AFTERWORD

Chapter 7

Navani’s Notebook: The Arnist Method

Overview

Kaladin and the Windrunners defend the Fourth Bridge and evacuating refugees from Hearthstone against a force of three flights of the Fused. During the aerial battle, Kaladin pursues Leshwi, a skilled Fused warrior, in an intricate dogfight that ultimately ends with her evading him. Elsewhere, Shallan infiltrates a group of cultists plotting for House Sadeas by posing as a tradeswoman selling military secrets, including schematics for the Fourth Bridge, but Adolin's intervention forces a confrontation.

Summary

Kaladin coordinates the Windrunner defense as the Fused approach Hearthstone. He recognizes Leshwi among the enemy and initiates a one-on-one aerial duel with her. Their chase is interrupted by Dalinar opening a perpendicularity, which renews the Windrunners' Stormlight reserves. Kaladin pursues Leshwi through the town and over the Fourth Bridge, but she ultimately outmaneuvers him and escapes. During the wider battle, Kaladin observes the Fused are more interested in surveying the Fourth Bridge than fully committing to combat; he orders defensive tactics to minimize casualties. After the initial engagements, Kaladin defeats another Fused warrior but lets him retreat when his Light runs out, recognizing that killing them accomplishes little since they are reborn. Kaladin notices a red ribbon of light—a mysterious new Fused he hasn't encountered before—and warns the Windrunners. He expresses frustration that his team continually checks on him, suspecting Syl of alerting them to his condition. Roshone offers to help free prisoners held in the manor's stormcellar with Godeke's aid. Meanwhile, in a separate section, Shallan and her personas Veil and Radiant infiltrate cultists working for House Sadeas by claiming to sell the Fourth Bridge schematics. She uses a Lightweaving illusion to create the appearance of hidden blueprints revealed by charcoal rubbings. When the cultists plan to take her to Queen Sadeas, Adolin—seeing Shallan's sack replaced over her head—intervenes with Kholin troops, ending her infiltration and forcing a confrontation.

Characters

  • KaladinWindrunner commander who leads the aerial defense against the Fused and engages in personal duels with Leshwi and other Heavenly Ones
  • LeshwiA skilled Fused warrior who duels Kaladin and ultimately evades him through superior aerial maneuvering
  • SylKaladin's spren who manifests as various forms and expresses concern about his wellbeing
  • DalinarBondsmith who opens a perpendicularity to renew Stormlight for the Windrunners during the battle
  • TeftWindrunner knight with a white beard who checks on Kaladin and relays his orders to other soldiers
  • LopenWindrunner who inquires about Kaladin's condition during the battle
  • DrehyWindrunner who fights alongside Kaladin against the Fused
  • SkarWindrunner engaged in combat during the aerial battle
  • LeytenWindrunner who chases a Heavenly One dressed in grey-blue
  • KaraWindrunner without a Shardblade who scores a hit on an opponent
  • GodekeEdgedancer who nearly hits Leshwi with his Shardblade and later goes to free prisoners with Roshone
  • RockHorneater who delivers water to refugees and helps watch the sky for the mysterious red Fused
  • CordRock's daughter who carries Amaram's Shardbow and wears recovered Shardplate
  • LynWindrunner in blue uniform who checks on Kaladin and relays his message about the new Fused
  • RoshoneFormer citylord who ushers refugees onto the Fourth Bridge and volunteers to help free prisoners from the manor
  • ShallanInfiltrates cultists plotting for House Sadeas by posing as a tradeswoman selling Fourth Bridge schematics using Lightweaving illusions
  • VeilOne of Shallan's personas who explains the false schematic technique to the cultists
  • RadiantOne of Shallan's personas who maintains composure and employs calculated strategic stares
  • AdolinKaladin's fellow soldier who intervenes with Kholin troops to capture the cultists
  • PatternMentioned as being aware of Shallan's infiltration plan but does not directly appear
  • RedA male cultist embedded in the Sons of Honor who whispers to Veil during the chaos and expresses concern