Adolin and Renarin ride near King Elhokar and Highprinces Sadeas and Dalinar during a grand hunt. Sadeas’s subtle insults about Dalinar’s waning reputation grate on Adolin, who restrains his urge to duel. Rumors persist of Dalinar’s highstorm episodes and talk of the Knights Radiant. Adolin manages scouts and security while privately preferring duels to hunts and juggling strained courtships.

Elhokar impulsively challenges Dalinar to race and climb a rock spire. Dalinar pursues, reveling in the contest until the words “Unite them” echo in his mind, and he lets Elhokar win to bolster the king’s confidence. From the height, Dalinar reports no sign of intruders tied to Elhokar’s assassination fears, though the king remains uneasy.

Back with the column, Adolin tightens precautions and endures courtiers’ jabs about Dalinar’s caution and adherence to the Codes. During a rest, Dalinar explains Elhokar’s bravado as insecurity and leadership in training. Dalinar then reveals his growing conviction—from repeated visions—that the highprinces must truly be united back in Alethkar, not on the competitive Shattered Plains. Adolin objects, fearing further damage to Dalinar’s standing, and begs him not to broach retreat with the king.

The party reaches the hunt site. Wit arrives, teasing Adolin and Renarin and quietly telling Dalinar that mockery can strengthen the worthy. Huntmaster Bashin outlines the plan: bait a massive chasmfiend with hog carcasses and weaken it with grandbows, recent fabrial-backed weapons developed under Navani’s guidance.

As attendants and soldiers take positions, the bait-pulling chull wanders and its rope is found frayed. Dalinar notices there is no bait on the line. An enormous chasmfiend then rises from the chasm—but onto the viewing plateau packed with noncombatants—instantly turning the controlled hunt into a crisis.