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he could choose. Banish it, like snuffing a lantern. Kaladin bowed beneath the weight. I should have saved him, I should have saved him, I should have saved him. Maps, Dunny, Amark, Goshel, Dallet, Nalma. Tien. “Kaladin.” Syl’s voice. “Be strong.” “If I were strong,” he hissed, “they would live.” “The other bridgemen s... |
bridgemen. Many people were dying on the other side of the chasm, but Kaladin didn’t feel a thing for them. No itch to heal them, no desire to help. Kaladin could thank Hav for that, for training him to think in terms of “us” and “them.” In a way, Kaladin had learned what his father had talked about. In the wrong way, ... |
not break rank on the battlefield.” To the side, Teft snorted quietly. Kaladin turned to Moash. “Why do they treat us so, Moash? Because they know they should be better than they are. Because they see discipline in bridgemen, and it embarrasses them. Rather than bettering themselves, they take the easier road of jeerin... |
a few red rotspren crawling around on the wound. “I should probably sew it up.” “It’s not that bad!” “Still,” Kaladin said, waving for Teft to follow as he approached one of the rain barrels alongside the lumberyard. The wound was shallow enough that Teft would probably be able to show the others spear thrusts and bloc... |
feel strong! “I didn’t do anything, lad,” Teft said. “You’ve been doing this for a while now. I caught you feeding off Stormlight when you were sick.” Stormlight. Kaladin hastily released Teft, fishing at the pouch of spheres in his pocket. He yanked it free and pulled it open. It was dark inside. All five gemstones ha... |
things. When she played pranks, she made items stick together. Shoes stuck to the ground and made men trip. People reached for their jackets hanging on hooks and couldn’t pull them free. Kaladin reached down, picking a stone up off the ground. It was as big as his palm, weathered smooth by highstorm winds and rain. He ... |
dies when I try to help them.” “And you think I’m a curse?” she asked him. “I…Well, you said you’re part of it, and…” She strode forward, pointing at him, a tiny, irate woman hanging in the air. “So you think I’ve caused all of this? Your failures? The deaths?” Kaladin didn’t respond. He realized almost immediately tha... |
since he’d been betrayed by Amaram and made a slave, he had been in the company of others. Slaves with whom he’d plotted. Bridgemen with whom he’d worked. Soldiers to guard him, slavemasters to beat him, friends to depend on him. The last time he’d been alone had been that night when he’d been tied up for the highstorm... |
eyes were a pale blue. Kaladin had never heard of a lighteyed man playing a flute. Didn’t they consider music a feminine pursuit? Lighteyed men sang, but they didn’t play instruments unless they were ardents. This man was extremely talented. The odd melody he played was alien, almost unreal, like something from another... |
yourself more wise than most who have been my acquaintance lately. What is it to be witty, then?” “To say clever things.” “And what is cleverness?” “I…” Why was he having this conversation? “I guess it’s the ability to say and do the right things at the right time.” The King’s Wit cocked his head, then smiled. Finally,... |
time before memory. A powerful man. Commander of thousands, leader of tens of thousands. Tall, regal, blessed with fair skin and fairer eyes. He was a man to envy.” Just as the echoes faded below, Hoid began to play again, picking up the rhythm. He actually seemed to continue just where the echoing notes grew too soft,... |
below. Kaladin found himself sinking down to the rocks, watching the swirling smoke and rising flames. Seeing the tiny ship captured and held within a furious maelstrom. Eventually, Hoid’s music slowed, and the violent echoes faded, leaving a much gentler song. Like lapping waves. “The Wandersail was nearly destroyed i... |
like a lament for one who had passed. And yet it was edged with mystery, occasional quick bursts, hinting at secrets. Kaladin frowned as he watched the smoke spin, making what appeared to be a tower. Tall, thin, with an open structure at the top. “The emperor, Derethil discovered, resided in the tower on the eastern co... |
eyebrow, looking up from his flute. “Being able to remember a story like that,” Kaladin said, “to tell it with such care.” “Be wary of what you say,” Hoid said, smiling. “If all you need for cleverness is a good story, then I’ll find myself out of a job.” “Didn’t you say you were already out of a job?” “True. The king ... |
could make my words carry stones. That would be something to see.” He held out the dark wood flute. “Here. I’ve carried her for longer than you’d believe, were I to tell you the truth. Take her for yourself.” “But I don’t know how to play it!” “Then learn,” Hoid said, pressing the flute into Kaladin’s hand. “When you c... |
cremlings had retreated to their cracks and burrows, but many of the plants still continued to let their fronds float in the cool wind. When he passed, the grass pulled back in, looking like the fur of some black beast in the night, lit by Salas. What responsibility are you avoiding…. He wasn’t avoiding responsibility.... |
in the air. Kaladin slowed his jog, coming to a stop beside the bridgemen. Several looked concerned as they saw him, panting and sweating. Syl landed on his shoulder. Kaladin sought out Teft. The aging bridgeman sat alone below the barrack’s eaves, staring down at the rock in front of him. He hadn’t noticed Kaladin yet... |
was currently out of favor, but Adolin had acquaintances or friends in nearly all of the warcamps. “Wrongness can be amusing,” Toral said. “It keeps life interesting. If we were all right all the time, where would that leave us?” “My dear,” his companion said. “Didn’t you once claim to me that you were nearly always ri... |
said. “In the last few months, my father’s saved not only Sadeas’s life, but that of the king himself. He fights boldly. Surely you can see that previous rumors about him were absolutely unfounded.” “All right, all right,” Toral said. “No need to get upset, Adolin. We can all agree that your father is a wonderful man. ... |
forward. “You don’t think the warcamps are ignoring what happens to your father during highstorms, Adolin. Word is that he should abdicate because of it.” “That would be foolish,” Adolin said firmly. “Considering how much success he’s showing in battle.” “Stepping down would be far too much of an overreaction,” Danlan ... |
of the Outer Market or its lack of walls. He said that a raid could be catastrophic to it, that it violated the spirit of the Codes. But it had been years since the Parshendi had raided the Alethi side of the Plains. And if they did decide to strike at the warcamps, the scouts and guards would give ample warning. So wh... |
mark. “So, wait,” Sadeas said to him. “This man who wrote the book…” “Nohadon is his holy name. Others call him Bajerden, though we’re not certain whether that was actually his real name or not.” “He decided to walk from where to where?” “Abamabar to Urithiru,” Dalinar said. “I think it must have been a great distance,... |
“‘I removed my sandals and proffered my callused feet. They were comfortable upon the table beside my half-consumed tray of grapes. At this point, the expressions of my companions proclaimed that they thought me daft, and so I explained by relating the stories of my trip. One after another, like stacked sacks of tallew... |
get an awning or something set up out here?” “I like the sun,” Elhokar said. “I spend too much time locked away in those caves we call buildings.” Sadeas glanced at Dalinar, rolling his eyes. “Much of The Way of Kings is organized like that passage I quoted you,” Dalinar said. “A metaphor from Nohadon’s life—a real eve... |
never acted skeptical. He appreciated that. Should he thank her, or would she see that as an invitation? He averted his gaze from her, but found that he couldn’t watch the dueling swordsmen without catching sight of her in the corner of his eye. So, instead, he glanced up into the sky, squinting against the afternoon s... |
safe choice—steady. In a way, you avoid the issue of fashion by not playing the game.” He nodded to Vamah. “Vamah tries to play, but does so very poorly. And that is unforgivable.” “I still say you place too much importance on those silks and scarves,” Dalinar said. “We are soldiers at war, not courtiers at a ball.” “T... |
for practice and dueling another man for an insult, potentially leaving important officers wounded. Resi stood in Stonestance, his Shardblade held before him in two hands, point toward the sky, arms all the way extended. Adolin used Windstance, turned sideways slightly, hands before him and elbows bent, Shardblade poin... |
or holding Oathbringer. It was unnatural. And yet, the lending of the king’s Blade and Plate—or before the kingship had been restored, the lending of a highprince’s Blade and Plate—was a strong tradition. Even Gavilar had not broken it, though he had complained about it in private. Adolin dodged another blow, but he ha... |
question hadn’t been about his visions. And yet, Dalinar had the distinct impression that he was being a coward, at least in relation to his desire to abdicate. If he left because of what was happening to him, that would be taking the easy path. I can’t leave, he realized. No matter what happens. I have to see this thr... |
consider—” “This latest attempt on my life has me unsettled, Sadeas. Tell me. Have you made any progress in determining who put the weakened gems in my Plate?” “Not yet, Your Majesty.” “They’re trying to kill me,” Elhokar said softly, huddling down in his armor. “They’ll see me dead, like my father. Sometimes I do wond... |
you’ll arrive at the plateau to help me twice as quickly.” “What if you can’t distract the Parshendi well enough?” Dalinar asked. “What if they still set up archers to fire on my bridgemen when I cross?” “Then we’ll retreat,” Sadeas said with a sigh. “And we’ll call it a failed experiment. But at least we’ll have tried... |
It won’t budge, Teft.” Teft grunted and picked up one of the spheres. “Maybe we’re wrong about me,” Kaladin said. It seemed poetically appropriate that the moment he accepted this strange, frightening part of himself, he couldn’t make it work. “It could have been a trick of the sunlight.” “A trick of the sunlight,” Tef... |
were?” “I don’t actually know,” Teft said. “But the Immortal Words—these Ideals—guided everything they did. The four later Ideals were said to be different for every order of Radiants. But the First Ideal was the same for each of the ten: Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.” He hesi... |
old Vorinism. In fact, especially old Vorinism.” “That led to the Hierocracy. The devotaries and the ardents shouldn’t hold land or property. It’s too dangerous.” Teft snorted. “Why? You think they’d be worse at being in charge than the lighteyes?” “Well, you’ve probably got a point there.” Kaladin frowned. He’d spent ... |
of your time.” “Every bridge run,” Kaladin said. “You’re going to make us go on every one.” “Yes,” she said idly, tapping for her bearers to raise her. “Your team is just too good. It must be used. You’ll start full-time bridge duty tomorrow. Consider it an… honor.” Kaladin inhaled sharply to keep himself from saying w... |
but of course the older bridgeman hadn’t heard. “Gather the men,” Kaladin said. “We’re going down to our chasm duty.” “And what about what has happened?” Teft said. “Kaladin, we can’t go on that many bridge runs. We’ll be cut to pieces.” “I’m doing something about it today. Gather the men. Syl, I need something from yo... |
have felt eerie to walk through these darkened slots alone, but they didn’t bother Kaladin. This was a sacred place, the sarcophagus of the lowly, the burial cavern of bridgemen and spearmen who died upon lighteyed edicts, spilling blood down the sides of these ragged walls. This place wasn’t eerie; it was holy. He was... |
say, then who will fight for them? Nobody cares. Nobody…. What was it his father had said all those years ago? He did what he felt was right because someone had to start. Someone had to take the first step. Kaladin’s hand felt warm. He stopped in the chasm, closing his eyes. You couldn’t feel any heat from a sphere, us... |
him for.” “Bring him, please.” Syl sighed, but zipped away. She always got testy when he made her appear to someone other than him. Kaladin knelt down. Parshendi all looked so similar. That same square face, those blocky—almost rocklike—features. Some had the beards with bits of gemstone tied in them. Those glowed, but... |
the time. Do it every day with lighteyes.” Kaladin chuckled. “So what’s this all for?” Kaladin didn’t answer. He brought the breastplate over to the leather vest, then tied it onto the front with some of the leather straps. He did the same with the cap and the helm, though he eventually had to saw some grooves into the... |
more softly now. Eventually Syl landed on the side of the chasm, standing there as if in mockery of when Kaladin had tried to walk up the wall. Kaladin looked up at the shadow of a wooden bridge forty feet above. This was the shallowest chasm they’d been able to find; they tended to get deeper and deeper the farther ea... |
pressed the stone to the rock wall. It fixed in place, leaking Stormlight, clinging so strongly that he couldn’t pry it free. He tested his weight on it, and it held. He placed another one a little lower, then another a little higher. Then, wishing he had someone to burn him a prayer for success, he started climbing. H... |
sack to the bottom of the rope.” The rope wiggled, and a few moments later Lopen called up that it was done. Kaladin gripped the rope with his legs to hold himself in place, then used his hands to pull up the length underneath, hoisting up the sack full of armor. Using the rope on the short end of the knot, he slipped ... |
vanishing. He stood up straight. Lopen gaped. Kaladin felt an ache in his legs from hitting, but it was like that of having leaped four or five feet. “Like ten crashes of thunder on the mounts, gancho!” Lopen exclaimed. “That was incredible!” “Thank you,” Kaladin said. He raised a hand to his head, glancing at the rock... |
it belonged only to the Almighty himself. And Dalinar wondered how stormwardens could do their research without reading. They claimed they didn’t, but he’d seen their books filled with glyphs. Glyphs. They weren’t meant to be used in books; they were pictures. A man who had never seen one before could still understand ... |
find out who is trying to kill Elhokar.” “Mashala,” Renarin said, using the formal term for aunt. “That fabrial on your shoulder, what does it do?” Navani looked down at the device with a sly smile. Dalinar could see she’d been hoping one of them would ask. Dalinar sat down; the highstorm would be coming soon. “Oh, thi... |
we’ve discovered. The closest anyone has are those shields in Jah Keved. But as far as I can tell, they use a completely different design principle from regular Shardplate. The ancients must have had a wondrous grasp of engineering.” “No,” Dalinar said. “I’ve seen them, Navani. They’re… well, they’re ancient. Their tec... |
Dalinar asked carefully. “I don’t know if we can force them to do anything.” Their footsteps echoed in the empty room. Were there no guards, no attendants? “Their power… well, Alakavish proves the allure that Surgebinders have for the common people. If only there were a way to encourage them….” The man stopped, turning... |
Burning stations had been set up in the distance; they had begun cremating the corpses. “The others want to blame Alakavish. And true, if he hadn’t brought us to war before the Desolation, we might not have been broken this badly. But Alakavish was a symptom of a greater disease. When the Heralds next return, what will... |
turned and walked along the long balcony. It seemed to run around this entire level. Dalinar joined him, passing places where the stone was ripped, the railing broken away. “I haven’t faith in people any longer, old friend,” Nohadon said. “Put two men together, and they will find something to argue about. Gather them i... |
look out over the fields of dead. “You are right about one thing, at least, Nohadon. To be human is to want that which we cannot have.” The landscape darkened, the sun setting. That darkness enveloped him, and he closed his eyes. When he opened them, he was back in his rooms, standing with his hands on the back of a ch... |
while, listening to these visions. I thought the things you were saying had too much order to be gibberish.” She looked at Dalinar, smiling deeply. “Dalinar, you might just have cracked one of the most perplexing—and ancient— mysteries of all time.” “Wait,” Adolin said. “What are you saying?” “What I’m saying, nephew,”... |
Her writing board lay on the low table between them, reed and ink set carefully across the paper. “You intend to tell others?” Dalinar asked. “Of my visions?” “How else will we explain what is happening to you?” Dalinar hesitated. How could he explain? On one hand, it was relieving to know that he was not mad. But what... |
None of that removed the effects or my sense of guilt.” “I think you’d be surprised at how many devout lighteyes turn to the Old Magic at one point in their lives or another. The ones who can make their way to the Valley, at least. But I do wonder if this is related.” “Aunt,” Renarin said, turning to her. “I have recen... |
tyrants,” he said. “Perhaps that is the true purpose of the visions. To make me believe lies about the Radiants. Making me trust them, perhaps trying to lead me to mimic their downfall and betrayal.” “I don’t know,” Navani said, sounding skeptical. “I don’t think you’ve seen anything untrue about the Radiants. The lege... |
you didn’t trust your clerks, and you asked me to record the visions. There’s an implication in that.” Her hand was still on his arm. She reached out with her safehand and closed the door to the hallway. He almost stopped her, but he hesitated. Why? The door clicked closed. They were alone. And she was so beautiful. Th... |
He couldn’t remember his fear at the visions, his worry about Sadeas, his shame at past mistakes. He could only think of her. Beautiful, insightful, delicate yet strong at once. He clung to her, something he could hold onto as the rest of the world churned around him. Eventually, he broke the kiss. She looked up at him... |
took a deep breath, then forced himself to open his arms and pull back. “If you had hoped to soothe my worries for the day, then this didn’t help.” She folded her arms. He could still feel where her safehand had touched him on the back. A tender touch, reserved for a family member. “I’m not here to soothe you, Dalinar.... |
of sleep. They were drooping as they stood in line, and they hadn’t even reached the contested plateau yet. “Let it come,” Skar said quietly from the other side of the line. “They want us dead? Well, I’m not going to back down. We’ll show them what courage is. They can hide behind our bridges while we charge.” “That’s ... |
checking their armor, stretching, anticipationspren rising in the air like small streamers. The bridgemen set their bridge and stepped back. Kaladin noted Lopen and silent Dabbid approaching with their stretcher, waterskins and bandages inside. Lopen had hitched the stretcher to a hook at his waist, making up for his m... |
aggressive inverted wedge pattern, moving naturally—smoothly—as Kaladin had trained them. Each one made fists, giving the soldier ample chance to see that the heavy lifting had trained these men to a physical level beyond that of the average soldier. The man glanced back at his squad, as if looking for support. “Do you... |
have to.” Kaladin couldn’t see Rock’s face, not positioned under the bridge as they were, but his voice sounded troubled. “This thing you will try, is dangerous?” “Perhaps.” “Can I help?” “I’m afraid not, my friend. But it strengthens me to hear you ask.” Rock didn’t get a chance to reply. Matal yelled for the bridge c... |
began to seal up, frost crystallizing on his skin and Stormlight draining from him. He drew in more, infusing himself to the cusp of glowing visibly. He ducked, he dodged, he jumped, he ran. His battle-trained reflexes delighted in the newfound speed, and he used the shield to knock arrows out of the air. It was as if ... |
it.” Kaladin shrugged off their praise, his heart still pounding. He was numb. Amazed that he’d survived, cold from the Stormlight he’d consumed, exhausted as if he’d run a rigorous obstacle course. He looked to Teft, raising an eyebrow, nodding toward the pouch at his waist. Teft shook his head. He’d watched; the Stor... |
was doing,” Skar said. “With enough armor…” “We should have more than one,” Moash agreed. “Five or so, running around drawing the Parshendi attacks.” “The bones,” Rock said, folding his arms. “This is what made it work. The Parshendi were so mad that they ignored bridge crew. If all five wear the bones of Parshendi…” T... |
a few of us go out there with you. The bridge can manage with twenty-five, if it has to. That leaves us a few extra, just like Rock said. And I’ll bet some of those wounded from the other crews we saved are well enough to begin helping carry. They won’t dare send them back to their own crews, not so long as Bridge Four... |
The bridgemen clustered around, watching. He’d started training Rock, Drehy, and Skar already, but with all of them watching, Kaladin found himself explaining. “If you put pressure here, you can slow the blood flow. This isn’t too dangerous a wound, though it probably doesn’t feel too good…”—the patient grimaced his ag... |
Except, why raise the Blade toward Kaladin? “From now on,” Kaladin said, “we pull back farther after the soldiers cross. They used to ignore us after the battle began, but they won’t any longer. What I did today—what we’re all going to be doing soon—will make them mighty angry. Angry enough to be stupid, but also angry... |
hadn’t dared remove him. Not while he brought her so much praise from Sadeas. “How did an apprentice armorer end up as a bridgeman anyway?” Kaladin asked as Leyten settled back down to work. He was a thick-armed man, stout and oval-faced with light hair. “Craftsmen don’t usually get thrown away.” Leyten shrugged. “When... |
hanging by their cords from a cluster of haspers. Kaladin pulled a skin free, tossing it to Moash. The other man took a drink, then wiped his mouth. “You’re getting good,” Kaladin said. “You’re probably the best we have.” “Thanks,” Moash said. “I’ve noticed you keep training when Teft lets the other men take breaks. De... |
his old spear squad had been. Was running still the best option? “That is a worried face,” a rumbling voice noted. Kaladin turned as Rock walked up and leaned against the wall near him, folding powerful forearms. “Is the face of a leader, say I. Always troubled.” Rock raised a bushy red eyebrow. “Sadeas will never let ... |
Kaladin. “You’ve been a sergeant before, haven’t you?” “Never mind that. Come on, just show them a few simple routines.” “No, Teft,” Kaladin said, more seriously. Teft eyed him. “You going to refuse to fight on the battlefield, just like that Horneater?” “It’s not like that.” “Well what is it like?” Kaladin reached for... |
was often how our relationship worked; I would discover people Gavilar should know, then bring them to him. I didn’t realize until too late what I had done in giving you to him.” “‘Giving’ me? Is there a slave’s brand on my forehead of which I’ve been unaware?” “I did not mean—” “Oh hush,” Navani said, her voice sudden... |
we were matched intellectually?” Dalinar said dryly. “Hardly. But you were matched in temperament. For a time, after I got over trying to hate her, I thought that the four of us could be quite close. But you were so stiff toward me.” “I could not allow any further… lapses to make you think that I was still interested.”... |
long-fermenting love for her with his guilt at finally taking for himself what he’d long ago given up for his brother? “You are not a weak man, Dalinar,” Navani said. “I am. But weakness can imitate strength if bound properly, just as cowardice can imitate heroism if given nowhere to flee.” “But there’s nothing in Gavi... |
bellowed for their teams to line up. A wind whipped the air, blowing wood chips and bits of dried grass into the sky. Men yelled, bells rang. And into this chaos strode Bridge Four, Kaladin at their head. Despite the urgency, soldiers stopped, bridgemen gaped, carpenters and apprentices stilled. Thirty-five men marched... |
flexing the fingers of his Plated hand as the armorers moved to his other side. He didn’t know what the visions meant, or what the implications of those visions would be. His father was some kind of prophet, and that was daunting to consider. But for now, it was enough that Dalinar was not insane. It was time to trust ... |
troops, Dalinar,” Sadeas said. “Lots of them. How many men could you field, at maximum?” “On short notice?” Dalinar said. “Eight thousand, perhaps.” “It will have to do,” Sadeas said. “I’ve managed to mobilize about seven thousand. We’ll bring them all. Get your eight thousand to my camp, and we’ll take every one of my... |
blue or red were gathered, one color per plateau. Combined, they made for a larger force than Dalinar had ever seen brought against the Parshendi. The Parshendi numbers were as large as anticipated. There were at least ten thousand of them lining up. This would be a full-scale battle, the kind Dalinar had been hoping f... |
plateaus they’d use were on the middle of the west side; Sadeas would take the northern one and Dalinar would assault from one just below it, once Sadeas had cleared a landing for him. We need to push the Parshendi to the southeast, Dalinar thought, rubbing his chin, corner them there. Everything hinged on that. The ch... |
Despite Kaladin’s distraction, five bridges had been dropped, the men carrying them slaughtered. None of the soldiers rushing across the chasm had made any specific eff ort to attack the archers firing on Kaladin, but the weight of numbers had forced them away. A few gave Kaladin loathing gazes, making an odd gesture b... |
lost too much blood; there was no risking a sewing. But with the twist of the knife, Kaladin risked some bad scarring. That could leave the aging bridgeman with a stiff ness that would hurt his ability to wield a spear. Reluctantly, Kaladin pressed the knife into the wound, the flesh hissing and blood drying to black c... |
dominating a battlefield and the disappointment at lacking a worthy foe. Where were the Parshendi Shardbearers? He had seen that one in battle weeks ago. Why had he not reappeared? Would they commit so many men to the Tower without sending a Shardbearer? Something heavy hit his armor, banging off it, causing a small pu... |
potters reconstructing a fine ceramic that had been dropped. With a roar, Dalinar cut through the line of Parshendi, to where the Cobalt Guard was fighting to catch up to him. “We press them!” he bellowed. “Pass the word! All companies up the side of the Tower!” Soldiers raised spears and runners went to deliver his or... |
the Parshendi still fought, resisting Sadeas on one side and Dalinar’s force on the other. The eastern plateau edge was just a short distance to Dalinar’s right—he had come up against the Parshendi force like a spear, slicing it through the center, splitting it off to the north and south. Around him lay the dead. Many ... |
the Tower. “Father?” Adolin said, running after him. Dalinar climbed, seeking the top of the formation, dropping his Shardblade. He crested the rise and stood looking northward over his troops and the Parshendi. Northward, toward Sadeas. Adolin climbed up beside him, gauntleted hand slapping up his visor. “Oh no…” he w... |
have been wounded.” “Why would they withdraw the entire army for that?” Moash said. “You don’t think he is…” “His banner still flies,” Kaladin said. “So he’s probably not dead. Unless they left it up to keep the men from panicking.” He and Moash reached the side of the bridge. Behind, the rest of the crew hastened to f... |
little rise in the hillside and acting as a rock over which the oncoming Parshendi wave would have to break. Sadeas had planned this retreat well. His men hadn’t been having trouble; they’d been ordered to fight in a way that they could easily disengage. And he had a full forty bridges to retreat across. Together, that... |
were surrounding the forward position where Dalinar and Adolin fought just ahead of the army. They were overwhelming his guard. He jumped down and slew another pair of enemies, but earned another blow to his forearm in the process. The Parshendi swarmed around him, and Dalinar’s guard began to buckle. “Pull away!” he y... |
Would he have become the same pitiless killer he’d been as a youth? No. Did it matter that the visions had been wrong about Sadeas? Was he ashamed of the man that they, and the readings from the book, had made him become? The final piece fell into place inside of him, the final cornerstone, and he found that he was no ... |
your father did. Farewell. Bridge Four lagged behind the rest of the army. With two wounded and four men needed to carry them, the bridge weighed them down. Fortunately, Sadeas had brought nearly every bridge crew on this run, including eight to lend to Dalinar. That meant the army didn’t need to wait for Kaladin’s tea... |
the Alethi ring, compressing it. “Such a shame,” Drehy said from beside their bridge, sitting on its lip. “Makes me sick.” Other bridgemen nodded, and Kaladin was surprised to see the concern in their faces. Rock and Teft joined Kaladin and Moash, all wearing their Parshendi-carapace armor. He was glad they’d left Shen... |
Many of the others nodded. “I’ll follow,” Kaladin said. “We can’t leave those men behind.” “Kaladin, lad—” Teft began. “We can talk about me later,” Kaladin interrupted. “Maybe I’ll go with you, then sneak back into camp later to rescue the wounded. For now, go salvage from those bodies.” They hesitated. “It’s an order... |
go. Kaladin tried to squelch the feeling of despair inside him. This Dalinar Kholin was probably just like the others. Like Roshone, like Sadeas, like any number of other lighteyes. Pretending virtue but corrupted inside. But he has thousands of darkeyed soldiers with him, a part of him thought. Men who don’t deserve t... |
sucked in a deep breath. Stormlight rushed into him like a wave, as if he’d put his lips up to a highstorm and drawn it into himself. “Bridge up!” he commanded. The members of Bridge Four cheered their agreement, grabbing their bridge and hoisting it high. Kaladin pulled on a shield, grabbing the straps in his hand. Th... |
in that just-out-of-reach tandem way of two Shardbearers. Sweat streamed down his face inside his helm, and he shot a final glance toward the disappearing army. It was just barely visible on the horizon. Dalinar’s current position gave him a good view down to the west. Let that man be cursed for… For… Blood of my fathe... |
Kaladin charged into it with eyes wide open. This is my choice, he thought as the Parshendi archers formed up. It’s not some angry god watching me, not some spren playing tricks, not some twist of fate. It’s me. I chose to follow Tien. I chose to charge the Shardbearer and save Amaram. I chose to escape the slave pits.... |
still. Kaladin blinked, feeling completely drained. His body hurt, his arms tingled, his back ached. There was a sharp pain in his wrist. He groaned, opening his eyes, stumbling as Rock’s hands caught him from behind. A muted thump. The bridge being set down. Idiots! Kaladin thought. Don’t set it down…. Retreat…. The b... |
did something to yourself back there. I don’t know… I…” He cursed again, smacking his hand against the stone. “I should have listened. Idiot!” They’d laid him on his side, and he could barely see the Tower. New groups of Parshendi—ones who hadn’t seen Kaladin’s display—were making for the chasm, bearing weapons. Bridge... |
Away from those screams, the cacophony of metal on metal, metal on wood, metal on flesh. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block it out. No, he thought. Open your eyes. Don’t let them find you and kill you that easily. He forced his eyes open, then turned and peeked out over the battlefield. It was a complete mess. ... |
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