Chapter 100

Sigzil devises a strategic deception to draw the enemy away from the Oathgate toward Narak Three, while Venli leads singers and chasmfiends through the chasms toward an unknown source of sound. Jasnah receives intelligence confirming the enemy invasion fleet is a elaborate ruse, forcing her to redirect forces to the Shattered Plains despite Queen Fen's concerns about leaving Thaylen City vulnerable.

Sigzil meets with General Winn and other commanders to plan the defense of Narak against approaching forces. He challenges their assumption that the enemy must target the strategically vital Oathgate, arguing instead that time pressure from the three-day deadline makes the enemy more likely to attack Narak Prime directly. He proposes a feint: pulling back troops and using the Lightweaver Stargyle to create illusions of gemstone stores in Narak Three, making it appear a prize worth the enemy's full assault. The plan is accepted. Later, on the wall walk, Sigzil confides in Vienta that their Stormlight reserves are dangerously low and unlikely to last three days. Leyten approaches him with self-doubt about his role as a Radiant, blaming himself for his squires' deaths. Sigzil manipulates him by suggesting Kaladin bears responsibility, which prompts Leyten to defend his leader and by extension accept his own command role. Sigzil realizes through this interaction that leadership is his true calling, combining his gifts for engineering and strategy in a way that previous training never allowed. Venli guides a group of singers and chasmfiends deeper into the chasms, following an increasingly clear discordant sound. She finds the chasms beautiful despite the death and darkness, and observes lifespren dancing with rotspren. The group encounters obstacles—a log dam blocking the chasm—which the chasmfiend Thundercloud helps them cross by lifting singers across. Leshwi, the Fused who has recently switched sides, struggles with her new position and loss of status. Venli encourages her by framing her defection as strength and promising her freedom among the listeners rather than godhood. Thundercloud shows Venli a deteriorated human bridge wedged high in the chasm, scarred by arrows from the singers' past assaults. Meanwhile, Jasnah receives a spanreed message from a Windrunner scout reporting that the enemy invasion fleet holds only stones in its holds, not soldiers—confirming the invasion is an elaborate feint. Jasnah concludes Odium is concentrating forces on the Shattered Plains and Azimir instead, leaving Thaylen City safe. She argues for sending Thaylen troops to reinforce the Shattered Plains, but Queen Fen resists, fearing the feint is itself a trick designed to leave her city vulnerable. Jasnah invokes her moral philosophy of doing the most good with available information and begins drafting orders to redeploy forces, though she agrees to wait for the Windrunners to return in person for confirmation.