In Roshone’s manor, Kaladin halts a confrontation after punching the brightlord. Embarrassed but resolute, he apologizes, then asserts authority by summoning Syl as a Shardblade, silencing resistance and moving the discussion to the library. There, guards report the parshmen transformed during the strange storm, broke out, and fled without attacking.

Kaladin concludes the enemy has a broader objective. He requests maps, horses, and a spanreed, pays generously, and—after a brief debate with Syl about wielding her as a weapon—confronts Roshone to lead and prepare Hearthstone for returning Everstorms with double-sloped shelters or secure refuge.

Laral arrives, composed and in charge, arranging the spanreed and rebuking Kaladin’s insults of her husband. Kaladin then assists Lirin with the wounded, where Lirin laments that war makes Kaladin a killer; Kaladin embraces his role as a “watcher at the rim,” determined to protect.

Through Laral’s spanreed, Kaladin authenticates himself to Navani and Dalinar, reports the situation, and receives orders to scout cautiously and send a nightly glyph. He learns some spheres were infused by the recent irregular highstorm, meets his infant brother Oroden, and trades with townsfolk to gather a pouch of Stormlight.

Kaladin urges his parents to evacuate; Lirin refuses, choosing to remain for his patients, though Hesina may go. Addressing the crowded hall, Kaladin announces the Desolation and the refounded Knights Radiant, demonstrates Lashing and a Shardspear, then departs into the rain toward Stringken to resupply and begin scouting the Voidbringers.