Kaladin inspects Dalinar’s lighteyes-only practice grounds with Bridge Four men and former Cobalt Guards, assigning watch posts and worrying about how easily an assassin could strike. He spars verbally with an ardent over access and observes lighteyes practicing with the King’s Shardblades, noting many are unskilled. Moash presses about Amaram; Kaladin admits Amaram’s betrayal and agrees revenge is coming, while Syl urges Kaladin to be fair about Dalinar.

As Kaladin patrols, he wrestles with two threats: the mysterious countdown glyphs that reappear during highstorms in Dalinar’s rooms and Syl’s sightings of red lightning spren. He evaluates the ardents—many are capable fighters—and continues securing entrances and vantage points. Adolin and Renarin arrive in Plate to begin training; Adolin brusquely warns Kaladin to remember his place, and Kaladin coolly affirms his duty is keeping them alive.

Kaladin and Syl debate Shardblades and the fallen Knights Radiant. Syl calls current Blades abominations because “the knights changed,” but cannot explain more. Renarin, untrained due to past health issues, must be chosen by a master from among the ardents. Kaladin notices a watchful stranger and confronts him—Zahel, a rough-voiced ex-soldier ardent—who explains the master-selection process and Renarin’s unusual lateness to it.

Adolin calls out to Zahel, who reluctantly steps forward to take Renarin. With Renarin’s training arranged, Kaladin resumes rounds, planning to check on his men and any updates from Teft, while Syl teases him, lightening the moment even as the countdown mystery and class tensions linger.