63. A Burning World

Shallan orchestrates an elaborate deception to infiltrate Dalinar's monastery temple on behalf of the Ghostbloods, discovering a mysterious dark-skinned prisoner who claims to be Talenel'Elin, one of the Heralds. When she uses an illusion near him, the man attacks her violently before retreating, suggesting he recognizes her as connected to the Knights Radiant.

Shallan stakes out a tree in Sebarial's warcamp where Mraize has left instructions, discovering she is being watched by a masked woman named Iyatil. Rather than being followed home, Iyatil's role is to observe Shallan on her assigned task. Shallan creates a Veil illusion via Pattern as a decoy while confronting Iyatil directly, learning her mission involves investigating a mysterious madman recently arrived in Dalinar's custody via a trusted servant named Bordin. The instructions suggest Mraize suspects Dalinar of hidden allegiances and concerns about Amaram's mapping activities on the Shattered Plains.

Shallan gains entry to the monastery temple by feigning that her "sister" (actually Iyatil) is possessed by a Voidbringer, causing the ardents to admit them to the healer's ward. While Iyatil maintains her act to distract the ardents, Shallan uses an illusion to disguise herself as an elderly ardent and locates the prisoner in a darkened room. The man, dark-skinned with powerful build, whispers continuously about the Return and Desolation. When questioned, he claims to be "Talenel'Elin. The one you call Stonesinew"—nearly identical to the name of Herald Talenel'Elin. Shallan skeptically records his ravings as a clearly mad man impersonating a Herald.

As Shallan attempts to leave using Stormlight to recreate the ardent illusion, the man suddenly attacks her with supernatural speed and strength, pinning her against the wall. He seems to recognize her as connected to the Knights Radiant, mentioning Ishar founding them, before collapsing back onto his bed and resuming his whispered recitation. Shallan dismisses her Shardblade and prepares to exit as Highlord Amaram approaches the hallway outside the room.