16. Swordmaster

Kaladin arrives at the lighteyes' training grounds to guard Dalinar's sons, Adolin and Renarin, during their Shardplate practice. While maintaining security, Kaladin struggles with his discovery that Amaram—a man he believes murdered his troops and stole his Shardblade—is now allied with Dalinar. He encounters Zahel, a mysterious ex-soldier turned ardent who will serve as Renarin's swordmaster.

Kaladin leads a small security detail including Moash and Drehy to the lighteyes' sparring grounds, which he notes are off-limits to darkeyed soldiers. He positions his men strategically around the courtyard and discusses the grounds' layout with an ardent overseer. Kaladin observes that King Elhokar's Shardblades are loaned out for training purposes, a tradition meant to develop skilled Shardbearers. Moash questions Kaladin about Amaram, noting Kaladin's visible hatred for the man. Kaladin reveals that Amaram was his commander and is responsible for his past suffering, though he doesn't elaborate fully. Moash swears loyalty to avenging both of them against Amaram and Sadeas. Kaladin confides in Syl about his concerns: Amaram has deceived Dalinar, the mysterious numbers appearing on Dalinar's walls during highstorms, and strange red lightning. Syl confronts Kaladin about his distrust of Dalinar, and Kaladin reluctantly admits that Dalinar is genuinely honorable, unlike the deceptive Amaram. Syl urges him to speak to Dalinar about Amaram, but Kaladin dismisses this as futile, arguing that powerful lighteyes are protected by their own. Adolin and Renarin arrive in full Shardplate. Adolin confronts Kaladin about his lack of proper titles and warns him to remember his place, though he acknowledges owing Kaladin his life. Kaladin responds bluntly that his job is to keep them alive. Renarin remains near the gate with his newly won Shardblade, unable to dismiss it until the bonding period completes. Syl comments on the irony of ardents—technically enslaved—being bowed to by the princelings. The group proceeds to the back of the courtyard where elder ardents gather, and Kaladin notices a scarred, long-haired man watching the brothers intently. Kaladin investigates and learns the man's name is Zahel, an ex-soldier turned ardent. When Adolin calls out, Zahel reveals he is a swordmaster and has been chosen—or will be—to train Renarin. Zahel notes that Renarin never trained properly with a sword due to health problems and has missed the customary training that lighteyed boys receive by age ten. Syl and Kaladin continue their banter about her status as a spren, with Syl jokingly claiming divine authority. Kaladin then prepares to check in with Teft and conduct another security circuit.