Chapter 237

Kaladin stands defiant against Ishar's despair-inducing power, shielding Szeth and others from its effects through simple human resistance. Simultaneously, Dalinar communes with the power of Honor itself, understanding its pain from past betrayals and speaking the Words necessary to bond with it as its new vessel.

On a barren field of rock, Kaladin finds himself connected by a cord of white light to Ishar, who has incapacitated everyone else including Syl through an overwhelming wave of despair. Kaladin recognizes that Ishar experiences constant, unbearable darkness and chooses to stand before him protectively, positioning himself between Ishar and Szeth. Though barely functional himself, Kaladin's act of resistance—of simply remaining upright—allows Szeth to regain consciousness and Syl to stir. When Ishar seizes Kaladin by the throat and threatens him, Kaladin speaks new Words learned through both soldier and surgeon wisdom: "I will protect myself, so that I may continue to protect others." Elsewhere, Dalinar connects with the power of Honor and experiences its perspective, understanding its centuries of betrayal by previous vessels, particularly Tanavast's indifference to oaths. Rather than appeal to his own growth, Dalinar realizes the power cares only about the keeping of oaths themselves. He reflects on his commitments kept and broken, then opens a perpendicularity and speaks the Words "I understand you" to Bond with Honor—Words that can only work if spoken with complete truth.