The Way of Kings
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
63. Fear
Overview
Bridge Four formalizes their survival tactics by crafting Parshendi carapace armor for the entire crew and intensifying night training. Moash swears to guard Kaladin, while Rock urges an escape plan. Teft challenges Kaladin to fight, prompting Kaladin to admit fear of fully taking up the spear again.
Summary
In the chasms, Kaladin oversees Leyten’s crafting of Parshendi carapace into lightweight armor. He orders enough for the entire crew, leveraging Hashal’s lowered scavenging quotas and her willingness to claim credit. Night training continues by sphere light, with Teft running drills and Kaladin circulating to correct stances and technique.
Kaladin notes Moash’s rapid progress and relentless dedication. When asked, Moash reveals his goal is vengeance and swears to guard Kaladin with his life, restoring purpose he thought lost. Kaladin counsels moderation, recalling his own obsessive training after Tien’s death.
Weighing escape versus endurance, Kaladin worries that Sadeas will never let them go and that constant runs will eventually kill the crew. Rock suggests devising a real plan—false trails or faked deaths—and goes to confer with Sigzil on possibilities, while the men continue sparring under Teft’s supervision.
When urged to demonstrate his skill, Kaladin refuses to spar. Teft reads his reluctance as fear born of past failure. Kaladin admits he hesitates to take up the spear fully, knowing once he does there will be no turning back, and recognizing the men will soon need him at his best.
Who Appears
- KaladinBridgeleader; directs armor crafting, trains crew, debates escape, refuses to spar, admits fear of taking up the spear.
- TeftSecond-in-command; leads spear practice and confronts Kaladin about hesitating to fight again.
- MoashTop trainee; driven by vengeance, he swears to guard Kaladin with his life.
- LeytenFormer armorer’s apprentice crafting Parshendi carapace armor for the entire crew.
- RockHorneater cook; advises Kaladin and proposes plans to fake deaths and escape.
- HashalTaskmaster claiming credit for the armor idea, easing quotas while fearing Kaladin’s next move.
- SigzilAzish bridgeman; helps plan escape, trains quietly, avoids discussing Hoid.
- SkarSkilled fighter who asks Kaladin to spar during advanced practice.
- SylWindspren companion, flits about and leads salvagers through the chasms.
- LopenLively bridgeman hauling salvage for armor-making efforts.