Navani examines Szeth’s dark sphere, comparing it to Voidlight and noting a disorienting air-warping effect and wrongness. She presses Szeth to recount Gavilar’s last moments: Gavilar, dying, entrusted the sphere and a message for Dalinar. Szeth declares a new “Ideal” of obedience to Dalinar, alarming Navani, who flees his presence, shaken.

On the Cloudwalk, Navani reflects on Urithiru’s growing cosmopolitan life and spends time with Gavinor, whose wish to learn the sword and avenge Elhokar troubles her. She meets ardent Brother Benneh, whose barometer and temperature readings show pressure and warmth rise before storms, implying the tower is bracing and can regulate its environment.

Navani observes Dalinar and Taravangian’s distant public promenade, noting the strained alliance and Alethi morale after Dalinar’s candid memoir. She checks on astronomers preparing new telescopes, then consults two engineer-jewelers, Talnah and Nem, about the sphere. They judge the diamond nearly flawless, not a gemheart, likely able to hold Light for an exceptionally long time, yet it still feels wrong.

Delegating, Navani orders discreet tests comparing the sphere to known Voidlight, attempts to transfer its Light, and trials in fabrials. Alone, she contemplates Rlain’s testimony that the sphere’s “song” is unfamiliar and painful, and wonders about its effects on plants or Radiants.

Adolin and Shallan arrive with the Mink, exchanging light banter that contrasts with the general’s revelation of family lost in war. The Mink asks for maps; Dalinar corrects terminology from “Voidbringers” to “singers.” Shallan draws in Stormlight as she and Dalinar prepare and summon the strategic map, beginning the briefing.