An epigraph notes Bondsmith Melishi devised a hasty, unique stratagem—tied to the Heralds and Bondsmith powers—to counter the Voidbringers, with few details preserved.

In Dalinar’s rooms, a chained Kaladin listens as Elhokar rants that Kaladin’s public insult of Highprince Amaram ruined their chance to trap Sadeas. Dalinar reveals Sadeas’s response: he accepted Adolin’s challenge but set the duel a year away, escaping immediate pressure. Elhokar cites execution as lawful punishment; Dalinar refuses to allow it, forcing Elhokar to settle on imprisonment “until I say he’s done.” When Kaladin insists Amaram is a fraud, Dalinar counters he investigated and found seventeen witnesses proving Amaram won his Shards months after Kaladin’s slavery began. Dalinar harshly orders Kaladin to accept prison for the good of the kingdom, then thanks him for saving his sons.

Meanwhile, Sadeas returns to his warcamp, hiding his shaken composure. Realizing Adolin’s prowess—and fearing a resurgence of Dalinar’s former ruthlessness—he vows never to forget how close he came to being cornered. Sadeas instructs Ialai to activate informants to find leverage against Dalinar and to prepare assassins, intending to first wound Dalinar’s reputation and strength, then end him.

Soldiers respectfully escort Kaladin to the warcamp prison and lock him in a stone cell, leaving his chains. Syl arrives, but Kaladin—feeling betrayed—declares he will never trust lighteyes again. He lies on the cold bench as Part Three ends.