77. Stormshelter

Kaladin meets Shallan and Adolin in a stormshelter during an Everstorm to discuss their strategy for holding the city. They learn of two Unmade active in Kharbranthus—Sja-anat and Ashertmarn—and grapple with their limited forces. Meanwhile, Shallan transitions into her Veil persona and discovers that Vathah is developing squire abilities, revealing an unexpected Radiant connection.

As the Everstorm approaches, Kaladin slips into a high-end stormshelter where Shallan and Adolin (disguised as Meleran Khal) are waiting. The three strategize about the coming conflict. Kaladin reports on Azure, the mysterious Wall Guard commander whose sword may be an Honorblade, and plans to learn more at dinner with his platoon. Shallan unveils Hessi's Mythica, revealing that two of the nine Unmade are present in the city: Sja-anat, the Taker of Secrets, who corrupts other spren, and Ashertmarn, the Heart of the Revel, who drives people to indulgence. They discuss their dire military situation—only five thousand Wall Guard soldiers against tens of thousands of parshmen and flying Fused—and debate contingency plans if Shallan cannot open the Oathgate. After the storm passes, Shallan walks with Adolin, enjoying his company despite her internal reservations about their relationship. She later retrieves Veil's clothing and meets with Vathah to plan a theft from the Mausoleum manor to secure food for bribing the Cult of Moments. During the meeting, Vathah accidentally manifests an illusion using Stormlight—creating a copy of a face from Shallan's sketch—revealing he is developing squire or Radiant abilities. Veil relieves him of infiltration duty and directs him to practice with his emerging powers.