Kalak stumbles through a shattered battlefield, passing a dying thunderclast and the mixed dead of men and beasts. Traumatized by centuries of repeated torture between Desolations, he wonders if he can avoid returning to the place of pain now that he has survived.

At the predetermined meeting point beneath a spire, Kalak finds Jezrien and seven distinctive divine Blades driven into the stone. Jezrien reports that only Talenel fell and that a decision has been made to end the Oathpact, believing—per Ishar—that one Herald bound might suffice to break the cycle of Desolations.

Kalak protests, fearing the enemy will find a way around their choice and arguing that mankind relies on them. Jezrien counters that the Radiants remain and that it is better for one to suffer than ten. Jezrien leaves his Blade with the others, declares they will part and not seek one another, and plans to tell the people they achieved victory.

Torn and exhausted, Kalak finally adds his own Blade to the ring, then departs in the opposite direction from Jezrien. He looks back at the empty spot where Talenel’s sword should have stood, silently asking forgiveness for abandoning the one left to endure the torment alone.