15. A Hand with the Tower

Shallan confronts Tvlakv about his plans to ransom her, using a display of illusory power to intimidate him into compliance. When deserter bandits are spotted nearby, the group must flee camp under cover of darkness to avoid capture.

While traveling, Shallan catches Tvlakv in a lie about his shoes and realizes he plans to sell her back to whoever is looking for her. She uses Pattern's ability to mimic sounds to eavesdrop on Tvlakv and Tag discussing her monetary value. Determined not to be treated as merchandise, Shallan confronts Tvlakv at the fire, threatening him with promises of wealth and rewards upon her arrival at the Shattered Plains. During this confrontation, she unknowingly manifests a Soulcasting illusion, clothing herself in finery and glowing with spherelight, which terrifies Tvlakv into submission. Shortly after, scout Bluth returns to report dozens of well-armed bandits camped nearby—likely deserters from the Alethi army. The group hastily breaks camp, harnesses the chulls, and flees eastward into the darkness, guided by a gully to shield them from the bandits' sight. As they travel, Shallan watches the distant campfires fade, nervous about the threat they've narrowly escaped.