58. Spanreeds

A flashback chapter depicting Eshonai's final encounter with the humans eight and a half years ago, followed by Venli's fateful decision to break a gemstone given to her by a human during a storm, which summons a spren that bonds with her. The chapter establishes the beginning of major transformations for both sisters.

The chapter opens with Eshonai observing the humans' camp as Gavilar Kholin prepares to depart. She encounters Dalinar Kholin, who notices her approach and speaks with her. He warns her to be cautious, mentioning his brother's dangerous interest in the listeners and cautioning against being too quick to share shelter or resources. Dalinar reveals that humans exist in hundreds of cities far beyond what the listeners have discovered, then departs, promising a more permanent envoy will be sent. Meanwhile, Venli sits in a family stormshelter during a storm, nervous about a bright red gemstone a human had given her weeks prior. Jealous of Eshonai's acclaim from discovering the humans, Venli resolves to break the gemstone during the storm to unlock a new form. She ventures out into the tempest and, upon breaking the gem, encounters the Stormfather—a vast entity who speaks to her in rhythms, calling her "Child of Odium" before vanishing. The gemstone transforms into a small red male spren, who bonds with Venli and reveals he will take residence within her to scout Roshar and potentially access Shadesmar. He instructs her to maintain her workform appearance. Eshonai waits anxiously for Venli's return and eventually welcomes her back from the storm, noting that Venli remains in workform. However, Venli's behavior is noticeably changed—she speaks without proper rhythms initially and moves with uncharacteristic swagger, suggesting something fundamental has altered within her.