6. Four Lifetimes

Kaladin returns to his hometown of Hearthstone and reunites with his parents at Roshone's manor, which has been converted into a triage center for wounded townspeople. After confessing his guilt over Tien's death, he learns his parents have forgiven him, but local soldiers threaten to arrest him for his slave brands and desertion. The chapter culminates in Kaladin punching Roshone in the face.

Kaladin enters Roshone's manor, disoriented by apocalyptic visions that fade as he recognizes townspeople sheltering inside. A guard escorts him through candlelit hallways filled with families, and Kaladin searches desperately for his parents. Following sounds of wounded, he discovers his father Lirin tending to the injured in the parlor. Lirin initially fails to recognize his transformed son but embraces him upon realization. Hesina arrives moments later, and Kaladin breaks down confessing his failure to save Tien, though his parents offer comfort and forgiveness. Hesina reveals their home still stands despite the wrong-way highstorm's damage. A guard captain questions Kaladin's presence, noting his slave brands and deserter status, while Lirin counters that he will purchase his son's writ of slavery and threatens to withdraw his surgical services if Roshone interferes. Kaladin observes that the wounded display injuries from a natural disaster rather than battle, puzzling over what became of the Voidbringers. He reflects on the five years and four lifetimes he has lived since leaving. Syl reveals she remembers Kaladin's parents through her connection to the winds of Honor. Kaladin stretches and stands, noting how everyone appears smaller than he remembered. Roshone enters, examining Kaladin's slave brands and asking what he did to earn them. When Kaladin answers "Yes," Roshone assumes he hit a lighteyes. Kaladin then punches Roshone directly in the face—a perfect strike taught by Hav—and declares it was for his friend Moash.