43. The Wretch
Contains spoilersOverview
Hashal and Matal take over the bridge crews, assigning Bridge Four to permanent chasm duty. Beaten and despondent, Kaladin spirals toward apathy until the Radiants’ creed inspires him. He rejects despair, proposing a dangerous escape plan: train the bridgemen as spearmen, strike a guard post, and flee.
Summary
Kaladin wakes in dread, convinced that training and endurance cannot change the bridgemen’s fate as bait. A palanquin arrives bearing Brightness Hashal, with Brightlord Matal silent at her side. Hashal declares stricter oversight, has a soldier strike Kaladin for insolence, and assigns Bridge Four to permanent chasm duty when not running bridges.
In the oppressive chasms, Kaladin wrestles with despair as Syl hints at hazy memories of aiding killers. The crew discovers a heap of rotting corpses and salvages gear. Pressed by Teft and overheard by the men, Kaladin admits he sees no hope. The bridgemen argue about the Lost Radiants and their creed, while Kaladin withdraws into darkness, haunted by past failures.
Alone, Kaladin meditates on “Life before death, Strength before weakness, Journey before destination,” realizing that the struggle itself matters. Rejecting the numb “wretch” he once became, he chooses to act despite likely failure and returns to the others with renewed purpose.
Kaladin proposes a perilous plan: train Bridge Four with salvaged spears, assault a guard post at night, and escape the warcamp, accepting that Sadeas will pursue them. Teft, Moash, and Sigzil volunteer; Rock pledges to support as cook, and Dunny joins, followed by others. Kaladin begins outlining training and the escape strategy.
Who Appears
- Kaladin
Bridgeman leader; beaten, descends into despair, then resolves to train Bridge Four and attempt an escape.
- Syl
Spren companion; recalls faintly helping men kill, encourages Kaladin with the Radiants’ creed.
- Brightness Hashal
New overseer; announces strict control, assigns Bridge Four permanent chasm duty, orders a soldier to strike Kaladin.
- Brightlord Matal
New bridge captain; silent, reputedly requested the assignment, accompanies Hashal.
- Teft
Veteran bridgeman; challenges Kaladin, quotes Radiant ideals, first to volunteer for the escape.
- Moash
Cynical bridgeman; doubts hope yet eagerly volunteers to fight in the escape plan.
- Sigzil
Azish bridgeman; explains the Radiants’ creed and volunteers to fight.
- Rock
Horneater cook; buoyant support, refuses to fight but pledges to feed the men.
- Gaz
Bridge sergeant; subservient to Hashal, implements orders for chasm duty.
- Skar
Bridgeman; argues the Radiants betrayed humanity, voices the crew’s doubts.
- Dunny
Young bridgeman; volunteers to fight under Kaladin’s plan.
- Peet
Bridgeman; anxious about chasm duty after Hashal’s decree.
- Hobber
Bridgeman; reacts to the new overseers and the assignment.
- Maps
Bridgeman; grimly accepts likely death, supports attempting the escape.
- Earless Jaks
Bridgeman; worries about guarded exits and the risks of fleeing.