81. Ithi and Her Sister

Kaladin reveals his identity and mission to Azure and her officers, then discovers how they've been secretly using a Soulcaster to feed the city without alerting the parshmen. He learns of a mysterious benefactor who provided reflective metal to shield Soulcasting from detection, and reveals his own plan to activate an ancient transport device to bring reinforcements—though the device's location remains problematic.

Kaladin stands before Azure, Battalionlord Hadinar, and Noro's squad in an emptied barrack, introducing himself by name and claiming orders from the king. When Azure skeptically asks what he wants, Kaladin explains he needs to know how they're using a Soulcaster without attracting the screaming spren. Azure leads the group through a hidden corridor built into the city wall, revealing a secret passage system that has existed for generations. They descend via ladder to a grain storage chamber where Azure has been cutting stone blocks nightly with her Shardblade. In an adjoining locked room, they discover an aged female ardent named Ithi operating the Soulcaster, her face marked by vines growing beneath her skin. The room's walls are lined with reflective metal plates that prevent the spren from sensing the Soulcasting. Azure explains that a mysterious angular man—whom Kaladin appears to recognize—delivered these metal sheets and warned them to only Soulcast within lined rooms, though the metal also blocks spanreed communication. Ithi and her sister trade off using the Soulcaster to feed the army, though the task remains nearly impossible. Kaladin realizes this solution won't help his own need to use powers undetected. In exchange for Azure's openness, Kaladin reveals his plan: an ancient device in Kholinar can instantly transport large groups across distances, allowing the Kholin armies waiting outside to join them. Azure becomes enthusiastic, but Kaladin admits the device's location is problematic.