An epigraph records Navani Kholin lecturing on the Arnist Method for moving Stormlight between gemstones and requesting Thaylen secrets vital to the war effort.

Radiant awakens with a sack over her head, carried by captors. Shallan’s Lightweaving remains in place, preserving their cover. Radiant assesses calmly, trusting Veil’s plan and relying on Pattern to fetch Adolin and troops if extraction is needed. The group descends into a dank, plant-choked chasm for a clandestine meeting.

Veil takes control as hooded cultists of the Sons of Honor surround her with bright spheres. A male leader proclaims their mission to restore Heralds and the Almighty, claiming credit for the Radiants’ return and recent upheavals. Ulina’s presence signals Ialai’s absence, suggesting Veil’s alias hasn’t earned top access. Veil plays the eager recruit while probing for Ialai.

The cult employs an illusion-detecting fabrial—actually a showy device designed and sold by Shallan—to “prove” Veil bears no illusions. They administer oaths: restore the Heralds and church, serve the Sons of Honor and Ialai Sadeas, and reject Radiants allied with Dalinar. Veil lies without consequence, as Lightweaver truths are personal, though Radiant is uneasy.

Seeking faster access to Ialai, Veil offers insider information on Dalinar, but the leaders rebuff her, claiming they already have a source closer to Dalinar. The potential threat forces a change in strategy. Shallan takes over, abandons the slow infiltration, and declares, “I’m not who you think I am,” preparing to act decisively.