35. First into the Sky

Sigzil wakes to discover Kaladin has returned with Stormlight, and spends the morning discussing Bridge Four's administrative and organizational challenges with his captain. Kaladin recruits Lyn into the Windrunners and obtains a massive reserve of emeralds from the quartermaster for an undisclosed purpose.

Sigzil begins his day thinking of his past in Azir and his failed governmental service exams. He discovers Kaladin is back after noticing Stormlight in the barracks and his own skin beginning to glow. Lopen demonstrates his new-found abilities by sticking himself to the ceiling and eating breakfast upside-down. Sigzil visits Kaladin in his quarters with a long list of administrative problems: men getting betrothed and needing housing, Drehy's courtship of another man lacking proper Alethi forms, religious diversity among the crew, and questions about moral guidance for the men. Kaladin gives Sigzil permission to express his beliefs but cautions against imposing them as code. They discuss recruitment to replace lost members and the uncertain status of Bridge Four within the military hierarchy. Kaladin invites Lyn to join the Windrunners, initially suggesting she become a scribe, which disappoints her until he offers her the chance to actually participate in trials. Sigzil privately points out Kaladin's insensitivity, using Kaladin's own earlier advice against him. As they walk through the tower, Sigzil raises profound questions about Bridge Four's chain of command, relationship to Dalinar, and whether they remain an Alethi military organization or something larger. Kaladin acknowledges these are important questions he hasn't fully considered. Sigzil admits he's glad he failed the Azir exams and wants to be part of what comes next. They visit the quartermaster's office, where Kaladin collects two large sacks of emeralds from the royal reserve—valuable gemhearts—ostensibly to borrow for the day. Sigzil realizes they intend to use them to practice drawing Stormlight as Knights Radiant.