The young Alethi king, Elhokar, heads to the Shattered Plains to hunt for a giant crustacean creature known as chasmfiend. Elhokar’s uncle, Dalinar Kholin, Dalinar’s sons Adolin and Renarin, and Sadeas, another Highprince, accompany him. All of them except Renarin possess Shardplate and Elhokar, Dalinar and Adolin all have Shardblades. Sadeas covets the magical swords but has not been able to obtain one. Dalinar and Sadeas were Gavilar’s closest friends, but the former king’s assassination has estranged them. Dalinar believes that Sadeas still supports Elhokar’s best interests, but Adolin loathes and distrusts Sadeas. The hunt is meant to alleviate the boredom of war camp life, as Elhokar does not take part in the frequent skirmishes with the Parshendi. He often behaves immaturely, disregarding the consequences to Alethkar in the case of his own death. At the same time, the young king has become paranoid and believes that someone is trying to assassinate him, like his father.

Adolin and Renarin discuss Dalinar’s recent episodes during highstorms. Dalinar seems to be having a seizures and raving, and his sons have begun tying him down to prevent injury. Dalinar does not realize what is happening to his body during these episodes, as he experiences strange visions and hears a

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