Taravangian reflects that his path will not end with honors or a funeral, only the hope of achieving his goal before death. He gathers his closest allies in his Urithiru rooms, warmed by a real hearth, and bids them farewell. He asks Adrotagia to comfort his daughter Savrahalidem with the image of him singing, then steels himself for what must come.

He outlines the imminent plan: depart for Azir with Dalinar and Jasnah, then accompany the coalition’s expedition into Emul. Soon after, on Odium’s orders, Jah Keved will betray the coalition. Taravangian has brought an army sized to reassure the monarchs, positioning himself for capture once the turn comes. He declares the Diagram fulfilled—Kharbranth is protected—and commands Adrotagia to dismantle the organization: shutter secret hospitals, release soldiers, send risky members like Danlan on distant errands, and retain only the most useful such as Delgo and Malata.

Mrall protests leaving, but Adrotagia insists only they can slip away; Taravangian will be watched by the Blackthorn and later hunted. Taravangian explains he is the lightning rod, a diversion to focus Dalinar while Odium enacts another ploy. He accepts that, after Jah Keved turns, he will likely be executed by the Alethi without honors, a thought that still pains him.

He shares parting moments: a handshake and hug for Mrall, gratitude and a gift of rare Shinovar jams from Maben, whom he praises as one of the quiet workers who make salvation possible. Dukar offers to continue the daily intelligence tests, but Taravangian forbids it and orders him to flee, refusing to cause another needless death or risk torture for information.

Finally, Taravangian entrusts Adrotagia with a message and guidance for his daughter, intended to be queen of Kharbranth after he is disavowed. He warns not to trust Dova, believing Battah unstable. After his allies depart one by one, Taravangian stands alone, acknowledging he never again matched the brilliance of the day he wrote the Diagram. Concluding that saving one city must suffice, he casts his copy of the Diagram into the fire.