Chapter 10
9. The Threads of a Screw
Overview
Shallan accompanies Dalinar and other leaders to investigate the murder of Vedekar Perel, a lighteyed officer from Sebarial's army, found stabbed through the eye in a bathing chamber. The murder mirrors the earlier killing of Highprince Sadeas, suggesting a serial killer at work in the tower.
Summary
Shallan joins Dalinar's group as they rush through the tower corridors to investigate the murder of Vedekar Perel, discovered by Bridge Four scouts. The body lies in a sunken bathing chamber on the tower's second level, positioned identically to Sadeas's corpse with a fatal stab through the eye. Navani examines the body and immediately recognizes the parallels to Sadeas's death, concluding they face the same killer. Dalinar questions Captain Colot about his scouting arrangement with the Windrunners and learns that Colot's policing force, the Eighth Company under Captain Tallan, suffered losses. Dalinar assigns Adolin to investigate the murders in liaison with Aladar, the Highprince of Information, reasoning this shows the murders are a priority while acknowledging most experienced investigators are dead. Shallan notices Adolin's unusual distress at the discovery, and when she confronts him privately, he insists he didn't know the victim but is determined to find the killer. Renarin observes from above, and Shallan senses something unspoken passes between the brothers.
Characters
- ShallanInvestigates the murder scene as a Brightness Radiant, notes architectural details, and observes Adolin's unusual reaction to the discovery
- DalinarTakes charge of the investigation, assigns the task to Adolin, and instructs that Sebarial be informed
- NavaniExamines the corpse and identifies the parallels to Sadeas's murder
- AdolinAccompanies Shallan, becomes visibly disturbed by the discovery, receives the investigation assignment from his father
- RenarinSilently observes the investigation from the ledge, watches Adolin with knowing eyes
- PeetBridgeman from Bridge Four who reports the initial discovery to Dalinar
- LopenBridgeman from Bridge Four present at the crime scene
- RlainParshendi member of Bridge Four present at the scene, treated with suspicion by other soldiers
- ColotArcher captain of the Fifth Battalion who provides information about the scouting arrangement
- Vedekar PerelLighteyed officer from Sebarial's army, the murder victim
- ElhokarKing who receives notification of the murder
- SebarialHighprince whose officer was murdered; to be informed by Dalinar personally
- AladarHighprince of Information assigned to lead the investigation with Adolin's liaison
- PatternHums softly on Shallan's skirt as observer