Chapter 41
37. The Last Time We March
Overview
Rock leads Bridge Four in training Windrunner squires on the Shattered Plains, where he cooks for the group and offers counsel to Renarin and others. The chapter culminates when Rock's family arrives via a caravan under attack by Voidbringers, and Bridge Four carries their bridge one last time as the men prepare to take to the skies with their newfound Stormlight powers.
Summary
Rock oversees a training session on a plateau near Narak, preparing stew and shiki while Kaladin instructs Bridge Four and recruits in drawing Stormlight. King Elhokar arrives and confirms Kaladin's commitment to help reclaim Kholinar within twenty days. Rock encourages Renarin to recognize his value within Bridge Four despite his different powers as a Truthwatcher, and subtly guides Renarin to sit with Rlain, the Parshendi bridgeman often overlooked by the group. A gathering of highspren appears, overseen by what seems to be an ali'i'kamura, observing the training. Hobber successfully draws Stormlight for the first time and regains feeling in his legs, a breakthrough that reunites him with the group's joy. Rock notices smoke in the distance and Bridge Four responds to defend a caravan under Voidbringer attack. There they discover Rock's family has arrived from the Peaks: his wife Tuaka, older children Gift and Cord (twins), younger children Rock and Star, and his smallest daughter. Rock's two brothers, Tifi and Sinaku'a, died in vengeance against Sadeas. Rock resolves to carry the bridge one final time as a runner, as Bridge Four now possesses Stormlight and will take to flying in coming days, marking the end of their era as bridgemen.
Characters
- Rock (Numuhukumakiaki'aialunamor)Lead character; Horneater cook and pacifist bridgeman who trains squires, counsels Renarin, and reunites with his family arriving from the Peaks
- Kaladin StormblessedCaptain of Bridge Four; trains Windrunner squires in drawing Stormlight and confirms commitment to help King Elhokar reclaim Kholinar
- Elhokar KholinKing of Alethkar; arrives to confirm Kaladin's assistance and observes Windrunner training
- Renarin KholinPrince and Truthwatcher Radiant; helps Rock prepare bread and receives encouragement about his place in Bridge Four
- SylphrenaKaladin's spren companion; appears throughout and comments on the gathering of highspren
- LopenEnthusiastic bridgeman learning to draw Stormlight; attempts flying and provides comic relief
- HobberDisabled bridgeman who successfully draws Stormlight for the first time, regaining feeling in his legs
- HuioHerdazian bridgeman assisting Rock in cooking; innovates with spices in the shiki drink
- DabbidSilent bridgeman who helps Rock stir the cauldron
- RlainParshendi bridgeman in warform; sits quietly with Renarin as an outsider figure
- SigzilBridgeman training squires in drawing Stormlight
- PeetBridgeman who glows with Stormlight and helps train others
- DrehyBridgeman who successfully draws Stormlight; helps Hobber stand after his healing
- BisigBridgeman injured by the Assassin in White; heals after drawing Stormlight
- SkarBest spearman among bridgemen; teaches Rock to draw Stormlight
- LeytenArmorer and bridgeman troubled by past encounter with a dark god; receives comfort from Rock
- PhendoranaHighspren ali'i'kamura who gathers with other spren to observe Windrunner training
- Tuaka'li'na'calmi'nor (Rock's wife)Rock's spouse from the Peaks; arrives with their family, warns of trouble in the Peaks
- GiftRock's twin son; speaks passable Alethi
- CordRock's twin daughter; speaks Veden
- Rock (smaller)Rock's third son
- StarRock's third son
- Beautiful Song (smallest daughter)Rock's youngest child, age four
- Adolin KholinAppears briefly with Renarin and troops to help the attacked caravan