46. When the Dream Dies

Skar and Bridge Four conduct recruitment drills and testing on the Shattered Plains, with new potential Radiant squires from across the Alethi army. As Skar struggles with his inability to draw Stormlight, he helps scout Lyn achieve her breakthrough, only to discover he himself has finally gained the ability.

The chapter opens with Skar completing a timed run to the Oathgate platform at Urithiru as part of Sigzil's systematic testing of Bridge Four's physical capabilities. Back at the control building, the bridgemen await Kaladin, who eventually arrives and operates the Oathgate to transport the group to Narak on the Shattered Plains. Kaladin brings approximately thirty new recruits from various divisions and lighteyed soldiers to test for potential as Radiant squires. After arriving at Narak, Kaladin convenes a meeting with his officers—Skar, Sigzil, Teft, and Rock—where they discuss recruitment strategy. Notably, Moash's absence from the group creates tension. Kaladin expresses concern that none of the new recruits have begun drawing Stormlight, though Syl believes some candidates feel promising. The officers decide to have Teft run the recruits through military formations. As Bridge Four practices flying maneuvers, Skar feels increasingly useless and worries about being replaced. He notices scout Lyn sitting alone, frustrated by her own inability to master the Radiant powers, and sits with her. Skar shares an anecdote about Kaladin's first unconscious use of Stormlight during a bridge run, suggesting that success comes from intent rather than effort. He encourages Lyn to persist, telling her that giving up means the dream dies. After Lyn achieves her breakthrough and begins glowing with Stormlight, Skar makes peace with potentially joining the support team. However, when he later discovers he himself is glowing with residual Stormlight, his despair transforms into triumph, and he rushes off jubilantly to rejoin his squad.