I-3. Into the Fire

Taravangian bids farewell to his closest companions as he prepares for his final sacrifice. He reveals that he has orchestrated his own doom—staying behind to be captured and executed by the Alethi while his trusted circle escapes to ensure Kharbranth's survival. He orders the Diagram organization disbanded and burns his personal copy of the Diagram before the group departs.

Taravangian sits alone in his chambers at Urithiru with a fire burning in his hearth, preparing to say goodbye to his inner circle for the last time. He embraces Adrotagia, his oldest friend of seventy-three years, asking her to tell his daughter Savri that he was singing when last seen, to comfort her. He explains to his companions that the Diagram and its organization have fulfilled their purpose of protecting Kharbranth and must now be dismantled. He orders the secret hospitals closed, soldiers released to the city guard, and untrustworthy members sent on distant quests. Mrall protests that Taravangian is being thrown away by Odium, but Adrotagia recognizes the truth: Taravangian must remain behind as a lightning rod to draw Dalinar's attention while Odium executes his true strategy. Taravangian acknowledges he will be executed as a traitor by the Alethi without funeral honors, but accepts this as necessary. He dismisses each companion with final words of gratitude—praising Maben for her quiet service and commanding Dukar to leave despite the stormwarden's desire to stay and administer tests. Before his friends depart, Taravangian gives Adrotagia a letter for his daughter, instructing her to disown him publicly and warning her against trusting Herald Battah. Once alone, he takes his leather-bound copy of the Diagram and burns it in the hearth.