18. Surgeon

Navani observes as Dalinar and Shallan present their detailed strategic map to the newly arrived General Mink. The Mink quickly analyzes the coalition's military situation and challenges Dalinar's desire to attack Alethkar, recommending instead a focus on the weaker position in Emul. After the Mink departs, Jasnah reveals her plan to free all Alethi slaves and discusses with Dalinar her broader strategy involving the Shin and their knowledge of Bondsmiths, bringing two Heralds—Ash and Talenelat—into the conversation.

Navani studies Shallan and Dalinar's collaborative creation of a detailed topographical map of Roshar showing troop positions and supplies for both the coalition and enemy forces. The Mink arrives and examines the map carefully, quickly deducing that Dalinar maintains excessive forces near southern Alethi ports not solely for defense, and inferring that Taravangian cannot be trusted. When Dalinar confesses his suspicion that Taravangian allowed enemy forces into Urithiru, the Mink advises against attacking Alethkar, calling it a reckless move that exposes forces to catastrophe while the enemy is strongly entrenched there. Instead, he recommends a major offensive in Emul, where the enemy is landlocked and vulnerable. After the Mink leaves with Adolin and Shallan, Jasnah reveals her intention to propose freeing all Alethi slaves as law, dismissing Dalinar's concerns about chaos. She explains her moral philosophy prioritizes the greatest good for the most people. Jasnah then brings Wit into the conversation, who fetches two Heralds: Ash and Talenelat, both of whom are insane, though Ash can function and speak. Through questioning Ash about Bondsmiths and the broken Oathpact, Jasnah reveals her strategic aim: securing Makabak first, then approaching the Shin, who possess Honorblades and centuries of knowledge about Bondsmith powers that might enable Dalinar to repair or replicate the Oathpact and seal away the Fused. Jasnah announces her intention to personally join the Emul offensive. Dalinar agrees with the strategy, and the chapter ends with him asking Ash to tell him more about the Shin.