67. Spit and Bile

Dalinar and Navani walk from the Pinnacle to a feast where they discuss Navani's scholarly work and her concerns about Jasnah and her son. At the feast, Dalinar discovers that copies of Navani's written accounts of his visions have been circulated with altered commentary designed to mock him and discredit his credibility. He responds by climbing onto a table and publicly declaring the truth of his visions while committing to publish all future ones, then spends the evening working the crowd to secure support. After most guests depart, Wit unexpectedly converses with Dalinar about tyranny, the nature of rule, and his own mysterious departure.

Dalinar and Navani descend from the Pinnacle as armies return from plateau runs. Navani shares her excitement about a breakthrough in understanding Shardblades—that gemstones may not be their power source but only used for bonding, a discovery made through research with Kharbranth. Dalinar struggles to focus, preoccupied with expedition planning. Navani reveals her pain about Jasnah's emotional distance and fears losing her son as well. Dalinar reassures her he will protect him. Navani questions who will protect Dalinar from the assassin, and Dalinar cryptically references an approaching storm, implying only twelve days remain.

At the feast on the illuminated islands, Dalinar discovers copies of Navani's written records of his visions circulating among the lighteyes, altered with mocking commentary and changed tone to discredit him. Wit and Amaram inform him of the theft. Navani furiously reports the alterations—the commentary and changed wording make the visions sound ridiculous and her account patronizing. Rather than hide or despair, Dalinar climbs onto a food table and publicly announces the visions' truth, declaring all future visions will be published for scholarly investigation. He forces conversations with attendees, presenting himself as confident rather than fragile.

Later, alone on the island with servants and his bridgemen eating the feast's leftovers, Wit approaches. He praises Dalinar's response to the attack, then reveals he must leave soon despite only recently arriving. When Dalinar asks if Wit is a Herald or Radiant, Wit denies both, calling himself merely a man. He warns that he cannot fully align with Dalinar's goals and would let the world burn if necessary to achieve his own ends. He cryptically states his departure is dangerous because if "he" finds him, he will be destroyed. When Dalinar asks who, Wit responds: "The one you fight, Dalinar Kholin. The father of hatred."