93. Strong Enough

Venli serves as Raboniel's Voice during daily reports from Regals searching for Kaladin. After dismissing the messengers, Raboniel privately questions Venli about her regrets and confusion, revealing she has known about Venli's secret loyalty to Leshwi. Before dismissing her, Raboniel gives Venli a document that appears to be a writ of authority but contains on its reverse a map and a scout report suggesting a large group of Parshendi—including children—survived the Everstorm on the Shattered Plains, contradicting Venli's belief they were destroyed.

Venli stands beside Raboniel as the Fused commander-general receives reports from Regals at the base of the stairwell in the tower. The reports detail an ongoing search for the Windrunner (Kaladin), whom Raboniel insists is still alive. After the final report, Raboniel takes Venli into the hallway near her desk and begins a personal conversation, noting that Venli possesses a regretful soul alongside her devotion to Odium. When Venli accidentally speaks to the Lost rhythm—one forbidden to Regals—Raboniel catches her and questions her further. Venli admits to grief over the deaths of those she loved: her sister, her mate, and her mother, all killed because of her betrayal. She questions why they fight if it costs so much and whether Odium will ever allow them to know peace. Raboniel philosophizes about fighting for future generations and defends confusion as a valuable Passion that leads to discovery and truth. She then dismisses Venli with a payment document. When Venli examines it, she finds a hastily sketched map on the reverse, along with a scout report indicating that a group of several thousand Parshendi—including many children—survive on the eastern rim of the Shattered Plains, contradicting what Venli believed about their total destruction in the floods. Raboniel cryptically remarks that perhaps kindness has treated them, prompting Venli to flee without a proper farewell.