Chapter 53

Following the defeat of Rit the Stoneward, Szeth realizes he is being called on a pilgrimage—a trial to visit each monastery and gather the Honorbearers' Blades—while Adolin solidifies his command position by winning over Commandant Kushkam and the Azish forces, preparing for prolonged brutal warfare. Meanwhile, Maya the deadeye Shardblade departs to recruit honorspren reinforcements from Shadesmar.

After Szeth kills Rit using Division, he retrieves Talmut's Honorblade from the ruined monastery. Kaladin questions the use of this forbidden Surgebinding, but Szeth's spren permits it under special circumstances. Szeth explains that Rit's talk of a "pilgrimage" references his youth: a sacred trial where young Shin warriors train with each Herald's Blade, defeat its owner in unarmed combat, then face all seven other Honorbearers in succession. Szeth once undertook this path, won Jezrien's Blade, but was exiled before completing it. Now, with the monastery destroyed and evidence his people retrieved Talmut's original Blade, Szeth believes he must retrace this pilgrimage to gather the Honorbearers and learn what has happened to the Shin. Kaladin worries they are being manipulated by the unreliable Herald Ishar, who demanded Szeth complete this quest before speaking with him. However, Szeth argues that following the pilgrimage is their best path to gather information. The two agree to visit the next monastery together. They descend to find thousands of Shin people emerging from the barracks, freed from some form of control by Rit's death. The people thank and revere Szeth, overwhelming him emotionally—he has never experienced gratitude for his actions. Kaladin explains that this is the true purpose of their duty: serving ideals that matter to people. Szeth accepts their thanks with tears. Kaladin feels the Wind speaking to him, confirming this mission is vital. They prepare to journey to the Willshaper monastery next.Separately, Adolin celebrates the military victory with his troops but faces the grim reality that brutal days of attrition lie ahead. He reconciles with Commandant Kushkam (Zarb), acknowledging both made tactical errors but demonstrating mutual respect. Adolin invites the young Emperor Yanagawn to camp with him and learn to use his Shardblade and Plate, overriding Vizier Noura's objections by arguing the emperor's presence on the battlefield will inspire troops during this critical moment. As evening falls, Adolin realizes his troops will suffer heavy casualties despite their defensive advantage. Maya, now able to speak freely, proposes leaving in Shadesmar to persuade honorspren objectors from Lasting Integrity to return and bond with new Radiants, potentially providing reinforcements within days. Despite his reluctance to part with his Shardblade during active combat, Adolin supports Maya's decision to leave, trusting her judgment as he has sworn she is not his to command. Maya departs into the bead ocean of Shadesmar, and Adolin immediately feels her absence but commits to the choice.