Moash labors with a parshmen sledge crew approaching Kholinar. He studies the Fused, noting different types and their sustained flight. Contrary to his expectations of apocalypse, the Fused admire orchards and preserve resources, signaling intent to occupy rather than raze. His casual admission of killing a Fused shocks a crewmate, Sah.

The army diverts to a Kholinar suburb already under singer control. There, the Fused release the weakest human pullers toward the city, seemingly to burden its defenses with refugees, while the main force occupies storm bunkers to prepare a siege. Moash’s crew is assigned to a lumberyard to build siege engines, and the bleak circularity of his life leaves him laughing uncontrollably.

Elsewhere, Shallan finds a letter from Mraize confirming Ishnah’s background as a minor assistant spy and advising caution but not forbidding her use. Shallan experiments with a Lightweaving anchored to a gemstone, successfully sustaining an illusion for hours without her own Stormlight.

Shallan meets privately with King Elhokar, cycles through disguises, and argues that Kholinar may require infiltration rather than a direct assault on the Oathgate. Elhokar, preparing for Kaladin’s group flight, accepts her reasoning and signs a formal request for her involvement despite Dalinar’s likely reservations.

Shallan resolves to join the Kholinar mission—partly fleeing tensions in Urithiru, partly eager to help reclaim the city—while also assisting Kaladin in opening the Thaylen City Oathgate. Pattern hums approval as she departs with the royal writ in hand.