Kaladin drifts in a relentless nightmare on a barren, windswept landscape where the wind itself hates him. Haunted by accusing visions of loved ones and lured by a false light, he crawls toward hope only for the ground to liquefy and swallow him, breaking his resolve.

At the last moment, a glowing figure hauls Kaladin into a bubble of warmth and light. It is Wit, who explains Kaladin is asleep and trapped in an Odium-crafted vision, akin to Dalinar’s visions but maliciously isolated. Wit cannot hold the sanctuary long without drawing Odium’s direct attention, but he feeds Kaladin and offers a story, joined by his Cryptic, Design.

Wit tells "The Dog and the Dragon": a small dog tries to become a dragon by growing “scales” (seeds), learning to “speak” (writing), and “flying” (a pulley)—and is mocked for each attempt. When a child falls into a well, the dog uses those very skills to save him, yet concludes he failed to become a dragon. Kaladin protests the ending, recognizing the dog’s true worth and seeing himself in the tale.

Wit insists meaning is for Kaladin to assign, then whispers a gentler ending: the dog, warm and loved, suspects dragons never had it so good. Wit warns Kaladin the ordeal will worsen before it improves, but promises there will be warmth again. Empowered by irritation and comfort, Kaladin steps back into the storm as the sanctuary collapses.