Taravangian wakes aboard ship, takes his morning intelligence test, and is judged “average,” limiting his authority for the day. He reviews the leatherbound copy of the Diagram, reflecting on the peril of his variable intellect and the ruthless measures his brilliance once proposed. Landing at burned Vedenar, he notes the city’s ruin and receives reports that Death Rattles have dwindled, implying Moelach has moved west.

Adrotagia presents an analysis showing Taravangian’s genius day was an extreme outlier unlikely to recur, forcing reliance on the existing Diagram. On the battlefield, Kharbranth’s healers earn the soldiers’ adoration even as Taravangian recognizes his own role in Jah Keved’s collapse. Sensing the Thrill’s strength, he muses about Nergaoul but prioritizes tracking Moelach.

Szeth approaches in disguise, alarming Taravangian. Szeth reports fighting an Alethi Surgebinder who healed a Blade-severed limb to protect Dalinar. Taravangian argues the man must bear an Honorblade and orders Szeth to avoid him and continue targeting Dalinar when the protector is absent. Shaken, Taravangian retreats to consult the Diagram and finds guidance: look for those who survive when they should not, leading him to suspect Dalinar’s former bridgemen. He dispatches agents to identify the Surgebinder and keep him away from Szeth.

Time pressing, Taravangian visits dying King Valam. The king sees through Taravangian’s relief strategy, predicts public acclamation, and abruptly names Taravangian heir. Valam compels his bastard son, Redin, to stab him through the heart; as he dies, Valam utters a cryptic Death Rattle and drops a Shardblade.

With the Veden court kneeling, Taravangian privately acknowledges the Diagram’s success in securing Jah Keved and recalls Gavilar’s charge to unite the world. He accepts the cost—plotting Dalinar’s death—while burdened by the guilt his less brilliant days force him to feel.