48. Scent of Death, Scent of Life

Dalinar oversees a battle from a flying platform against Taravangian's treasonous forces, coordinating with the Mink and Azish troops. During the fighting, the Herald Nale attacks him directly, but when Dalinar touches Nale to defend himself, he experiences a vision of the Herald's past and glimpses the weakened Oathpact that once bound the Heralds. The encounter leaves Dalinar questioning whether he might reforge this binding to trap the Fused away permanently.

Dalinar commands from an elevated platform tethered to the Mink, repelling Skybreaker attacks while orchestrating a coordinated assault by Alethi and Azish troops against Veden traitors below. A message arrives from Navani reporting that Urithiru's fabrials are disabled by a defensive aura, preventing Oathgate travel and communication. The Mink suspects this multi-front attack is a distraction concealing a larger enemy strategy and warns Dalinar to watch for hidden reinforcements in Emul. As victory seems assured, Nale—the Herald leading the Skybreakers—rises up and confronts Dalinar, declaring his cause unjust. When Nale physically attacks, the Stormfather urges Dalinar to touch him. Dalinar does, and experiences rapid visions of Nale's history: his dedication to law and justice, his recruitment by Jezerezeh into the original Pact, and his long burden of service. Upon releasing the contact, Dalinar perceives the Oathpact itself—a cage of spiritual bonds linking the Heralds—and sees that most lines are weakened except one still vibrant. Nale, disturbed by this revelation, flees the platform. The Stormfather confirms Dalinar wields god-like power but cannot advise whether reforging the Oathpact is possible or wise. Dalinar realizes his role has shifted from battlefield commander to wielder of greater forces, and he must now seek a way to bind Odium and end the war through his Bondsmith abilities.