64. Binder of Gods
Contains spoilersOverview
Dalinar retrieves Jezrien’s Honorblade and learns from the Stormfather that Tezim of Tukar is the mad Herald Ishar, once called the Binder of Gods. He is reminded that Bondsmith power centers on Connection and is not for battle, and that only three Bondsmiths can exist.
Dalinar lends the Honorblade to Bridge Four to sustain Windrunner training, suppresses a brawl between Sadeas and Aladar troops, and plans hard labor to discipline Sadeas’s men. He then travels alone via the Azir Oathgate to meet the Azish court.
Summary
Dalinar retrieves the hidden Honorblade used by the Assassin in White and reflects on its true origin as Jezrien’s weapon. Speaking with the Stormfather, Dalinar learns that Jezrien predated the Windrunners and that Ishar founded the Radiant orders. The Stormfather reveals Tezim of Tukar is Ishar, now insane and seeking death, and admits he did not volunteer this until asked—frustrating Dalinar.
The Stormfather declares Bondsmith Surges are about Connection, calling Ishar the former “Binder of Gods,” and claims no Radiant can do more than a Bondsmith used rightly. Only three Bondsmiths can exist—one per great spren—though the Stormfather refuses to discuss his “siblings.” He explains how storms infuse gemstones across realms; an attempted infusion without a storm fails.
Dalinar presents Jezrien’s Honorblade to Bridge Four to offset Kaladin’s absence, noting it grants Windrunner powers to its bearer. Teft defers; Rock takes custody, his eyes turning glassy blue, and promises only to keep it safe. Teft organizes a rotation, and Dalinar orders secrecy and experimentation, recognizing the blade’s potential to enable healing.
Preparing to meet the Azish, Dalinar hears Navani and Queen Fen debate the risks. Navani equips him with documents, a spanreed protocol, and even lunch, insisting they will come for him if he goes silent for an hour. Dalinar proceeds across the busy plateau, warning soldiers not to swallow spheres as rumors of Radiance spread.
He breaks up a mock battle that has turned into a real brawl between Sadeas and Aladar troops, using Stormlight to glue combatants to the ground. He notes Sadeas’s army, now under Meridas Amaram and a new banner, is growing unruly and wonders if the Thrill is at work. Dalinar and Jasnah plan to send Sadeas’s soldiers to exhausting reconstruction duty in Thaylen City, starting in small batches.
At the Oathgate, Dalinar gets no news from Elhokar’s infiltration team in Kholinar. With Lift’s secured permission and Jasnah’s operation of the Oathgate, he travels alone into Azir’s heat to finally meet the Azish court face-to-face.
Who Appears
- Dalinar Kholin
Bondsmith leader; learns Tezim is Ishar, arms Bridge Four with Jezrien’s Honorblade, quells a brawl, and goes to meet Azir.
- The Stormfather
Reveals Tezim is Ishar and outlines Bondsmith Connection powers; fails to infuse a sphere outside a storm.
- Rock (Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor)
Takes custody of Jezrien’s Honorblade, gains Windrunner abilities while holding it, vows only to keep it safe.
- Teft
Bridge Four lieutenant; declines first use, organizes rotation and training with the Honorblade, ensures caution and secrecy.
- Jasnah Kholin
Operates the Oathgate to Azir; advises Dalinar and discusses deploying unruly troops to Thaylen reconstruction.
- Navani Kholin
Prepares documents and spanreed plan, worries for Dalinar’s safety, and sends him off with lunch.
- Queen Fen
Supports Dalinar’s diplomatic approach; her city’s rebuilding becomes a venue for disciplining Sadeas’s soldiers.
- Ishar (Tezim)
Identified as the mad Herald ruling Tukar; once the Binder of Gods and founder of the Radiant orders.
- Meridas Amaram (Meridas Sadeas)
Leads Sadeas’s forces under a new banner; his troops grow disorderly and violent.
- Highprince Aladar
His soldiers clash with Sadeas’s in training; his officers restore order after Dalinar intervenes.
- Lift
Off-page; secured Azir’s permission to unlock their Oathgate for Dalinar’s visit.