Chapter 6

Kaladin begins his first day of recovery after stepping down as Windrunner leader, finding unexpected peace despite the looming ten-day countdown to the champions' duel. Meanwhile, Shallan confronts Testament, her original bonded spren who was damaged when Shallan rejected their bond years ago, and learns that some connection between them may still persist.

Kaladin wakes feeling unexpectedly good despite weeks of hiding in occupied Urithiru, the emotional toll of recent events, and Teft's death. He dons his uniform after discovering that his Lashing on it has remained strong since Urithiru awakened with its own Bondsmith. Syl appears in a havah and they share a lighthearted moment about humor and refined taste. Kaladin reflects on stepping back from leadership, acknowledging that while darkness will return, he can now remember that good days exist too. At his window, he hears a mysterious voice on the wind warning him of an approaching terrible storm and apologizing for asking more of him. The voice is gone before he can fully understand it. Kaladin asks Syl if the wind is alive, and she responds that everything is. In Shadesmar, Shallan kneels before Testament, her original Cryptic spren bondmate, whom she damaged by rejecting their bond after killing her mother as a child. Testament's geometric head-pattern is broken and frozen compared to Pattern's vibrant rhythm. Pattern explains to Shallan that her ragged, unintentional break of the bond—done without full Intent as a child—may have left some Connection intact, though merely speaking Words again likely won't heal Testament. Shallan vows to find a way to help Testament recover, and embraces the broken spren despite her guilt.