Seven years ago, in a fort on Alethkar’s eastern rim, Dalinar drunkenly ransacks his quarters for hidden wine, overturning furniture and spilling soup as he chases relief from the weeping in his head—memories of children dying and Evi begging for her life. He recalls a recent wilderness hunt with Gavilar where they discovered parshmen, a brief period when he felt like his old self, which he now despises. Nearing the ruins of Rathalas makes the screaming louder, driving his desperation.

Adolin and Renarin arrive at the commotion. Adolin, nearly a man, stands firm and offers help; Renarin cringes back. Dalinar roars at them to leave, and they retreat. Shaking and breathless, Dalinar collapses to his knees, overwhelmed by guilt and craving.

Renarin soon returns alone, timidly offering a small bottle he purchased with spheres from the king, explaining that Dalinar always runs out. Dalinar mutters that Gavilar hides the wine, unable to accept he drank it all. Renarin steps in and hugs him, insisting that people are wrong about Dalinar, that he only needs rest, and admitting he misses Evi too.

Dalinar, raw, asks what Evi had told Renarin about him. Renarin repeats her praise—calling Dalinar an honest, honorable soldier, “the greatest man in Alethkar.” The affirmation breaks Dalinar; he clings to his son, weeping, praying for deliverance from the hatred growing inside him and the shame consuming him, recognizing Renarin as his lifeline in a world of shadows.