43. Men and Monsters

Navani successfully activates a defensive shield around the Sibling using Stormlight and tuning forks from Thaylen artifabrians, protecting the tower's heart from corruption. However, Teofil and his soldiers are killed attempting to reach the pillar, and the tower falls to the Fused. Kaladin learns of the occupation and says goodbye to Rlain, who chooses to infiltrate the enemy forces as a spy. Navani surrenders to preserve her people and is offered employment by Raboniel, the ancient Fused commander.

Navani and her team navigate darkened corridors searching for a hidden fabrial that the Sibling instructs her to activate. After discovering a vein of garnet and uncovering a secret door, they find a large sapphire in a chamber. The Thaylen artifabrians Ulvlk and Vrandl reluctantly share their trade secret: tuning forks can vibrate gemstones to transfer Stormlight regardless of size differential. Using this method, Navani's scholars successfully infuse the sapphire, which activates a blue barrier of Stormlight that protects the Sibling from corruption. The Sibling confirms the shield works but reveals that Teofil's soldiers have been killed attempting to breach the steps to the pillar.

Kaladin encounters Rlain on a balcony overlooking the tower's approach. Rlain explains he will infiltrate the enemy occupation by pretending to be a loyal parshman or joining their forces, choosing to become a spy for his people rather than hide. Despite his internal conflict, Kaladin accepts Rlain's decision and they part as brothers. Afterward, Syl becomes uncharacteristically melancholic, expressing fear that everyone will leave or die.

Venli witnesses the final human assault up the circular stairwell. Though the soldiers fight with impressive discipline and coordination, the Pursuer's arrival breaks their formation, and Regals use lightning to destroy the steps, killing the commander and forcing a devastating retreat. Raboniel returns to the pillar to corrupt it but encounters the new Stormlight barrier, which fascinates rather than angers her.

Navani is captured and brought before Raboniel in the library. She formally surrenders the tower in exchange for sparing her soldiers and people. Raboniel agrees to generous terms, including allowing humans to continue their work. Remarkably, Raboniel then offers Navani a position as her engineer, revealing she knows Navani could use the role to spy and eventually contact Dalinar. Recognizing the Fused's ancient wisdom and manipulative nature, Navani agrees to consider the offer.