As the caravan makes camp, Gaz and Red explain to Shallan how the Shattered Plains war became about gemhearts rather than vengeance, prompting their desertion. Vathah derides the men as irredeemable, but Shallan counters with sharp wit and promises them a second chance. Gaz modifies Shallan’s wagon and admits to crushing debts that may now endanger his life.

Shallan turns to Jasnah’s notes, resolving to secure allies in the warcamps through her betrothal to Adolin and by understanding highprinces like Sadeas, Aladar, Hatham, Thanadal, Bethab, and Sebarial. She weighs contingency plans should Navani or the betrothal fail, knowing she may have to pursue Urithiru alone. Her study is interrupted by a discussion with Pattern about the nature of truth and perception.

Pattern reveals that spren are shattered power, given thought by human perception, tied to Honor, Cultivation, and another force he reluctantly names as Odium. The implication that the enemy has its own spren unsettles Shallan. A slave, Suna, summons her to Tyn’s tent.

Tyn hosts Shallan, reveals she has a spanreed link to an information house in Tashikk, and confronts Shallan with findings about House Davar’s debts and obscurity. Reading Shallan as a talented novice con artist, Tyn warns that overpromising to deserters is dangerous and offers mentorship and crucial warcamp connections. Probing for Shallan’s aim—hinting it may involve Dalinar—Tyn proposes a partnership. Shallan, seeking access and guidance, agrees.