Kaladin hovers above Urithiru, delaying his departure for Dalinar’s mission to Shinovar because he does not want to say goodbye to Bridge Four. After a brief errand with Syl and a stop at Teft’s statue, Kaladin enters a tavern where Bridge Four is celebrating Rlain’s new bond. Kaladin is glad to see the Windrunners embracing Rlain as both a singer and a member of Bridge Four, even though Rlain still worries that their acceptance of him does not mean acceptance of his people.

Kaladin congratulates Rlain and thanks him for staying with Bridge Four instead of returning to the listeners. When the room quiets, Kaladin addresses the group. He tells Bridge Four how proud he is of what they have become, explains that he is leaving for Shinovar on Dalinar’s orders, and warns them that the enemy can now kill spren with new weapons. Kaladin reminds them that the Windrunners exist to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and when he admits this may be a long goodbye with fewer than nine days left before the coming crisis, Bridge Four answers with a solemn salute.

Because Kaladin’s slave brands have finally healed enough to allow it, a tattoo artist gives him the proper Bridge Four glyphs on his forehead. The tattoo taking at last marks a major personal change: Kaladin can now move beyond the brands while still openly claiming the family he built among the bridgemen. He accepts the cheers and lets himself admit that he truly did help save and transform these men.

After the larger celebration resumes, Kaladin stays behind with Sigzil, Skar, and Lopen, the last of the original command group. Sigzil breaks down and confesses that he does not think he can lead the Windrunners, but Kaladin argues that Sigzil’s knowledge, care for the soldiers, and judgment make him the right choice. Kaladin formally names Sigzil commander of the Windrunners, giving Bridge Four a clear future that does not depend on Kaladin returning. Skar promises support, and Lopen adds jokes and an affectionate farewell that underline how much Kaladin has changed all of them.

With his farewells complete, Kaladin and Syl fly to the Oathgate plateau and meet Szeth. Kaladin says that Shallan, Adolin, and Drehy should be returning through Azimir, and he plans to see them there before catching the highstorm west. Szeth, intense and unsettled, speaks of returning to Shinovar for judgment or reconciliation, while Nightblood turns the moment absurd by asking about pancakes. Kaladin activates the transfer and leaves Urithiru behind.