The Way of Kings: Chapter 18

Adolin is out walking with Janala, the woman he is currently courting. He visits the leatherworkers who were inspecting the strap from Elhokar's saddle, and they tell him that the strap was almost certainly cut, but it's possible it was a buckle from the saddle itself that sliced it. A horn is sounded, signaling that a chasmfiend has been spotted close enough for Dalinar's men to attempt to reach it first. Adolin is disappointed when Dalinar elects not to seek it.
Meanwhile, Dalinar is working with several of his scribes in attempting to manipulate the other Highprinces into following Elhokar in truth. Teshav, the wife of one of his officers, questions the number of troops Dalinar has set patrolling. Dalinar instructs her to set more patrolling anyway. Renarin comes to talk to Dalinar, and Dalinar promises him that if he captures a new suit of Shardplate and a Shardblade, they will go to Renarin, to help compensate for his blood weakness and allow him to fight like any other man.
Adolin seeks out Kadash, an ardent, to ask his opinion on Dalinar's visions. Janala leaves him, growing frustrated with his lack of attention. Kadash tells the story of the Hierocracy, when the church tried to take over the world and priests claimed to have visions and prophesies, which were later revealed to be lies to manipulate the people. Kadash's conflict of duties makes it difficult for him to say much outright about Dalinar's visions, but he suggests that Dalinar's mind is probably suffering from the effects of war and grief.
Dalinar visits Elhokar, making his reports for the day. While there, he asks Elhokar how long he intends to continue the war, then suggests that Elhokar consider withdrawing. Elhokar is shocked that Dalinar would even consider an end to the Vengeance Pact. Dalinar eventually backs down, instead saying they need a new approach, a way to win the war instead of simply trying to outlast the Parshendi. Dalinar suggests that Elhokar appoint him Highprince of War and Elhokar tells him he'll consider it.
Dalinar meets up with Renarin, intending to ride back to their camp. However, before they can get there, they are forced to take shelter in one of their own barracks to avoid a highstorm. They barely make it inside before the storm hits.
Category:The Way of Kings chapters summaries