AFTERWORD

Chapter 58

51. To Sing Hopeless Songs

Overview

Two days after defeating Taravangian's betrayal, Dalinar meets with his allied monarchs in Emul to plan their continued offensive. He steps back from direct military command to focus on understanding his Bondsmith powers, believing they hold the key to forcing Odium into a favorable negotiation. The chapter culminates in Jasnah deliberately provoking the highprince Ruthar into a duel, which she wins decisively, stripping him of his title to eliminate dissent in the ranks.

Summary

Dalinar convenes a war council in the town of Laqqi with Jasnah, the Azish emperor, Prince Kmakl, and various generals to review their response to Taravangian's recent betrayal. The Veden king's treachery was contained with minimal casualties thanks to Dalinar's anticipation. Reports confirm Urithiru remains secure, though a device similar to one found by Kaladin prevents Radiants from approaching the tower. Dalinar announces he is delegating the Emul campaign to the Mink so he can focus on developing his Bondsmith abilities, which he believes are underutilized. He confides in Jasnah and Wit that he seeks to understand how to reforge the Oathpact, potentially removing the Fused's ability to be reborn and forcing Odium to negotiate. Jasnah argues this is dangerous, citing the risks of untested powers, but ultimately supports his decision.

The chapter takes a darker turn when Jasnah orchestrates a confrontation with Ruthar, a highprince who openly insults her competence and presence in war planning. She deliberately provokes him through Wit's cutting remarks about his private brutality toward his children. When Ruthar demands trial by combat, Wit accepts but exercises his right to choose a champion—Jasnah herself. During the duel, Ruthar initially refuses to fight a woman, allowing Jasnah to stab him through the throat. Renarin, positioned outside beforehand, immediately heals the wound. Jasnah uses the incident to strip Ruthar of his title and position, announcing her intention to pass laws abolishing trial by sword. Dalinar, though understanding the political necessity, finds the calculated display disturbing. As he leaves the tent, he considers whether similar manipulation might work against Odium.

Characters

  • Dalinar KholinSupreme military leader of the coalition who decides to focus on developing his Bondsmith powers rather than directly commanding the Emul campaign; witnesses and reacts to Jasnah's duel with Ruthar
  • Jasnah KholinQueen of Alethkar who orchestrates a duel with Ruthar to eliminate political opposition and establish dominance; proposes new laws against trial by sword
  • SzethDisguised assassin accompanying Dalinar as part of the Cobalt Guard; silently observes proceedings and guards Dalinar
  • WitQueen's Wit who delivers brutal insults to provoke Ruthar and accepts the initial challenge on Jasnah's behalf; serves as instrument of the queen's will
  • The MinkGeneral placed in command of the Emul campaign; receives approval from the monarchs to lead the military offensive
  • TeshavScribe and commander who reports on the successful containment of Taravangian's betrayal
  • KmaklThaylen prince consort who speaks for Thaylen interests and arranges communication with home via spanreed
  • OmalAzish general who commends Dalinar's leadership in defeating the Veden traitors
  • The Azish EmperorRuler of Azir who approves the continued offensive into Emul
  • NouraAzish representative who expresses regret over Taravangian's betrayal while approving Dalinar's handling of the situation
  • LynWindrunner scout who reports on her attempt to approach Urithiru and the effects of the anti-Radiant device
  • RutharHighprince who insults Jasnah's participation in war planning and is provoked into a duel; defeated and stripped of his title
  • Renarin KholinDalinar's younger son serving as a Truthwatcher Radiant; heals Ruthar's throat wound as part of Jasnah's planned confrontation
  • FiskCaptain of the Cobalt Guard who implements Dalinar's orders to restrict access to the war tent during the duel
  • EviDalinar's deceased wife whose memories he has recently recovered and reflects upon
  • GavYoung son of Dalinar who is shown playing with his governess during the war council
  • TaravangianImprisoned former king of Vedu whose betrayal is discussed; remains silent during interrogations
  • SavrahalidemTaravangian's daughter and current leader of Kharbranth; disavowed her father and proclaimed neutrality
  • Navani KholinMentioned as sending reports from Urithiru via hikers along the mountain; continues searching for the anti-Radiant device
  • Queen FenQueen of Thaylen who remained at home; subject to constraints from merchant guilds and guildmasters
  • OdiumThe god opposing the coalition; discussed as the ultimate strategic target that Dalinar hopes to force into negotiation
  • Nalan (Skybreaker Herald)Herald mentioned as having defeated Szeth in combat; referenced in discussion of the Oathpact
  • ShallanMentioned as creator of illusory maps previously used by Dalinar; absent from current operations