Chapter 11

Kaladin receives his assignment to travel to Shinovar with Szeth to address a dangerous threat from the Herald Ishar, who possesses the Honorblades. Before departing, Dalinar takes him to a mountain peak and offers him a position as heir to the throne of Urithiru, asking him to consider the unprecedented responsibility.

Kaladin encounters Dalinar at Urithiru, where he learns he will be sent to Shinovar with Szeth as a companion. Though Kaladin protests that Szeth needs mental care rather than a dangerous mission, Dalinar insists Kaladin's role is to help stabilize Szeth while they address a greater threat. Dalinar then brings Kaladin to a snowy mountain peak outside Urithiru's protective zone, explaining that the Herald Ishar—believed to be mentally unstable and convinced he is either the true champion or the Almighty—has taken residence in Shinovar with access to all the Honorblades. Ishar has been killing spren by pulling them into the physical realm, and Dalinar fears being outmaneuvered by him before the prophesied contest. Kaladin accepts the mission despite his misgivings about helping an unstable demigod. Dalinar then reveals a sealed letter making Kaladin the heir to the throne of Urithiru should he and Navani fall. Kaladin, deeply disturbed by the offer and viewing it as incompatible with his values, initially refuses but agrees to consider it at Dalinar's request. The chapter ends with Kaladin pocketing the letter and preparing for his departure.