104. Full of Hope

Teft and Lift execute a coordinated infiltration of the infirmary while Kaladin fights the Pursuer in the atrium. They successfully subdue a stormform Regal guard, but their mission to rescue the incapacitated Radiants is interrupted when Moash—armed with Gavilar's Honorblade and filled with dark purpose—emerges from hiding, having already wounded Lift severely and trapped Kaladin's family in the chamber.

Teft and Lift move through the crowded atrium disguised in cloaks, using Kaladin's public clash with the Pursuer as cover. Kaladin deliberately engages the Pursuer in combat to distract the guards, discovering the creature's weakness is not physical but psychological—its legend and reputation are its true strength. Meanwhile, Teft and Lift approach the infirmary door, where a stormform Regal stands guard. Teft distracts the guard by asking for help, allowing Lift to open the door. He then tackles the Regal and throws him inside, where he and Lift manage to subdue him despite the creature's electrical powers, with Lift using her healing ability to keep Teft alive through the shocks. They seal the door with Stormlight and prepare to wake the unconscious Radiants. However, as they turn to their task, Lift screams—a figure in black has emerged from beneath a sheet: Moash, wielding Gavilar's Honorblade. He cuts Lift across the thighs with his Shardblade, leaving her crippled and immobile. Teft realizes too late that Kaladin's family—his parents and brother—are bound and gagged in a draped-off section at the rear of the infirmary. Moash confronts Teft, pulling black sand from a sack as he advances with his lethal blade.