Interlude 7

Interlude 7 follows Baxil, a mysterious wrapped figure who can only be seen and touched by those seeking him, as he meets with Axies the Collector in an Azimir tea shop. Baxil learns that Shalash, a Herald and his former employer, is now in the city in an Azish hospital, before departing with supplies he needs for survival.

Baxil moves unseen through Azimir's streets, wrapped in crimson cloths and observing the Alethi military camp that has replaced the Grand Market. He visits a tea shop known for discretion, where he meets Axies the Collector, an Aimian who keeps extensive notes tattooed on his skin. Axies is deliberately inflicting pain on himself with a hammer, claiming to search for a specific spren from a report that may be a joke. During their conversation, Baxil demonstrates an unusual ability to taste tea by imagining the experience through the collective consciousness of others drinking it nearby. Axies provides Baxil with special red bandages essential to his survival in exchange for a gemstone containing a trapped spren. Before leaving, Axies reveals that Shalash, a Herald whom Baxil once served as a mistress and was infatuated with, is now in Azimir in an Azish hospital after accompanying the Alethi army on campaign. Baxil considers visiting her but ultimately decides against it, noting his own fragile existence and warning Axies that dark times are coming to the city.