Chapter 197

Jasnah confronts Taravangian in a temple, where he attempts to convince her and Queen Fen of Thaylenah to join his cause by arguing they share the same philosophical commitment to the greatest good. Meanwhile, Venli prepares to lead listener forces on chasmfiends in a second assault wave against the human position at Narak, learning that Odium's forces will soften the enemy first by targeting their spren.

Jasnah meets with Taravangian and Fen in a round temple decorated with reliefs of Talenelat'Elin. Taravangian claims Jasnah has unknowingly served him her entire life and attempts to persuade both women that his philosophy aligns with theirs—maximizing good and minimizing suffering for all people. He argues that unified rule under him would enforce permanent peace, whereas Dalinar's covenant only binds Odium and his forces, leaving humans free to war with one another. Taravangian uses this loophole to suggest future generations could still suffer. Jasnah counters with a quote from Tslamfn the Just about nations' rights to conflict as a last resort, and Fen states her people can protect themselves. Taravangian then makes a veiled threat, claiming he holds the city in his palm and will crush it if they refuse him. Simultaneously, Venli rides a chasmfiend with other listeners in preparation for an assault on Narak. She learns the humans face a dire situation: their walls are cracked, Stormlight depleted, and they face battle-hardened forces under immortal commanders. Venli's chasmfiend forces are assigned as the second assault wave, with Odium's forces (including Heavenly Ones) attacking first to weaken the human spren and air defenses. The rhythms sung by the listeners carry echoes of the Song of Renunciation, their ancient renouncing of the gods.