Chapter 63

Shallan, Renarin, and Rlain enter a vision of humanity's arrival on Roshar, disguised in singer bodies. Shallan attempts to assassinate Mraize but fails and must retreat when confronted by a manifestation of Formless. Meanwhile, Dalinar speaks with the Stormfather about the planet's history and presses for answers about Honor's death, ultimately defying the spren's wish to leave the vision.

Shallan, Renarin, and Rlain emerge into a vision of the first humans arriving on Roshar, inhabiting singer bodies via Lightweaving. Shallan demonstrates an unprecedented ability to create a full Lightweaving without a preliminary drawing. Spotting Dalinar and Navani among the refugees, the three position themselves to observe. Shallan infiltrates the crowd by creating multiple layers of disguise—adopting a refugee's appearance while maintaining her Lightweaving. She identifies Mraize disguised among the workers near Dalinar and Navani and attempts to kill him with her anti-Stormlight dagger, but he overpowers her. When Radiant feints and retreats, nearby refugees restrain Mraize, giving Shallan an opportunity to escape. However, a manifestation of Formless appears, confronting her with accusations that she cannot escape her past trauma. Shallan screams, and Pattern pulls her back into the mists to regroup with Rlain and Renarin. Simultaneously, Dalinar encounters the Stormfather on the mountainside and learns about the ecological consequences of humanity's arrival—dogs will die out, while other animals like pigs and chickens will thrive. Dalinar presses the Stormfather for answers about what Honor truly did and how the previous god died, information he believes necessary to understand how he might assume Honor's power. The Stormfather becomes evasive and defensive, eventually refusing to help and departing in anger. Dalinar realizes he cannot create a perpendicularity to escape and resolves to find answers within the vision.