AFTERWORD

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Overview

Kaladin says farewell to Bridge Four before departing westward to Shinovar with Szeth, officially relinquishing command to Sigzil. He receives his Bridge Four tattoo and shares final words with his closest companions, then transfers through an Oathgate to begin his mission.

Summary

Kaladin hovers above Urithiru preparing to depart, feeling urgency to reach Azimir ahead of the approaching highstorm. He delays visiting Bridge Four, remembering past goodbyes to Teft and Rock. Upon arrival at the tavern, he finds most of the group celebrating Rlain's new Truthwatcher spren. After greeting everyone warmly, Kaladin addresses the assembled bridgemen, speaking with deliberate solemnity about his pride in them and warning them of the enemy's new ability to kill spren. He hints at a long departure, mentioning Wit's cryptic warnings and the uncertain fate awaiting everyone in less than nine days. A hired tattoo artist then inks proper Bridge Four glyphs on Kaladin's forehead—a mark his body had previously rejected—symbolizing his full integration with the group. After the ceremony, Kaladin spends time alone with Sigzil, Skar, and Lopen. Sigzil expresses doubt about his ability to lead the Windrunners permanently, but Kaladin reassures him of his fitness for command, formally naming him Commander of the Windrunners. Lopen offers characteristic humor before departing with Skar and Sigzil. Kaladin and Syl then travel to the Oathgates plateau at Urithiru's base, where Szeth awaits them. There, Kaladin approves a transfer and activates his Blade to open a passage through the Oathgate, departing Urithiru with Szeth and moving toward his westward journey.

Characters

  • KaladinA Windrunner preparing to depart on a western mission; says farewell to Bridge Four, receives his Bridge Four tattoo, and formally transfers command to Sigzil before leaving through an Oathgate
  • SylKaladin's spren companion who travels with him throughout the chapter and whispers hints to the group about his impending speech
  • RlainA singer-turned-Truthwatcher being celebrated for bonding with his new spren; Kaladin congratulates him and thanks him for staying with Bridge Four
  • HobberA bridgeman who greets Kaladin at the celebration and receives encouragement from him
  • LopenA bridgeman who provides comic relief, corrects Hobber about not calling Kaladin 'sir,' offers various jokes, and gives Kaladin a final one-armed salute before departing
  • LynA bridgeman who whispers advice to Kaladin to be careful and not be too stupid
  • RenarinMentioned as remaining part of Bridge Four despite his diverging path; celebrated along with Rlain
  • SigzilA bridgeman and member of the original command structure who expresses deep self-doubt about leading the Windrunners; Kaladin formally appoints him as the new Commander
  • SkarA bridgeman and member of the original command structure who offers support to Sigzil and commits to helping him lead
  • BisigA bridgeman who asks if Kaladin's order about not dying is legitimate
  • LaranA bridgeman who asks if Kaladin's words sound like a final goodbye
  • SzethA figure awaiting Kaladin at the Oathgates; expresses hunger for justice or reconciliation as he returns to his homeland
  • The black swordA sword bonded to Szeth that communicates mentally and makes humorous comments about pancakes
  • DrehyMentioned as going to fetch Adolin and Shallan; will return via Azimir
  • AdolinMentioned as being fetched by Drehy; will return via Azimir
  • ShallanMentioned as being fetched by Drehy; will return via Azimir