Shallan’s Sketchbook: Mistspren

A lengthy interlude centered on Adolin's preparations for an expedition into Shadesmar. Adolin spends the morning choosing an outfit, visits Kaladin at the clinic to offer encouragement and a philosophical gift, then oversees final preparations for the journey before departing through an Oathgate with his assembled team.

The chapter opens with Adolin deliberating over what to wear for an important mission into Shadesmar, eventually settling on a custom uniform he designed four years ago that his father had once disapproved of. Shallan arrives in Veil's practical travel clothes (with red hair, so not fully assuming the persona) and informs Adolin that Pattern has gone to say goodbye to Wit. After confirming supplies are ready, Adolin visits Kaladin at a newly established clinic on the sixth floor of Urithiru, where Kaladin's parents help him treat patients. Adolin finds Kaladin in simple clothing rather than uniform, and notes that many lighteyed women seem to be visiting with minor ailments. Syl appears to Adolin as a spren and comments that Kaladin is finally relaxing, though he still shows signs of struggle (reaching toward surgical knives). Adolin gives Kaladin a metal coin from Zahel engraved with quotations about war and cowardice, explaining that it represents the idea that taking time away from the sword carries no shame, though maintaining skills remains valuable. Syl warns Adolin that honorspren guide themselves by morality rather than law, and that their interpretation of honor may differ from humans', especially with their god dead. Adolin then proceeds to the Oathgate platform at Urithiru's front, arriving six minutes early. He oversees final preparations for his expedition, including packing his Shardplate (which likely won't transfer to Shadesmar) and selecting multiple weapons suited to different scenarios, since Shardblades cannot enter Shadesmar. He interacts with Gallant, a Ryshadium horse, treating the animal with respect and offering it fruit. The expedition team includes six soldiers (Felt, Merit, Urad, and others), three Lightweavers including Malli the scribe, and three Radiants: Godeke (Edgedancer), Zu (Stoneward), and Arshqqam (Truthwatcher, nicknamed the Stump). A last-minute substitution occurs when Stargyle's wife falls ill and Beryl replaces him. Jasnah tests Vathah and Ishnah's Soulcasting ability on obsidian, converting it to hardened lavis pulp; Shallan watches, her own Soulcasting abilities having proven erratic over eight months of training, though she was officially released from Jasnah's wardship. Dalinar delivers a brief speech to the expedition, commending their bravery and task of rekindling ancient alliances with the honorspren. After others speak, Adolin and Dalinar have a private conversation. Gallant refuses to enter the control building until the last moment. Dalinar thanks Adolin for caring for the horse and notes the new uniform approvingly, contrasting with his disapproval four years prior. This leads to tension: Adolin points out he represents himself now, not his father, and resists Dalinar's attempts to frame his choices as merely rebellious or influenced by Dalinar's earlier failures. Dalinar warns against following Taravangian's moral logic and argues that actions define a person more than intentions. Adolin pushes back, asserting he may be neither Dalinar nor Taravangian, but his own type of person. In the exchange, Adolin realizes Dalinar hopes he will become a Radiant during this mission—a burden Adolin did not expect. The chapter closes with the team crowded into the control building alongside the horses. Shallan summons her Shardblade, inserts it into the Oathgate's keyhole, and melts it upward to manipulate the locking mechanism, initiating the transfer to Shadesmar.