Oathbringer
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
111. Eila Stele
Overview
Dalinar inspects Thaylen City with Amaram, then convenes a multinational summit. Spanreeds report an early, faster Everstorm, while new Dawnchant translations of the Eila Stele reveal that humans were the original invaders of Roshar. Coordinated leaks about Elhokar naming Dalinar highking and Dalinar meeting Odium trigger a political crisis that fractures coalition trust.
Summary
Dalinar arrives at Thaylen City and reviews defenses with Meridas Amaram, who boasts of fortifications and wants frontline command. Bridge Four banter lightens the tension as Dalinar sends them to the upcoming meeting. In the bustling Oathgate flow, bankers relocate assets to the Thaylen Gemstone Reserve, and Renarin pointedly asks about large gemstones in the city, then grows quiet.
In their villa, Dalinar consults the Stormfather, who confirms Cultivation lives and hints at a slumbering third sibling. The Stormfather reflects that Honor loved humanity but grew consumed by oaths near the end. Taravangian arrives, lucid yet worried, and insists on attending the summit.
The coalition convenes in the temple of Talenelat. Reports place the Azish fleet close, and Fen outlines city defenses while raising concerns about Amaram’s troops. As Azish guidelines are presented, Renarin excuses himself, unsettled. The Stormfather warns of a coming storm.
Spanreeds flare: the Everstorm has struck Shinovar far earlier and is moving faster than expected. While leaders redirect the fleet to safer docks, the Stormfather insists something more is coming. Jasnah and Navani reveal a breakthrough translating the Dawnchant: the Eila Stele, a Dawnsinger account, says humans came from another world, used forbidden Surges, destroyed their land, and then seized Roshar—making humans the true ancient invaders.
Before the room can absorb this, Taravangian and others press new accusations: an essay claims Elhokar accepted Dalinar as highking, and notes detail Dalinar’s undisclosed meetings with Odium. Dalinar admits meeting the enemy, and the chamber erupts. Jasnah argues the disclosures are a coordinated attack, but trust fractures. Dalinar realizes he has been outmaneuvered politically as the coalition destabilizes.
Who Appears
- Dalinar KholinCoalition leader; inspects Thaylen defenses, hears Eila Stele’s revelation, admits meeting Odium, and is politically outflanked.
- Navani KholinReviews Dawnchant translations with Jasnah, supports Dalinar, and prepares explanations regarding the highking allegation.
- Jasnah KholinPresents the Eila Stele translation, concluding humans were the original invaders; identifies a coordinated leak campaign.
- StormfatherWarns of more than the storm; confirms Cultivation lives and a slumbering third sibling; reflects on Honor’s nature.
- Queen FenHosts the summit, manages defenses and fleet logistics, challenges Dalinar about the highking claim.
- TaravangianLucid and anxious; raises concerns publicly about Dalinar and the revelations, pushing the meeting into crisis.
- Meridas AmaramReports fortifications, chafes at assignments, and bristles at accusations of his troops’ behavior.
- Renarin KholinAsks about large gemstones, grows uncomfortable, and leaves the meeting early.
- Vizier NouraReports on fleet status; confronts Dalinar over withheld Odium visions and demands explanations.
- Emperor YanagawnAttends the summit, worries about the fleet’s shelter from the accelerating Everstorm.
- TeshavHighlights uncertainty in Everstorm patterns and relays urgent reports during the meeting.
- Ialai SadeasSkeptically challenges storm timing and participates in the mounting political pressure.
- Queen Fen’s sonActs as liaison and host; discusses banking shifts and arranges quarters.
- LiftObserves the proceedings and reacts to the revelation about Dalinar meeting Odium.
- TeftLeads Bridge Four’s readiness; jokes about Amaram, then snaps to alert when Dalinar tenses.