Words of Radiance
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
Representation of the Shape of the Shattered Plains
Overview
Shallan confirms the inner Shattered Plains hide the crem-buried city of Narak and urges an advance. Dalinar commits to threaten the city and designates Shallan’s Oathgate as the army’s escape as the ominous countdown reaches its end tomorrow. Meanwhile, in the warcamps, injured Kaladin rebuffs Elhokar’s plea for guidance; Elhokar apologizes and admits to jealousy and unsettling shadow visions.
Summary
In unusual Weeping winds, Shallan climbs a slick rise with Gaz and Vathah and sights the inner plateaus: crem-draped shapes unmistakably forming a buried city. Bridge Four messengers warn Dalinar is pulling back, but Shallan insists the secrets—and the Oathgate—lie ahead. Parshendi patrols multiply as the army nears what Rlain calls Narak.
At a council tent, Aladar favors defending their current position while Roion frets the Parshendi will stall until highstorms. Adolin reports some ten thousand red-eyed Parshendi moving in groups. Navani notes the enemy’s ability to leap chasms. Dalinar decides to press inward, threaten their homes, and force battle despite the risk of being cut off.
After the meeting, Dalinar privately asks Shallan how certain the portal is. He reveals tomorrow ends the countdown scrawled during highstorms and makes Shallan the contingency: find the Oathgate and make it work so the army can escape if the unknown danger overwhelms them.
Back at the deserted warcamps, Kaladin limps his daily circuit in the rain, wrestling with memories of Tien and the loss of Syl. He resolves to endure, though he regrets failing to reveal his powers and cannot aid those on the expedition.
King Elhokar visits Kaladin’s small room, dismisses the guards, and—flushed but sober—asks how to be a hero and a respected king. Kaladin bluntly calls him a bad king and suggests stepping down. Elhokar, stung yet candid, admits jealousy over Kaladin’s acclaim, apologizes for mishandling the Amaram challenge, and confesses to seeing whispering shadows that vanish when Kaladin is near, before departing.
Who Appears
- Shallan DavarScholar and Lightweaver; identifies Narak’s outline, urges advance, and is tasked to find the Oathgate as escape.
- Dalinar KholinHighprince; chooses to press toward Narak and names Shallan’s portal the army’s fallback as the countdown nears.
- KaladinInjured former bridgeman; limps through the empty warcamp, confronts Elhokar, and bluntly calls him a bad king.
- King Elhokar KholinSeeks Kaladin’s guidance on leadership; admits jealousy and mistakes, apologizes, and mentions vanishing shadow visions.
- Adolin KholinReports large, agitated Parshendi forces; participates in the council and supports the push inward.
- Navani KholinNotes Parshendi mobility across chasms and supports Dalinar during the planning and contingency discussion.
- Highprince AladarAdvocates defending current positions but agrees to threaten Narak to force the Parshendi to fight.
- Highprince RoionCautious voice; fears a stalling tactic and worries about red-eyed Parshendi and flashes of light.
- Highprince SebarialSardonic pragmatist; highlights risks of being cut off while supporting progress toward the city.
- RlainParshendi bridgeman guide; identifies proximity to his people’s home and calls the city Narak.
- GazShallan’s guard; accompanies her to the vantage and assists despite foul weather.
- VathahLeads Shallan’s escort; helps her down the rocks and maintains security near the front.
- LopenBridge Four member; fetched Kaladin a crutch and alerts him to the king’s arrival.
- MoashStands guard during Elhokar’s visit to Kaladin and shows concern for his former captain.
- TakaFormer King’s Guard; accompanies Elhokar into Kaladin’s quarters during the private meeting.