Chapter 58

Navani and Dalinar witness a portal opening from Ashyn, the world humanity destroyed with Surgebinding, as the Heralds—including a younger Ishar, Jezrien, and Chana—lead refugees through to Roshar. They encounter Wit, who appears to be a fragmented homunculus struggling with the weight of Ashyn's destruction, and attempt to communicate with the ancient refugees despite language barriers.

Navani and Dalinar observe a portal opening to Ashyn, where Herald Ishar holds it open while thousands of refugees flee a burning world. Dalinar recognizes Ishar from a previous vision, appearing younger than when they later met, and also identifies Jezrien (Jezerezeh), whom he knew as Ahu, a beggar in Kholinar. The refugees include Chana (Chanaranach) and a young Ash, suggesting the Heralds age slowly before becoming immortal around sixty to seventy years hence. Navani deduces that humans accessed Surges without the checks of bonds and oaths that would later define Radiants, causing the destruction of Ashyn. When singers nearby flee in terror, Dalinar approaches Jezrien and attempts to use his Connection ability to communicate, causing Jezrien to react defensively, sensing dangerous power. Navani redirects them toward Wit, who has just crossed the portal. However, Wit appears profoundly disturbed—a fragmented entity struggling with consciousness, revealing he is a homunculus created to imitate the real Wit and grappling with the implications of watching Ashyn's destruction and Wit's subsequent weeks of despair. After Wit stumbles away unable to help, Dalinar uses his Connection to communicate with them instead, learning the language from Wit rather than teaching it. Dalinar notices the Stormfather's presence on a nearby hillside and leaves Navani to investigate further while she attempts to learn from the refugees despite the language barrier.