then proposes a different solution—that their conflict was staged all along to expose traitors within Dalinar's own ranks. Tanalan reveals the caravan was sent by Highprince Torol Sadeas, supplying the rebellion. Dalinar realizes the caravan may actually be a flanking force with a Shardbearer meant to ambush him. He and Tanalan arrange a false accord: Tanalan will stand down and claim he was secretly allied with Gavilar all along, preserving his dignity while allowing Dalinar to avoid battle. In return, Tanalan will become a legitimate highlord. Dalinar then commands his forces to secure Rathalas peacefully and prepares to ride out with elite soldiers to intercept Sadeas's caravan, while instructing Evi to warn Gavilar of the betrayal.