Chapter 140

Kaladin and Szeth prepare to depart for the penultimate monastery, where Nale awaits them. Meanwhile, Sigzil coordinates a desperate defense against overwhelming Fused forces at a fortification wall, facing near-total depletion of Stormlight reserves and receiving an unexpected contact from Venli with a strategic offer.

Kaladin wakes on the ninth day and prepares breakfast using carrots, vegetables unfamiliar to him from a village purchase. Szeth meditates nearby while Syl expresses concern about Nale's preparations at the next monastery. As Kaladin eats and plays his flute, he attracts the attention of the Wind spren. The Wind defends Nale, describing him as weathered like an ancient stone statue—once magnificent but worn down by time. It encourages Kaladin to help Nale remember his former self, suggesting that Heralds will be needed in days to come. The Wind reveals it brought Kaladin for this purpose. Szeth returns from meditation and they prepare to depart for the penultimate monastery. In a parallel scene, Sigzil commands defenders on a fortification wall facing relentless assault from Deepest Ones and Fused. Magnified Ones and Husked Ones breach the wall, killing defenders and a Stoneward. Lopen arrives with Windrunner reinforcements—only twenty Radiants, as half their force remained behind due to depleted Stormlight reserves. Sigzil realizes retreat is imminent; they lack sufficient Stormlight to hold the wall or evacuate safely through the Oathgate. As he contemplates this crisis, Ka delivers a message: Venli, a defector and friend of Rlain, has made contact with an offer. Sigzil recognizes this contact as the missing piece he needed to resolve his strategic problem.