Kaladin watches the Shattered Plains at night, uneasy with newfound freedom and questioning if killing to protect contradicts his ideals. Syl admits Shardblades feel wrong to her and that the killing during the rescue pained her, deepening Kaladin’s moral conflict about slaughtering Parshendi to save Alethi lives.

Dalinar arrives and, acknowledging Kaladin’s leadership during the rescue, offers him a dangerous assignment: protect Dalinar and his family while he upends the warcamps’ politics. Kaladin negotiates firm terms—autonomy, resources, pay, limited superiors, and time to train men for policing rather than plateau runs. Dalinar appoints him captain, places him outside the normal chain of command, and gifts his blue cloak, subtly warning of a coming Desolation.

Kaladin returns to Bridge Four’s new barracks, finding the men gathered around Rock’s stew. They discuss the day’s miracles, pressing Kaladin about the powers they witnessed. He demonstrates by drawing in Stormlight from a sphere, explaining his limited understanding—enhanced speed and strength, healing, adhesion, and lashing arrows.

The men react with acceptance rather than fear, swearing to keep his abilities secret and asking to help. Sigzil proposes controlled tests to measure capabilities; others suggest practical experiments, cementing a plan to study his Surgebinding together while maintaining discretion.

As the camaraderie settles, Kaladin reflects on the three fallen bridgemen and the many he helped save. Despite grief, he takes solace in finally protecting lives, and contemplates leading the bridgemen into a new purpose under Dalinar’s command.