18. Bruises

Kaladin oversees training at the lighteyes' practice grounds while monitoring Adolin and Renarin. He encounters Zahel, the weapons master, who insists on training him to better defend against Shardbearers. After sparring sessions reveal Kaladin's vulnerabilities against Shardplate, his anger at Adolin boils over, leading to a dangerous confrontation where he draws Stormlight mid-combat before abruptly losing it.

Lopen delivers reports to Kaladin regarding troop readiness and a highstorm expected two hours after sunset. Kaladin decides to guard Dalinar personally and requests Dalinar's family gather together for the storm. At the practice grounds, Zahel trains Renarin in Shardplate by having him jump from a roof repeatedly to build confidence. Zahel then attempts to recruit Kaladin for advanced combat training, arguing that assassins will likely send Shardbearers. After Kaladin refuses, mentioning he has faced Shardbearers before, Zahel initiates a sparring match. During the first exchange, Zahel feints toward Renarin to provoke Kaladin into a real attack, disarming him and landing a cut to his neck. Adolin then challenges Kaladin, remarking that a real assassin would send multiple Shardbearers. Kaladin's rage ignites at the sight of the condescending princeling—his mind flashing to all the Shardbearers and enemies he has faced. He charges Adolin in genuine fury, managing to knock the prince down through surprise and leverage. However, Adolin uses his Plate's strength to throw Kaladin eight feet away, severely injuring his shoulder. Zahel angrily reprimands Adolin for his recklessness. Kaladin draws Stormlight to heal himself and counterattack, but the Stormlight unexpectedly drains away mid-combat, leaving him vulnerable and defeated once more. Zahel notes the mysterious loss of power with curiosity, observing that Kaladin reminds him of a reluctant Adolin. Kaladin lies in the sand afterward, bewildered by what happened, eventually healing his remaining bruises with Stormlight before moving on to check the guards.