I-7. Taln

An interlude following Taln, a figure claimed to be a Herald, who has been found in a delusional or traumatized state carrying an unaccounted-for Shardblade. King Elhokar interrogates him and Bordin regarding the blade's origin while Taln speaks fragmented prophecies about Desolations and training humanity, interspersed with references to suffering and fire.

Taln is brought before King Elhokar and his uncle in a severely disturbed mental state, staring blankly and mumbling or shouting cryptically. Bordin, who transported him, reports that Wit accompanied them initially but left after hitting himself with a rock as a commentary on Bordin's company. Elhokar is fascinated by Taln but questions him obsessively about the origin of his Shardblade, which is unaccounted for in Alethi records and unusual because a dark-eyed man possesses it. Taln's coherent utterances are fragmented prophecies—he identifies himself as Talenel'Elin, Herald of War, and speaks of an approaching Desolation, the training of humanity by various Heralds in different crafts and leadership, and the creation of Surgebinders as guardians. His words repeat cyclically as though spoken many times before. Elhokar's uncle notes Taln's Alethi Northern accent and wild appearance, suggesting he might be a lost villager. Taln expresses uncertainty about the present time, suggesting he has been lost or imprisoned for a very long time. Elhokar considers sending him to the ardents for mental recovery and thinks of a use for the Shardblade.