Dalinar studies the Assassin in White’s Honorblade, noting its warmth and lack of a gemstone. The Stormfather explains it was forged from Honor’s own soul and cannot scream, then outlines Odium’s limits and why a contest of champions could bind him. Dalinar hides the Blade in a plumbing shaft, intending it as a contingency for travel or Oathgate use if Kaladin does not return soon.

In bustling Urithiru, Dalinar trades barbs with Bridge Thirteen’s Rial and straps on a clock-painrial device Navani gifted him. At the training hall, swordmaster ardents avoid sparring with him over his controversial marriage. Zahel dryly warns that ardents feel forced to choose between God and Dalinar. Seeking release, Dalinar wrestles Aratin Khal, deliberately refusing both the Thrill and Stormlight and is pinned.

Navani advances an early spanreed meeting with Iri while Dalinar spars with the ardent Kadash. The Iriali queen extols their belief in the One’s “glorious” experiences and hints at accepting those who command the Everstorm. Kadash derides foreign faiths and presses Dalinar to reaffirm the Almighty; Dalinar instead voices doubt and asks for reasons, not tradition.

Dalinar recounts the “wrapped three times” takama lesson, showing how tradition can persist without purpose. Kadash pleads for a recantation to calm the church, but Dalinar refuses to lie. He then inhales Stormlight and binds Kadash to the floor with Adhesion, publicly proving Radiant power and affirming the Heralds’ reality, while demanding proof that current Vorinism reflects their teachings.

The Iriali queen conditions talks on returning “stolen” Shards, implicitly Adolin’s Plate; Navani judges the claim weak, though Dalinar would consider concessions for alliance. When Navani says “Evi,” Dalinar reels as the name pierces a block—memories and his late wife’s face return, signaling a profound personal shift.