Five years earlier, during the unending rains of the Weeping, Kaladin patches his family’s roof in Hearthstone. Tien joins him and gifts a finely carved wooden horse, briefly lifting Kaladin’s gloom. Hesina arrives and reveals that the family has been deliberately spending spheres to make Roshone think they are yielding while secretly planning to send Kaladin to Kharbranth with a stipend. She encourages Kaladin to see broader possibilities, but he reaffirms his desire to become a surgeon.

Lirin summons them to a town gathering. Roshone appears with Highmarshal Amaram and Laral, who wears a bride’s prayer, signaling her impending marriage to Roshone. Kaladin is outraged but is restrained by Lirin, who insists it is not their affair.

Amaram announces recruitment for border defense, taking volunteers first. A few townsmen step forward. Then, citing legal authority, Roshone has his steward’s wife read a conscription list. Though Lirin and Kaladin are exempt as surgeon and apprentice, Tien is named. The choice is a calculated act of revenge for Rillir’s death, and Tien is visibly terrified. Amaram, pressed by time and duty, promises only to make Tien a runner initially.

Watching his brother’s fear, Kaladin decides to act. He first asks to take Tien’s place and, when refused, volunteers himself to accompany Tien so he will not be alone. Amaram accepts. Roshone departs satisfied, while Lirin and Hesina break down in tears. Kaladin promises—by storms and the Almighty’s name—to bring Tien home safely after four years, setting his path toward soldiering.