Dalinar contemplates the defiant design of Urithiru’s windows and asks the Stormfather why the ancient Radiants betrayed their oaths; the Stormfather refuses, pointedly referencing Dalinar’s missing memories. Dalinar then convenes an amphitheater meeting with Navani, Teshav, Kalami, Aladar, and others to begin spanreed diplomacy.

They first contact Azir. Emperor Yanagawn responds with formal niceties, deflects Dalinar’s invitation, and agrees only to exchange information. Azir reports they are “negotiating” with transformed parshmen, then retracts the claim as a translation error. They insist their Oathgate is nonfunctional, even sending an affidavit; Navani and Teshav judge this a pretext to keep Alethi forces away. Dalinar warns unity is essential, but Azir closes the exchange.

Queen Fen of Thaylenah writes directly and bluntly. She confirms her parshmen seized most ships and sailed as a fleet while the Everstorm devastated Thaylen City. She rejects a grand summit but shows interest in Oathgates, though wary of Alethi troops appearing in her capital. Dalinar offers engineers and soldiers to help rebuild and urges her to search for emerging Radiants; Fen ends with formal caution and promises to track the parshmen fleet.

Brief talks with Yezier and Tashikk yield only vagueness. Afterward, Elhokar confronts Dalinar about leadership, kneels, and attempts to swear vassalage, proposing Dalinar as a higher monarch. They outline terms: Dalinar commands in Urithiru and the Shattered Plains, while Elhokar retains direct authority in Alethkar. Planning to reclaim Kholinar, Dalinar proposes a small, stealthy Radiant-led team to restore the palace Oathgate. Elhokar volunteers to lead it and requests the “bridgeman” Radiant as support.

Finally, a spanreed from Taravangian announces they have located their Oathgate and that a woman has claimed Radiance; they will test the device with her Shardblade and come if it works. Dalinar, frustrated by most monarchs, is heartened by this single commitment.