Wind and Truth Chapter 70: Illusions and Inner Reckonings
⚠️ 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
Szeth walks with Nale, Kaladin, and Syl toward a monastery, feeling pulled between the Heralds. Nightblood questions him about good and evil, and Szeth admits that even clear moral rules become tangled in practice. At the monastery, the Lightweaver Honorbearer Moss presents a test: thirty identical illusions of the Herald Shush, only one of which is Moss. Szeth must strike the real one through the eye without touching any illusion; failure ends his pilgrimage. Meanwhile, Venli leads a group of listeners and chasmfiends through the Shattered Plains chasms toward the battle at Narak. She reflects on her past resentment of Eshonai and learns from Timbre that Eshonai broke free from Odium before dying. Thude refuses to commit the listeners to the fight, and Venli accepts their decision, hoping to reach the source of a strange, discordant rhythm.
Key Events
- Szeth, Nale, Kaladin, and Syl arrive at a remote monastery cut into a ravine.
- Nightblood asks Szeth if he is evil; Szeth explains that moral questions rarely have simple answers.
- Moss, the Lightweaver Honorbearer, presents Szeth with a test: choose the real Moss among thirty perfect illusions of the Herald Shush.
- Szeth cannot touch any illusion or strike the wrong one; if he fails, he is deemed unworthy.
- Venli leads listeners and chasmfiends through the eastern chasms toward Narak, guided by an unusual rhythm.
- Venli apologizes to Thude for her past mistakes; Thude says he is trying to let go of his anger.
- Timbre reveals that Eshonai cast Odium out of her mind before she died, proving it is possible to resist him.
- Thude decides the listeners will not join the fighting at Narak; Venli agrees.
Character Development
Szeth
Szeth continues to wrestle with his identity. He feels lonely even among his companions and questions his own worthiness. His conversation with Nightblood shows a growing willingness to examine moral complexity rather than hide behind absolute rules. The test ahead forces him to rely on his mind rather than his martial prowess.
Nightblood
The sword’s curiosity about good and evil deepens. Nightblood begins to understand that separating people into “evil” and “not evil” is not straightforward, planting seeds for his own philosophical growth.
Venli
Venli takes accountability for her role in the listeners’ suffering. She actively reframes her memories of Eshonai, letting go of jealousy and embracing gratitude. Her ability to attune Peace and Awe signals emotional healing. She also shows humility by deferring to Thude’s leadership.
Thude
Thude moves from suspicion to cautious trust. He tells Venli that he is trying not to hate her, showing a willingness to forgive. His decision to keep the listeners out of the battle reflects his priority of preserving their fragile community.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Illusion vs. Truth
The Lightweaver test literalizes the theme: people hide behind facades, and identifying the truth requires careful observation. Szeth’s earlier thought—that all humans “reform truth into what they want it to be”—echoes as he faces an army of identical lies.
Moral Complexity
Nightblood’s simple question “Are you evil?” leads Szeth to outline edge cases, such as killing one innocent to save three. The chapter rejects black-and-white morality, emphasizing that good and evil are often tangled.
Letting Go
Venli releases her resentment toward Eshonai and her guilt over the listeners’ losses. Thude releases his hatred of Venli. Both acts are presented as necessary for moving forward.
Journey Inward
Szeth descends into a ravine; Venli creeps through the chasms. Both physical descents mirror internal journeys toward facing personal truths and demons (the Voice for Szeth, Odium’s influence for Venli).
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter sets up two major character tests before the climax of the book. Szeth must prove he can outthink an enemy rather than simply overpower them, a crucial step in his transformation from assassin to true leader. Venli’s decision to follow the strange rhythm—and her refusal to let her people fight—positions her to discover something vital about Odium’s plans. The revelation that Eshonai died free of Odium provides hope that singers can resist him, which will have consequences for the entire conflict.
Study Questions and Answers
1. What is Moss’s test, and what does it require of Szeth?
Moss creates thirty identical illusions of the Herald Shush. Szeth must identify the real Moss, strike him through the eye with his Shardblade, and take his Blade. He cannot touch any illusion or pick the wrong one; doing so ends his pilgrimage. The test demands patience and perception rather than combat skill.
2. How does Venli’s understanding of her sister change in this chapter?
Venli recalls her childhood resentment of Eshonai, but she now reframes those memories: Eshonai was serving their people, and Venli’s jealousy was rooted in feeling unappreciated, not in the work itself. Timbre reveals that Eshonai cast Odium out of her mind before dying, which helps Venli see her sister as a hero rather than a rival.
3. Why does Thude refuse to let the listeners join the battle at Narak?
Thude argues that the listeners number barely a thousand adults and the chasmfiends are dwindling. He believes they cannot risk their fragile community in a fight between humans and singers. Venli accepts his decision, recognizing that he—not she—leads their people.