Words of Radiance
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
56. Whitespine Uncaged
Overview
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 KholinDuelist trapped by a rule technicality into a four-on-one; fights fiercely, surrender ignored, armor breached.
- Kaladin StormblessedSets stringent security, clashes with Moash, refuses Amaram, then leaps into the arena to aid Adolin and Renarin.
- Dalinar KholinRecognizes the trap, appeals to judge and crowd, restrained by Elhokar’s caution, laments lost honor.
- Relis RutharLeads the opposing team; exploits wording to stack odds, threatens Renarin’s safety to force the fight.
- ElitRelis’s cousin in the King’s Plate; wields a hammer; helps overwhelm Adolin.
- JakamavAdolin’s former friend who joins the ambush team; key to breaking Adolin’s stance.
- AbrobadarShardbearer from Aladar’s camp; engages Renarin and is used as leverage against Adolin.
- Renarin KholinJoins unarmored with shaky Blade; suffers a fit; becomes leverage to coerce Adolin.
- Elhokar KholinWarns Dalinar not to enter the trap; refuses to risk his Blade.
- Torol SadeasTaunts Dalinar, highlights loopholes, orchestrates conditions but denies direct involvement.
- Brightness IstowHighjudge who refuses to call the duel despite clear endangerment and ignored surrender.
- AmaramAttends in Radiant-cloaked prestige; refuses to step in when Dalinar appeals.
- MoashDefies Kaladin’s order to take a distant patrol, still sympathetic to Graves’s plot.
- SigzilAids security planning; urges Kaladin to reveal powers publicly; confirms Amaram shows none.
- Navani KholinWorried in the preparation room; offers support; notes Shallan’s glyphward.
- SylWarns Kaladin not to let Amaram ruin him; accompanies him.
- ZahelFrom the stands, coaches Adolin to press the attack, spurring early success.