I-9. The Sword

Taravangian, imprisoned and cognitively impaired on this particular day, receives an unexpected visit from Renarin, who offers cryptic words of hope and redemption. Later, Szeth appears disguised as a guard, and Taravangian desperately attempts to convince him to retrieve a mysterious sword that he believes can harm Odium, but Szeth refuses to be manipulated further and leaves.

Taravangian wakes in his prison cell struggling with the daily pain and cognitive fog that plagues him. He discovers fresh supplies—a notebook, pen, and ink—left at his window by Dalinar's order. He retrieves hidden instructions from a drawer and copies them into the notebook, notes detailing what he must say if he meets Szeth alone. The instructions emphasize not involving Dalinar, though Taravangian's current diminished mental state questions this decision. He realizes his smarter self believes Dalinar would do what is right rather than what is needed for their plans. Renarin visits him at the window, disturbing Taravangian because he had not prepared for this encounter. Renarin reveals he has seen Taravangian's dark future but glimpses a flickering point of light within it. He offers reassurance that no man is beyond redemption and extends his hand in fellowship, which Taravangian cannot accept, moved to tears by the gesture. After Renarin leaves, one of the guards reveals himself to be Szeth in disguise. Taravangian desperately attempts to convince Szeth to retrieve a sword that he believes can harm Odium—a weapon the Diagram did not anticipate and that Odium fears. Taravangian reads from his copied instructions, trying to manipulate Szeth into entering one of Odium's visions with the sword. However, recognizing the manipulation, Taravangian abandons his script and instead begs Szeth to give the sword to Dalinar, who is sometimes taken into Odium's visions. Szeth, having resolved not to serve Taravangian again, refuses to be manipulated and departs, leaving Taravangian weeping and gripping his notebook.