Chapter 119

Kaladin hikes with Nale and Szeth toward a corrupted town in Shinovar while attempting to reach Szeth through conversation about his past glories; Venli and her listener companions journey to Narak's heart, discovering something calling to them from underground; Jasnah receives a shocking visit from Odium, now manifested in Taravangian's form, who warns that Thaylen City will fall by the next evening.

Kaladin, Nale, and Szeth travel toward the Dustbringer monastery on the border of Shinovar. Kaladin wrestles with uncertainty about whether Szeth should fight the Honorbearers, believing Szeth should have the choice to refuse orders. Nale attempts to persuade Szeth that ancient laws are inherently worthy of respect, arguing that the Herald traditions run deep in Shinovar. Kaladin counters that age alone doesn't justify adherence to laws, citing slavery among traditions his elders upheld. When logic fails, Kaladin shifts tactics, flattering Nale and asking him to share memories from his early days as a Herald. Nale reminisces about his first rebirth and standing against Odium's influence, seeming to reconnect with his former self, but then dismisses those memories as flawed and refuses further discussion. Upon reaching a small stone-walled town, Kaladin observes signs of corruption—an Unmade has taken hold of an Honorbearing there. Despite the town's clear need for help, Kaladin reaffirms his belief that Szeth must choose whether to fight. Meanwhile, Venli's listener expedition reaches the central plateaus and approaches Narak. Venli senses a mysterious calling from deep below the ground, growing increasingly anxious about whether this is a trap set by Odium. The Five vote unanimously to proceed. Leshwi, a Fused who has recently rejected Odium, joins them temporarily but becomes vulnerable to Odium's direct offer of power and is asked to hold back. Venli and five listeners enter a tunnel beneath the chasm, drawn toward a light far below. In Thaylen City, Jasnah coordinates with Fen regarding troop deployments. The Radiants are sent to aid forces on the Shattered Plains while conventional troops remain in Thaylen City due to resource constraints. Jasnah worries about the political fragmentation following Emul and Tashikk's betrayal of the Azish Empire. While working at her desk, darkness descends over her chamber—not from clouds but from a shadow that takes form. Odium appears, manifested in Taravangian's body, congratulating Jasnah on her strategic mind but announcing that Thaylen City will fall by the next evening, conquered not through military force but through some other means.