A flashback shows Kaladin on cleaning duty in Amaram’s army after freezing during practice. Sergeant Tukks counsels him that many recruits hesitate and urges Kaladin to fight for his squadmates. Tukks locates Tien in another unit, heightening Kaladin’s protective worry. The advice helps Kaladin integrate socially with the squad.

Privately, Kaladin recognizes the true cause of his freeze: not fear of injury, but terror at realizing he could hurt and even kill. The revelation unsettles him, shaping his moral hesitation around violence.

In Shadesmar, Kaladin sits sleepless on an obsidian outcrop, observed by strange spren. Syl joins him, full-sized and tangible here, and they discuss spren nature: spren think freely in Shadesmar but require human bonds to remain sentient in the Physical. Her presence comforts him, though she worries something is wrong within him.

Kaladin asks if Syl can return to the Physical Realm to warn Dalinar about the Oathgates, but she explains she cannot transfer while bonded and accompanying him. Kaladin deflects with practical concerns—weapons and supplies—yet admits that encountering Sah and Moash in Kholinar shocked him and contributed to his catatonia.

As the others stir, Kaladin pulls himself together, resolved to continue despite lingering turmoil, while Syl remains vigilant, sensing his internal strain.