Kaladin visits Dalinar after Teft’s funeral and affirms he will not return to command yet, choosing to focus on healing and helping others like Dabbid. Dalinar reveals the contest of champions is set for ten days and asks Kaladin, not as a soldier but as a surgeon, to help recover Ishar in Shinovar. Kaladin agrees. Dalinar then returns Wit’s flute—found by Lift—and mentions a merchant selling salvage from the Shattered Plains.

Kaladin searches the Breakaway market, finding Rock’s razor, Sigzil’s brushpens, and, most poignantly, Tien’s carved wooden horse. He pays and hurries back to meet Dabbid, Noril, and others he rescued, keeping his promise to Teft to attend their gatherings and care for his own mental health before departing on the Ishar mission.

Meanwhile, the Pursuer awakens in darkness, furious at his defeat by Kaladin and eager for vengeance. He encounters El, who notes their new god permitted an old-style, rapid rebirth. El then tests a Voidlight sphere affixed to a knife that warps the air—an anti-Voidlight weapon—and murders the Pursuer, ripping his soul apart.

Atop Urithiru, Dalinar and Navani savor a quiet moment while discussing the deal’s terms, the looming ten-day deadline, and Dalinar’s doubts. Dalinar decides Kaladin will not be his champion and worries Odium retains room to act before the treaty. After Navani departs, the Stormfather joins Dalinar; they speak of mercy, with the Stormfather admitting he has shown it before and can learn, even if he does not wish to become human.