3: CITY OF BELLS

Upon arriving in the coastal city of kharbranth, shallan disembarks from her ship and travels through the foreign city to find jasnah kholin, a heretical alethi princess and scholar. Though nervous about her secret mission to become jasnah's ward—necessary to save her house from financial ruin—shallan reaches the conclave and is escorted to meet her.

shallan arrives at kharbranth's docks aboard the wind's pleasure after months of pursuing jasnah kholin across multiple cities. she marvels at the colorful, bell-adorned city built into a cliff face, filled with people of diverse origins. captain tozbek arranges passage up the hillside via cart. along the way, shallan observes the city's architecture, sounds, and people, learning that kharbranth's prosperity stems from its position in a protected lait. she sketches animals and scenes throughout her journey. upon reaching the conclave—a grand white building carved into the rock at the city's apex—shallan tips the porter and sends away her guide yalb with payment to wait. inside the conclave, she encounters the refined atmosphere of vorin society with its master-servants and scribes. waiting for jasnah, shallan reflects on her situation: her father is dead (a secret she must keep), her house faces bankruptcy from his debts and broken promises, and her only hope lies in becoming jasnah's ward to gain the knowledge and connections needed to save house davar. she steels herself and heads toward the voices she hears, ready to meet the heretical princess.