At dawn, Kaladin wakes Bridge Four and orders them to form ranks for training, declaring his goal to keep every man alive. The men scoff, and Gaz loudly denies Kaladin has authority off the field; Bridge Four disperses, leaving Kaladin isolated. Determined, Kaladin decides he must earn authority from the men, not from rank.

Kaladin corners Gaz on payday, forces him to hand over the full wages, then immediately gives one mark back as a weekly payment, framing it as a gift to ensure Gaz does not interfere. He confirms the day’s duties—afternoon bridge shift and evening kitchen cleanup—then resolves to act within his limited freedom.

To demonstrate commitment, Kaladin borrows a heavy bridge plank and spends hours running the lumberyard, practicing carries and endurance. Workers and bridgemen gather to watch; Rock even wagers the plank is a trick, but Kaladin proves its weight. He dismisses the crew with clear expectations for afternoon duty and the evening chore, then collapses in an alley from exhaustion.

Syl visits as Kaladin recovers. She praises him for keeping his word to Gaz, then anxiously admits she is changing—now understanding lying and death—and recalls Kaladin’s intent to kill himself after the highstorm. Kaladin acknowledges the truth, credits Syl with stopping him, and notes that authority must be granted by men, not rank.

They agree to keep moving forward: Syl will watch over him, and Kaladin will continue building endurance and credibility to lead Bridge Four, even without formal power.