63. Fear

Contains spoilers

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

  • Kaladin
    Bridgeleader; directs armor crafting, trains crew, debates escape, refuses to spar, admits fear of taking up the spear.
  • Teft
    Second-in-command; leads spear practice and confronts Kaladin about hesitating to fight again.
  • Moash
    Top trainee; driven by vengeance, he swears to guard Kaladin with his life.
  • Leyten
    Former armorer’s apprentice crafting Parshendi carapace armor for the entire crew.
  • Rock
    Horneater cook; advises Kaladin and proposes plans to fake deaths and escape.
  • Hashal
    Taskmaster claiming credit for the armor idea, easing quotas while fearing Kaladin’s next move.
  • Sigzil
    Azish bridgeman; helps plan escape, trains quietly, avoids discussing Hoid.
  • Skar
    Skilled fighter who asks Kaladin to spar during advanced practice.
  • Syl
    Windspren companion, flits about and leads salvagers through the chasms.
  • Lopen
    Lively bridgeman hauling salvage for armor-making efforts.
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