23. Assassin

After the king narrowly escapes death when a section of his balcony railing collapses, Kaladin investigates and discovers evidence of deliberate sabotage. Dalinar and Kaladin determine that a Shardblade was used to weaken the railing, pointing to a high-ranking insider with access to the king's chambers, and Dalinar places Kaladin in command of the king's personal guard with authority to select trustworthy men from the bridge crews.

Kaladin rushes back to the palace after hearing of danger to find the king alive but shaken. King Elhokar had been standing on the balcony when a section of ironwork railing gave way, leaving him dangling until rescued. Kaladin examines the damaged railing with Moash and discovers the mountings were deliberately compromised, indicating sabotage rather than structural failure. Dalinar joins Kaladin on the balcony and they discuss the assassination attempt. Kaladin notes the method is poorly conceived—relying on chance where the king would lean—suggesting either cowardice or incompetence. However, Dalinar points out the perpetrators have access to the king's private chambers and may be the same people who previously planted flawed gemstones in Elhokar's armor, preferring nonconfrontational methods that appear accidental. Upon closer inspection of the severed metal joint, Kaladin and Dalinar recognize the cut was made by a Shardblade, a weapon only the highborn possess. This reveals the assassin is someone of significant rank and means with direct access to the king. Dalinar decides to relieve the current captain of the King's Guard and place Kaladin in charge, instructing him to build a personal guard exclusively from bridge crew members he can trust. Kaladin accepts the responsibility despite feeling unprepared, understanding the implication that treason may run deep within the warcamps. Dalinar expresses concern that worse threats may yet come.