I-4. Last Legion

Eshonai meets with her mother and then convenes the Five to discuss Venli's discovery of a stormspren that could grant access to an ancient form of power. After initially objecting to the experiment on grounds that ancient powers invite the gods' return, Eshonai volunteers to undergo the transformation herself rather than let her sister take the risk, a decision that troubles Venli.

Eshonai examines the stormspren-filled gemstone with her soldiers Thude and Bila, who care mainly about combat applications. She then visits her mother, who now suffers from deteriorated memory and dullness, though she can still recall the old songs of the Last Legion—the listeners' ancestors who chose dullform to escape divine control centuries ago. Her mother has kept Eshonai's childhood maps from her expeditions exploring Natanatan, which stir longing for her younger days of discovery. At the tower in Narak's center, Eshonai meets with the Five (representatives of each listener form) to discuss Venli's stormspren discovery. Eshonai expresses deep concern that bonding an ancient power form will invite the gods' return, noting the dangers embedded in old songs. Davim argues they must prepare for the gods' possible return, and Venli is eager to test the form herself. After pressure from the others, Eshonai agrees to the experiment but insists on being the one to undergo the transformation instead of Venli, reasoning that a soldier is more expendable than her sister's irreplaceable knowledge. The Five accept this compromise. Venli objects bitterly, accusing Eshonai of stealing the glory of her discovery and questioning when her reckless sister became the responsible one. Eshonai agrees to undergo training from Venli to prepare for the next highstorm, though privately she considers whether negotiating peace with the Alethi might offer an alternative path.