37. The Last Time We March
Contains spoilersOverview
On the Shattered Plains, Kaladin begins training Windrunner squires while Rock cooks and reflects on Bridge Four’s bond. Elhokar personally secures Kaladin’s agreement to help retake Kholinar. Visiting spren observe as Hobber draws Stormlight and heals. After rescuing a raided caravan, Rock reunites with his family, and Bridge Four carries their bridge one final, ceremonial run.
Summary
Rock cooks on the Shattered Plains while Kaladin begins training Windrunner squires drawn from Bridge Four and others. Teft is missing, Lopen is already glowing, and Kaladin urges everyone to learn to draw Stormlight. Kaladin gently encourages Hobber to try and speaks with Rock about Horneater customs. King Elhokar arrives and persuades Kaladin to accompany him to reclaim Kholinar after several weeks of training.
Renarin finishes Oathgate duties and joins Rock to knead bread. Feeling out of place as a Truthwatcher, Renarin admits he struggles with Illumination. Rock reframes Bridge Four as a family, not just Windrunners, and nudges Renarin to sit with the often-overlooked Rlain, which Renarin does.
A host of Radiant spren gathers to watch the training; Rock offers spheres in reverence as Syl comments on her kin. Hobber concentrates, draws in Stormlight, and restores sensation and use to his legs, prompting jubilant celebration among Bridge Four.
Spotting smoke, Kaladin flies ahead while the others sprint with their salvaged bridge in a last, astonishing run. They reach a caravan devastated by a Voidbringer raid; Fused retreat skyward. Amid the wreckage, Rock discovers his family barricaded behind furniture and reunites with them in tears.
Adolin and troops arrive as Renarin heals the wounded. Rock tells Tuaka he is now a chef; she warns something is wrong in the Peaks. Kaladin offers his own rooms to house the family. Rock declares this the final march of their bridge; Bridge Four carries it reverently one last time, signaling their transition to new Radiant roles and forthcoming missions, including Kholinar.
Who Appears
- Numuhukumakiaki’aialunamor (Rock)
Horneater cook; counsels Renarin, honors spren, reunites with family, and leads Bridge Four’s final bridge run.
- Kaladin Stormblessed
Windrunner captain; trains squires, supports Hobber, agrees to help retake Kholinar, and leads the rescue.
- Hobber
Formerly paralyzed bridgeman who draws Stormlight and regains the use of his legs.
- Elhokar Kholin
King of Alethkar; personally asks Kaladin to fly with him to reclaim Kholinar.
- Renarin Kholin
Truthwatcher; struggles with Illumination, bonds with Rlain, later heals caravan wounded.
- Lopen
Boisterous bridgeman; already glowing, jokes through training, and helps arm the rescue.
- Sylphrena
Honorspren; comments on gathered spren observing training and banters with Rock.
- Huio
Herdazian bridgeman; spices the shiki to acclaim, glows with Stormlight, assists cooking.
- Skar
Spearman and teacher; helps Rock learn to draw Stormlight despite his own doubts.
- Drehy
Bridgeman; helps Hobber stand and assesses the Voidbringer raid.
- Peet
Glowing bridgeman; leads a squad and supports Hobber during recovery.
- Rlain
Parshendi bridgeman; often overlooked; Renarin sits with him in quiet solidarity.
- Tuaka’li’na’calmi’nor (Song)
Rock’s wife; arrives with their children, warns of troubles in the Peaks.
- Adolin Kholin
Arrives with troops to secure the caravan as Renarin heals survivors.
- Dabbid
Mute bridgeman; stirs stew and helps distribute gear during the rescue.