Kaladin awakens in a tent amid an old battlefield from his youth, recognizing Amaram’s colors and outdated gear. A young squadleader, Varth, struggles to hold the line and orders two messenger boys—including Tien—to the front. Kaladin protests as Tien calmly chooses to stand with the others to help them feel brave. The memory of the charge rises, then the scene collapses to darkness—leaving only Tien.

Holding Kaladin, Tien reframes loss: if all eventually die, then the moments of helping one another are what matter. He urges Kaladin to see the “colors” of their time together, not only the pain of endings. Tien assures Kaladin he is strong and good enough, that Teft believed in him, and that the enemy cannot steal their Connection. He presses a small carved horse into Kaladin’s hand before Kaladin falls into blackness.

In the void, Kaladin searches for Syl, finds her frightened and claiming she has forgotten the Words. Kaladin assures her that her presence is enough and that he knows the Words. Prompted by Tien’s whisper and another urging voice, Kaladin prepares to speak his truth.

Kaladin declares, “I accept that there will be those I cannot protect.” Warmth and Light infuse him as a familiar voice accepts the oath. Acknowledging he could not save Tien or Teft, Kaladin vows he can still save his father. He returns to the world amid a sky exploding with pure lights, reunited with Syl and empowered by the Fourth Ideal.