79. Toward the Center

Dalinar interrogates Rlain, the Parshendi prisoner discovered among the bridgemen, learning that the red-eyed Parshendi represent a transformation caused by the return of their gods and that Rlain's entire people may have been destroyed or fundamentally altered. Dalinar commits to marching toward the Parshendi city with Rlain's help, racing against a three-day countdown to Lightday.

Dalinar waits in his command tent during the Weeping, troubled by the implications of the red-eyed Parshendi and Shallan's claim that all parshmen are potential Voidbringers. Adolin and Navani arrive, and Dalinar orders Rlain brought in for interrogation along with bridgemen lieutenants Skar and Rock. Rlain initially refuses to speak to anyone but Dalinar, his commanding officer. When pressed, Rlain reveals he was a spy for three years and expresses grief over what has happened to the Parshendi, particularly his commander Eshonai. He explains that the Parshendi can choose different forms, with Dullform resembling parshmen, allowing them to hide in plain sight among the human parshmen. Rlain discloses that the red eyes indicate the return of ancient gods whom the Parshendi worship, and that these gods have given his people a new, terrible form. He fears his entire people have been destroyed or transformed into monsters. Despite his initial despair about being a traitor, Skar and Rock remind him he is Bridge Four. Dalinar orders Rlain to lead them to the Parshendi city and promises to protect any noncombatants, appealing to Rlain's sense of duty as a soldier. Rlain agrees and will work with Shallan to provide maps and directions. As they leave, Navani informs Dalinar they have only three days until Lightday. Dalinar decides to accelerate their pace toward the center of the Plains.