8. A Powerful Lie

Shallan struggles with guilt over her mother's death while practicing her art at Urithiru. Summoned to meet with Dalinar, she unexpectedly creates a massive three-dimensional map of Roshar with her Stormlight, revealing the locations of the ten ancient Oathgates. Dalinar outlines a strategy to unite the kingdoms by securing these gateway cities, but the meeting is interrupted by news of a murder.

Shallan sits drawing outside Urithiru, troubled by Pattern's reminder of her role in her mother's death. She activates the Oathgate platform to bring more refugees from Narak, though the process exhausts her Stormlight reserves. A scout summons her to meet Dalinar, who is planning diplomatic strategy with Adolin, Renarin, and Navani. When Dalinar expresses frustration about not being able to comprehend all of Roshar, Shallan feels drawn to him and instinctively channels her Stormlight into the map on the wall. The Stormlight flows between them, creating a massive three-dimensional illusion of the entire continent at table height. Shallan realizes the map came from Dalinar's connection to the Stormfather rather than her own knowledge. Examining the illuminated map, Dalinar identifies the ten Oathgates scattered across Roshar's kingdoms and formulates a strategy: secure the three most powerful—Azir, Thaylen City, and Jah Keved—to create mobile bastions of strength against the approaching Voidbringers. He mentions seeing visions of the enemy's champion, a creature in black armor with red eyes and nine shadows. Renarin reacts visibly to this revelation. Dalinar notes that Kholinar, their home city, holds the tenth Oathgate but communication has ceased. Before he can address Adolin's question about Kholinar, the scout Lyn returns with urgent news of another murder.