17. A Proposal

Navani investigates a strange black sphere left by Gavilar before his death, questioning the imprisoned assassin Szeth about its origins. She then spends time with her grandson Gavinor on the Cloudwalk, encounters atmospheric data suggesting the tower regulates its environment, and meets with Dalinar, Jasnah, Shallan, Adolin, and the Mink to discuss military strategy.

Navani examines a mysterious dark sphere that differs from ordinary Voidlight—it warps the air around it and produces a disorienting effect. She visits Szeth in his cell to confirm details about how Gavilar gave him the sphere before dying. Szeth explains that the dying Gavilar entrusted it to him rather than to those around him, and that Gavilar had sent a message to his brother (which Szeth recorded). Szeth has sworn a new oath to serve Dalinar as his Ideal rather than following the Oathstone. Navani finds the interaction disturbing and leaves feeling ill. Later on the Cloudwalk—a high garden balcony of Urithiru—she spends time with her young grandson Gavinor, who is recovering from trauma but remains preoccupied with wanting to learn swordplay to avenge his father. Navani meets with scientist Brother Benneh, who shows her data indicating that pressure and temperature rise before storms, and that the Cloudwalk is actually warmer than lower elevations—evidence the tower can regulate its environment. She gives Szeth's strange sphere to engineers Talnah and Nem for study; they confirm it is a nearly flawless diamond that could hold Stormlight far longer than normal spheres. Navani later arrives at a secure meeting chamber where she waits with Adolin, who mentions the Mink has been difficult to control and keeps disappearing. When Dalinar arrives, he exchanges banter with Adolin and Shallan about discipline and relaxation. The Mink comments cryptically that the Kholin family dynamics remind him of his own deceased son and daughter-in-law, killed in 'a war' (implying Dalinar's conquests). Shallan and Dalinar then use Stormlight to summon a military map to show the Mink their troop layouts.