Dalinar experiments with his Bondsmith abilities by touching a young soldier’s forehead and finally perceives thin white lines of Connection radiating outward. The Stormfather explains that Melishi once described this, that Honor tempered Bondsmith power after Ashyn, and that most Connections are not easily exploitable—though a Bondsmith might do more. Dalinar reflects on responsibilities to Navani and Adolin, then resolves to act.

He brings Szeth to Taravangian’s improvised prison, a reinforced house with blocked windows. Facing the captive former king—sitting on a stool by a single ruby—Dalinar asks why he betrayed them. Taravangian claims humanity cannot defeat a god and says Odium orchestrated events as planned.

Taravangian reveals he visited the Old Magic and received Cultivation’s boon, making his intellect fluctuate and granting one day of transcendent brilliance. On that day he judged saving Roshar impossible; the rational path was to preserve Kharbranth rather than gamble the world on ludicrous odds. Dalinar rejects fatalism, insisting the future isn’t certain and upholding his oaths and a just means to victory.

They revisit Taravangian’s assassinations and seizure of Jah Keved. Dalinar accuses him of grasping for empire and glory; Taravangian counters he positioned himself to negotiate with Odium and shield Kharbranth. He claims he has made himself worthless to Odium and removed collaborators so Kharbranth remains innocent. Dalinar refuses to execute him, promising instead to let Taravangian live to witness Odium’s defeat—and be proven wrong.

Dalinar departs, ordering more light and a proper chair. Szeth cautions him not to trust Taravangian. Dalinar admits the man’s words linger but remains committed to his course.