Chapter summaries Wind and Truth Brandon Sanderson

Chapter 62: The Founding of the Oathpact

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Dalinar, Navani, and Gavinor arrive in a vision of the ancient warcamp where the Heralds are about to swear the Oathpact. Dalinar realizes that an Honorblade—formed during the swearing—could serve as an anchor to jump across millennia. Meanwhile, Renarin and Rlain appear separately in the vision, wearing the faces of Heralds (Vedeledev and Pailiah). They search for Shallan and the Ghostbloods but become entangled in the historical moment. Renarin uses his Truthwatcher ability to reveal souls and futures; he shows Rlain a vision of himself split between human and singer worlds. The two share a tense but intimate moment when Rlain asks for permission to touch him, and later they accidentally summon a sphere of Light that depicts them kissing. The chapter ends with Jezrien addressing Renarin as Vedel, demanding he show the group something crucial.

Key Events

  • Dalinar, Navani, and Gav arrive in the ancient camp; Dalinar identifies this as the day the Heralds become immortal.
  • The highstorm arrives, but Honor modulates it so the faithful are unharmed; the Wind speaks to Dalinar.
  • Renarin meets Rlain (in a Veden woman’s body) inside a tent; they realize the vision is of the Oathpact’s founding.
  • Renarin demonstrates his ability to create a sphere of Light that reveals a person’s soul and possible future.
  • Rlain observes the vision of himself as the “Bridger of Minds,” standing between human and singer cultures.
  • Renarin and Rlain accidentally create a Light sphere showing them kissing, just as the Heralds enter the tent.
  • Dalinar deduces that he can use the Honorblade (which will be given to Kalak, whose body he inhabits) as an anchor to travel forward through time.
  • Jezrien asks “Vedel” (Renarin) to show the gathered Heralds whatever he has prepared.

Character Development

  • Dalinar: Gains a deeper understanding of history and the practical challenges of the past; his strategic mind works to solve the time-jump problem by targeting an Honorblade.
  • Renarin: Shows increasing confidence in using his unique powers; he asks the Light “nicely” and learns to interpret rhythms from Rlain. His romantic feelings for Rlain become more explicit.
  • Rlain: Struggles with wearing a human body and losing his carapace; he voices the need for a singer to be part of uncovering secrets about the Listeners. He also shows vulnerability with Renarin.
  • Navani: Quickly adapts to manipulating conversations in the vision, gleaning information about the timeline and the Heralds’ dynamics.
  • Gavinor: Acts as an observer, reacting with curiosity and warmth to the modulated storm; his presence grounds Dalinar and Navani in their mission.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Choice vs. Fate: Renarin insists that nothing is fated, only possibility and chance, echoing the series’ emphasis on human agency.
  • The Nature of Power: The Honorblades are presented as tools of immortality and anchors for time travel; the Heralds debate whether to become deities.
  • Identity and Disguise: Multiple characters wear bodies not their own, forcing them to navigate others’ expectations and their own disorientation.
  • Communication: Renarin’s difficulty reading human emotions contrasts with the ease of understanding Rlain through rhythms; Lightweaving serves as a visual metaphor for revealing truth.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter provides a direct, firsthand account of the moment the Oathpact was sworn—a pivotal event in Rosharan history. It clarifies the Heralds’ motivations (Ishar’s fear of aging, Jezrien’s sense of duty) and sets up Dalinar’s plan to use an Honorblade as a time anchor. For Renarin, the chapter deepens his bond with Rlain and hints at a romantic relationship that could affect their alliance. It also advances the subplot of the Ghostbloods, as Renarin and Rlain speculate that the prison of the Unmade Ba-Ado-Mishram is connected to Honor’s fall.

Study Questions

  1. Why does Dalinar believe an Honorblade can serve as an anchor through thousands of years? What does this reveal about the nature of the Spiritual Realm?

    • Answer: He reasons that the Honorblades are eternal, unchanging objects directly tied to the Oathpact. Since they will exist across all future Desolations, they can anchor a traveler in the Spiritual Realm the same way a person or location can. This shows that time in the Spiritual Realm is nonlinear, and persistent objects can provide points of reference.

  2. How does Renarin’s attitude toward his powers differ from Rlain’s attempt to use them?

    • Answer: Renarin treats the Light as a partner, asking nicely and being relaxed; he sees the process as collaborative rather than forceful. Rlain initially tries to force the Light out, fails, and then learns to be more patient. This contrast highlights Renarin’s unique bond with his spren and his gentle approach to Surgebinding.

  3. What does the vision of Rlain as the “Bridger of Minds” foreshadow about his role in the story?

    • Answer: The image of Rlain standing between human and singer worlds, wearing half a Bridge Four uniform and half a singer robe, suggests he will become a literal bridge—a diplomat or mediator between the two species. It ties to his future title and his desire to uncover the truth about the Listeners’ enslavement.

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