56. Whitespine Uncaged
Contains spoilersOverview
Adolin is trapped by a legal technicality into a four-on-one disadvantaged duel orchestrated by Relis’s faction. He fights ferociously but is overwhelmed as the highjudge refuses to intervene and his surrender is ignored. Renarin rushes in without Plate and is used as leverage. With Dalinar constrained and Amaram inactive, Kaladin declares honor dead and jumps to the sands to help.
Summary
Kaladin organizes heavy security for a high-profile duel attended by Dalinar, Elhokar, Navani, and Amaram, wary of assassins and suspicious of Amaram’s posturing. He orders guards for Shallan and confronts Moash about the plot with Graves, attempting to send him on a distant patrol, but Moash resists and delays the discussion.
In the preparation room, Adolin readies himself, receiving quiet support from Navani and Renarin, though he discovers he lacks his mother’s good-luck chain. He enters the arena expecting a two-on-one, intending to challenge Sadeas after. Instead, four Shardbearers appear: Relis, Elit, Abrobadar, and Jakamav. Sadeas reveals a technicality—Adolin agreed to face “whomever” Relis brought—making it a full disadvantaged duel. Adolin proceeds rather than forfeit everything.
Adolin initially dominates by attacking with relentless aggression, rattling Relis and Elit and driving back Abrobadar under Zahel’s shouted advice. But Jakamav blindsides him; coordinated blows crack his Plate and break his momentum. When Adolin tries to yield, the quartet ignores him. Dalinar considers joining but is cautioned by Elhokar that it is a trap.
Renarin, unarmored, enters with a shaky Shardblade and engages Abrobadar. Relis uses Renarin’s safety as leverage, threatening “accidents” if Adolin surrenders or the bout is called. Dalinar appeals to Highjudge Istow, who refuses to stop the match, and then to the watching lighteyes. Amaram looks away. Adolin’s pauldron shatters, exposing him to mortal danger.
As the crowd watches, Dalinar laments the loss of honor. Kaladin answers, “Honor is dead,” asks Dalinar to look after Bridge Four if needed, then leaps to the sands—spear in hand—to aid the Kholins.
Who Appears
- Adolin Kholin
Duelist trapped by a rule technicality into a four-on-one; fights fiercely, surrender ignored, armor breached.
- Kaladin Stormblessed
Sets stringent security, clashes with Moash, refuses Amaram, then leaps into the arena to aid Adolin and Renarin.
- Dalinar Kholin
Recognizes the trap, appeals to judge and crowd, restrained by Elhokar’s caution, laments lost honor.
- Relis Ruthar
Leads the opposing team; exploits wording to stack odds, threatens Renarin’s safety to force the fight.
- Elit
Relis’s cousin in the King’s Plate; wields a hammer; helps overwhelm Adolin.
- Jakamav
Adolin’s former friend who joins the ambush team; key to breaking Adolin’s stance.
- Abrobadar
Shardbearer from Aladar’s camp; engages Renarin and is used as leverage against Adolin.
- Renarin Kholin
Joins unarmored with shaky Blade; suffers a fit; becomes leverage to coerce Adolin.
- Elhokar Kholin
Warns Dalinar not to enter the trap; refuses to risk his Blade.
- Torol Sadeas
Taunts Dalinar, highlights loopholes, orchestrates conditions but denies direct involvement.
- Brightness Istow
Highjudge who refuses to call the duel despite clear endangerment and ignored surrender.
- Amaram
Attends in Radiant-cloaked prestige; refuses to step in when Dalinar appeals.
- Moash
Defies Kaladin’s order to take a distant patrol, still sympathetic to Graves’s plot.
- Sigzil
Aids security planning; urges Kaladin to reveal powers publicly; confirms Amaram shows none.
- Navani Kholin
Worried in the preparation room; offers support; notes Shallan’s glyphward.
- Syl
Warns Kaladin not to let Amaram ruin him; accompanies him.
- Zahel
From the stands, coaches Adolin to press the attack, spurring early success.