A cryptic preface warns that Rayse holds a terrible Shard. Dalinar is thrust into a vivid vision as a man called Heb, sheltering with Taffa and her daughter Seeli when eyeless, tar-like beasts attack. Armed only with a fire poker and training, he wounds and kills several, bleeding smoke, but is badly injured while protecting the family.

With the village under assault, Dalinar leads them toward higher ground and is nearly overrun. As he shields Seeli, a blue-glowing Shardbearer crashes down like a falling star to battle the creatures, and a second, amber-glowing woman arrives, healing Dalinar and Taffa instantly with Regrowth before joining the fight. Together with Dalinar, they destroy the local attackers as more lights descend toward the village.

The male knight praises Dalinar’s practiced stances, invites him to Urithiru, and warns that a Desolation is coming. The female explains the date (Eighth Epoch, 337), names the land as Natanatan, and describes the Knights Radiant as warriors of Alethela—watchers who fight for all kings. She identifies the creatures as Midnight Essence, not Voidbringers.

Answering distant screams, the female knight departs. The guiding voice speaks through Taffa, urging Dalinar to “unite them.” When Dalinar asks about Highprince Sadeas, the voice says to trust him and to act with honor, promising honor will aid him.

Dalinar awakens in his barracks after the highstorm, restrained by worried soldiers while Renarin tries to explain the episode. He resolves to pursue unity among the highprinces and, despite Adolin’s misgivings, to continue trusting Sadeas.