Adolin accompanies Dalinar to test a widened bridge for siege transport. The design fails, prompting Dalinar to question why Shardplate is not used for labor and to probe Adolin about feeling the Thrill. As they inspect the camp and troops—now settled with families—Dalinar muses on the long-term effects of gemheart abundance and the Shattered Plains’ future.

In the Fifth Battalion, Havrom assembles soldiers Sadeas questioned. The grooms insist they revealed nothing about the king’s hunting saddle, but their overzealous loyalty likely hurt more than helped. Dalinar orders ardent Tadet to interview them separately for precise details. A messenger from Highprince Thanadal arrives, canceling their meeting and bluntly refusing alliance or joint assaults, confirming every highprince has rejected Dalinar.

Frustrated and doubting himself, Dalinar takes a warhammer to personally dig a latrine trench in Shardplate, reflecting on the Codes, The Way of Kings, and his fading taste for battle. Teleb clears onlookers as Dalinar weighs abdicating to protect his house from his perceived instability. Navani arrives, chides him for missing an appointment, and alerts him that Jasnah’s spanreed is flashing.

At Dalinar’s quarters, Adolin—having finished inspections—introduces Danlan Morakotha as a new clerk and his current interest. Through Danlan, Dalinar converses with Jasnah in Kharbranth. She hints at alarming research, questions him about first contact with the Parshendi, and shares an ancient illustration labeled “Voidbringer” that resembles a chasmfiend, suggesting misidentification by past artists. She cannot yet return, though she intends to eventually.

After the exchange, Dalinar realizes he has decided to abdicate in favor of Adolin. He tells Navani privately; she calls it a terrible mistake, but Dalinar remains firm, planning to announce within days and withdraw to his lands. He sinks down, exhausted, resolved that the transfer of power is imminent. End of Part Two.