An opening note cautions about Mercy and suggests approaching Valor. In Urithiru, Kaladin and Teft search for Noril, a one-armed refugee. A rehabilitation ardent explains Noril attempted suicide and was sent to the Devotary of Mercy, which treats mental ailments.

They navigate inward to the monastery. A young male ardent refuses to share records until Teft displays Radiant power, after which he leads them to Noril’s dim cell. Disturbed by the isolation and darkness, Kaladin insists the door be opened and persuades the withdrawn Noril to come with him.

Kaladin brings Noril to a balcony in open air. With Syl returning mid-flight, Kaladin and Teft speak candidly about numbness, guilt, and the wish to stop existing. The space and conversation help Noril engage; he relaxes, breathes, and talks about his past, showing immediate if modest improvement.

Kaladin confronts the ardent about doctrine that confines patients in quiet darkness and avoids experimentation. He argues for studying different conditions and treatments, including patient conversation and peer support, using empirical methods. Declaring this a new mission, Kaladin takes Noril into his care and warns the ardents he will return for others, expecting Navani’s backing.