Words of Radiance
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
Folio: Contemporary Male Fashion
Overview
During a highstorm, Kaladin guards the royals, glimpses unsettling red light outside, and hears Dalinar’s plan to target duels toward undermining Sadeas. Kaladin confesses Amaram’s past betrayal; Dalinar withholds judgment, straining their trust. Back with Bridge Four, a Herdazian cousin joins, Shen protests his bondage—and a warning arrives of an assassin targeting the king.
Summary
As a highstorm rages, Kaladin guards King Elhokar alongside Adolin, Renarin, and Idrin. The window shutters rattle and a steady, faint red light—like eyes—glows outside before fading. Inside, Renarin remarks on Navani’s heating fabrial, while Dalinar and Navani seclude themselves during the storm, prompting Kaladin to watch for the mysterious post-storm wall numbers.
After the storm, Dalinar reports a repeated vision and shifts the discussion to Adolin’s stalled duels. Dalinar outlines a focused strategy: target matches to undermine Sadeas rather than fight broadly, hoping to demonstrate the benefits of unity. Amaram’s name surfaces as a possible defector, which unsettles Kaladin. He rotates exhausted guards and moves to escort Dalinar.
On the descent, Kaladin reveals his past: he killed a Shardbearer, Amaram seized the Shards, ordered witnesses slain, and sold Kaladin as a slave. Dalinar, incredulous yet measured, asks for proof and promises to speak with Amaram, then cautions Kaladin about insubordination and dismisses him. Bitter, Kaladin vows to seek his own justice, while Syl warns he is not a Skybreaker.
Back at Bridge Four, routine resumes. Lopen introduces his cousin Punio, a cheerful Herdazian deserter whom Kaladin—short on men—accepts. Shen confronts Kaladin, asking for a spear and asserting he is Bridge Four’s slave, not a true member. Weighing political fallout, Kaladin refuses to arm a parshman, and Shen withdraws, resigned.
The calm shatters as Natam arrives breathless from the palace with urgent news: “The king! An assassin.”
Who Appears
- Kaladin StormblessedBodyguards the royals in a highstorm, sees red light, accuses Amaram, wrestles with justice, refuses Shen a spear.
- Dalinar KholinEmerges from visions, steers duel strategy against Sadeas, doubts Kaladin’s claim yet promises to question Amaram.
- Adolin KholinPeruses fashion sketches, seeks duels, agrees to targeted challenges, departs under Bridge Four escort.
- King Elhokar KholinRestless during the highstorm, complains about shutters; later becomes the target of an assassin.
- Navani KholinStays with Dalinar during the storm, associated with a heating fabrial, advises on duel prospects.
- Renarin KholinQuietly observes, comments on the fabrial, carries a Shardblade-in-bonding, follows Adolin.
- Sylphrena (Syl)Flits playfully post-storm; warns Kaladin he’s not a Skybreaker, urging restraint and honor.
- ShenParshman bridgeman who asks for a spear, declares himself a slave, and is refused.
- LopenBrings his cousin Punio into Bridge Four, cheerfully expanding the ranks.
- PunioHerdazian deserter from Roion’s army; joins Bridge Four enthusiastically at Lopen’s urging.
- IdrinHead of the King’s Guard, stoic during the storm, longing for action on plateau runs.
- MoashOverworked on dual shifts; debates rest with Kaladin and rotates off duty.
- NatamBridge Four guard who brings the urgent warning about an assassin targeting the king.
- SkarBridge Four veteran who breaks off to escort Adolin and Renarin.
- BisigBridge Four member seen resting after earlier duty; noted by Kaladin.