Chapter 46
36. A New Woman
Overview
Shallan emerges from her encounter with Tyn as a transformed woman, adopting the dead trader's identity and belongings. She arrives at the Alethi warcamps with her small band of soldiers and slaves, determined to gain Dalinar Kholin's patronage to pursue Jasnah's research. A confrontation with Kaladin, Dalinar's captain of guard, nearly blocks her entry to the king's conference chamber, but she cleverly uses a document from Jasnah to force her way through.
Summary
Shallan begins the chapter having fundamentally changed after killing Tyn—no longer frightened or naive, but tired of being controlled. She discovers Tyn's trunk with Pattern's help and takes fine clothing and spheres. As she prepares her departure from the caravan, she asserts authority over Vathah and her men, arranging for Macob to send a palanquin to the warcamps. Pattern discusses the concept of nonexistence based on overheard conversations about death. Upon arrival at the massive Alethi warcamps, Shallan reflects on her ambitions: discovering what Jasnah sought on the Shattered Plains, persuading Alethi leadership against the parshmen, and investigating Tyn's mysterious contacts. She worries about Dalinar's reception, aware that Tyn warned against seeking his patronage. Learning that all the highprinces are meeting with the king, she heads to the palace. While sketching in her palanquin, she draws herself as a confident woman—not a lie, but a different truth she intends to become. At the palace gates, she claims to be Adolin's betrothed, and guards allow her to pass. She encounters Kaladin, captain of Dalinar's guard, who recognizes her from a previous encounter where she stole his boots while posing as a Horneater. He accuses her of being a swindler capitalizing on Adolin's dead betrothed. Shallan produces a spanreed communication between Jasnah and Navani about the betrothal. After a sharp verbal sparring match that draws attention from nearby soldiers, Kaladin reluctantly delivers her document to those inside the chamber. He emerges with resigned acceptance, allowing her entry.
Characters
- Shallan DavarThe protagonist, who assumes a new identity after killing Tyn and arrives at the warcamps claiming to be Adolin Kholin's betrothed; she seeks Dalinar's patronage and access to Jasnah's research.
- PatternA spren who helps Shallan unlock Tyn's trunk and observes human behavior, commenting on death and nonexistence.
- TynA deceased trader whose body is burned; Shallan takes her clothing, spheres, and assumes aspects of her identity.
- VathahA deserter who leads Shallan's guard; he reassures her men and escorts her to the king's palace.
- MacobThe caravan trademaster who arranges for a palanquin to be sent to Shallan at the warcamps.
- KaladinCaptain of Dalinar Kholin's guard who recognizes Shallan from a previous encounter; he initially blocks her entry but eventually allows her through after she produces a document from Jasnah.
- GazA one-eyed former slave and deserter who knows Kaladin from the lumberyards; he is seized by Kaladin's guards and reveals his past conflict with Kaladin.
- Dalinar KholinA highprince whom Shallan seeks as a patron; he is in a meeting with other highprinces and the king.
- King ElhokarThe paranoid king of Alethkar whose conference chamber Shallan attempts to enter.
- Adolin KholinA highprince mentioned as Shallan's supposed betrothed; he does not appear but is referenced throughout.
- Jasnah KholinA deceased woman whose research Shallan seeks to continue; her document establishes Shallan's claim to be betrothed to Adolin.
- NavaniHighlady and Jasnah's mother; Shallan uses a spanreed communication from Navani as proof of the betrothal.