From a hidden perch, Shallan watches a tree where Mraize left instructions while idly spanreeding with Adolin—who arranges a safer scouting trip to view a harvested chrysalis in a few days. Realizing she is being observed, she has Pattern scout and identifies the masked woman Iyatil. Shallan deploys a Veil decoy, intercepts Iyatil, and coaxes her into revealing the task: investigate a newly arrived madman Dalinar has hidden in his monastery, a matter linked to Amaram.

Choosing boldness, Shallan brings Iyatil along. She gains entry to Dalinar’s warcamp by flashing Adolin’s betrothed’s face, then heads to the healers’ building on a busy free-consultation day. To penetrate the restricted ward, Shallan claims her “sister” is possessed, with Iyatil playing along disturbingly well, which convinces the ardents to admit them.

Inside, Shallan sketches an ardent, adopts his illusion, and slips away guided by Pattern to a dark cell. A large, Azish-looking man sits whispering about the Return and Desolation in flawless Alethi. He calls himself Talenel’Elin, Stonesinew. Skeptical, Shallan records his words, noting the repetition and limited responsiveness.

When Shallan draws Stormlight to resume her disguise, the madman explodes into motion, slamming her to the wall. Studying her face, he mutters, “One of Ishar’s Knights,” then collapses back into his litany, ignoring her. Shaken, Shallan dismisses her Blade and moves to leave discreetly.

Footsteps approach the cell, forcing Shallan to pause. Among the newcomers is Highlord Amaram, whose presence at the door binds the Ghostbloods’ suspicions to Dalinar’s secret prisoner and threatens to expose Shallan’s infiltration.