Chapter 37
33. Understanding
Overview
Adolin scouts the persistent Tukari caravan following their group and confers with Shallan about approaching the honorspren, while Shallan grapples with her fractured identity and the uncertainty of whether Beryl is truly their spy. The chapter explores both the external military challenge and Shallan's internal psychological struggle with her multiple personas.
Summary
Adolin and Zu observe the Tukari caravan from an obsidian outcropping, confirming they remain on their tail despite weeks of travel through Shadesmar. Zu suggests confronting them, but Adolin declines, noting their dwindling Stormlight reserves and that the Tukari show no signs of aggressive pursuit. Notum has advised them the followers are not acting illegally. As camp breaks, Adolin checks on Maya, noting how Gallant carries her gently, then seeks out Shallan. Meanwhile, Shallan has been investigating whether Beryl is the spy Mraize identified. While ostensibly teaching Beryl Lightweaving, Shallan's personas debate their findings: Veil suspects they may have been fed false information to frame Beryl, and without hard proof, condemning an innocent person would be wrong. Adolin pulls Shallan aside to discuss strategy for approaching the hostile honorspren. He proposes offering valuable gifts or abject begging, but Radiant counters that such tactics might backfire. Adolin realizes the honorspren, having existed for thousands of years, will anticipate standard arguments from Dalinar and Jasnah's letters. Adolin notices Shallan seems "off" and different from before, prompting concern. When he asks to speak with her directly, Radiant and Veil explain that Shallan is exhausted and retreating. Veil opens up to Adolin about Shallan's deepest fear: that her true self is monstrous, shaped by childhood trauma, and that everyone will abandon her when the truth emerges. Adolin responds with compassion, promising to help and assuring her she doesn't have to face this alone, though Shallan's internal voice notes she has always had Pattern, even if she doesn't fully remember.
Characters
- AdolinScout and commander who observes the Tukari caravan and seeks counsel on approaching the honorspren; notices Shallan's psychological deterioration
- ZuStoneward guide who assists with scouting and encourages confronting their pursuers
- Ua'pamZu's spren who cautions against her reckless suggestions
- NotumHonorspren who reports on the legality of the Tukari following them
- MayaInjured person riding on Gallant's back during the journey
- GallantAdolin's Ryshadium horse who carries Maya with gentleness and care
- ShallanRadiant Knight Radiant investigating whether Beryl is a spy while struggling with dissociative identity and self-perception
- VeilShallan's persona who questions Beryl's guilt, debates strategy with Radiant, and confides in Adolin about Shallan's trauma
- RadiantShallan's persona who engages with Adolin on honorspren strategy and advocates for proof before condemning Beryl
- BerylSuspected spy who claims difficulty mastering Lightweaving and appears genuinely engaged in learning
- OrnamentBeryl's spren whom Shallan's personas have been questioning for inconsistencies
- VathahMentioned walking alongside Cryptics while learning Lightweaving through unconventional methods
- PatternShallan's spren whom she has relied on since childhood, even if memories are unclear