55. Alone Together
Contains spoilersOverview
Rlain mourns the loss of the listeners and struggles with isolation as humans fortify Narak and Bridge Four advances without him. A discussion about Renarin’s reading exposes shifting norms, and Rock prompts the team to admit private fears. Despite the group’s bonding, Rlain remains unseen until Kaladin invites him to share his feelings.
Summary
Rlain sits alone on the Shattered Plains, attuning the rhythms and mourning the listeners as humans convert Narak into a fortress. He reflects on being the last of his people and an oddity among Bridge Four, resenting that others encouraged Skar’s growth but seem wary of Rlain ever drawing Stormlight.
Joining the training plateau, Rlain endures teasing and well-meaning ignorance, then field questions about continuing singer raids. He explains that his people hid from the old powers and that the Fused are his enemies too. The Windrunners land from patrol with a chrysalis gemstone, and casual banter underscores how distant Rlain feels from the camaraderie he loves.
The talk shifts when Skar raises Renarin’s time with scribes, implying he is learning to read. Kaladin argues that expectations are changing—Bridge Four already includes women soldiers—and urges acceptance. Rlain, observing humans as trapped in “mateform” concerns, silently approves Kaladin’s stance.
Rock invites confessions about not fitting in. Several men admit private struggles: fear of heights, language embarrassment, nightmares from Urithiru, worries about keeping up, and Teft’s gruff resistance to vulnerability. Rock refuses to fight and suggests they can feel “alone together,” which comforts most of the crew.
Rlain, however, still feels unseen—his alienation as a lone listener eclipses their concerns. When Kaladin tries to give him time off, Rlain bristles, and Kaladin instead sits beside him and asks how he truly feels. Rlain resolves to try to explain.
Who Appears
- Rlain
Listener bridgeman mourning his lost people; feels sidelined in Bridge Four; asked to share feelings.
- Kaladin Stormblessed
Bridge Four captain; ends patrols, defends changing norms, and invites Rlain to open up.
- Rock (Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor)
Horneater cook who prompts the team’s vulnerability circle and reaffirms he will not fight.
- Teft
Drills Windrunners; gruff about sharing feelings; continues leading aerial training.
- Skar
Newly competent flier; raises Renarin’s reading, spurring debate on changing roles.
- Eth
Joking bridgeman who prods Rlain about singer raids and reacts to Rock’s “cremling juice.”
- Yake
Teases Rlain and asks for insight on singer tactics; part of the training group.
- Drehy
Objects that reading is feminine; becomes example in Kaladin’s argument about shifting norms.
- Sigzil
Notes patrol range limits; admits feeling he doesn’t fit as changes accelerate.
- Lopen
Returns juggling a massive gemstone; odd behavior while the group talks.
- Leyten
Comments on the Plains’ scale from the air; admits nightmares from Urithiru.
- Hobber
Rough landings; confesses fear of not keeping up with changes.
- Natam
Notes Renarin’s time with scribes; comforts Teft during the sharing.
- Huio
Admits language struggles make him feel isolated within the team.
- Torfin
Confesses fear of heights despite being a Windrunner trainee.