58. The Journey
Contains spoilersOverview
Adolin wrestles with politics, then realizes the purpose of Dalinar’s Codes and wins a high-profile duel against Brightlord Resi. Dalinar reflects on The Way of Kings, decides not to abdicate, and openly argues for unity and investigation over blind vengeance. Elhokar’s paranoia surfaces as he brokers a compromise: Dalinar will try Sadeas’s bridgemen to hasten joint assaults.
Summary
At an Outer Market wineshop, Adolin debates why Sadeas did not move against Dalinar and bristles at rumors that Dalinar should abdicate. Leaving for a duel, he walks through the market and recognizes the Codes’ broader purpose: leaders modeling vigilance and sobriety to honor soldiers and the war’s gravity.
In the dueling arena, Dalinar, Sadeas, and Elhokar watch as Dalinar quotes The Way of Kings, prompting banter about philosophy and fashion. Navani’s presence distracts Dalinar, and Highprince Vamah’s garish arrival triggers Sadeas’s mockery, highlighting social frictions amid war.
Adolin faces Brightlord Resi of Thanadal. Using Windstance and precision, Adolin baits Resi’s overhand strike, counters to shatter Resi’s thigh plate, and wins decisively. He withdraws without theatrics, reinforcing his disciplined image.
Afterward, Elhokar presses Dalinar about rumors of cowardice. Dalinar resolves not to abdicate and states he would withdraw from the Shattered Plains to stabilize Alethkar, investigate the Parshendi’s motives in Gavilar’s assassination, and pursue more deliberate strategy, not flight. Elhokar is surprised but receptive.
Elhokar’s paranoia flares as he fears assassins in every shadow. Turning to tactics, Sadeas urges faster movement; Elhokar proposes a compromise: Dalinar will borrow Sadeas’s bridgemen to accelerate support once Sadeas engages the Parshendi, retreating if unsafe. Dalinar agrees to try it. As the king goes to praise Adolin, Sadeas asks for a copy of The Way of Kings.
Who Appears
- Adolin Kholin
Dalinar’s son; reevaluates the Codes in the market and defeats Brightlord Resi in a Shardplate duel.
- Dalinar Kholin
Highprince; cites The Way of Kings, decides not to abdicate, urges unity, agrees to try Sadeas’s bridgemen.
- Highprince Sadeas
Allied rival; debates philosophy and fashion, pushes bridge tactics, coordinates joint assaults, requests Dalinar’s book.
- King Elhokar Kholin
Watches the duel; challenges Dalinar on withdrawal, shows growing paranoia, brokers the bridgemen compromise.
- Danlan Morakotha
Adolin’s current courtship; weighs in on Sadeas and Kholin restrictions during wineshop discussion.
- Brightlord Resi
Thanadal’s Shardbearer; fights Adolin in Stonestance and loses when his thigh plate shatters.
- Navani Kholin
Present among the women; her steady support of Dalinar’s visions lingers in his thoughts.
- Jakamav
Lighteyes friend; banters about politics and Sadeas at the wineshop with companion Inkima.
- Toral
Fashionable lighteyes from Aladar’s camp; prods Adolin about Dalinar’s reputation and abdication talk.
- Highprince Vamah
Arrives in outdated, flamboyant attire, drawing Sadeas’s open scorn from across the arena.
- Lady Istow
Highjudge at the arena; officiates and calls the end of Adolin’s duel.
- Inkima
Jakamav’s companion; social presence at the wineshop, echoing camp gossip.
- Eshava
Toral’s companion; voices the camp’s view that Dalinar should abdicate.