Dalinar waits rigidly on his balcony at Urithiru as hours pass with no word from Kholinar, forcing him to confront the restored memories of his atrocity at the Rift. He questions his worth and asks the Stormfather why he was chosen. The Stormfather, recalling his own destructive past, says he now recognizes pain through their bond, which only deepens Dalinar’s turmoil.

Dalinar returns to the common room, where Navani, Taravangian, and others wait by the spanreed. The Azish delegation had toured the tower the previous day, guided by Taravangian in Dalinar’s stead. Dalinar confides to Taravangian his fear of not being the man others believe, recalling their past dilemma about condemning one to save many, and wonders how to live after choosing wrongly.

Taravangian answers that leadership demands bearing guilt so others might remain clean, declaring, “Someone has to fall, that others may stand.” Though the words echo sentiments Dalinar once held, Dalinar finds Taravangian’s version hollow and without hope. The group continues to wait, plans for Kholinar stalled without current intelligence.

At last, the spanreed scratches to life. Navani, Teshav, and May Aladar react with alarm as the message abruptly cuts off. The report says Voidbringer forces have seized the palace; the remnants of the Wall Guard are captured; and there is no word on the king, Adolin, or the Radiants. Dalinar sinks into his chair under the blow, while Taravangian offers quiet condolences.