During the Weeping, Dalinar waits in his command tent the day after discovering a dead Parshendi and the surrender of Bridge Four’s former parshman, now calling himself Rlain. With no attack overnight, the combined armies continue marching toward the center of the Shattered Plains, relying on Shallan’s maps beyond charted regions.

Teleb escorts Rlain to the tent, with Adolin and Navani present, while Skar and Rock observe. Dalinar questions Rlain, who answers him as his commanding officer and admits he spied across warcamps for about three years. Rlain grieves changes he sensed in Eshonai and fears that those he loved are gone.

Dalinar presses for details. Rlain explains that his people adopt forms; dullform resembles parshmen, enabling him to hide among them. He hints at resentment over parshmen being invisible and unquestioned. He then identifies the red eyes as a sign the listeners’ gods have returned, ancient souls who hate humans, granting a terrible new form.

Rlain reports seeing an army of tens of thousands but believes some noncombatants may remain elsewhere, asking who watches the children. Dalinar promises on his honor to protect noncombatants and insists the best way to help is for Rlain to lead them to his people. Rlain agrees.

Dalinar orders Rlain to meet Shallan to describe the route and produce a map, then releases him into Bridge Four’s custody. Afterward, Navani warns about reading a Parshendi’s cues and confirms the countdown: three days until Lightday. Dalinar accelerates the march inward, toward the center and whatever awaits there.