The Way of Kings
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
40. Eyes of Red and Blue
Overview
Kaladin wakes miraculously healed after ten days and rejoins Bridge Four. Observing a plateau assault, he concludes bridgemen are intentionally used as bait, explaining the ban on shields. That realization erodes his hope, even as the crew honors Rock with a gift and Sigzil’s parable underscores their grim odds.
Summary
Kaladin staggers outside after ten days of fever and a highstorm, shocked to find most wounds nearly healed. Bridge Four greets him with reverence, having started calling him “captain.” Horns summon them to duty; too weak to carry, Kaladin joins Lopen and Dabbid as water-bearers.
At a chasm edge, he watches Sadeas’s soldiers clash with Parshendi defending a chasmfiend chrysalis. With Rock and Sigzil, Kaladin studies tactics and realizes bridgemen are deliberately kept unprotected as bait to absorb Parshendi arrows, preserving trained troops. He notes Parshendi fight in pairs while Alethi discipline grinds out a grim victory.
That evening by the fire, Syl returns, flitting around Kaladin, while he wrestles with the futility of their role. The men celebrate his recovery and morale is high. Maps presents Rock with a razor, mirror, soap, and strop bought by the crew; Rock is moved to tears, shaves into a distinctive style, and offers the razor to all.
Seeking clarity, Kaladin speaks with the educated Sigzil, who shares the Marabethian saying “eyes of red and blue,” from a practice of using condemned criminals as bait—an image for prisoners clinging to false hope. Sigzil suggests Kaladin’s leadership provides comfort, even if it only eases their last days. Kaladin cannot refute it; the realization that bridgemen are meant to die deepens his despair, and he fears slipping back into the hopeless wretch he once was.
Who Appears
- KaladinMiraculously recovers in ten days, returns to duty, deduces bridgemen are bait, and wrestles with deepening despair.
- SigzilEducated bridgeman; analyzes tactics, suggests Parshendi need gemstones, and shares the ‘eyes of red and blue’ parable.
- RockActs as de facto squadleader and cook; receives a razor gift, is moved, shaves, and shares the razor.
- LopenWatches over Kaladin, partners on water duty, and supports the crew’s playful promotion titles.
- TeftWary but supportive; observes Kaladin’s recovery and steadies crew morale.
- MoashFirst to spot Kaladin recovered; reports two recent deaths and helps organize the crew.
- SylReturns to Kaladin’s side, playful but silent about her absence; a subtle comfort amid his despair.
- MapsLeads a tribute to Rock, presenting the crew’s gift and boosting camaraderie.
- DunnyServes stew in Rock’s absence; worries if the gift was appropriate.
- PeetNotes the mirror and sharpening strop included with Rock’s razor.
- HobberRecently healed enough to practice; part of the strengthened crew.
- DabbidSilent bridgeman; joins Kaladin and Lopen on water duty.
- SkarJokes about serving stew, adding to the crew’s buoyant mood.
- NatamConfirms the duty call, keeping the crew on task.
- BisigNearly spills stew when Rock hugs him during the celebration.