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SCHEDULE
Previously, we discussed Unit 17 | The Stormlight Archive #2 | Words of Radiance: Chapters 76 through 82 [Newbie Thread] / [Veteran Thread]
Today we are discussing Unit 17 | The Stormlight Archive #2 | Words of Radiance: Chapters 83 through 89, Epilogue, Endnote
In two days we will be discussing Unit 17 | The Stormlight Archive #2 | Words of Radiance: Ars Arcanum, Final Thoughts, Trivia
CHAPTER SUMMARIES
I have provided summaries for each chapter below and hidden them behind spoiler tags. There are no spoilers within the summaries. I've tried to make them as factual and unbiased as possible. If, however, you want a completely blind read through, then ignore what's behind the spoiler tags and proceed to the discussion below. I will not be guiding that in any way, so post any thoughts and questions you have. It will be other new readers who reply to you.
Chapter 83: Time's Illusion
Arch Faces: Shalash – Talenel —– Talenel – Shalash
Iconography: Adolin Dueling
POV Characters: Shallan / Adolin / Dalinar / Kaladin
Setting: Just outside Narak, the Parshendi home in the center of the Shattered Plains. King Elhokar's quarters, in his War Palace outside the ten warcamps.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Immediately after Chapter 82.
Epigraph:
Obviously they are fools The Desolation needs no usher It can and will sit where it wishes and the signs are obvious that the spren anticipate it doing so soon The Ancient of Stones must finally begin to crack It is a wonder that upon his will rested the prosperity and peace of a world for over four millennia
–From the Diagram, Book of the 2nd Ceiling Rotation: Pattern 1
Summary:
Shallan and Renarin along with some soldiers and bridgemen enter a deserted circular plateau after skirting along the battle lines. She explains that this must be where the Oathgate is because it seems to be the center from which the Shattered Plains was broken. Pattern says the Voidspren are raising a storm, and Renarin says the winds are blowing the wrong way, from west to east, and that is an Everstorm. Shallan tells them to search the area for anything out of the ordinary. They find a large rock mound and Renarin cuts a hole into it at Shallan's request.
Adolin and his soldiers enter a chamber in the rock formation behind the Parshendi lines, after Adolin cut a hole in the rock using his Shardblade. Adolin tells his force that he will cut a hole in the wall behind their foes and that they are to attack the singing Parshendi who are on the other side of the wall. Adolin's group is able to ambush the singers who are disoriented briefly when they stop singing to fight back. Adolin is disgusted by the ease with which he kills his foes, instead of feeling the Thrill as usual. He dismisses his Shardblade but is then attacked by Eshonai and he then happily resummons his blade in order to face the worthy foe.
Dalinar retreats from the battle to get a spear wound treated by physicians. The survivors of Roion's army follow him. Navani shows up and Dalinar tells her they are losing the battle, though Navani says that Adolin won his plateau. Roion yells in panic that they are losing, and Dalinar hears the voice that says it should not end this way. Dalinar asks who the voice is and realizes the voice is the Stormfather, who calls Dalinar a child of Honor. The Stormfather says he is both spren and god and that the Parshendi are summoning an opposing deadly storm and that all he can do is bring a storm of cleansing to wash away their bodies. Dalinar is angered and denounces the Stormfather for abandoning them. The Stormfather says he has to go since his daughter is disobeying and that Dalinar will see no more visions. Dalinar pleads for him to not leave.
Kaladin stands before Elhokar's unconscious body as Moash approaches. Graves yells at Moash who in turn replies that Kaladin is indeed trustworthy. Kaladin recognizes that they are in the same hallway as where Szeth previously attacked. Moash tries to get Kaladin to stand down, saying the king is probably already dead, but he refuses and says that Moash is betraying Bridge Four, and that Kaladlin is trying to repent by doing the right thing now. Moash and Kaladin argue and Kaladin tries to get Moash to pursue justice against Roshone who was responsible for the death of Moash's grandparents, and that Moash's method is not honorable. Kaladin refuses to back down and Moash readies to fight.
Chapter 84: The One Who Saves
Arch Faces: Jezrien – Jezrien —– Jezrien – Jezrien
Iconography: Spears & Banner
POV Characters: Shallan / Adolin / Kaladin
Setting: Just outside Narak, the Parshendi home in the center of the Shattered Plains. King Elhokar's quarters, in his War Palace outside the ten warcamps.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Immediately after Chapter 83.
Epigraph:
1118251011127124915121010111410215117112101112171344831110715142541434109161491493412122541010125127101519101112341255115251215755111234101112915121061534
–From the Diagram, Book of the 2nd Ceiling Rotation: Pattern 15
Summary:
Shallan and Renarin enter a large circular room covered with majestic images on the wall and floor. She believes that this is where the portal is. There are ten equal divisions in the floor mural and an eleventh narrower one representing Urithiru. Renarin says it is coming. Pattern says the Everstorm has been summoned and that there is another highstorm and that the two will collide nearby, causing a very devastating storm. Shallan tells Renarin to insert his Shardblade into a keyhole to try to activate the gate but nothing happens. Shallan tells the bridgemen to get their armies onto this plateau so that they can escape, while the scholars try to figure out how to work the Oathgate.
Adolin and Eshonai duel amidst the storm and battle. Eshonai thinks she is winning, but she gets reckless and Adolin is able to knock her into a chasm by slamming into her chest and knocking her backward. Adolin almost falls but is grabbed by Skar and Drehy and other soldiers who pull Adolin back away from the chasm ledge. Adolin returns to the central plateau to get an update and stops someone who looks like a cloaked messenger but it turns out to be Szeth.
Kaladin tries to attack with his spear, but Moash breaks it then hits him hard with a shard-aided punch, and Kaladin crumbles in pain with broken ribs. Moash and Graves try to set the scene up to implicate Szeth as Elhokar's assassin. Kaladin hears a distant argument between Sylphrena and the Stormfather. Moash and Graves argue over which one of them will kill Elhokar. Kaladin thinks that he will protect even those he hates so long as it's right, his next oath, and explains it to himself why he must do so since that is what is right. Kaladin struggles to stand up and draws his knife and places himself between the assassins and Elhokar. Kaladin stands in defiance and hears Syl claim him and stand down the Stormfather's argument. Graves says that Kaladin must die, and Kaladin drops his knife. Kaladin speaks his third oath as instructed to do by Syl and the Stormfather accepts the words. Syl appears and tells Kaladin to hold his hand out, and she becomes a Shardblade in his hand. Kaladin breathes in and drains the Stormlight from all the nearby spheres, exploding with light and blinding Moash as he heals himself. Wind blows in through burst shutters and a glyph resembling wings forms in frost on the ground. Kaladin says the Knights Radiant have returned, and Graves yells out that the Diagram spoke of this but that they didn't realize what it referred to until it was too late, saying they were trying to separate Kaladin from Dalinar but not realizing the implications. Moash and Graves flee. Kaladin puzzles over Graves' words, realizing that Dalinar is in danger, and Syl tells him something is still very wrong.
Chapter 85: Swallowed by the Sky
Arch Faces: Pailiah – Nale —– Nale – Pailiah
Iconography: Kholin Crest
POV Characters: Dalinar / Shallan / Adolin
Setting: Just outside Narak, the Parshendi home in the center of the Shattered Plains.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Immediately after Chapter 84.
Epigraph:
But who is the wanderer, the wild piece, the one who makes no sense? I glimpse at his implications, and the world opens to me. I shy back. Impossible. Is it?
–From the Diagram, West Wall Psalm of Wonders: Paragraph 8 (Note by Adrotagia: Could this refer to Mraize?)
Summary:
Peet reports to Dalinar and Navani that Shallan said there were two storms converging on their location. Cael reports that Aladar won his plateau and that they were defeating the Parshendi. They plan to relocate to where Shallan is to try to flee to safety. Adolin suddenly flies into the tent, battered and missing parts of his Shardplate. Szeth arrives nearby as Dalinar looks up.
Shallan tries to figure out the puzzle of opening the Oathgate. Renarin speaks cryptically about seeing the future and that the end has come.
Fearing the end as Szeth approaches, Dalinar speaks to Adolin about being a good leader when Adolin ultimately takes over their princedom. Dalinar tells Adolin that he was taught well and is a good man and that Adolin isn't a tyrant like Dalinar originally was, and to unite the highprinces. Dalinar tells Bridge Four to back off, and asks Szeth why he killed Gavilar. Szeth replies that he obeys his masters without explanation and that he will get what he is owed. Szeth attacks and is parried by Dalinar, causing Szeth to smile wickedly.
Adolin struggles to his feet, watching Dalinar and Szeth battle and seeing another storm forming. He tells Skar and Drehy to help him remove his battered (non-functioning) Shardplate.
Dalinar thinks of his brother as he fights Szeth. Eventually Szeth gets a Stormlight aided punch through and breaks Dalinar's ribs, taking him out of the fight. Dalinar comes to the realization that he would not have been able to save his brother's life against Szeth, bringing peace to his soul. Szeth approaches to finish the fight, but is attacked by Roion.
Adolin watches as Szeth slices up Roion's sword and lashes him to the sky, causing him to fly up. Szeth then slays a dozen soldiers easily. Adolin attacks but is easily parried. Roion soon comes crashing down to the earth and is instantly killed from the impact. Adolin is joined by some bridgemen and soldiers, but Szeth manages to knock him back with a forceful swing of his Shardblade. Szeth reaches Dalinar and touches him, causing him to fly up into the sky (in the same manner as Roion), then walks away. Adolin follows but stops as Szeth says that he is done. Adolin moves to strike at Szeth but the parrying blow breaks his wrist and Szeth moves in for the kill as Adolin loses his blade. He looks up in surprise to see Dalinar floating back down slowly. Szeth looks up in horror to see Kaladin crash into the ground holding a Shardblade, leaving a swordlike glyph where he landed. Kaladin says that he claims the sky and winds, and Szeth's life.
Chapter 86: Patterns of Light
Arch Faces: Jezrien – Nale —– Nale – Jezrien
Iconography: Pattern (Inverted)
POV Characters: Kaladin / Shallan / Dalinar / Adolin
Setting: Just outside Narak, the Parshendi home in the center of the Shattered Plains. Urithiru.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Immediately after Chapter 85.
Epigraph:
One is almost certainly a traitor to the others.
–From the Diagram, Book of the 2nd Desk Drawer: Paragraph 27
Summary:
Kaladin watches as Szeth reacts in horror to his arrival and Dalinar's safe landing. He tells Dalinar to seek shelter as he flew over a storm while traveling. Kaladin says he will deal with Szeth and says "yes" when Dalinar asks if Kaladin is what Dalinar has been looking for. Teft and Bridge Four members throw down lanterns with infused gems for Kaladin to drain for investiture. Kaladin attacks Szeth, angered and ready to avenge the fallen bridgemen.
Shallan asks to have Renarin quieted while she tries to figure out the pattern to opening the Oathgate and realizes that the lock is a fabrial.
Dalinar asks for a status report on their retreat as he watches Kaladin fight Szeth. He helps Adolin to his feet and confirms that Kaladin is a Radiant, making Adolin smile in realization. Adolin heads toward where Shallan is, along with some bridgemen. Dalinar finds his horse, then goes toward Shallan's plateau, finding Roion's army heading that way. Dalinar encounters Sebarial, who is in repose with Palona, and who says that he helped organize the retreat, and gives an update on the armies. Aladar reports on his victory and proclaims the Vengeance Pact fulfilled due to the overwhelming number of Parshendi slain, as the soldiers gather on one plateau. Dalinar explains that victory feels like exhaustion and pain and suffering, and that they need to fit everyone close together on the plateau to be ready to get through the portal.
Kaladin flies through the air chasing Szeth as Syl flies around him, saying that she was only as dead as his oaths. Kaladin asks about the out of season highstorm, and Syl says the Stormfather caused it to try to end it all and wash everyone away and hide from the future. Kaladin flies high enough to break the storm ceiling into sunlight and finds Szeth. Szeth claims that Kaladin stole an honorblade but he denies this. Szeth attacks and Syl changes into a spear so that Kaladin can more easily parry. Szeth observes this but clings to his denial of Kaladin being a Radiant.
Shallan infuses spheres in the chamber with Stormlight, not bothering to conceal her abilities. She runs out of Stormlight and cries for more gemstones. She sees Adolin leading the soldiers and goes to him briefly. Adolin sees her glowing and says, "You too?" and she replies "Yes, sorry" then yells for them to hurry.
Kaladin and Szeth battle, using Lashings to maneuver back and forth as the two storms crash into each other below. Szeth says the Knights can't be back but Kal retorts that they are and will kill him. Szeth manages to stab Kaladin but he is able to heal his wound, though it consumes a lot of Stormlight. Szeth boasts that he will win due to his experience but Kaladin says that the sky is and was always his. Kaladin starts fighting instinctually and manages to strike Szeth as Syl changes weapon forms (e.g., sword to spear to hammer to spear, etc.) while they fight, though Szeth dodges a killing blow. Kaladin sees the top of the plateau crest through the clouds, spinning slowly. Szeth lands on the surface, chased by Kaladin. Szeth again yells that the Voidbringers can't be back, and heads back toward where Dalinar is in order to complete his assigned assassination.
Shallan gets the last spheres lit as time is running out, and the floor begins to glow. Shallan tells Adolin to put his Shardblade into the keyhole but nothing happens. She realizes what the problem is, and summons Pattern in blade form, and puts him in the key hole, causing a reaction as she senses something unlock deep inside the plateau. Shallan and Adolin push against Pattern (in the form of an inserted blade/lever) along a ridge in the circular wall to where the picture of Urithiru is, and she then pulls Pattern out. The lamps then fade out.
Kaladin follows Szeth into the storm as Syl admonishes caution because the Stormfather hates him and this is his domain and that another worse storm brews as well. Kaladin and Szeth both reinvest their Stormlight from the storm. Szeth reaches the plateau before Kaladin but it is mysteriously empty.
Adolin cuts a hole in the stone, revealing sunlight. They look outside and find the gathered armies on the plateau, but it has relocated to the mountain range that also houses Urithiru.
Szeth screams at Kaladin as red spren zip around in the tempest. Szeth realizes that Dalinar and the armies went to Urithiru, and flies off toward the west, chased by Kaladin. Kaladin chases with difficulty and they both reach the stormfront and break through it, and Kaladin stabs Szeth in his foot. Kaladin manages to smash Szeth in his shoulder as they fight just ahead of the highstorm. As they fight, Szeth finally acknowledges the truth and says that he was right all along and never Truthless, and that he could have stopped murdering at any time. Szeth stops fighting, and Kaladin is about to make a killing strike, but instead slices his wrist, sending the Honorblade tumbling down. Syl urges Kaladin to grab the sword, and Kaladin dives after it as Szeth falls to the ground, no longer lashed and pummeled by the storm. Kaladin stays hovering surrounded by windspren, and Syl says she may keep Kaladin around. Syl demands compliments and a smile.
Chapter 87: The Riddens
Arch Faces: Shalash – Jezrien —– Jezrien – Shalash
Iconography: Five Swords (aka Almighty)
POV Characters: Kaladin / Shallan / Lopen / Moash
Setting: Just outside Narak, the Parshendi home in the center of the Shattered Plains. Urithiru. Little Herdaz in Highprince Sebarial's warcamp. Just outside Dalinar's warcamp.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Immediately after Chapter 86.
Epigraph:
Chaos in Alethkar is, of course, inevitable. Watch carefully, and do not let power in the kingdom solidify. The Blackthorn could become an ally or our greatest foe, depending on whether he takes the path of the warlord or not. If he seems likely to sue for peace, assassinate him expeditiously. The risk of competition is too great.
–From the Diagram, Writings upon the Bedstand Lamp: Paragraph 4 (Adrotagia’s 3rd translation from the original hieroglyphics)
Summary:
Sylphrena says that the other storm which is blowing from west to east is of Him, not us, but that she doesn't know what will happen. Kaladin wonders where the army vanished to as he stands on the empty plateau where the army had been. Syl verifies that Shardblades are dead spren, but they gain a little life when summoned, and that forces, unlike people, can be broken without being completely destroyed. Kaladin asks why Szeth's Blade doesn't scream and Syl says it is not a spren but something different and dangerous. She says she thinks it is an Honorblade of the Heralds, and that its grants its holder the powers of a Windrunner, and that the Honorblades were given by Honor to men and that spren are based on those Blades, and that it is valuable. She explains that the Blade gives the abilities without the checks a spren requires but that it requires dangerous amounts of Stormlight. Kaladin encounters some men from Bridge Four, including Rock and Teft. Kaladin says the new Blade was Szeth's and he is now dead. Bisig says that Radiant girl showed them how to bring the plateau back, and Kaladin realizes that must be Shallan and that she is either a Radiant or has an Honorblade. Kaladin gets a status report, and wonders what he should say about Moash, and realizes he can't keep his abilities a secret. Teft says some of the bridgemen began to glow and that the bridgemen might be part of the Radiants' hierarchy as well. Teft tells Kaladin that his eyes turned light and Kaladin silently curses. He summons Syl to operate the lock fabrial to transport them.
Shallan stands by the gates of Urithiru, watching as people begin exploring the city. Pattern says that Shallan is almost a Radiant and will be so once she speaks truths. Shallan guesses that their location is in the mountains near Tu Bayla or perhaps Emul. Shallan checks in with Dalinar as scribes send messages via spanreed warning of the storm blowing in the wrong direction. Dalinar reports that Elhokar vanished and that Kholinar is in riot. Shallan sees a flash that marks the return of Kaladin and Bridge Four. Kaladin floats over, carrying a Shardblade, and reports that Szeth is dead and that Elhokar was wounded but relocated to a safe house that no one would think of.
Lopen experiments with an infused gemstone as his mother implores Elhokar to eat his chouta. Chilinko tells Lopen they may need to move from their house in Sebarial's warcamp as there is word that something was found on the Plains. Lopen manages to drain some Stormlight briefly and sees new flesh growing where his arm is missing, and he then demands more spheres from his family, proclaiming in triumph.
Moash rides on a cart heading out of the warcamps, with his armor packed away. Graves joins him and points out some scavengers going through the warcamps to loot them. He says they will get what is coming to them when the Everstorm arrives. Moash thinks to himself in disbelief that he was a traitor and that he tried to kill Kaladin and failed to kill Elhokar. Graves explains what he knows from the Diagram though it is vague, and curses that Jasnah was right about the Voidbringers being the Parshmen. Moash asks who Graves really is, and he replies that he is a patriot who interpreted the Diagram incorrectly. Graves tells Moash that he will bring him into the Diagram and that they have important work ahead in saving the world. Moash thinks he was played but still goes along.
Chapter 88: The Man Who Owned the Winds
Arch Faces: Nale – Shalash —– Shalash – Nale
Iconography: Pattern (Inverted)
POV Characters: Shallan / Amaram / Szeth
Setting: Urithiru. Temple grounds in the Kholin warcamp. The Frostlands.
Timeline: (1173.10.10.3) Shortly after Chapter 87.
Epigraph:
1173090605 1173090801 1173090901 1173091001
1173091004 1173100105 1173100205 1173100401
1173100603 1173100804
–From the Diagram, North Wall Coda, Windowsill region: Paragraph 2 (This appears to be a sequence of dates, but their relevance is as yet unknown.)
Summary:
Shallan explores the main tower of Urithiru, though she is tired. As she wanders, she finds a folded piece of paper marked with the Ghostblood symbol and her real name, which alarms her. She enters a nearby room where Mraize awaits her, and readies to draw Pattern just in case, acknowledging to herself that Pattern is not a typical blade. Mraize says that she gave herself away by using her abilities while saving the army, and suggests that Veil is her true identity, not Shallan. Mraize speculates on how people will see Shallan, and says that the Ghostbloods take care of their own including her. She angrily declares that the Ghostbloods killed Jasnah, but Mraize calmly replies that Jasnah had assassinated some of their members also, and that he should have guessed Shallan's identity sooner due to her family's history. Shallan says she won't help Mraize but he replies that he has her brothers. He also says that he is owed for the broken Soulcaster and that she happens to be one. Shallan threatens to kill Mraize but he says that her brothers will be safe, and then he says that there are answers that she needs to learn about the Ghostbloods' purpose and what her brother and father were up to. He says that she can be both a Radiant and a Ghostblood in her different identities and that she can take time to consider if she wants to join the Ghostbloods.
She finds Adolin and they hug and banter for a bit. Adolin leaves after saying that Pattern chose her quarters for her. She looks at the wall which resembles the room at her father's home and Pattern says it is time for her to be a Radiant. She sees an illusion of a room with a white carpet and two corpses on the floor, and a painting outlined with a glow with something hidden behind it. Behind the painting, a strongbox is hidden and she opens it and takes out a Shardblade that was originally Pattern. Shallan looks at the corpses of her mother and her mother's friend and talks about how her mother tried to kill Shallan when she learned what Shallan could do. Shallan speaks of how her father took the blame for Shallan killing her own mother in self-defense and how it destroyed their family and that Pattern says that Shallan will get revenge and kill Pattern. Shallan says she doesn't want revenge, she wants her family.
Amaram writes a note to Restares reporting that Voidbringers were spotted and that a new storm was unleashed, and that the world had to be put in crisis for the Heralds and Church to return to dominance. He gives the note to Pama to be sent to Restares. As he walks through Dalinar's temple complex he reflects that the Sons of Honor achieved their goal and that Gavilar would be proud. Amaram stealthily cuts his way into the room where Taln is being held, thinking of regrets for his loss of friendship with Dalinar over Kaladin's accusations of murder. As Amaram leads Taln from the room, Taln catches a poison dart in midair that would have hit Amaram, and he sees a masked person shoot another dart at him that is also caught before the would-be assassin runs away. Amaram then leads Taln to his coach.
Szeth wakes up wondering why he did not die. Nale is standing there and Szeth recognizes him. Nale explains how he was brought back to life, and says he is one of Szeth's gods, though Szeth replies that his gods are the stones, sun, and stars, not men. Szeth recognizes him as Nalan, Herald of Justice. Szeth asks why he was saved since he can't take his torment anymore and Nale replies those words are foolish and unbecoming of his apprentice to be. Szeth says he wants to die, but then changes his mind and says that he was right and his people wrong. Nale says he will teach him to ignore feelings and bring justice to his former leaders. Szeth says he is not worthy but Nale disagrees saying that he stuck to his personal code at great cost and is worthy to be a Skybreaker. Nale says that Szeth is reborn and is to begin training immediately and that he brought a Shardblade for Szeth and throws it to the ground. Szeth picks up the odd sheathed black Shardblade that leaks a trail of smoke, and hears a voice say "Hello, would you like to destroy some evil today?"
Chapter 89: The Four
Arch Faces: Jezrien – Shalash —– Shalash – Jezrien
Iconography: Adolin Dueling
POV Characters: Dalinar / Adolin
Setting: Urithiru.
Timeline: (1174.1.1.3) Five days after Chapter 88.
Epigraph:
TherehastobeananswerWhatistheanswerStopTheParshendiOneofthemYestheyarethemissingpiecePushfortheAlethitodestroythemoutrightbeforethisoneobtainstheirpowerItwillformabridge
–From the Diagram, Floorboard 17: Paragraph 2, every second letter starting with the second
Summary:
Dalinar dreams of his youthful home, and a distant source of warmth, then wakes up in Urithiru. He thinks the dream was a vision but there was no highstorm which generally accompanies the visions he has.
Adolin walks through the city, exploring, wondering at how the tables have turned in his relationship to Shallan with her newfound importance as a Radiant. Adolin runs into Sadeas scouting the city, and tries to get Sadeas to admit that Dalinar was right, but Sadeas claims it was all a deal worked out with the Parshendi as evidenced by Rlain being a bridgeman. Adolin asks why Sadeas wants to knowingly spread lies, and Sadeas says that either him or Dalinar can succeed but not both. Sadeas says that he suffered a temporary setback but will take everything away from Dalinar, and this aggravates Adolin into attacking Sadeas. They grapple, and eventually Adolin stabs Sadeas in the skull, killing him. He throws away Sadeas' Shardblade and covers up his tracks and leaves.
Dalinar reaches the roof of the central tower. He looks down upon the city, seeing the circular rings that comprise the tower, and pillars that match one in the capital of Alethkar where the palace and temple were built. Dalinar then looks up and questions the actions of the Stormfather that almost led to their destruction. The Stormfather explains his purpose and that he is like a spren to the Almighty. Dalinar swears the First and Second Ideals of the Order of Bondsmiths, and the Stormfather reluctantly bonds him, though he insists upon Dalinar getting rid of his Shardblade and refuses to be summoned as one. The Stormfather says that he sent no vision that morning and states that Dalinars experience was a simple dream, which confuses Dalinar, as he felt it was even stronger than a vision. The Stormfather bids Dalinar to go and lead his people against Odium, warning that he is leading them to destruction as Dalinar is nothing compared to the Almighty. Dalinar retorts that if the Almighty could be killed, then so can Odium. Dalinar leaves the tower top and goes to another room near the top where Shallan and Kaladin await. Dalinar takes out a sphere and draws Stormlight into himself in response to Kaladin's inquiry, and feels his injuries heal.
Dalinar explains that he is a Bondsmith and Shallan says there are three knights but is corrected by Renarin, who walks in and reveals himself to be a Truthwatcher. Dalinar explains that the Parshmen are all being changed by the Everstorm and that they must prepare. Kaladin says he has to go home to warn his parents, leaves with Dalinar's blessing to pack for the journey. Dalinar sends Renarin to Elhokar (who has arrived with the Herdazians with whom he was hiding) to acquire spheres for Kaladin; he muses that now Renarin is a Radiant, he should stop sending him on menial errands. Dalinar and Shallan, now alone, speak of the tasks facing them to save as many people as possible, reciting the First Ideal again.
Epilogue: Art and Expectation
Arch Faces: Battar – Hoid —– Hoid – Battar
Iconography: Five Swords (aka Almighty)
POV Characters: Wit
Setting: "A week away from civilization."
Timeline: (1174.1.1.4) The day after Chapter 88. Thirteen weeks after Chapter 7.
Epigraph:
N/A
Summary:
Wit talks to a cremling about art and beauty and expectation while he waits for Jasnah to transport herself from the Cognitive realm. She asks how he found her and he replies that she made a large disturbance on the other side. Jasnah threatens and interrogates Wit, but he brushes these off and says he is already aware of the important tidings she brings. Wit says the Everstorm has arrived and Urithiru was located and the Knights have been refounded. Wit offers to work with Jasnah and pool their knowledge as they walk back to civilization, despite the Desolation that is beginning to destroy the world.
ENDNOTE
"Alight, winds approach deadly approaching winds alight."
This ketek, written on Lightday, Jeseses 1174, adorns the cover of Navani Kholin's personal journal. Inside, she describes first hand the events leading to the arrival of the Everstorm.
The glyphs of the ketek were drawn in the shape of two storms crashing into one another.
–Nazh
ARTWORK
The Cosmere has a thriving community of artists, so there will be a lot of artwork to share. Each week I'll try to compile relevant artwork for the given chapters. If a section of reading contains maps or in-book artwork, I'll include that in this section as well.
I have two other media experiences for you. The first is a series of 3D renderings depicting Kaladin and Szeth's fight. You can view them at the link at the end of this paragraph. In general, the page is fine, there's a sidebar with a description and some comments, none of which is spoilery. I'd avoid looking at the rest of the artist's work though, because he has renderings from other, future cosmere works, which are spoilery. Check it out here.
The 2nd bit of media is a short (1 minute long) YouTube video. With it comes the standard warnings I give of not reading the comments or looking at the recommended videos. It's a trailer for a VR game called *The Way of Kings: Escape the Shattered Plains". It was more of a 20-minute long concept/demo, rather than I full game, and I'm not sure you can even buy or play it anymore. But the trailer looks cool and has some neat visuals. Video here.
MEMES
I will attempt to find and share memes relevant to each week's discussion. There may be some weeks that just don't have good or appropriate memes, but I will share all the ones I can find in this section.
Source: r/readalong · by /u/participating