I-5. The Rider of Storms

Eshonai stands alone on a plateau outside Narak during a highstorm, seeking transformation by exposing herself to the Rider of Storms. She carries a gemstone containing a spren that Venli provided, intending to use it to achieve a new form. As the storm peaks, she experiences a moment of direct communion with the Stormfather, who expresses regret before the spren transforms her against her will.

In Narak, Eshonai receives a report from Thude that a parley with the Alethi has been arranged for seven days hence on a neutral plateau. Eager to pursue transformation, Eshonai leaves the city as the highstorm approaches. She travels across chasms using her warform's strength and positions herself on an exposed hill to face the incoming stormwall directly, shielding herself with a large shield rather than hiding as many listeners do. As the storm batters her with wind and rain, Eshonai maintains the Rhythm of Resolve, reflecting on the listener tradition that those seeking new forms find protection in storms, though she acknowledges uncertainty about whether this is fact or legend. When the storm reaches its peak intensity, the rhythms in her mind align into a single unified beat—the moment of transformation. The storm mysteriously ceases, and Eshonai perceives the Stormfather's infinite face in the sky, vast as the heavens with eyes full of stars. She crushes the gemstone containing the spren Venli gave her, releasing a red angerspren. The Stormfather speaks to her directly, questioning her intent and expressing sorrow that he cannot prevent what is about to occur. Despite her panicked resistance, the spren strikes her chest and spreads red tendrils through her body as the transformation begins.