Shallan arrives at Kharbranth, City of Bells. She traveled on the Wind's Pleasure with Tozbek, the captain, and Ashlv, his wife. Shallan gets word that Jasnah Kholin, whom she's chased for several months in hope of becoming her ward, is still in the city. Jasnah is the daughter of the late King Gavilar and sister to his heir and current ruler of Alethkar, King Elhokar.
Shallan shows her wit through some final banter with crew and captain before disembarking and going to find Jasnah. Yalb meets her on the docks and they make the trip up to the conclave where Jasnah has been staying. At the conclave, Shallan is led inside by a servant to await Jasnah, who is considered a heretic by Vorin standards.
Shallan seems nervous as she thinks about House Davar nearing ruin following her father's death, with the hopes of her brothers resting on her shoulders.