I-7. Szeth

Szeth stands guard over Dalinar and his grandnephew Gavinor in a forest clearing in Emul, struggling to appear relaxed while maintaining vigilance. His highspren visits him to discuss his progress as a Skybreaker and his future crusade to cleanse Shinovar, then Szeth overhears a messenger delivering requests from the imprisoned Taravangian—including a demand for an Oathstone, which deeply troubles him.

Szeth attempts to follow Dalinar's advice to appear less intense while guarding Dalinar and young Gavinor in a clearing outside a town in Emul. He struggles with the paradox of maintaining watchfulness while appearing relaxed. His sword-nimi speaks to him, noting the absence of threats and referencing its previous wielder Vasher. Szeth observes Gavinor's playfulness with Dalinar and reflects on his own childhood in Shinovar, his family, and his past as Truthless. He considers how Dalinar sometimes doubts himself, contrasting the Blackthorn unfavorably with the certainty of Taravangian, whom Szeth suspects saw through his disguise during a recent visit. A highspren manifests before Szeth in a rift in reality, praising his dedication and discussing his desire to cleanse Shinovar. The spren warns him that advancing as a Skybreaker requires becoming the law itself rather than relying on Dalinar's guidance. Upon returning to the clearing, Szeth finds a messenger woman speaking with Dalinar about Taravangian's requests, which include pen and paper, fresh food, more light, and notably a perfectly round smooth stone with quartz veins—an Oathstone, the object that traditionally bound Szeth as Truthless. Gavinor hands Szeth a wooden sword in a moment of connection. The revelation of Taravangian's Oathstone request deeply alarms Szeth, who fears the imprisoned tyrant is plotting something dangerous against Dalinar.