An epigraph from Navani explains how rapidly withdrawing Stormlight can trap a nearby spren, outlining the principle behind fabrial capture. Amid Hearthstone’s evacuation, Kaladin arrays Windrunners defensively against three flights of Heavenly Ones. He recognizes Leshwi, who challenges him while the Fused observe the Fourth Bridge. Dalinar opens a perpendicularity, surging Radiants with renewed Light.

Kaladin pursues Leshwi through tight, hazardous chases over the town and along the airship, trying to limit civilian risk. He attempts a spear throw but misses as Leshwi outmaneuvers him, forcing a rough landing. After Syl’s chiding and Teft’s check-in, Kaladin notes the enemy’s focus on reconnaissance and orders defensive engagements to minimize casualties while letting the Fused show their intentions.

In the chasms, Veil faces hooded Sons of Honor cultists and claims to traffic in stolen Kholin fabrial schematics. Using Lightweaving, she fakes a “revealed” plan to bait an audience with Ialai. As the cultists prepare to take her to the queen, Kholin troops approach; Adolin’s intervention threatens the subtle operation and their chance at Ialai.

Back over Hearthstone, Kaladin duels another Heavenly One, exploiting Syl’s forms to batter and disarm the foe, then wounds him until his Voidlight fails. Choosing utility over execution, Kaladin spares the defeated Fused and sends him away. He then sights a new threat—a ribbon of red light moving like a windspren—and dispatches Lyn to warn all Windrunners.

With Dalinar’s perpendicularity closed, Kaladin shores up the Bondsmith’s protection. Roshone reports prisoners in the manor’s stormcellar; Dalinar assigns Godeke to free them, and Roshone accompanies. Rock, Cord, and Dabbid assist refugees and quietly guard Dalinar against the red-light attacker. As Sigzil chases a passing Fused, Kaladin identifies Leshwi and launches back into the fray.