Dalinar observes a field battle from a raised platform as Skybreakers harry the support structure. Sigzil returns with Windrunners to drive them off, while Dalinar feeds Stormlight through a sliver of perpendicularity to sustain his Radiants. The Heavenly Ones hang back, and the Mink directs archers and cavalry as the Veden traitors begin to buckle.

A scribe relays Navani’s message: a strange tower field in Urithiru suppresses both Radiant powers and fabrials, disabling the Oathgates. Dalinar reports Taravangian’s betrayal and safety of key allies. The Mink suspects a broader ploy and urges scouting and vigilance. Dalinar acknowledges his pull toward the melee but keeps to strategy, ordering pressure until the Vedens surrender to prevent southern reinforcement.

Nale, head of the Skybreakers, lands on the platform, denouncing Dalinar’s bond as unjust. Cord’s arrow fails to stop him; Szeth interposes without drawing his Blade. At the Stormfather’s urging, Dalinar touches Nale instead of opening a full perpendicularity and forges a brief Connection, seeing flashes of Nale’s past—his legal philosophies, a highspren bond, battles, and a pact with Jezrien. Dalinar perceives the Oathpact as lines of light from Nale: one broken, most weakened, one vibrant.

Nale tears free and flees as the rout below completes. The Stormfather cannot say if reforging the Oathpact is possible or wise, noting the Heralds’ suffering. Evacuated by Windrunners, Dalinar resolves to understand and wield his Bondsmith abilities to find a lasting solution—perhaps reforging the Oathpact or otherwise binding Odium.