After Szeth kills Rit with Division, Kaladin questions both the killing and Szeth’s sudden use of Dustbringer power. Szeth explains that his spren has finally permitted Division because of the danger they face. In the ruined monastery, he notices Talmut’s missing Honorblade and realizes its presence supports a larger mystery: the Shin must have recovered Taln’s original Blade long ago and replaced it. Using that clue and Rit’s words about a pilgrimage, Szeth explains the Shin practice of the Honorbearers, including the old trial he once undertook before his exile.

As they leave, Szeth connects Rit’s words, Ishar’s demands, and the Shin monasteries into a possible path forward. Kaladin distrusts Ishar and worries that following this quest will keep him from returning to Dalinar in time, but he admits they need more information if they hope to reach Ishar at all. Szeth argues that continuing the pilgrimage is their best lead, and Kaladin reluctantly agrees to head for the next monastery.

In Azimir, Adolin celebrates the successful defense at Talmut’s dome and boosts morale by personally praising his soldiers and even allowing them to hold Maya. He then intervenes when Commandant Kushkam is being blamed before Emperor Yanagawn, insisting that Kushkam’s failed initial plan does not outweigh his disciplined adaptation under pressure. Adolin and Kushkam privately analyze the battle, conclude that future attacks must be met farther back with pike walls and support fire, and come to respect one another as partners rather than rivals.

Adolin also encourages Yanagawn to stay physically close to the defense and learn to project resolve like a wartime ruler, despite Noura’s objections. Once alone, Adolin admits to Maya that he fears being only a man with Plate and a sword when the coming fighting will cost many lives. Searching for an edge, he suggests contacting the honorspren who left Lasting Integrity. Maya, now stronger and more independent, proposes traveling through Shadesmar herself to persuade them to help. Trusting her choice, Adolin lets her go, surrendering access to his Shardblade in hopes of gaining desperately needed Radiants.

Back in Shinovar, Kaladin studies the freed townspeople gathering around Szeth and realizes Rit’s death seems to have broken some kind of spiritual or emotional control over them. Overwhelmed, Szeth cannot understand why people he helped are grateful instead of horrified, and Kaladin explains that protection and law only matter because they serve living people. Szeth reveals Rit claimed his family and the other Honorbearers were waiting for him. Then Kaladin hears the Wind calling him to remain in Shinovar, and for the first time fully commits himself to helping Szeth continue to the next monastery.