Eleven years earlier, Dalinar inspects a newly won keep on the Alethkar–Jah Keved border, demonstrating its retractable ledge to twelve-year-old Adolin. He praises the campaign’s gains, noting that beyond land and trade, the Vedens’ treaty grants Gavilar critical legitimacy. While officers break down maps, Dalinar’s attention keeps drifting to plans for the Rift.

Evi arrives as a spanreed letter from Gavilar is delivered. In it, Gavilar lauds Dalinar’s maturing strategy and assigns him to quell Tanalan’s rebellion at Rathalas, warning that an unknown highprince may be backing the rebels—possibly with Shards. Sadeas will gather reinforcements and join the campaign, and Gavilar requests Dalinar’s strategic assessment.

Dalinar admits he anticipated the order and refines a plan for a rapid, unexpected attack: securing the lake’s beach and moving forces across by water to strike faster than expected. As he works, Evi breaks down, lamenting seven years of war camps, her alienation among Alethi women, and the emptiness of their practiced religion. She even mentions seeking the Nightwatcher for intelligence, which Dalinar rejects as blasphemous.

The argument turns personal when Evi presses him about overlooking Renarin. Dalinar offers future travel, then concedes, promising at least a year in Kholinar after the Rift is subdued. He ends the conversation and leaves to continue planning, trailed by shamespren, the marriage strain underscoring the stakes of his coming decision at the Rift.