AFTERWORD

Chapter 146

Chapter 223

Overview

Dalinar emerges from the Stormfather's visions with crucial knowledge about Honor's power and Odium's nature, while learning that his brother Gavilar orchestrated his own death. Meanwhile, Adolin faces the fall of Azir with dwindling forces, and Szeth transports the weakened Nin toward the Bondsmith monastery in a humble wagon, reflecting on the nature of heroic journeys.

Summary

Dalinar witnesses visions showing the Stormfather's two-thousand-year history since Tanavast's betrayal of Mishram, including his repeated rejection of champions deemed too corrupted by power-hunger. The visions culminate in a crushing revelation: Gavilar Kholin brought about his own demise. The Stormfather explains that Honor's power, if wielded by someone seeking it, would bypass the contest of champions and destroy Roshar—hence why he rejected Dalinar despite their kinship in failure. Dalinar recognizes that Odium cannot merely be locked away or appeased; the contest represents a temporary reprieve at best. He attempts to accept Honor's power but is rejected because humans break oaths. The Stormfather admits he hid from his failures as a storm and asks forgiveness; Dalinar grants it, acknowledging the Stormfather's nature as a storm rather than a human. The Stormfather reveals that Renarin and Shallan are hiding in the vision realm, protected from Odium's sight, and sends Dalinar back to the present. In Azir, Adolin learns that the Shattered Plains have fallen and Thaylenah has capitulated to Odium. With three hours until Dalinar's deadline, Adolin and the wounded remnant of defenders have no capacity to resist; Yanagawn prepares to evacuate with the Windrunners. Adolin finds solace in a whisper of hope, remembering his father's example of redemption. In a separate location, Szeth hitches an old wagon to transport the weakened Nin-son-God and the Honorblades toward the Bondsmith monastery. Traveling with Kaladin and Syl, Szeth reflects on how journeys of destiny often begin humbly. Nin expresses doubt about Ishar's recent actions and wonders whether Heralds should have remained on Roshar as teachers rather than mere locks on the Fused.

Characters

  • Dalinar KholinReceives visions from the Stormfather showing two thousand years of history; learns about Gavilar's self-orchestrated death and attempts unsuccessfully to accept Honor's power
  • The StormfatherReveals his burden as guardian of Honor's power, shows Dalinar the history of failed champions, and achieves reconciliation with Dalinar through forgiveness
  • TanavastAppears only in visions; betrayed Mishram and lost the Shard of Honor; his memories and piece of soul persist in the Stormfather
  • Adolin KholinWitnesses the fall of Azir and prepares to evacuate with the emperor; finds renewed hope despite devastating losses
  • YanagawnEmperor of Azir; decides to evacuate with Windrunners while allowing his soldiers to surrender
  • NouraOfficer who debates resistance and ultimately accepts the emperor's order to evacuate
  • KushkamWounded officer present in the saferoom
  • GezamalSurvivor credited with getting the emperor to safety
  • MayCommunicates via spanreed with incoming Windrunners
  • ColotPresent in the saferoom; has guards including Sarqqin
  • SarqqinAzish blacksmith and guard who reports on food and water supplies
  • HmaskOne of Adolin's men in the saferoom
  • Szeth-son-NeturoTransports Nin-son-God and the Honorblades via wagon toward the Bondsmith monastery
  • Nin-son-GodWeakened Herald being transported; expresses doubt about Ishar's recent actions and reflects on the Heralds' purpose
  • Kaladin StormblessedAccompanies Szeth and Nin in the wagon journey
  • SylSpren traveling with Kaladin; asks questions and reflects on her own origin in the Godforge
  • NightbloodPitch-black Honorblade housed in a silvery sheath; speaks briefly during the wagon preparation
  • Renarin KholinMentioned as hiding in the vision realm with Shallan, protected from Odium's sight
  • Shallan DavarMentioned as hiding in the vision realm with Renarin, protected from Odium's sight
  • Navani KholinMentioned as having already returned home via her bond to the Sibling
  • Gavilar KholinRevealed in visions to have orchestrated his own demise; appears only in historical visions
  • OdiumReferenced throughout as the enemy locked away on Roshar; Taravangian now holds the Shard instead of Rayse
  • TaravangianMentioned as the current holder of Odium's Shard, replacing Rayse
  • IsharReferenced as the Herald overseeing Szeth's trials and planning a test meant to humble him
  • The SiblingReferenced through Navani's bond; aided in transporting people home
  • KaminahScribe who reads spanreed reports of fallen cities and surrendered nations