AFTERWORD

Chapter 25

Chapter 29

Overview

This chapter splits between two major storylines: Shallan's covert infiltration of a Ghostblood hideout in Narak to gather intelligence on their plans, and a strategy meeting in Urithiru where Dalinar learns from Cultivation that he may need to ascend to Honor's Shard to defeat Odium, while the Mink pressures him to fulfill an oath to reclaim Herdaz. The Stormfather's angry response to these discussions concludes the chapter.

Summary

Shallan leads a team of five through the Oathgate to Narak, disguising themselves as crem scrapers to surveil a Ghostblood hideout. She identifies a female figure in a painted mask guarding the door and checks for arriving members, including an Azish vizier. Her team debates the risks before committing to infiltrate the meeting, knowing Mraize and Iyatil have manipulated her in the past. They plan to move during the next Oathgate transfer to exploit the gathering of Ghostblood members.

Meanwhile, Sigzil assumes command in Dalinar's absence, coordinating battle strategies across multiple fronts with help from his spren Vienta. He works with generals and scribe Ka to distribute Windrunner forces between Thaylen City, the Shattered Plains, and Azimir, grappling with his self-doubt about leading monarchs and generals.

In a private meeting with Navani, Jasnah, and Fen, Dalinar reveals that Cultivation appeared to him and instructed him to travel the Spiritual Realm to understand how past Radiants defeated Odium. She hinted he could ascend to Honor's Shard—become a god—to face Odium as an equal. Wit confirms this is possible but dangerous, warning that those who wield Shards inevitably regret it. Jasnah argues against the plan and suggests renegotiating with the new Odium, but Dalinar insists that option would only invite further betrayal. The Mink and Lift, discovered spying in the room, emerge, and the Mink demands Dalinar fulfill his oath to reclaim Herdaz within eight days using fifty Windrunners. Despite Jasnah's objection that this will dangerously weaken their defenses, Dalinar agrees, citing his commitment to keeping his word. The chapter ends with the Stormfather's angry presence felt nearby, upset by the discussion of Dalinar's potential ascension.

Characters

  • ShallanLeads a covert team to surveil and infiltrate a Ghostblood hideout in Narak, disguised as a crem scraper, seeking intelligence on Mraize and Iyatil's plans
  • GazMember of Shallan's infiltration team, expresses doubts about the mission but commits to it, serves as experienced Lightweaver
  • RedTeam member with craftsman background, provides support during the operation and argues for proceeding with the mission
  • DarciraScientist and Lightweaver on Shallan's team, uses Lightweaving to disguise her appearance and voice
  • JaynRiran member of the Unseen Court, stationed ahead to surveil the Ghostblood hideout
  • JenehTeam member assigned to keep watch during the operation
  • SigzilAssumes command of military strategy in Dalinar's absence, coordinates Windrunner deployment across three battlefields while doubting his own abilities
  • VientaSigzil's spren, offers encouragement and reassurance about his leadership abilities
  • KaWindrunner scribe who assists with battle planning and strategizes troop distribution
  • KmaklThaylen prince consort involved in strategy discussions about defense and troop deployment
  • Dalinar KholinCentral figure who receives guidance from Cultivation about ascending to Honor's Shard, agrees to send Windrunners to help the Mink reclaim Herdaz
  • NavaniDiscusses strategy and concerns about Dalinar's potential ascension and the logistics of military operations
  • JasnahQuestions the plan to have Dalinar ascend as a god and suggests renegotiating with Odium; opposes sending Windrunners to Herdaz
  • Queen FenParticipates in strategy discussions and expresses concern about the risks of Dalinar's proposed ascension
  • WitProvides context about Shards and gods, confirms the possibility of Dalinar ascending to Honor's power, warns of the costs
  • IvorySpren riding on Jasnah's earring who provides historical knowledge and observations about the tower
  • The SiblingConsciousness of Urithiru who creates a room for the Nightwatcher, discusses the timeline of creation and the history of divine beings
  • CultivationAppears to Dalinar (presumably) to direct him toward the Spiritual Realm and accessing Honor's power
  • LiftDiscovered spying on the meeting while hiding in the stacked tables, interjects humorous observations about becoming a god and makes requests about fixing reality
  • The MinkEmerges from hiding to demand Dalinar fulfill his oath to reclaim Herdaz within eight days using fifty Windrunners, shows Dalinar a tattered banner as reminder of the promise
  • The StormfatherMentioned as becoming angry and near after overhearing discussion of Dalinar's potential ascension to Honor's Shard
  • PatternShallan's spren, hidden inside her clothing during the infiltration operation
  • ArrayRed's spren, communicates minimally and shows preference for alliteration
  • IyatilGhostblood operative believed to be present at the hideout meeting Shallan is surveilling
  • MraizeGhostblood leader who manipulated Shallan previously; believed to be gathering at the hideout