Chapter 78

Dalinar, Navani, and young Gavinor arrive at a vision showing the founding of the Oathpact, where the ten Heralds are about to become immortal. Meanwhile, Renarin and Rlain, disguised in the same vision, discover each other and attempt to locate Shallan while remaining hidden from the Ghostbloods. Both groups converge on a tent where the ceremony is about to begin, with Renarin suddenly called upon to play the Herald Vedeledev.

Dalinar uses an engraved stone to pull himself, Navani, and Gav into a new vision depicting an ancient war camp east of the mountains. The group observes the camp's primitive but expertly-crafted technology and notices preparations for an approaching highstorm. When the storm arrives, Dalinar experiences the warmth of Honor's direct blessing as the Herald Jezrien leads prayers that modulate the storm's destructive force. Dalinar recognizes this as the founding of the Oathpact and realizes that acquiring one of the Honorblades formed during this event could serve as an anchor to jump through future visions more efficiently. Jezrien gathers several Heralds—including Nale, Ishar, Chanaranach, Shalash, and Battar—while Navani appears in the vision as Wit (Midius). They move toward a tent where Vedeledev waits to show them a vision. Separately, Renarin appears in the same vision wearing Vedeledev's form and initially alone in a tent. Glys informs him they missed a vision and arrived in this one instead. Ishar and Chanaranach speak with Renarin about immortality and accepting the power of Honor, with Renarin playing along as Vedeledev. Rlain soon enters, disguised as a Veden woman, and the two recognize each other through a hummed rhythm. They discuss finding Shallan and the Ghostbloods, realizing the events are connected to Mishram's imprisonment and Honor's fall. To help locate others, Renarin uses his unusual Lightweaving ability to create a sphere showing Rlain's true nature—a singer standing between two worlds. As Renarin attempts to scout outside, he spots his father Dalinar approaching with Navani and Gav, raising questions about why a child is present. Rlain successfully creates a small amount of Stormlight, and the two nearly kiss when their sphere of Light reveals the moment—but Dalinar's group suddenly enters the tent. Both groups converge, with Dalinar recognizing Nale's hostility and noticing the absence of Taln. In the tent, Jezrien addresses Renarin (still in Vedeledev's body) and asks if he is ready, stating it is time to show them—leaving Renarin to answer as the Heralds and their companions wait.