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be a Surgebinder? What spren had chosen this man? Adolin’s Shardblade formed in his hands. “Trident,” Dalinar said softly, slowing as the three of them approached the assassin. “I’m the middle. You familiar with that, Kaladin?” “Yes, sir.” It was a simple, small-squad battlefield formation. “Let me handle this, Father,... |
Adolin, who stirred but did not rise. “I am sorry,” the assassin said, Stormlight streaming from his mouth. “I don’t want to do this.” “I won’t give you the chance,” Kaladin growled, dashing forward. Syl spun around him, and he felt the wind stirring. He felt the tempest raging, urging him onward. He came at the assass... |
cheek was a bloody mess, but his eyes were lucid. “I won’t let you have him!” Dalinar bellowed. “Not Elhokar. You took my brother! You won’t take the only thing I have left of him!” The assassin stopped in the corridor just in front of Dalinar. “But I’m not here for him, Highprince,” he whispered, Stormlight puffing fr... |
stood up straight in the rain. He’d somehow gotten his feet beneath him and landed, in control, with poise. This man had a level of experience with his powers that made Kaladin look like a new recruit. The assassin turned on Kaladin, then stopped short. He spoke softly in a language Kaladin didn’t understand, the words... |
said, then breathed out the last of his Light and collapsed in a heap. * * * When he regained consciousness, Syl stood beside him on the rocky ground, hands on her hips. “Sleeping when you’re supposed to be on guard duty?” Kaladin groaned and sat up. He felt horribly weak, but he was alive. Good enough. He held up his ... |
on him,” Kaladin said. “I don’t know. We tumbled in the air, and when we hit, I wasn’t dead.” The king nodded. “Didn’t you say he stuck you to the ceiling?” he said to Adolin. “They probably floated all the way down.” “Yeah,” Adolin said. “I suppose.” “After you landed,” the king said, hopefully, “did you kill him?” “N... |
everyone out. He thought that if the assassin came back, he might start killing indiscriminately. Figured the more people who left the palace, the fewer casualties there would be.” Kaladin nodded, taking a sphere lamp and moving out into the hallway. “Hold here. I need to do something.” * * * Adolin slumped in his seat... |
to let go. You’ll grow calluses. He never had. Storm him, he never had. It was why he’d never made a good surgeon. He couldn’t lose patients. And now, now he killed? Now he was a soldier? How did that make any sense? He hated how good he was at killing. He took a deep breath, regaining control, with effort. “He can do ... |
“We’ll just have Rock teach you how to cook. How are you with stew?” “Awful, sir,” Hobber said. “I can burn broth.” “Then you’ll fit right in with most military cooks. Come on, let’s get you back to the others.” Kaladin strained, getting his arms under Hobber, trying to lift him. His body would have none of it. He let ... |
Tyn liked having someone around to impress. Her life must be so lonely, Shallan thought. Always moving, always taking whatever she can get, but never giving. Except once in a while, to a young thief she can foster . . . A strange shadow moved across the wall of the tent. Pattern, though Shallan only noticed him because... |
the Shattered Plains?” Tyn asked softly, stepping across the spilled wine, taking Shallan by the arm. “You think we can take any of this? It’s meaningless. You’ve lied to these men. You’ve built yourself up, and tomorrow—when we enter that warcamp—the truth will hit you like a slap in the face. “You think you can actua... |
wrote a few last sentences. . . . a girl named Shallan. Red hair. Pale skin. Nobody knows much about her. Didn’t seem important news to our informants until I pried. Shallan looked up just as Tyn did, meeting the woman’s eyes. “Ah, Damnation,” Tyn said. Shallan tried to pull free. Instead, she found herself being haule... |
legs were unsteady and the room lurched around her, as if she were still on the ship. “Pattern?” she croaked. “Pattern?” She heard something outside. Shouts? “I’m sorry,” Tyn said, voice cold. “I’m going to have to tie this up tight. In a way, I’m proud of you. You fooled me. You’d have been good at this.” Calm, Shalla... |
assassinate me.” It was true, after a fashion. “There might be records of who hired her. Bring me anything you find with writing on it.” As they swarmed in and set to work, Shallan sat down on the stool beside the table. The spanreed still waited there, hovering, paused at the bottom of the page. It needed a new sheet.... |
spren from her pocket and attuned the Rhythm of Resolve. The time had come. She ran toward the storm. Resolve was a stately beat with a steady, rising sense of import and power. She left Narak, and reaching the first chasm, she jumped. Only warform had the strength for such leaps; for the workers to reach outer plateau... |
of lightning. It did not seem to her she was being protected. Her shoulder against the wind, huddling down behind a hillock, it seemed that the wind was doing its best to destroy her. Rocks crunched against the dark plateau nearby, shaking the ground. All she could hear was the roar of wind in her ears, punctuated occa... |
now. Beat. Beat. Beat. The spren escaped from its prison and spun around her, giving off a strange red light. Splinters of lightning sprang from it. Angerspren? This was wrong. I SUPPOSE THIS MUST BE, the Stormfather said. IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. “No,” Eshonai said, stepping back from that spren. In a moment of panic, ... |
come to learn. I hate beating up people younger than me. It makes me feel like a bully.” The kid grunted, sliding the door shut. Zahel pulled up his blanket—damn monks only got one—and turned over on his cot. He expected a voice to speak in his mind as he drifted off. Of course, there wasn’t one. Hadn’t been one in yea... |
out some of it, Elhokar. It’s Alethi. Northern accent. Not what I’d have expected from one with such dark skin.” “Where did you get the Shardblade, madman? Tell me. Most Blades are accounted for through the generations, their lineage and history recorded. This one is completely unknown. From whom did you take it?” “Kal... |
form of power? Eshonai strode toward them, marveling at the energy. Tiny, almost invisible lines of red lightning flared from her hand if she made a fist quickly. Her marbled skin tone—mostly black, with a slight grain of red streaks—had not changed, but she’d lost the bulky armor of warform. Instead, small ridges peek... |
our own, independent, and we can sweep our enemies from this land like leaves before the tempest!” The humming to Awe grew louder, and some began to sing. Eshonai gloried in it. She pointedly ignored the voice deep within her that was screaming in horror. Adolin threw his Shardblade. Wielding the weapons was about more... |
were. That man had been suspiciously effective. Renarin said that Adolin was unfair toward the bridgeman captain, but there was something strange about that man. More than his attitude—the way he always acted like by talking to you, he was doing you a favor. The way he seemed so decidedly gloomy at everything, angry at... |
head testified. He spoke with ardents in bloodred robes. Soulcasters. It was the word for both the people who performed the art and the fabrials they used. Kadash was not one himself; he wore the standard grey robes instead of red, his head shaven, face accented by a square beard. He noticed Adolin, hesitated briefly, ... |
the barracks, but this was a new shape. Flat on the side facing the warcamps, it was sloped on the other side, like a wedge. Adolin recognized it as something his father had been deliberating building for months now. “A windbreak!” Adolin said. “That’s wonderful, Kadash.” “Yes, well, your father seemed to like the prop... |
face drained of color. “I spoke with some of the soldiers who survived that first terrible night when the old king was killed. I thought the things they claimed to have seen the result of trauma—” “I need to know,” Adolin said. “Look into it. Read. Tell me what this creature might be capable of doing. We have to know h... |
have such lush eyelashes or delicate features. Rushu had joined the ardentia to escape the advances of men. A silly choice, judging by the way male ardents always wanted to work with her. Fortunately, she was also brilliant. And Navani could always find a use for someone brilliant. “I’ll read it later,” Navani said in ... |
there, and now climbed down the ladders at the sides, unhooking latches as they went. Once they were down, workers carefully pulled the sides away on their rollers. Those were the only things that had been holding the top of the tower in place. Without them, it should fall. The top of the platform, however, remained in... |
be a touch blunt. Rushu finally blushed, then bobbed a bow and hastened away. Adolin stepped up to the railing. It was difficult to not feel dwarfed by a man wearing Plate, and when he reached out to hold the railing, she thought she could hear the wood groan from the strength of that grip. He could have snapped that r... |
get Adolin excited. “The enemy wouldn’t be able to topple it or climb it! Stormfather. The tactical advantage!” “Exactly.” “You don’t sound enthusiastic.” “I am, dear,” Navani said. “But this isn’t the most ambitious idea we’ve had for this technique. Not by a faint breeze or a stormwind.” He frowned at her. “It’s all ... |
could be months from now. “I’m not sulking,” Adolin said. “Of course you aren’t,” she said, patting his armored arm as they reached the bottom of the steps. “Let’s get to the palace. I don’t know if your father will be able to delay the meeting for us if we’re tardy.” Shallan awoke as a new woman. She wasn’t yet comple... |
to keep the peace. If someone camps in this spot and finds the bones of Tyn and her soldiers in the ashes, it could lead to questions. I don’t know that the caravan workers will keep your secret if asked.” “Thank you,” Shallan said. “Have one of the men gather the bones into a sack. I’ll deal with them.” Had she really... |
high-ranked lighteyes. As the palanquin carried her down a slope, she was truly stunned at the magnitude of the population. Stormfather! She’d once considered the regional fair on her father’s lands to be a huge gathering. How many mouths were there to feed down below? How much water did they require from each highstor... |
protection, as that would make her beholden to him. Shallan had killed the woman, but she still respected Tyn’s opinion. Was there merit to what she’d said about Dalinar? A knock came at her palanquin window. “We’re going to have the parshmen put you down for a bit,” Vathah said. “Need to ask around and see where the h... |
inside, finding the crinkled sketch of Bluth as she’d imagined him. A hero instead of a slaver. “Mmmmm . . .” Pattern said from the seat beside her. “This picture is a lie,” Shallan said. “Yes.” “And yet it isn’t. This is what he became, at the end. To a small degree.” “Yes.” “So what is the lie, and what is the truth?... |
noticed with amusement that she’d chosen one of the tallest of the deserters and one of the shortest to accompany her, and so when they flanked her, it created an even slope of height: Vathah, herself, Gaz. Had she really just chosen her guards based on aesthetic appeal? The front gates of the palace complex faced west... |
worked into the carvings. Lamps held massive sapphires, beyond the size of ordinary denominations, radiating bright blue light. At least she wouldn’t lack for Stormlight, should she need it. The passage into the king’s conference room was clogged with men. Soldiers in a dozen different uniforms. “Damnation,” Gaz said. ... |
have been going well for you . . .” “You know this man?” Shallan asked Kaladin. “He tried to get me killed,” Kaladin said, voice even. “On multiple occasions. He’s one of the most hateful little rats I’ve ever known.” Great. “You’re not Adolin’s betrothed,” Kaladin said, meeting her gaze as several of his men gleefully... |
of your own species—but don’t worry, I’ll take care not to let our chulls get close.” “Oh? Your parents are in the area, then?” His eyes widened, and for the first time she seemed to have really gotten under his skin. “My parents have nothing to do with this.” “Yes, that makes sense. I’d expect that they want nothing t... |
guards let her pass, though they restrained Vathah when he tried to follow her. She waved him back, took a deep breath, then strode through the moving crowd of soldiers and aides, entering the king’s conference chamber. The meeting finally reached a break. They weren’t done—Stormfather, it didn’t seem like they’d ever ... |
was a full Shardbearer, one of the few in the camps. He was also the current dueling champion—which, along with his parentage, made him of particular interest to Adolin. He stood speaking with his cousin Elit and a group of three of Sadeas’s attendants: women in the traditional Vorin havah. One of those women, Melali, ... |
to the side as he met Adolin’s eyes. “You’re a fool, Kholin.” “I’m offering it here, before witnesses,” Adolin said. “You win this bout, you take every Shard my family owns. What’s stronger? Your fear or your greed?” “My pride,” Relis said. “No contest, Adolin.” Adolin ground his teeth. He’d hoped the duel with Eranniv... |
had been thinking of—the single person he hated most in the world. “Another duel, young Adolin,” Sadeas said, taking a sip of wine. “You really are determined to embarrass yourself out there. I still find it strange your father abandoned his prohibition of you dueling—indeed, I thought it a matter of honor to him.” Ado... |
Amaram?” Adolin asked. “He is my liege lord.” “You’re of a rank that you could choose a new liege. Stormfather! You’re a Shardbearer now. Nobody would even question you. Come to our camp. Join with Father.” “In doing that, I would create a divide,” Amaram said softly. “So long as I remain with Sadeas, I can help bridge... |
shade of red?” “Veden, I’d warrant,” Amaram said. “Horneater blood. There are family lines that pride themselves on it.” Veden. It couldn’t be . . . Could it? “Excuse me,” Adolin said, breaking away from Amaram and shoving—politely—his way over to where the young woman was speaking to his father and his aunt. “Brightla... |
she gathered her thoughts, she noticed a blond-haired young man watching her. That would likely be Adolin. He was handsome, as rumors indicated, and wore a blue uniform like his father. And yet Adolin’s was somehow more . . . stylish? Was that the right word? She liked how his somewhat unruly hair contrasted with the c... |
the Shattered Plains.” “Deserters?” “I have not asked for specifics, Brightlord,” Shallan said. “But I did promise them clemency for previous crimes, in recognition of their act of nobility. They saved dozens of lives. Everyone in the caravan I joined can vouch for the bravery of these men. I suspect they sought atonem... |
nose had been broken at some point, and his face was a tad unfortunate. The bruises didn’t help either. In fact, he was downright intimidating. “I would know more of you,” he said softly, “the precise status of your family, and why you are so eager to be involved with my son.” “My family is destitute,” Shallan said. Fr... |
bearded man in traditional clothing—an open-fronted robe over a loose shirt and warrior’s skirt, called a takama. Highprince Sebarial, Shallan thought. Jasnah’s notes dismissed him as obnoxious and useless. She’d had kinder words even for Highprince Sadeas, whom she had noted was not to be trusted. “Fine, fine, Sebaria... |
slices of melon. Everyone else seemed to pointedly ignore the obnoxious, bearded man. “Yes,” Aladar said. “The Assassin in White. We must do something. I will not wait in my palace to be assassinated.” “He is murdering princes and kings all across the world!” Roion added. The man looked like a turtle to Shallan, with t... |
She felt a moment of sheer panic. The most important people in the world, interrogating her, their eyes drilling into her— And then she remembered the drawing. That was who she was. “Alas,” Shallan said, “I will be of little use to you, Brightlords and Brightladies. I was away from my homeland when that tragic assassin... |
wasn’t aware of this,” Dalinar said, looking from Sebarial to her. “I’m sorry, Brightlord,” Shallan said. “I should have told you. I didn’t find it appropriate to be staying in the house of someone who was courting me. Surely you understand.” He frowned. “What I’m having trouble understanding is why anyone would want t... |
stone of a more durable nature. This pile of thin wafers lay as if stacked by some mortal hand.” The others looked at Dalinar as if he were mad. Something about the words tugged at Shallan’s memory. They were a quotation from something she’d once read. Dalinar turned, walking toward the open windows on the leeward side... |
a problem, because it puts the battle on their terms. No, our situation hasn’t changed. Merely our resolve. This war has persisted far too long already. I will finish it, one way or another.” “Sounds wonderful,” Sadeas repeated. “Will you be off tomorrow or wait until the next day?” Dalinar gave him a disdainful look. ... |
Some of the others chuckled, as if it were a joke. Dalinar did not seem to intend it as one. He sat back down, and the others took this as marking an end to the meeting—once again, it seemed that Dalinar, and not the king, truly led. The entire balance of power has shifted here, Shallan thought. As has the nature of th... |
might have felt homey somewhere else. Not here. The servants poured her wine. Yellow, mildly intoxicating. Father drank violet, prepared in its strength. He settled himself down at the high table, which ran the width of the room—the same room where Helaran had threatened to kill him a year and a half ago. They’d receiv... |
but it was the Vorin way not to talk about it. Such niceties were not her father’s strong point. “It is an important night,” Father said after taking a sip of his wine. “I have just received word from Brightlord Gevelmar, whom I believe you know, Tavinar. I have been without a wife for too long. Brightlord Gevelmar is ... |
It has come to his attention that dark rumors persist in these lands. Rumors regarding the death of a lighteyed woman.” He met Father’s eyes. “My wife was killed by her lover,” Father said. “Who then killed himself.” “Others tell a different story, Brightlord Lin Davar,” the newcomer said. “Such rumors are . . . troubl... |
continued staring at the fire. “Plants,” Balat said flatly. “Yes. I can hear them faintly.” “I can’t hear a thing.” Shallan shrugged from within her too-enveloping dress. “My ears are better than yours. Yes, plants. Father is complaining that the trees in his gardens never listen when he tells them to obey. ‘They have ... |
you are right. I probably shouldn’t mock our family. House Davar is distinctive and enduring.” Jushu raised his cup. Wikim nodded sharply. “Of course,” she added, “the same could be said for a wart.” Jushu just about spat out his wine. Balat let out another roaring laugh. “Stop that racket!” Father shouted at them. “It... |
kill me,” Balat whispered. “If I say a word, he’ll kill me.” His earlier bravado melted away. He seemed not a man any longer, but a youth—a terrified teenager. “You could do it, Shallan,” Wikim hissed at her. “Father won’t dare hurt you. Besides, you actually saw what happened.” “I didn’t,” she whispered. “You were the... |
your features sharper, prettier . . . Must have been the light.” “Do you always make a habit of insulting the looks of young ladies?” Shallan asked. “Or is it only after you drool in front of them?” He grinned. “You weren’t trained in the court, obviously. I like that. But be careful—insult the wrong people in this pla... |
have to pay Dalinar’s fines for avoiding them and forcing him to send someone else, but it’s worth the cost. Anyway, the smarter highprinces have figured out what I’m up to. The others just think I’m a lazy fool.” “And so you’re not a lazy fool?” “Of course I am!” he exclaimed. “Fighting is too much work. Besides, sold... |
household. The Herdazian woman cocked an eyebrow. “Well, she is polite, which means she probably won’t fit in here. I honestly can’t believe you brought home a random girl because you thought it would annoy one of the other highprinces.” “Bah!” Sebarial said. “Woman, you make me the most henpecked man in all of Alethka... |
attempts to make her forget about . . . other times . . . Shallan blinked, turning to Palona, who was speaking about something. “Excuse me?” Shallan asked. “Servants,” Palona said. “You have your own lady’s maid?” “I don’t,” Shallan said. “I’ve got eighteen soldiers, though, and five slaves.” “And they’ll be helping yo... |
above. “I was off duty, sir,” Teft said. “Went to see what I could find in the market. Do I need to report every little thing I do?” “You went to the market,” Kaladin said, “in a highstorm?” “Time may have gotten away from me for a breath or two . . .” Teft said, looking away. Kaladin wanted to press further, but Teft ... |
they’re saved. You can’t go about protecting every one like a . . . um . . . Like a . . .” “Father kurl watches over his eggs?” “Exactly!” She paused. “What’s a kurl?” “A crustacean,” Kaladin said, “about the size of a small axehound. Looks kind of like a cross between a crab and a tortoise.” “Ooooo . . .” Syl said. “I... |
“My master trained me to ask questions, so I’m asking them. Something doesn’t make sense about this whole matter. The Shin are extremely xenophobic. They rarely leave their lands, and you never find them working as mercenaries. Now this one goes about assassinating kings? With a Shardblade? Is he still working for the ... |
us. Personification of the forces of nature or some similar gobbletyblarthy.” “Doesn’t that bother you?” Kaladin asked. “That you might be a creation of human perception?” “You’re a creation of your parents. Who cares how we were born? I can think. That’s good enough.” She grinned in a mischievous way, then zipped down... |
that ruled the universe. They made fire burn, made rocks fall, made light glow. These wisps, they were the Surges reduced to some primal form. He could use it. Use it to . . . “Kal?” Sigzil’s voice asked, though it seemed distant. Like an unimportant buzzing. “How smooth was the cut to the railing? Could it have been a... |
to know it. You asked what I want. Well, that’s it. I want to know if I can trust Dalinar. And if I can . . .” He nodded toward the light of the day outside the chasm. “If I can, I’ll tell him what I can do. I will believe that at least one lighteyes won’t try to take everything from me. Like Roshone did. Like Amaram d... |
rope and goes back inside.” Kaladin nodded slowly. “So,” Rock said, “we find out who went on balcony after storm, and we find accomplice. Easy! Ha. Maybe you are not airsick, Sigzil. No. Probably just a little.” Kaladin felt unsettled. Moash had been out on that balcony between the storm and the king’s near fall. “I’ll... |
Kholin. Oddly, he was rocking back and forth with a small motion, staring at the ground. Kaladin relaxed. “Brightlord,” Kaladin said, stepping over to him. “Is there something you need?” Renarin scrambled to his feet and saluted. “I would like to serve under your command, sir.” Inside, Kaladin groaned. “Let’s talk away... |
they all go back to fighting. The ardents, they claim every Calling is important, but then what do they teach about the afterlife? That it’s a big war to reclaim the Tranquiline Halls. That the best soldiers in this life are glorified in the next.” “If the afterlife really is a big war,” Kaladin said, “then I hope I en... |
didn’t know how to react to Renarin. They’d hand over bowls of half-finished stew to please him, and conversation hushed when he was too near. But they’d been nervous around Shen too, before eventually coming to accept him. Could they ever do the same for a lighteyes? Moash had refused to hand his bowl to Renarin, wash... |
for anything at any time. You should know this by now.” Nearby, Drehy snorted and flipped a chunk of stewed longroot at Lopen. It splatted against the Herdazian’s face. Lopen kept right on talking. “As you can see, I was perfectly ready for that, as shown by the poise I display as I make this decidedly rude gesture.” T... |
Pattern said. “But I do not, not really.” Storms. How did you describe taste? “It’s like color . . . you see with your mouth.” She grimaced. “And that was an awful metaphor. Sorry. I have trouble being insightful on an empty stomach.” “You say you are ‘on’ the stomach,” Pattern said. “But I know you do not mean this. C... |
holding up the page. “There and others,” Pattern said. “See the first words?” Shallan frowned, inspecting the sheets. In each one, the first words came from the remote writer. A simple sentence asking after Tyn’s health or status. Tyn replied simply each time. “I don’t understand,” Shallan said. “They form groups of fi... |
. . . taste . . . of it.” He seemed very pleased with himself at that comment. Something was off. Shallan frowned, holding up her sketch, realizing she’d left a spot unfinished on the side of the nose. The Lightweaving there didn’t cover up her nose completely, and had a kind of fuzzy gap in the side. It was small; som... |
might mean a severing of ties. Stormfather! Tonight? Shallan ran her fingers through her hair, staring at the page. Could she do it tonight? Would waiting really change anything? Heart thumping, she wrote, I thought I had Jasnah’s ward captive, but the girl betrayed me. I’m not well. But I will send my apprentice. Anot... |
had on Bluth. She put it on, and when she returned to the mirror, she was pleased with how it shaded her face. It did look kind of silly. But then, she felt that everything about this outfit looked silly. A gloved hand? Trousers? The coat had seemed imposing on Tyn—it indicated experience and a sense of personal style.... |
people she passed. They all seemed so full of life, whether haggling or simply walking with a friend and chewing on a snack. Why hadn’t she gone out more in Kharbranth? She stopped, grinning at a man performing a show with puppets and a box. Farther down the way, a Herdazian used a sparkflicker and some kind of oil to ... |
and watch to see if anyone follows me,” Shallan said. “Do you think you can do that?” “They will make a pattern if they come,” he said, dropping to the ground. For a brief moment in the air, between coat and stone, he was a dark mass of twisting lines. Then he vanished like a drop of water hitting a lake. Shallan hurri... |
of a boulder who had a beard trimmed like a Horneater’s. His hair did seem to have some red in it. She resisted the urge to shuffle from one foot to the next as he looked her up and down. Finally, he opened the door all the way, motioning her in with thick fingers. She didn’t miss the large axe that leaned against the ... |
light that seemed almost blinding following the dimness she’d been in. This place must flood something fierce after a storm. She swung onto the ladder and made her way down, glad for the trousers. The trapdoor closed above—it appeared to have some sort of pulley mechanism. She hopped off onto the carpet and turned, fin... |
prudent to work through an intermediary for now.” The man narrowed his eyes, then finally raised his reed and blew sharply. Shallan jumped, but the dart did not strike her, instead flying to hit the wall hanging. “She reveals herself as a coward,” he said. “You came here willingly, knowing that I might just kill you fo... |
cut. She exhaled in relief, legs wobbling, and sat down on one of the chairs beside the dining table. Fingers trembling, she got out a handkerchief and wiped her brow and temples, pushing back the hat. When she stopped to put the handkerchief away, she realized that someone had taken the seat beside her. Shallan hadn’t... |
of solution. There were no plaques to explain these mementos. That chunk of pale pink crystal looked like it might be some kind of gemstone, but why was it so delicate? Bits of it had flaked off in its case, as if simply setting it down had almost crushed it. She stepped, hesitantly, closer to the back of the room. Smo... |
as he raised his blowgun one last time. The trapdoor opened above. Shallan felt the gaze follow her as she climbed up the ladder. A dart passed just beneath her, between the rungs, and stabbed the wall. Breathing quickly, Shallan left the hidden chamber, entering the dusty upper basement again. The trapdoor closed, shu... |
for the pencil she’d instinctively put there and tried to draw while walking. Impossible. Salas had almost set, and it was too dark. Besides, she couldn’t do good detail while moving and with nothing firm to back the paper. If she stopped and sketched, would that arouse suspicion? Storms, she was so nervous, she had tr... |
changed, she was a different person. She left out the opposite end of the alley from where she assumed the masked woman had gone. Shallan hesitated, getting her bearings. Where was the mansion? She tried retracing her route mentally, but had trouble fixing her position. She needed something she could see. She took out ... |
and his men as they entered. As much as the regular soldiers treated his men like heroes—as much as even these officers respected Dalinar and his decisions—their postures were hostile toward him and his. You are not wanted here, those stares said. Everyone has a place. You’re out of yours. Like a chull in a dining hall... |
lad’s training for today. Apparently, he wanted Renarin to eat lunch. Kaladin smiled as some ardents hurriedly carried out a table, dining ware, and a heavy stool that could support a Shardbearer. They even had a tablecloth. Zahel left the bemused Renarin, who sat in his hulking Shardplate with his faceplate up, regard... |
a breeze.” He hesitantly stuck it into the ground. “It has more resistance when it cuts than I thought too.” “Guess it’s about expectations again,” Teft said, scratching at his beard and waving Yake to have the weapon next. The stout man pulled it free more carefully than Moash had. “Stormfather, but it feels strange t... |
face-to-face with Adolin Kholin. They stared one another in the eyes. Kaladin waited for a wisecrack. Adolin’s eyes flicked toward Zahel and the Shardblade, then turned back to Kaladin. Finally, the prince gave a shallow nod. He turned about and walked toward Renarin. The implication was simple. The Assassin in White h... |
had just wandered in, and was scanning the grounds. He didn’t bear a grudge about the incident with his boots. It simply typified how, to a lighteyes, men like Kaladin were playthings. You toyed with darkeyes, took what you needed from them, and gave no thought to having left them far worse for the interaction. It was ... |
shrugged armored shoulders. “Things always go so well at first, and then . . . they fall apart on me. I can never figure out where I go wrong. I thought, maybe if there were something more formal in place . . .” He scowled, as if remembering who he was talking to, and tromped forward at a faster pace to get away from K... |
you want to watch me spar. Admit it. The sketching is a ruse.” “Hmmm. Someone has a high opinion of himself. Comes with being royalty, I suppose. Like funny hats and a fondness for beheadings. Ah, and it’s our captain of the guard. Your boots are on the way to your barracks via courier.” Kaladin started as he realized ... |
was Zahel, for that matter. “It was the king,” Moash said. “He had my family executed.” It took Kaladin a moment to realize what Moash was talking about. The person that Moash wanted to kill, the person he had a grudge against. It was the king. Kaladin felt a shock spike through him, as if he’d been punched. He turned ... |
balcony,” Kaladin said, “did you make it look like a Shardblade cut the railing?” Moash took him by the arm in a tight grip, looking about. “We shouldn’t talk about this here.” “Stormfather, Moash!” Kaladin said, the depth of it sinking in. “We’ve been hired to protect the man!” “Our job,” Moash said, “is to keep Dalin... |
said something soft, making the others laugh, though several others continued frowning. The image of a darkeyed man with even a practice Shardblade was not something they found amusing. This is my right, Kaladin thought, swinging, ignoring them. I defeated a Shardbearer. I belong here. Why weren’t darkeyes encouraged t... |
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