Character from The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
A grumpy ardent swordmaster at the Kholin warcamp who is secretly the Worldhopper Vasher from Nalthis. Ancient and knowledgeable, he knows far more about Investiture than he reveals.
Zahel is the swordmaster who trains Adolin and Renarin at the Kholin warcamp. To most, he appears to be a cranky, unconventional ardent with exceptional fighting skills. In truth, he is Vasher — a Worldhopper from the planet Nalthis, wielder of the sentient sword Nightblood's creator, and a being sustained by Investiture rather than food. He came to Roshar because Stormlight is easier to obtain than the Breaths he needs to survive on Nalthis. His knowledge of Investiture, Cognitive Shadows, and cross-world mechanics is vast, but he shares almost none of it, preferring to live quietly as a swordmaster. His grumpiness is legendary, his metaphors are bizarre (drawn from a world no one on Roshar understands), and his combat skills are centuries refined. He recognizes Azure when she arrives, hinting at a shared history from Nalthis.
Weathered, unkempt man who looks like a slovenly ardent. Shaved head, perpetual scowl, loose-fitting robes. Carries himself with the deceptive ease of a master swordsman despite his disheveled appearance. His clothing seems to shift color subtly.
Also known as: Zahel, Vasher, Warbreaker