99. Reachers

Kaladin awakens aboard the ship in Shadesmar crewed by Reachers (lightspren) captained by Ico. He learns about the ship's water-making fabrial and spends time with Shallan, discussing their observations of the spren crew and plotting their route to Celebrant and Thaylen City, while grappling with his attraction to her and his persistent depression.

Kaladin wakes on the ship to find the crew already at work. The vessel is crewed by Reachers—bronze-skinned lightspren with human appearances who communicate via vibrations in copper lines built into the deck. Captain Ico summons Kaladin to the hold and shows him a fabrial device that produces fresh water through condensation using a bead of ice-infused glass. Kaladin learns that perfect gemstones exist in Celebrant that can hold Stormlight indefinitely, which intrigues him as knowledge for Radiants during the Weeping.

Syl appears with her form altered by Lightweaving—her dress, hair, and skin now resemble a human woman—to avoid rumors of an honorspren aboard. She encourages Kaladin to interact with Shallan, noting his emotional darkness and need for companionship despite his protestations about Shallan's betrothal to Adolin.

Kaladin brings Shallan water and they converse on the deck. Shallan shares sketches and theories about mandras (the flying spren pulling the ship) and their connection to luckspren that enable heavy creatures like chasmfiends and skyeels to fly. They banter about nautical terminology and the ship's speed, with Shallan estimating two more days to Celebrant. Kaladin presses for a route to Thaylen City, insisting Dalinar is in danger based on his experience at the lighthouse, though Shallan expresses skepticism.

Their conversation deepens as Kaladin asks how Shallan manages to smile despite trauma. She admits to hiding painful memories, acknowledging it fragments her but allows her to function. Kaladin envies her ability to suppress emotions. After he expresses this wish, Shallan falls silent and resists further conversation, leaving the moment unresolved.