Interludes

This interlude chapter contains two parallel sequences: Kaladin prepares to depart on a dangerous mission, saying goodbye to Skar at the Windrunner quarters, while Shallan and her group are ambushed by Heavenly Ones in Shadesmar. Shallan confronts her fear and invokes the Third Ideal of the Lightweavers, manifesting a real Shardblade through her illusion magic.

Kaladin visits Skar in the Windrunner training quarters where recruits are learning to set up defensive camps. Skar is teaching them a harsh lesson by throwing their spears out windows to reinforce the importance of weapon responsibility and constant vigilance. Kaladin inquires about honorspren and learns only one has arrived with Dabbid, though more are expected from Lasting Integrity. When Skar notices Kaladin's melancholy mood, he presses him about his departure. Kaladin admits he may not return and plans to say goodbye to the others at Rlain's celebration before leaving. Skar insists Kaladin has survived worse and will return, and urges him to properly say farewell. Kaladin retrieves his pack and departs with Syl to gather her belongings before attending the celebration. In Shadesmar, Shallan's group is ambushed by Heavenly Ones while traversing the bead ocean. Drehy rescues Adolin from drowning in the beads, and they regroup on a platform. The Heavenly Ones attack more aggressively than typical, dragging Radiant (Shallan's alternate personality) into the beads. A Fused named Abidi the Monarch pins Radiant down and stabs her, claiming he bathes in Radiant blood to maintain sanity. As Abidi boasts of his plans to rule and keep Lightweavers as slaves, Shallan confronts her fear from within. She recites the Words of the Third Ideal, invoking a real Shardblade from her illusion magic. The blade pierces Abidi from behind, spilling real orange blood, demonstrating that Shallan's creations can become tangibly real through her will and conviction.