25. Monsters

Kaladin begins horseback riding training under stablemaster Jenet's instruction, initially reluctant but eventually attempting to ride the spirited horse Dreamstorm. While training, he questions Natam about the assassination attempt on the king and learns that Moash was on the balcony afterward, prompting suspicion. The chapter ends with Kaladin's rage resurfacing when he spots Brightlord Amaram meeting with Dalinar.

Dalinar insists that Kaladin learn to ride horses, citing the practical need for guards to travel quickly and protect his sons on the battlefield. Kaladin meets Jenet, the stablemaster, a pragmatic lighteyed woman who conducts an extensive lecture on proper horsemanship before allowing the bridgemen to mount. Kaladin is assigned an old, docile mare named Spray. While riding, Kaladin questions Natam about the night of the king's assassination attempt. Natam reveals he saw nothing suspicious during the day, but mentions that Moash went out onto the balcony after Kaladin left, which narrows the timeframe for the sabotage. Kaladin realizes the railing must have been cut after the storm, not before. Adolin goads Kaladin into attempting to ride Dreamstorm, a much more spirited and untamed horse. Using Stormlight to boost himself onto the saddle, Kaladin clings to the bucking horse through a wild ride before being thrown. Dalinar, impressed, orders daily riding practice for Kaladin and five others, and approves patrols outside the warcamps in two weeks with horses. Later, Kaladin questions Moash about being on the balcony but finds no clear answers. He then spots Dalinar meeting amicably with Brightlord Amaram, the man who once betrayed him, triggering a surge of buried rage that he struggles to contain.