12. Hero

Kaladin conducts training experiments with Stormlight in a chasm, discovering he can make objects adhere to surfaces and gaining confidence in his new powers. He sparring with Rock, Lopen, and Sigzil to test his combat capabilities. The chapter ends with the shocking arrival of Highlord Amaram, Kaladin's former master who betrayed him years ago.

Kaladin and three bridgemen—Rock, Sigzil, and Lopen—conduct experiments in a remote chasm to understand Kaladin's Stormlight abilities. They test how long Stormlight can hold objects to walls and discover that Rock, being alaii'iku, can see the spren responsible for the adhesion while others cannot. Lopen jokes about being stuck to walls, and Sigzil meticulously records data despite uncertainty about measurement methodology. Kaladin then engages in a full sparring match against Rock, Lopen, and Sigzil together, using Stormlight to enhance his speed and strength while making objects and people adhere to surfaces. He overwhelms them easily, demonstrating combat applications of his powers. Afterward, Kaladin reflects that he needs more practice and better opponents. Teft arrives and suggests Rock should train the new recruits. When Kaladin cryptically asks Teft about refounding the Knights Radiant, Teft warns that people believe the old Radiants were traitors and that such an effort would face resistance—though Surgebinding might change minds. Kaladin decides to gather the recruits and leave the chasm. As he exits onto the plateau near Dalinar's warcamp, soldiers greet him with excitement, mentioning that a hero has arrived to meet with Brightlord Kholin. Kaladin's heart stops when he hears the name. He runs to Dalinar's command complex and discovers Highlord Amaram—the man who years ago stole his Shardblade, branded his forehead, and sold him into slavery—standing with Dalinar, embracing him as an old friend and displaying a Shardblade he claims to have taken from an assassin.