102. Highstorm Coming

Dalinar meets with the allied monarchs—Yanagawn (Prime of Makabak), Jasnah, and others—at Yanagawn's ornate warcamp to discuss their military strategy. They debate the prospects of retaking Urithiru, which is now under enemy control with fabrials suppressing Radiant powers, and decide that Dalinar will attempt to recruit Ishar, the Herald and Bondsmith, to help save the tower and restore the Oathpact.

Dalinar arrives at the Prime's lavish palace and observes the ceremonial breakfast display of Yanagawn the First, noting the stark contrast between Alethi and Azish approaches to power and comfort. Jasnah presents a bleak assessment: Urithiru cannot be easily retaken because fabrials disable nearby flying machines, the caverns are blocked and guarded, and any assault would lack Radiant support. She argues they should accept the loss and focus on controlling southern Roshar via naval power and spanreeds. Dalinar pushes back, insisting they must attempt rescue. He proposes sending a small team through Shadesmar to disable the suppression fabrial, but Jasnah counters that the enemy will expect this tactic. Dalinar then reveals his real plan: he will personally parley with Ishar under a flag of truce, believing the Herald—who Ash trusts as less damaged than other Heralds—can be recruited as a Bondsmith to help restore the Oathpact and save Urithiru. Yanagawn expresses concern about Dalinar personally approaching the enemy but ultimately accepts the plan. Jasnah explains the parallel effort: she and Dalinar have prepared a contract to present to Odium for another contest. Before departing, Yanagawn asks about Lift, who was left at the tower. Later, Dalinar gives Jasnah the completed manuscript of Oathbringer and asks her to write an open undertext—a commentary traditionally written in secret by women—to be published alongside his work. He argues this transparency demonstrates that those with fundamental disagreements can still unite on deeper principles. Jasnah accepts, warning she will be thorough and critical.