Twenty-nine years earlier, Dalinar prepares for battle while his betrothed, Evi, performs foreign prayers to the One. Dalinar humors her but remains focused on the coming fight. Gavilar tasks him with drawing out and killing Highprince Kalanor to collapse resistance. As armies array, Sebarial fails to appear, Ryshadium roam the field, and Gavilar reiterates that only Kalanor’s death will secure the campaign.

The battle begins with Kholin heavy infantry and flanking archers pressing Kalanor’s disciplined troops. Dalinar resists, then embraces the Thrill and charges, slaughtering entire companies alone. He breaks his horse, continues on foot, and loses himself to euphoric violence until Captain Kadash cuts through his haze and points out Kalanor committing with his honor guard. Dalinar orders his elites to hold unless he falls, then advances.

Dalinar confronts Kalanor, trading taunts before both enter Bloodstance. After cracking Kalanor’s Plate, Kalanor flees, climbing a jagged spire. Dalinar pursues; they duel atop the precarious heights, Kalanor in Windstance and Dalinar in Stonestance. Recognizing the Thrill in Kalanor’s eyes, Dalinar overpowers him. Kalanor slips, begs mercy, and Dalinar executes him with a Shardblade thrust before he falls to his death.

Seeing Kalanor’s guard attempt to claim the Shards, Dalinar descends in a red haze and kills them, reclaiming Blade and Plate. The Thrill swells into an urge to seize everything—throne and love—and Dalinar charges toward Gavilar, ready to massacre his own. Gavilar turns, smiling, and Dalinar halts in horror, dismissing his Blade.

Gavilar celebrates the victory and reports other Shards taken. To atone and anchor himself, Dalinar gifts Kalanor’s Blade and Plate to Gavilar for his children. Gavilar accepts, noting their marriage negotiations with Toh will finally resolve. Dalinar privately vows to yield to Gavilar in all things and never be king.