Jasnah is stunned when Taravangian claims that she has unknowingly served his cause all her life. He seizes on her stated philosophy of seeking the greatest good for the greatest number, then argues to Fen that he and Jasnah are fundamentally aligned. Jasnah rejects the comparison and tries to move the discussion back to politics, but Taravangian uses her own principles to frame his case for Thaylenah joining him.

Taravangian argues that peace under one immortal ruler would reduce suffering more effectively than war. When Fen cites Dalinar’s covenant, Taravangian points out that the agreement binds Odium, not future human generations, and could not stop later human wars. Jasnah confirms the legal limits of the covenant, but insists that neither she nor Dalinar would attack Thaylenah. Taravangian then presses the advantage by promising that, if Fen joins him, he can guarantee that her descendants will be spared future wars.

Jasnah answers with a principle from Thaylen thought: a kingdom must retain the right to resist when misery becomes unbearable. Fen agrees that safety without freedom is not an acceptable bargain. Taravangian briefly seems checked, then changes tactics completely. He reminds Fen that his forces already hold the city at their mercy and states that, if she refuses him, he will be forced to crush it anyway.

Elsewhere, Venli prepares to ride a chasmfiend as part of the listener assault on the human position at Narak. She finds the task physically difficult and is reminded by the red lightning, rain, and fearful defenders of the night the Everstorm was first unleashed. This time, however, the humans are exhausted, low on Stormlight, and facing a veteran force led by immortals after Odium has committed overwhelming power to this single battle.

Venli and the other riders join in the Rhythm of Memories while singing the Song of Destruction, which echoes the old Song of Renunciation. Their arrival matters because the listeners have brought chasmfiends capable of breaking walls and challenging Shardbearers after heavy losses among other singer forces. A Husked One tells Venli that El has placed her group in the second assault because he wants to weaken the humans first by personally attempting to kill some of their spren. The changed plan alarms Timbre as Heavenly Ones launch the opening attack and Leshwi’s group remains back.