Chapter 9

Kaladin waits for Dalinar while Wit teaches him to play the flute and imparts cryptic wisdom about hope, virtue, and Kaladin's upcoming journey to Shinovar. Wit reveals something feels deeply wrong but expresses confidence in Kaladin's readiness for what lies ahead, hinting this may be their last meeting.

Kaladin flies through Urithiru and encounters Wit lounging in the waiting room outside Dalinar's meeting chamber. After a characteristic exchange of banter about a flute, Wit agrees to teach Kaladin music basics over the next hour. Syl arrives and recognizes the tune as the song of the Wandersail, prompting Wit to reveal that the melody once guided humans across the void between worlds and that the wind itself—an ancient spren left by Adonalsium before the arrival of Honor, Cultivation, and Odium—listened to Wit's playing on the Shattered Plains. Wit explains the Wind is weakened but has witnessed much and that Kaladin should listen when it speaks. When Kaladin asks why music matters, Wit philosophizes about art as fundamental to human nature. The conversation turns serious as Wit expresses unease about something being wrong and suggests this journey to Shinovar will be crucial, despite Ishar likely being unable to help with the contest of champions as intended. Wit critiques the Passions religion as false comfort, arguing that suffering is not caused by insufficient desire or faith but by unfairness and circumstance. He defines virtue as something valuable even without reward, distinguishing it from mere positive thinking. Wit then dramatically "graduates" Kaladin from his tutelage and urges him to practice the flute until Roshar itself listens. When Kaladin asks if they will meet again, Wit deflects with humor but suggests this is an extended separation. He shakes Kaladin's hand, thanks him for inspiration, and asks who Kaladin might become without the burden of needing to save others. Wit then leaves to speak with Dalinar, who has finally finished his meeting.