4. Oaths
Contains spoilersOverview
Two days after Sadeas's death, the Everstorm returns, and the Stormfather confirms it is new and ridden by the enemy. Dalinar, craving control through vows, reveals the Old Magic erased his wife's memory and marries Navani with the Stormfather officiating. The union strengthens Dalinar personally but provokes Vorin censure; Kadash warns of blasphemy while Elhokar's discomfort underscores political strain.
Summary
Two days after Sadeas is found dead, the Everstorm sweeps across Roshar again. Dalinar senses its unnatural, vengeful will from his balcony, and the Stormfather confirms it is new to this era and ridden by the enemy, who is aware of Dalinar. Dalinar receives grim impressions of devastation and parshmen awakening with glowing red eyes.
Navani urges him to release his self-blame, but Dalinar insists on control and vows. With ardents refusing to marry them, he confesses that the Old Magic erased all memory of his late wife, leaving only scars and gaps. Seeking to do things properly, he proposes that the Stormfather, a remnant of Honor, witness their oaths; Navani agrees.
They ascend to the tower roof with a small party: Adolin, Renarin, Elhokar, select highprinces, and witnesses. The Stormfather manifests, halting time, and demands oaths. Navani and Dalinar swear mutual vows, which the Stormfather accepts. Gloryspren and awespren appear; their guests congratulate them, though Elhokar remains reserved.
After the crowd thins, Kadash confronts Dalinar. He warns that the ardentia will not accept a spren’s authority and calls the act blasphemous, alluding to dark memories of Rathalas. He also objects to Dalinar’s teachings that the Almighty is dead and that visions guide him.
Dalinar insists he must speak truth: Honor is dead, yet there is something greater beyond; the Almighty was powerful but not true God. Kadash urges restraint and departs, leaving Dalinar to conclude the brief celebration and embrace his new life with Navani as his wife.
Who Appears
- Dalinar Kholin
Bondsmith leader; senses the Everstorm’s malice, seeks control through vows, reveals Old Magic curse, marries Navani, defies ardents.
- Navani Kholin
Scholar-matriarch; comforts Dalinar, pushes for marriage despite orthodoxy, accepts Stormfather’s authority, exchanges vows, becoming Dalinar’s wife.
- Stormfather
Vast spren of Honor; calls the Everstorm new and hostile, affirms oaths, appears and officiates Dalinar and Navani’s marriage.
- Kadash
Ardent and former soldier; attends, then condemns the spren-officiated wedding, warns of blasphemy, recalls Rathalas, urges Dalinar to restraint.
- Elhokar
King; grants reluctant blessing, feels overshadowed by Dalinar’s authority, attends the ceremony and withdraws, still uneasy.
- Adolin Kholin
Dalinar’s son; exuberantly congratulates the couple, celebrating the sudden rooftop wedding.
- Renarin Kholin
Dalinar’s younger son; quietly pleased, offers restrained congratulations.
- Sebarial
Highprince witness; baffled by the Stormfather’s manifestation, nevertheless attends and observes.
- Brightlord Aladar
Highprince; present as invited noble during the rooftop ceremony.
- Shallan Davar
Lightweaver; rides the lift with Dalinar’s party to the roof, minor presence.
- Kalami
Scribe; serves as a wedding witness.
- Teshav
Minister; serves as a wedding witness.