Kaladin, unable to sleep and weakened by his leg wound, lets Lopen help him outside to watch the army depart. He admits Syl has left him and that he can no longer heal, while Lopen deflects with humor. They reach the parade grounds, where the grand mustering briefly rekindles Kaladin’s youthful vision of military glory.

Dalinar is surprised as Sebarial arrives—with Palona—to join the expedition for opportunity’s sake. Sadeas and Ialai, riding west of the camps, debate a coup but decide it’s unnecessary; Sadeas expects Dalinar to die on the Shattered Plains. Back on the mustering ground, Aladar—once a staunch Sadeas ally—commits to Dalinar’s march, admitting he fears being wrong about Dalinar’s aims yet chooses to pursue vengeance on the Parshendi. Dalinar orders the armies to stay together and leave parshmen behind.

Among Bridge Four, Kaladin is chastised for walking on his injury as Rock prepares to join the expedition as cook. Kaladin notices Teft, Skar, and others are leaving, and learns Moash—deemed their best man—has been left to guard King Elhokar with a handpicked team, alarming Kaladin given Moash’s secret grudge.

Dalinar then confronts Amaram before Bridge Four. After Amaram denies Kaladin’s accusations, Dalinar reveals a sting: a madman with a Shardblade was hidden, and Dalinar secretly bonded the Blade before using it to bait Amaram into theft. Dalinar summons the Blade at Amaram’s throat, proving the deceit. Amaram admits to sacrificing soldiers for the “greater good,” claiming the need for Shardbearers against the coming Voidbringers. Dalinar strips Amaram of his Radiant cloak, promises a fair trial later, but cannot imprison a Shardbearer. Kaladin thanks Dalinar, while Dalinar notes the Blade feels wrong even as he intends to use it against the assassin.

Watching through a spyglass, Sadeas sees Aladar join Dalinar, then opts to act only after the expedition’s likely demise, planning successors for fallen highprinces. The armies set out into the Shattered Plains under Dalinar’s unified command as tensions, betrayals, and looming threats converge.