83. The Games of Men and Singers
Contains spoilersOverview
Venli deepens her Stoneshaping by harmonizing Cultivation’s and Odium’s tones, reaffirming her people’s legacy. After Leshwi warns that Raboniel’s schemes imperil everyone, Venli covertly frees an imprisoned Edgedancer to heal the failing Kaladin. With Rlain’s aid and Dabbid finally speaking, the rescue proceeds while Venli preserves her cover.
Summary
Venli practices Stoneshaping in Urithiru, seeking Cultivation’s tone and harmonizing it with Odium’s. Guided by the stones and Timbre’s pulses, she shapes a rippling sculpture of her ancestors and resolves to reclaim love and wisdom once eclipsed by ambition.
Meeting Leshwi, Venli reports signs that the Pursuer has located Kaladin’s parents. Leshwi notes Raboniel likely orchestrated the signal and warns that Raboniel’s grand designs regard both men’s and singers’ lives as expendable. Venli leaves unsettled.
In the infirmary, Rlain confronts Lirin over refusing to promise Kaladin’s safety. Lirin insists he will treat any patient but won’t shield a killer from consequences, though his fear betrays love. Learning Kaladin is failing, Venli proposes rescuing an imprisoned Edgedancer whose healing still works.
Venli, Rlain, and the mute bridgeman Dabbid coordinate a covert extraction. As Dabbid distracts guards, Venli quietly Stoneshapes through the cell wall using Voidlight, demanding secrecy about her powers. She frees a young Edgedancer and persuades her to help save Kaladin.
Dabbid reunites with the girl and, to everyone’s surprise, speaks, urgently confirming her healing works. Rlain escorts them to Kaladin while Venli stays hidden to avoid suspicion. He calls Venli a hero; Timbre denies it is time for new Words, promising Venli will know when.
Who Appears
- Venli
Listener protagonist; practices Stoneshaping, harmonizes Cultivation and Odium, and orchestrates a covert rescue of an Edgedancer.
- Rlain
Listener of Bridge Four; confronts Lirin, coordinates the distraction, and escorts the Edgedancer to heal Kaladin.
- Dabbid
Formerly mute bridgeman; creates the lunch distraction, reunites with the Edgedancer, and finally speaks.
- Edgedancer girl
Imprisoned Radiant whose healing still functions; freed by Venli to help save Kaladin.
- Leshwi
Heavenly One; warns Venli that Raboniel’s vast designs endanger all, and observes political signals.
- Lirin
Kaladin’s father; refuses to promise protection, insists on treatment, revealing love and fear.
- Hesina
Kaladin’s mother; prepares to tend her son in the field if needed.
- Timbre
Venli’s spren; guides tones and Stoneshaping, urging and restraining her about speaking new Ideals.
- Raboniel
Scholar Fused; unseen but drives the situation, manipulating signals and pursuing dangerous, grand schemes.
- The Pursuer
Fused hunter; likely located Kaladin’s parents and posts Regals at the infirmary.
- Urialin
Nightform Regal guard at the Radiant infirmary; presence signals threat to Kaladin’s family.
- Nistar
Nightform Regal guard at the Radiant infirmary; part of the intimidation tactic.