An epigraph notes someone hiding from Shards on Scadrial. Adolin agonizes over clothing for the journey, ultimately choosing a personalized Kholin uniform Dalinar once scolded. Before departure, he visits the sixth-floor clinic, where patients crowd to see Kaladin. Adolin teases Kaladin about sudden noble interest, then gifts him a foreign metal coin from Zahel, quoting its two-sided maxim on war and options. They discuss stepping back from fighting, the ethics of enjoying contests, and Syl cautions that honorspren judge by felt morality, not rigid law.

Outside the tower, Adolin organizes the expedition at the Shattered Plains Oathgate. Armorers warn Shardplate won’t transfer; he orders it sent to Dalinar if left behind. Beryl replaces Stargyle due to illness at home. Adolin outfits Gallant and loads a diverse arsenal, bantering with Godeke and Zu about weapon choices versus the versatility of living Shardblades. Zu suggests he become a Radiant; Adolin demurs.

Adolin reviews the team: six practical soldiers led by Felt, Malli as scribe, plus Radiants Godeke (Edgedancer), Zu (Stoneward), and Arshqqam “the Stump” (Truthwatcher). Jasnah oversees a test where Vathah Soulcasts obsidian into edible lavis pulp, underscoring Lightweavers’ logistical value. Jasnah has formally released Shallan from wardship, though Shallan’s own Soulcasting remains erratic.

Dalinar gives a concise send-off, followed by brief words from Jasnah and Taravangian; there are no Dustbringers, given loyalty concerns. After others file into the control building, Adolin and Dalinar speak alone. They spar over Adolin’s independence, Taravangian’s ends-justify-means philosophy, and the primacy of actions over intentions. Adolin suppresses a surge of anger over his mother’s death and refuses easy binaries, but realizes Dalinar hopes he will bond spren and become a Radiant.

Resigned to uncertainty, Adolin joins the others. Inside the Oathgate chamber, Shallan inserts her living Shardblade as the key and reshapes it to lift the mechanism, initiating the transfer. The expedition is hurled into Shadesmar.