Editing Kaladin

{{character
|image=Kaladin and Syl.jpg
|parents=[[Lirin]], [[Hesina]]
|siblings=[[Tien]], [[Oroden]]
|born=Late {{Rosharan date|1153}}{{wob ref|10572}}
|abilities={{tag+|windrunner}}, {{tag|Shardbearer|cat=Shardbearers}}
|bonded=[[Sylphrena]]
|titles=Captain of the [[Bridgemen]], Knight Radiant
|aliases=Kaladin Stormblessed, Bridgeboy
|profession=Soldier, Bridgeman <small>(formerly)</small>, {{cat tag|Medical professionals|apprentice surgeon}} <small>(formerly)</small>
|groups={{tag|Knights Radiant}} <small>([[Order of Windrunners|Windrunners]])</small>, {{tag|Bridge Four}}, {{tag+|army|Kholin}}, {{tag+|army|Amaram's}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag+|army|Sadeas}} <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag+|Kaladin's squad}} <small>(formerly)</small>, [[Takers]] <small>(formerly)</small>, {{tag|Kholinar Wall Guard}} <small>(formerly)</small>
|birthplace=Hearthstone
|residence=Urithiru
|nation=Alethkar
|world=Roshar
|universe=[[Cosmere]]
|books=[[The Stormlight Archive]]
}}
{{spoilers|sa4}}
{{update|sa3|sa4}}
{{quote
|I don't know what I am either. A bridgeman? A surgeon? A soldier? A slave? Those are all just labels. Inside, I'm me. A very different me than I was a year ago, but I can't worry about that, so I just keep moving and hope my feet take me where I need to go.
|Kaladin to [[Sylphrena]]{{book ref|sa1|14}}
}}
'''Kaladin''', nicknamed '''Kal''', renowned as '''Kaladin Stormblessed''', is a [[darkeyes|darkeyed]] [[Order of Windrunners|Windrunner]] of the [[Knights Radiant]] from [[Alethkar]]. Despite being trained as a surgeon from an early age by [[Lirin|his father]], his chosen profession is that of a soldier. He is famed as the captain of [[Highprince]] [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s personal guard, a unit known as [[Bridge Four]], and commander of the [[bridge crew|bridgemen]] battalion. 

Kaladin has known adversity and loss throughout his life. He has suffered repeated oppression and betrayal by the [[lighteyes|lighteyed nobility]], including being driven from his home by the [[Roshone|citylord]] of his hometown as a teenager and being sold into slavery by the [[Meridas Amaram|commander]] of his army. Kaladin has also been unable to save numerous patients, comrades, subordinates, and even his brother [[Tien]] from death.

Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, Kaladin is driven to protect others. Utilizing his skills as a surgeon, he attempts to save as many lives as possible. As a soldier, he rescued thousands of soldiers during the [[Battle of the Tower]], liberated a thousand bridgemen, and defended Dalinar Kholin and King [[Elhokar Kholin]] from numerous assassins.

He has bonded with the [[honorspren]] [[Sylphrena]], more commonly known as Syl. This bond allows him to discover his powers as a [[Surgebinder]] and destiny as a member of the Knights Radiant, an order which has been defunct ever since the [[Day of Recreance]]. Kaladin, along with [[Shallan Davar]], is one of the first new members of the Knights Radiant in centuries. Their public revelation during the [[Battle of Narak]] serves as the catalyst for the re-founding of the Knights Radiant.

After the re-founding of the Knights Radiant, Kaladin helped the expansion of the Knights Radiant by taking on Bridge Four as squires, with most of them eventually becoming Knights themselves. 

== Appearance and Personality ==
{{image|Kaladin - XI Justice .jpg|side=right|width=300px|Kaladin the [[Windrunner]]}}
=== Appearance ===
{{for|/Gallery|more images}}
Kaladin is a fairly tall man. He is muscular and has multiple scars on his body.{{book ref|sa1|6}} He has tan skin{{book ref|sa1|prologue}} and shoulder-length wavy black hair typical of an Alethi. He was born with dark brown eyes,{{book ref|sa1|1}} though after swearing the [[Immortal Words|Third Ideal]] of the [[Windrunner]]s, his eyes turn a pale, glowing blue while he is holding Stormlight, and for a few hours after his Stormlight had been depleted.{{book ref|sa2|87}} Like most Rosharans, Kaladin's eyes have an [[Wikipedia:Epicanthic fold|epicanthic fold]]{{wob ref|4079}} that appear faintly colored amber when he is holding [[Stormlight]].{{book ref|sa1|38}} His face is square and firm with strong lines and a proud chin. He prefers to be clean-shaven but during his time as a slave, he grows a long, scraggly beard.{{book ref|sa1|46}} He is branded on his forehead with a ''[[Glyphs/Index#Sas|sas]] [[Glyphs/Index#Nahn|nahn]]'' [[glyphpair]] indicating his slavery and a ''shash'' [[glyph]] meaning "dangerous".{{book ref|sa1|2}} These brands disappear after Kaladin swears the Fourth Ideal.{{book ref|sa4|110}}

=== Personality ===
{{quote
|Authority doesn't come from a rank. [It comes] from the men who give it to you. That's the only way to get it.
|Kaladin{{book ref|sa1|14}}
}}
Kaladin is a natural leader who inspires belief and confidence in his men. His squad members in [[Amaram]]'s army call him lucky and believe that being in his squad grants them supernatural protection.{{book ref|sa1|1}} Kaladin also transforms [[Bridge Four]] from a dejected and despondent group with the worst reputation into a highly-motivated and effective fighting force. [[Dalinar Kholin]] remarks that his men are remarkably loyal and think very highly of him.{{book ref|sa1|73}}{{book ref|sa2|75}}

Ever since childhood, Kaladin has had a strong protective instinct, which only grows once he begins discovering and swearing the [[Immortal Words]]. He uses his medical skills to save people, first as an apprentice surgeon and later as a battlefield medic. As a youth, he joins the army so he can look after his younger brother, Tien.{{book ref|sa1|44}} As a squadleader in Amaram's army, he recruits the youngest members with the least training to his squad so that he can train and protect them{{book ref|sa1|47}} As captain of Dalinar's personal guard, he protects Dalinar and [[Elhokar Kholin|the king]] from assassins on multiple occasions.

Kaladin shows a deep sense of loss when those under his protection die and has a tendency toward depression in various forms. By the time he joins Bridge Four, he has lost so many people that he has fallen into a deep depression. He thinks himself cursed because he always survives when others do not.{{book ref|sa1|2}} At his lowest point, Kaladin falls into apathetic despair and becomes suicidal.{{book ref|sa1|11}} He is also prone to seasonal depression, feeling a sense of heavy melancholy during the weeks of the [[Weeping]].{{book ref|sa1|43}}

Kaladin is deeply conflicted about killing, finding it philosophically hard to justify and the notion that one must kill in order to protect ironic and paradoxical. Although he is a soldier, he has been trained as a surgeon, whose highest calling is to save all lives. Additionally, as a member of the [[Order of Windrunners]], he lives by the [[Immortal Words|Ideals]] of his order, to which protecting life is central. It is further irony that Kaladin's powers of killing appear to be at their strongest when he is actively protecting something or someone. This paradox has plagued Kaladin and [[Syl]], who have both been unable to explain why killing is justified if the protection of life matters.

Kaladin also displays several classic symptoms of clinical depression, amplified by the loss and pressures that are forced upon him. He is prone to depressive episodes, particularly during the [[Weeping]]. Despite the outward confidence he is often able to show, he often feels like a failure, focusing on the many deaths that he feels he could have prevented. During these times, he feels morose and chapters from his point of view describe that he was feeling "gray" and morose spiraling farther into depression. 

Kaladin draws a black and white distinction between lighteyes and darkeyes, harboring a deep resentment and distrust for virtually all [[lighteyes]], fueled by the betrayals of people like [[Roshone]], [[Amaram]], and [[Katarotam]]. Ironically, Kaladin himself is noted to have many lighteyed qualities. Many characters remark that Kaladin has the bearing of a lighteyes—meaning a leader or noble, since the term "lighteyes" encompasses these qualities in the Alethi language—and others have noted that "Kaladin" sounds like a lighteyed name, rather than a darkeyed name. Further, when Kaladin comes into his true power as a [[Knight Radiant]], he becomes lighteyed. Kaladin despises these qualities in himself, because they make him more similar to lighteyes.{{book ref|sa2|87}}

Due to his recent struggles, Kaladin shows hostility and resentment, although at times his wit, sarcasm, and intelligence show through. He appears to have got his sense of humor from his mother and is constantly questioning the world around him.

== Attributes and Abilities ==
{{image|Fourth Oath by Audrey Hotte.jpg|side=left|height=500px}}

=== Surgebinding ===
Kaladin has the ability to manipulate the Surges of Adhesion and Gravitation through his Nahel bond with the honorspren Sylphrena.{{book ref|sa1|57}} By breathing in Stormlight, he gains superhuman strength, speed, agility, durability, stamina, and healing, as long as he has access to Stormlight.{{book ref|sa1|62}} While his honorspren is present with him, his movements are enhanced by her, which Kaladin describes as "being guided by the wind." This gives Kaladin a superior natural fighting talent, although it does not replace skill by itself.{{book ref|sa2|52}} 

Kaladin often refers to his powers as the Three Lashings. The Full Lashing is sticking objects together with Adhesion. It is the first of the Three Lashings Kaladin mastered, as it is the easiest to perform.{{book ref|sa1|part=ars}} He can use this Lashing to bond rocks to a sheer chasm wall and create a ladder,{{book ref|sa1|59}} and similarly to use brushes as portable handholds for climbing.{{book ref|sa4|55}} He also uses the Full Lashing to disarm his opponents by yanking their weapons with his own and neutralize them by bonding them to surfaces while sparring.{{book ref|sa2|12}} Full Lashings cannot affect a Radiant's skin, but they can affect hair and clothing.{{book ref|sa2|25}}{{book ref|sa4|55}}

Basic Lashings involve manipulating Gravitation to make an object or person fall in a different direction. After his encounter with the Assassin in White, Kaladin manages to duplicate the ability to perform Basic Lashings.{{book ref|sa2|41}} He has since learned how to perform multiple Lashings on a single object, as well as partial Lashings. He is able to fly by Lashing himself into the air,{{book ref|sa2|86}} and has gotten quite good at instinctively dismissing and renewing Lashings in different directions to achieve complex maneuvers such as looping and banking.{{book ref|sa4|6}} He can also use this ability to transport people over long distances by Lashing both themselves and himself multiple times in a direction. He typically does this while over the [[highstorm]] so as to avoid running out of Light.{{book ref|sa3|60}}

The Reverse Lashing is the most [[Intention|Intent]]-centered Lashing of the three, and as such is generally more difficult to use. It involves infusing an object and commanding it to attract a specific other object.{{book ref|sa4|49}} Kaladin unconsciously performes this Lashing during the bridge runs for the entirety of his time as a bridgeman, infusing the bridge he carries to attract the Parshendi arrows being shot at him while approaching the target plateaus.{{book ref|sa1|6}} Later at the Battle of the Tower, he infuses the shield he is carrying to draw an entire volley of arrows shot at Bridge Four.{{book ref|sa1|67}} He also uses this Lashing to rip [[The Pursuer]]'s head from his body.{{book ref|sa4|106}}

In addition to the Lashings, Kaladin is able to use his Surges to create a pocket of calm within a highstorm. This manifests as a barrier of [[windspren]].{{book ref|sa3|31}}

==== Resonance ====
As a Knight Radiant who has access to two Surges he also has a [[resonance]].{{wob ref|1296}} Windrunners, such as Kaladin, have an increased number of [[squire]]s, more than any other Order. The squires are also more powerful than those of the other Orders.{{wob ref|915}}{{wob ref|6740}}

=== Shardwielding ===
After Kaladin swore the Third Ideal of the Windrunners, Sylphrena gained the ability to become a [[Shardblade]]. Kaladin can summon her in the form of any weapon he chooses, as well as a shield, and transform it from one to another almost instantaneously.{{book ref|sa2|86}} His preferred weapon for fighting is a spear,{{book ref|sa2|86}} but he usually summons Syl in her default Blade shape when showing her off.{{book ref|sa3|7}} Later, the Fourth Ideal allows him to additionally summon windspren and manifest them in the Physical Realm as [[Shardplate]].{{book ref|sa4|110}} His Plate glows blue at the seams, and is emblazoned  with the glyph of [[Bridge Four]] on the chest. The spren that can create it are always present nearby, though not always manifest; this allows Kaladin to summon it at a moment's notice.{{book ref|sa4|114}} He can also send it out to manifest on other people and protect them this way.{{book ref|sa4|111}}

=== Combat Skills ===
{{image|Kaladin by ToastSamurai.jpg|side=right|height=400px}}

During his time in Amaram's army, Kaladin's natural talent blossomed him into a master at spear-fighting. He was the quickest learner among the members of his cohort. His effortless ability surprised his drill sergeant, Tukks.{{book ref|sa1|27}} Kaladin spent the year after his brother's death driving himself to exhaustion each day at the practice yard. He eventually grew to be known as the best spearman in Amaram's army.{{book ref|sa1|63}} He was able to take down six spearmen by himself in seconds even before he discovered his abilities as a Surgebinder.{{book ref|sa1|47}} Combined with Stormlight, he held off dozens of Parshendi almost single-handedly.{{book ref|sa1|68}}

While the spear is his preferred weapon, Kaladin has training with other weapons as well. He often carries throwing knives as a secondary weapon and is able to use them with considerable accuracy.{{book ref|sa1|47}} He has at various times wielded a quarterstaff, a hammer, and a halberd.{{book ref|sa2|86}} After becoming the Kholin bodyguard, he started training with the Swordmaster Zahel, though he is by no means an expert with a sword yet.{{book ref|sa2|16}} Syl has also confirmed that Kaladin's preternatural skill with weapons, evident since the first time he picked up a quarterstaff as a boy, comes from their bond.{{book ref|sa2|52}}

Kaladin also possesses a capable mind as a military commander. He became the youngest squadleader in Amaram's army when he was eighteen years old. He managed to reduce the casualty rate of his squad to the lowest in the entire army.{{book ref|sa1|47}} He was able to train Bridge Four with barely any resources.{{book ref|sa1|73}} He is able to quickly analyze a battlefield and assess the tactical situation.{{book ref|sa1|32}}

=== Medicine ===
Kaladin started training in medicine with [[Lirin|his father]] and assisting him in surgery when he was eight years old.{{book ref|sa1|10}} His training was mostly concentrated in, but not limited to, surgery. After joining the army, he had considerable practice as a field medic, attending to his fellows soldiers injured in combat.{{book ref|sa1|1}} He has some level of understanding of pharmacology, as he is able to harvest and extract his own antiseptic from knobweed sap.{{book ref|sa1|23}} He also has a basic grasp of neurological disorders like epilepsy.{{book ref|sa2|41}}

=== Social Status ===
Kaladin has had a varied social standing throughout his life. His birth to Lirin, a darkeyed surgeon of the second [[nahn]], set him at second nahn originally.{{book ref|sa1|6}} When he was branded a slave by Amaram, his rank changed to tenth nahn, like all slaves.{{book ref|sa1|51}}{{wob ref|13069}} When Dalinar rescued him and made him captain of the Kholin guard, his nahn was uncertain, since captain was a rank usually given only to lower-dahn lighteyes. During this time, he was treated as an oddity outside of the normal caste system by many.{{book ref|sa2|5}} 

Once Kaladin began summoning Syl as a Shardblade, his eyes would temporarily change to blue, making him a lighteyes, before fading back to brown, making him darkeyed again. Dalinar decided that his status as a [[Shardbearer]] made him a lighteyes of the fourth dahn, regardless of his current eye color. Since fourth dahn is a landed title, Elhokar gave Kaladin a small piece of the [[Eastern Crownlands]] to rule over. This technically makes Kaladin a landed lord, despite him not actually having any control over his territory, as it was taken over by [[Voidbringers]] shortly before he obtained it.{{book ref|sa3|58}}

As Bridge Four grew into the refounded Order of Windrunners, Kaladin was promoted from captain to highmarshal.{{book ref|sa4|3}} Shortly before the Fused occupation of Urithiru, Kaladin stepped down, at Dalinar's request, and became a surgeon.{{book ref|sa4|18}}{{book ref|sa4|10}} His notoriety as Stormblessed{{book ref|sa4|102}} and the high social status of Radiants{{book ref|sa4|25}} made his effective status remain high, even if he was technically just a surgeon. He was reinstated briefly as highmarshal during the occupation,{{book ref|sa4|63}} although he renounces command again upon the retaking of the tower.{{book ref|sa4|116}}

== History ==
=== Early Life (1153-1168) ===
==== Early childhood ====
{{image|Kaladin young.jpg|width=200px|side=right|Young Kal}}

Kaladin was born in late 1153 to Lirin and [[Hesina]], a family of second nahn, in the town of [[Hearthstone]] in [[Torol Sadeas]]' [[Sadeas princedom|princedom]] in northwestern [[Alethkar]]. His younger brother, [[Tien]] was born two years later. Growing up, Kaladin preferred the shorter name Kal to his full name, which he felt sounded like a lighteyes’s name. At the age of eight, Kal began training with his father in surgery, though he dreamed of becoming a soldier. At first, he became sick at the sight of wounds and injuries. Over the next couple of years, he grew used to the sight and assisted his father during surgeries which he figured would come in handy on the battlefield. However, the amount of time Lirin spent with books and sick people, coupled with their class disparity, made people uncomfortable to be around Lirin and Kal, by association. As a result of his isolated upbringing, Kal became very close with his brother and, at the encouragement of his parents, [[Laral Wistiow]], the daughter of the citylord.{{book ref|sa1|10}}{{book ref|sa1|16}}

==== Surgeon or Soldier ====
In {{Rosharan date|1164}}, Kal assisted his father in amputating one of the fingers of a fifteen-year old girl named [[Sani]]. Once finished, [[Lirin]] asked Kal why he was late. Kal admitted it was because he went with [[Tien]] to see what [[Jam (Hearthstone)|Jam]], a boy two years older, had learned from his quarterstaff training. Kal was excited because Jam’s father was a soldier in Brightlord [[Amaram]]’s army. Lirin replied that he knew Jam’s father, having operated on his leg three times, a “gift” from his time as a soldier. Kal argued they needed soldiers, but Lirin claimed they needed surgeons more. Lirin doubted that his son could actually hurt someone as he cried nearly every time someone was brought to them. Kal promised he would get stronger causing Lirin to ask who put these ideas in his head. Kal countered that it was about honor and that no one told stories about surgeons. Lirin told him there were two kinds of people in the world, those who save lives and those who take lives, that one couldn’t protect by killing. Lirin then informed Kal that once he turned sixteen, he wanted to send Kaladin to train with real surgeons in [[Kharbranth]]. Lirin told Kal he had a gift from the [[Herald]]s and he didn’t need to waste it on the small dreams of other men.{{book ref|sa1|10}}

{{image|Kaladin and Tien.jpg|width=300px|side=left|Young Kal and Tien}}

Two years later, Kal and [[Laral]] were talking somewhere east of [[Hearthstone]] while [[Tien]] gathered rocks nearby. Kal told her of his father’s plans to send him to [[Kharbranth]] to train to become a surgeon. Hurt, Laral asked why he hadn’t told her. He lied, saying he didn’t think his father was serious. Laral wondered about his previous plans to be a soldier. His expression became gloomy as he was conflicted on which path to choose, surgeon or soldier. Sensing his distress, [[Tien]] ran up to Kal with a rock that he found, giving it to Kal to make him feel better. Kal did feel better and went with Tien to find a [[lurg]]. Laral rejoined them, commenting that Tien changed Kal for the better. Laral continued to encourage Kal to become a soldier, and that he shouldn't let his father force him to do something he didn't want to. She even implied he could marry her if he won a Shardblade. Kal replied he still had time to decide as they wouldn't take him until he was sixteen.{{book ref|sa1|16}}

Later, they encountered a group of older boys, one of whom made the claim his father won a Shardblade in the [[wastescum skirmishes]]. At [[Laral]]’s prompting, Kal contradicted him, which led to the boy, [[Jost]], challenging Kal to a quarterstaff fight. Although it was his first time holding a weapon, his natural talent for combat manifested. However, seeing that he hurt Jost, he stopped himself from fighting anymore. Jost, having no similar inhibition, beat Kal to the ground. Kal then asked Jost to teach him, but the older boy declined, telling Kal to “go be what you are.” Joined by [[Tien]], Kal made his way home, where [[Lirin]] informed Kal that Citylord [[Wistiow]] had died and bequeathed a goblet full of spheres to Kal so he could study in [[Kharbranth]].{{book ref|sa1|16}}

Two months later, thirteen-year-old Kal attempted to treat a five-year-old girl named [[Miasal]] on his own. Kal started treating her, but it was too late as Miasal died from blood loss due to multiple severe wounds. An hour later, his father found Kal in front of the surgery room crying to himself. [[Lirin]] told him that he was proud of Kal’s work and there was nothing he could have done to stop Miasal’s death. Kal confessed to Lirin that he doesn’t want to be a surgeon, but Lirin just answered that he would have to learn when to care.{{book ref|sa1|20}}

{{image|Kaladin and Tien by Lizarazo.jpg|width=200px|side=right|Young Kal and Tien}}

{{sidequote
|You have to learn when to care, son. And when to let go.
|Lirin to Kal after Miasal's death {{book ref|sa1|20}}
|side=left|size=275px
}}
Near the end of {{Rosharan date|1166}}, Kal was walking through the city of [[Hearthstone]] when he overheard two women claiming that his father stole the spheres from Citylord [[Wistiow]] upon his death. Gritting his teeth and knowing that was his father, Kal stepped out of the alleyway and gave one of the women a sharp look, causing both to flee inside the bakery. His satisfaction was short-lived as he didn’t understand why people said such things about his father. He was still stewing when he turned a few corners, walking to where his mother stood on a stepladder. When [[Hesina]] asked about his lessons, he blurted out that everyone hated his father and that they believed he stole the spheres from Wistiow. He also lamented that he didn’t have friends and asked what would happen if he wanted to become something other than a surgeon. Hesina reminded him that he had [[Tien]] and that he shouldn’t be so quick to discard his studies because he wanted to be like the others. She also told him not to hate the townspeople as they were just repeating what they had heard. Seeing her glance to the citylord’s manor, Kal debated whether or not he should try to see [[Laral]] again. Each time he had tried, he’d been turned away by her nurse. He wondered what it would be like marrying Laral and if he did, would he always feel inferior to her. He was still considering this fact and debating whether or not to be a surgeon or a soldier when [[Lirin]] ran in declaring the new citylord had arrived.{{book ref|sa1|25}}

==== Desperate times ====
Kal went with his parents to the town square to await the arrival of Citylord [[Roshone]]. [[Tien]] was already there, having already picked out a spot. As Tien ran by, some older boys made an unintelligible remark about him which made Kal furious, wanting to confront them, but knowing it wasn’t a good time. Kal joined Tien to view the procession of a dozen wagons and a carriage. The carriage stopped and a middle-aged man stepped out. The lighteyed man scanned the crowd with a distasteful look on his face before turning to climb back into his carriage without addressing the crowd. Before he could, [[Lirin]] called out, trying to welcome him to [[Hearthstone]], introducing himself as the town’s surgeon. Roshone responded by blaming Lirin as the reason he ended up in “this pitiful miserable quarter of the kingdom.”{{book ref|sa1|25}}

Citylord [[Roshone]]’s arrival brought great misfortune to Kal’s family. Believing that [[Lirin]] had stolen the spheres from [[Wistiow]], he coerced the townspeople to stop making donations for Lirin’s work, which was the primary source of the family’s income. While the townsfolk acquiesced, they still secretly provided provisions to Lirin and [[Hesina]]. One night while drunk, Lirin told his son not to make the same mistakes he did and get sucked back into this tiny, foolish town. Kal argued that Lirin had always told him to come back, but Lirin admitted he’d been an idiot when he said that, adding that the townspeople didn’t want him there. Kal asked him why they couldn’t just spend the spheres, but his father said the spheres were for his education. Besides, if they did spend them, they would be doing exactly what Roshone wanted them to do. Instead, they did the best with what they had with Kal continuing his studies, [[Hesina]] taking on random jobs, and [[Tien]] apprenticing with [[Ral]], a carpenter in town. At the same time, Kal was secretly still trying to decide what path he would take in the next several months, that of a surgeon or a spearman. A series of thumps interrupted Kal’s thoughts, sending him scrambling out of his chair. His father pulled open the door revealing not a monster, but three masked men demanding the spheres. However, they weren’t the highwaymen as Kaladin initially thought, but rather [[Luten]], [[Horl]], and [[Balsas]], normal townsmen presumably hired by Roshone. Ashamed and caught off guard, the men left without taking anything.{{book ref|sa1|31}}{{book ref|sa1|37}}
{{sidequote
|If you’re going to confront him, then you should have someone to support you.
|Kal to his father before dinner with Roshone{{book ref|sa1|37}}
|side=right|size=350px
}}
Half a year later, [[Roshone]] invited [[Lirin]] to the mansion for dinner. Although Lirin and [[Hesina]] tried to hide the meeting from him, Kal found out and attended, wanting to support his father if he confronted the citylord. As they rode through the city, Kal asked his father why they tried to hide the meeting. Lirin admitted that he wasn’t sure if he even wanted to attend as a part of him just wanted to take the family and flee to [[Kharbranth]] or another [[Alethi]] town. Lirin confessed that he had tried to leave once, but there was a tie between a man’s heart and his home and he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Having cared for the townspeople for so long, he couldn’t leave them in the hands of Roshone. Once they arrived, the pair were led to a dining room where Roshone was already eating. A servant gestured to a side table set up in a room off the main dining hall, but Lirin sat down at Roshone’s table insisting that he was of second nahn and surely he could have a place at his table. Not wasting any time, Roshone discussed their present situation and asked them to return the spheres, ending their defiance. When Kal responded with an outburst, Lirin sent him away to the kitchens. There, Roshone’s son, [[Rillir Roshone|Rillir]] walked in with [[Laral]], and confusing Kaladin for a servant, ordered him to fetch their supper. Kal, protesting that he wasn’t a servant, lost an argument over his calling with Rillir, leaving him humiliated. As Lirin and Kal left the mansion, the latter admitted to his father that he had been considering joining the army. However, he had resolved to becoming a surgeon so that he would have the education to stand up to the lighteyes. During their conversation, Kal saw something unfamiliar in his father’s eyes, guilt. He then realized that Lirin had indeed stolen the spheres from [[Wistiow]], changing everything, but also changing nothing. He resolved to use the spheres for his training, but would eventually pay them back to Laral.{{book ref|sa1|37}}

==== Somebody has to start ====
{{quote
|Somebody has to start. Somebody has to step forward and do what is right, because it is right. If nobody starts, then others cannot follow...Because, son. We have to be better than they are.
|Lirin to Kaladin {{book ref|sa1|41}}
}}
While on a hunting trip, [[Roshone]] and [[Rillir]] were seriously injured by a [[whitespine]] and brought to [[Lirin]]’s surgery room. Kaladin and Lirin determined that Rillir’s injuries were already fatal and tended to Roshone despite his protests. They anesthetized both patients, Roshone for surgery and Rillir for mercy. During the procedure, Lirin hesitated when he discovered a piece of the whitespine’s tusk near Roshone’s femoral artery. Kaladin considered how easy it would be to fake an accident, but they continued on to save Roshone’s life as Rillir died. When Kaladin asked his father why he did not let Roshone die, Lirin answered that they have to be better men than the lighteyes.{{book ref|sa1|41}}

==== A decision made ====
In the [[Weeping]] of {{Rosharan date|1168}}, Kaladin found himself increasingly hoping for the sun and the wind again, the weather making it difficult for him to get things done. One day, when Kaladin was lying on the roof during the rain after repairing a leak, [[Tien]] called up to him, wanting to join him. While Kaladin didn’t think anyone else could cheer him up, he knew Tien could because somehow he just always knew the right thing to do. At first, it was just the two of them sitting in silence. Then, Tien presented Kaladin with a gift, an intricately carved horse that he made at [[Ral]]’s shop. Kaladin asked if he showed the beautiful horse to Ral, but Tien confessed that it got him into trouble because it wasn’t useful. Not a bit discouraged, Tien said he would make him proud tomorrow by finishing a chair. Kaladin found himself amazed at his brother’s ability to smile even in the darkest of times, swearing things grew brighter around them in that moment.{{book ref|sa1|44}} 

However, it was short-lived as Kaladin admitted his concerns about their father having to spend the spheres to not only [[Tien]], but also his mother. [[Hesina]] promised him that there would be enough spheres for him to go to [[Kharbranth]] in two months. Kaladin suggested that perhaps the entire family should come with him, not wanting to leave them behind, especially with Roshone “strangling” them. Hesina informed Kaladin that they only spent the spheres to make [[Roshone]] think he was winning, not because they needed to. Once Kaladin left, the spheres would be safe in the hands of the ardents while he studied to become a surgeon. However, Hesina reminded him that that his life was his own and that he didn’t have to become a surgeon to make them proud. They sat for awhile, Kaladin considering her words and what Tien could possibly like about the rain, when Lirin came with news that there was a gathering in the square.{{book ref|sa1|44}}
{{sidequote
|In four years, I will bring him home safely. I promise it by the storms and the Almighty's tenth name itself. I will bring him back.
|Kaladin's promise to his parents{{book ref|sa1|44}}
|side=right|size=250px
}}
[[Roshone]] assembled the townsfolk as [[Meridas Amaram]], a general for [[Highprince]] [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]], had arrived in [[Hearthstone]] to recruit soldiers for the army. There, Kaladin and his family were shocked to learn that [[Laral]] was now engaged to Roshone himself after [[Rillir]]’s death. Meanwhile, since only six men had volunteered, Amaram asked Roshone to announce the list of conscripts. As citylord, Roshone was barred from from placing [[Lirin]] or Kaladin on the conscription list because they served a vital function to the town. However, Roshone placed [[Tien]]’s name on the list instead. When Kaladin tried to take his brother’s place, he was denied because the law gave the choice to Roshone alone. Left with no other option, Kaladin enlisted in the army in order to protect Tien and promised his devastated parents that he would bring Tien back safely in four years. Amaram also promised Lirin that he would make Tien a messenger boy for a while.{{book ref|sa1|44}}

=== Amaram's Army (1168-1172) ===
==== Natural talent ====
Kaladin received his initial training under [[Tukks]], who taught him the importance of controlled passion—to be passionate and to care without losing control of his emotions—a lesson that he did not initially understand. During his training, Kaladin demonstrated a natural aptitude for being a soldier, learning the spear faster than anyone else in his cohort, barely even needing instruction, much to Tukks’ surprise.{{book ref|sa1|27}}{{book ref|sa1|49}} After freezing on the battle field the first time, Kaladin was assigned cleaning duty by Tukks. Not to punish him, but to help him fit in more. Tukks explained about how many soldiers stuggle with the need to hurt the enemy. However, Kaladin didn't believe he froze because he was afraid to hurt someone, but because he realized he could kill, if needed.{{book ref|sa3|91}}
{{quote
|It’s good to care when you fight, so long as you don’t let it consume you. Don’t try to stop yourself from feeling. You’ll hate who you become.
|Tukks to Kaladin on his first day of training{{book ref|sa1|27}}
}}

{{image|Driven by Guilt by Ari Ibarra.jpg|width=200px|side=right|Kaladin holding Tien's dead body}}

==== Tien's Death ====
{{sidequote
|Don't worry. I'll bring you home. I'll protect you, Tien. I'll bring you back...
|Kaladin weeping over Tien's body {{book ref|sa1|67}}
|side=left|size=200px
}}
Despite [[Amaram]]’s promise to [[Lirin]], the older messenger boys, including [[Tien]], were soon organized into several squads of reserve units to make up for a shortfall in recruitment. [[Dalar]] assured Kaladin that these squads would not see combat unless the army was in serious danger. Less than four months after his enlistment, Kaladin took part in his third real battle. Amaram’s army was attempting to hold a hilltop, but as the battle deteriorated, messenger boys were assigned to [[Sheler]]'s company. Hearing that the messenger squad was sent to the front, Kaladin ran recklessly through the battlefield in an attempt to reach his brother. On the southeast side of the hill, Squadleader [[Varth]] placed Tien and two other boys in the front lines, successfully using them as bait. Kaladin, killing a man for the first time during his run, reached Tien only after he had been killed. Weeping and bleeding from wounds taken during his run, he hugged Tien’s dead body until long past the end of the battle.{{book ref|sa1|67}}

==== Stormblessed ====
Kaladin sent a letter to his parents informing them of [[Tien]]’s death and his decision not to return to [[Hearthstone]]. He spent the next year driving himself to exhaustion every day on the practice yard, vowing vengeance and never letting another person die because of his lack of skill. He became the best spearman in his company and was rumored to be the best in the entire army.{{book ref|sa1|47}}{{book ref|sa1|63}} He eventually met [[Tarah]], the daughter of an assistant quartermaster, who coaxed Kaladin out of his single-mindedness, claiming it would burn him out. The two became romantically involved, but they separated soon after she was transferred to a scribe’s job in Mourn’s Vault. Kaladin blamed himself for their failed relationship, knowing that he’d been stupid not to send responses to her letters.{{book ref|sa2|68}}{{book ref|sa3|112}} He later joined the [[Takers]] under [[Tukks]]' leadership. There, Kaladin met [[Durk]], who became a mentor to him. Durk was impressed with Kaladin’s abilities, considering him a natural born soldier, an artist with a spear.{{book ref|sa1|46}} Unfortunately, every member of the Takers was eventually killed with Kaladin being the lone survivor. At the age of eighteen, Kaladin was promoted to squadleader, making him the youngest one in the army and became known as Kaladin Stormblessed.{{book ref|sa1|2}}

{{image|Stormblessed Bonus by ThomasW.jpg|width=220px|side=left|Facing the [[Shardbearer]]}}

==== Fighting the Shardbearer ====
Four years later, in {{Rosharan date|1172|10}}, Kaladin fought his final battle in [[Amaram]]’s army. Prior to the battle, Kaladin met with a Squadleader [[Gare]] and two of his sergeants. Kaladin bribed Gare to transfer [[Cenn]], a young and inexperienced soldier, to Kaladin’s own squad, whom he entrusted to his sergeant [[Dallet]]. He also bribed the surgeons to give priority to his men. While bribing the surgeons, the money pouch stuck to his hand by what Kaladin assumed to be a [[windspren]], although it was actually his first meeting with [[Sylphrena]]. After consulting with Dallet, Kaladin went to the front lines to prepare for battle.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

Once the signal to march was given, Kaladin’s well-disciplined squad used non-standard tactics to avoid taking any casualties. However, the larger battle didn’t go nearly as well. When the larger body of [[Amaram]]’s forces broke, Kaladin’s squad was left in the middle of the enemy. During the chaos, Kaladin single-handedly defeated six men to save Cenn, who had been stranded alone without the rest of the squad.{{book ref|sa1|1}} After treating [[Cenn]], Kaladin saw an enemy battalionlord and decided to kill him, hoping such a feat would get him transferred to the [[Shattered Plains]], where Kaladin believed the real fight and honorable men can be found. Kaladin and two of his subsquads executed their plan flawlessly, with Kaladin himself landing the killing blow on the enemy battalionlord.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

Immediately after, an unknown enemy, a full Shardbearer, later revealed to be [[Helaran Davar]],{{book ref|sa2|52}}{{book ref|sa2|73}} appeared and cut through [[Amaram]]’s army, killing [[Cenn]], [[Dallet]], and two more of Kaladin's men. Helaran continued on to attack Amaram, whose honor guard has abandoned him. Enraged, Kaladin and his twenty remaining men chased after Helaran. Helaran killed sixteen of Kaladin’s men before Kaladin finally managed to kill him, saving Amaram’s life. Amaram and [[Coreb]], one of Kaladin's men, urged Kaladin to claim Helaran’s Shards, as it was his right to do so by ancient tradition. However, Kaladin was disgusted by the thought of wielding the same Blade that claimed the lives of so many of his friends. Instead, Kaladin gave the Shards to Coreb and walked away.{{book ref|sa1|47}}

==== Betrayal ====
{{image|Sas Nahn by horizonproblems.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Kaladin's branding}}
{{quote
|It’s not about Alethkar! It’s about you! Storm it, you’re supposed to be better than the others!
|Kaladin to Amaram.{{book ref|sa1|51}}
}}
A few hours later, Kaladin was called to [[Amaram]]’s warcenter, where he met Amaram and a group of his men along with the four surviving members of his squad. After a short conversation, Amaram and his men ambushed Kaladin, killing the surviving members of Kaladin’s squad while Kaladin himself was restrained. Amaram apologized but said this was the only way to ensure secrecy. He informed Kaladin that he had thought it over for hours before finally being convinced by [[Restares]] that the best interests of Alethkar would served if he wielded the Shards himself. As an act of mercy and gratitude, Amaram spared Kaladin’s life and branded him with the “[[Glyphs/Index#Sas|sas]] [[Glyphs/Index#Nahn|nahn]]” [[glyphpair]] to mark him as a slave to be sold.{{book ref|sa1|51}}

=== Slavery (1172-1173) ===
==== Defiance ====
Kaladin spent the next eight months under at least six different slavemasters, including a man named [[Katarotam]],{{wob ref|2119}} suffering from constant and squalid conditions. Initially, Kaladin was defiant, making ten escape attempts. Although several of them were successful, he always ended up getting re-captured. In his tenth escape attempt, he led a group of twenty armed slaves, including a man named [[Goshel]]. However, they all died, leaving Kaladin to believe he failed them. By the eighth month, Kaladin fell into despair and stopped making any escape attempts.{{book ref|sa1|2}}{{book ref|sa1|43}}

Though he should have been killed for his tenth escape attempt, Kaladin’s master found him “intriguing,” and branded his forehead with the ''shash'' [[glyph]], meaning “dangerous”, and sold him. Eventually, Kaladin was bought by [[Tvlakv]] and it was during this time that Kaladin hit his lowest point. He found and hid away some poisonous [[blackbane]] leaves, unsure of whether or not he wanted to use them to commit suicide, kill his master, or something else. Regardless, he took comfort in having options open to him. However, when a fellow slave took ill, Kaladin’s instinct to protect and heal re-emerged and Kaladin attempted to save his life. His attempts failed as Tvlakv had the slave killed in order to avoid the infection spreading.{{book ref|sa1|2}}{{book ref|sa1|4}}

{{image|Honor is Dead by ThomasW.jpg|width=300px|side=left|Sylphrena meeting Kaladin in the slave wagon}}

==== Sylphrena ====
It was during this time that Kaladin first noticed [[Sylphrena]]. Though she’d been following him for several months, Kaladin believed her to be nothing more than the average, albeit mischievous [[windspren]]. As Kaladin was rubbing the [[blackbane]] leaves between his fingers, Syl asked him what he had. At first, he ignored her, but not without noticing some oddities about her, such as the exceptionally long period of time that she had been following him. When she called him by name, he was shocked as he didn’t believe that [[spren]] could use people’s names. To his knowledge, spren could mimic voices or expressions, but they didn’t have actual intelligence or memory. Kaladin thought he was insane at first, but he eventually started to converse with Syl. During the course of their first conversation, Syl asked Kaladin why he didn’t fight like he used to. Kaladin continued to question how she knew both his name and what he did weeks ago. He finally confessed to her that he had failed, remembering the deaths of [[Tien]], [[Cenn]], [[Dallet]], [[Tukks]], and the [[Takers]]. After the slave took ill and [[Tvlakv]] had him killed, Syl asked Kaladin why he didn’t cry. Kaladin replied that it wouldn’t change anything and maybe she should ask the [[Almighty]] why men cry. During a storm, Syl chased after it, but eventually returned. Kaladin wondered why she didn’t go with the other windspren, but she told him she liked it there with him.{{book ref|sa1|2}}{{book ref|sa1|4}}

==== Finding the way after all ====
Days passed and the wagons continued to roll on until one particular day when they didn’t stop at their usual time, leaving Kaladin to wonder why they hadn’t stopped for their afternoon slop. Well past noon, they finally rolled to a stop and [[Bluth]] and [[Tag]] joined [[Tvlakv]]. The three quickly started arguing as they held up a piece of paper. Kaladin called out, asking Tvlakv if he was lost and offered that perhaps he should seek guidance from the [[Almighty]] who had a “fondness” for slavers. Tvlakv walked over and asked Kaladin if he knew anything of the area. Kaladin requested the map and without even reading it, he ripped it into pieces, much to Tvlakv’s horror. Tvlakv called for the mercenaries, but both Bluth and Tag declined to intervene. Realizing that Kaladin was probably invaluable at that point, Tvlakv asked what the former wanted in exchange for guiding the caravan. Kaladin suggested a cliff, not for a vantage point as Tvlakv assumed, but one to throw the slaver off of.{{book ref|sa1|4}}

Annoyed, [[Tvlakv]] told Kaladin it was good that he was fueled by hatred because it would make him strong, but cautioned that it could keep him from getting vengeance. Kaladin countered, saying he didn’t want vengeance as he learned a long time ago it didn’t work. Tvlakv argued that Kaladin was young still and that he could escape his fate and hunt down the man who sold him into slavery, Highlord [[Amaram]]. Shocked, Kaladin asked how Tvlakv knew about Amaram, but the slaver just said men talk. Though Tvlakv knew the truth about Kaladin’s brands, he told the younger man that they both had to play the game for now to avoid an even worse fate. However, they were at crossroads because Kaladin had left the map in shreds. Kaladin admitted he had never been this way so he didn’t know where to go. As Tvlakv walked away, Kaladin cursed, realizing he almost found himself liking the slaver.{{book ref|sa1|4}}

The wagons continued to roll on after their exchange, even through highstorms. Well before the end of one of them, [[Bluth]] lowered the sides of the wagon, allowing the rain to soak the slaves. Kaladin argued that it was too early to be taking down the sides, but Bluth stated that [[Tvlakv]] wanted them clean today. Realizing they were probably nearing their destination, Kaladin scanned the landscape wondering where they were going. [[Syl]] returned to tell Kaladin there were many others like him nearby. As she pointed eastward, Kaladin was shocked to see the enormous army encampment he’d heard stories about, the place [[Tien]] wanted to go in the end, the army he spent years trying to get into - The [[Shattered Plains]].{{book ref|sa1|4}}

{{image|The First Bridge Run by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=left|width=350px|Kaladin's first bridge run}}
=== Bridgeman (1173) ===
==== Bridge Four ====
In {{Rosharan date|1173}}, [[Tvlakv]] sold Kaladin and the other slaves to [[Hashal]], the wife of the [[Matal|lighteyed officer]] who was in charge of the slaves in [[Highprince]] [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]]'s army. She was not impressed with the slaves, but Kaladin stood out as he was still far more muscled than the others. When asked, Kaladin confirmed he used to be a spearman in Amaram's army. After inspecting his brands, and remarking that a "shash" glyph meant death, Hashal asked how he got here. Kaladin responded that he killed someone while drunk, and spoke of his talents with a spear and asked her to give him a chance to fight again in her brightlord’s army. However, Tvlakv told Hashal not to listen to him as he was a deserter, and could not be trusted as he had led rebellions before. Any slaves he might have had corrupted were assigned to be bridgemen while Kaladin was assigned specifically to [[Bridge Four]], the bridge crew with the worst reputation and casualty rate.{{book ref|sa1|6}}

Kaladin was placed under the command of the bridge sergeant [[Gaz]] and was immediately forced to go on a bridge run completely unprepared and unequipped. Bridge Four was sent to carry a large bridge, allowing Sadeas' soldiers to cross the plateaus of the [[Shattered Plains]] and assault the [[Parshendi]]. Gaz ran beside Bridge Four, calling out commands during the run due to their most recent bridgeleader having tossed himself down the [[Honor Chasm]]. He sent Kaladin to the open slot at the tail of the bridge. Without a vest, the wooden supports dug into Kaladin’s skin causing his shoulders to bleed. As they ran, a nearby bridgeman offered Kaladin advice. Eventually, Gaz called them to a stop and they lifted the bridge into place, allowing the army to pass. They repeated this process, with Kaladin eventually asking why they weren’t turning around. One of the other bridgemen just chuckled and told him they weren’t there yet and to be glad they weren’t. After more than a dozen times, Gaz ordered Kaladin to the front for the final push, declaring that newcomers get to go first. Kaladin quickly realized why arriving was the worst part. The Parshendi volleys launched, killing the men around Kaladin. They eventually got the bridge dropped, but at the expense of the bridgemen, resulting in many casualties. Kaladin just collapsed, knowing he should move or at least bind his wounds, but he just couldn’t, falling unconscious instead. Kaladin was about to be left for dead by the retreating bridge crews, until [[Syl]] called out his name and urged him to move. He forced himself to his feet and asked the windspren if she had a name. As he limped through the casualties, he found the body of the leathery faced man who had been nice to him. He harvested his vest and shoes, tying them on as the windspren introduced herself as Sylphrena.{{book ref|sa1|6}}

==== Honor Chasm ====
{{image|Stormblessed by Jessi Ochse.jpg|side=right|width=250px|Kaladin at the [[Honor Chasm]]}}

Over next few weeks, Kaladin grew more and more depressed. Of the twenty-five men who had survived his first bridge deployment, twenty-three had died leaving only Kaladin and one other man. [[Bridge Four]] continued to be replenished, with many of those men dying to only to be replaced. They went through countless bridgeleaders, which typically was a favored position on a bridge crew, always getting to run in the best places. However, in Bridge Four, that didn’t matter. Kaladin didn’t bother to learn the names of the bridgemen as it just seemed pointless. One day, as they were working in the lumberyard, new recruits were brought in to be assigned to the bridge crews. Kaladin looked up and a young boy barely fourteen or fifteen caught his eye, reminding him of [[Tien]]. He had the same frightened eyes which immediately made Kaladin’s protective instinct kick in. However, all he could think of was how everyone he’d tried to protect ended up dead. [[Syl]], unable to bear seeing Kaladin in such a hopeless state, decided to leave, afraid of what would happen to her if she stayed. On the next bridge run, the youth and the last man that survived Kaladin’s initial bridge run died, leaving Kaladin the senior member of Bridge Four. Faced with losing Syl, his only friend, and his inability to protect the boy, Kaladin seriously contemplated suicide. That night, he went to the [[Honor Chasm]], intending to jump off.{{book ref|sa1|9}}

Before Kaladin could step off the ledge, [[Syl]] returned, excitedly carrying a leaf of [[blackbane]] with her. Syl, in her naivety, having seen Kaladin previously take heart in having the poisonous leaves with him, assumed they would make Kaladin feel better. Syl recalled how everything seemed to go wrong when he lost the leaves, how he used to fight and make his soldiers feel like family. She admitted that was one of the things that drew her to him to begin with. Kaladin just lamented that he failed, that everything he touches withers and dies. Syl pleaded with him to give it one more try, reminding him that he couldn’t hurt the bridgemen any worse. Opening his eyes, he left the chasm and resolved himself to become bridgeleader. He marched up to [[Gaz]] and seized the man by the throat, sweeping his legs out from under him. Kaladin then intimidated and bribed the man into giving him the position along with the autonomy to run Bridge Four. Entering Bridge Four’s barrack that night, Kaladin found the men all huddled inside just as he left them. Kaladin visited with each man, introducing himself as bridgeleader and learning each of their names. Later, Kaladin went to sleep with a sense of purpose in protecting the men.{{book ref|sa1|11}}

{{image|Slaves by Artur Felipe Mósca.jpg|side=left|width=250px|Kaladin on a bridge run}}

==== Reforming Bridge Four ====
The next morning, Kaladin resolved to make some changes in [[Bridge Four]]. The first of these included training early in the mornings, putting an end to the group’s sleeping in. When [[Moash]] protested, Kaladin punched him in the gut and threw him over his shoulder, taking him outside. The others, shocked and not wanting to suffer the same fate, filed out into the sunlight. As Kaladin outlined his plan, he was immediately met with resistance from his fellow bridgemen who felt chores and bridge runs were more than enough to build their endurance. Kaladin argued that his primary duty was to keep them alive and since he couldn’t do anything about [[Parshendi]] arrows, he had to make them stronger. Moash called over to [[Gaz]] and asked if they had to listen to Kaladin to which Gaz replied that the bridgeleader only had authority on the field. Moash looked back to Kaladin and told him to storm off, causing the rest of the men to leave as well. Kaladin, undeterred by the men’s resistance, went off to the lumberyard to train by himself. He eventually attracted a crowd that included [[Teft]], [[Rock]], [[Dunny]], and some of the other members of Bridge Four.{{book ref|sa1|14}} 

Before the next bridge run, Kaladin visited an apothecary to purchase some supplies so he could tend to the wounded. However, he quickly discovered that antiseptic was expensive, despite [[knobweed]] reeds growing just outside of camp. Kaladin settled on a needle and gut as well as some bandages, spending the four marks he had left from paying [[Gaz]] off. Returning to camp just as the bells sounded, Kaladin yelled for the men to line up for the next bridge run. As the men neared the [[Parshendi]] lines, Kaladin demanded to switch with [[Rock]], taking the most dangerous center-front spot of the bridge for himself, a rarity for a bridgeleader. During the assault, Kaladin was adamant on rescuing the six who fell. He dragged [[Hobber]] and [[Dabbid]] to safety with the help of Rock. As he turned to go back out to the field, [[Teft]] and Rock stopped him, going back to check on the other three. They returned with [[Leyten]], the only other survivor. Kaladin quickly started to work, providing medical care to the wounded men. After the long battle, they returned to camp with their three wounded in tow much to Gaz’s protests.{{book ref|sa1|17}}

{{image|Kaladin by Rumyana Zarkova.jpg|side=right|width=400px|Kaladin in the chasms}}

Because bridgemen were supposed to be expendable, Kaladin was told that he could keep tending to the wounded men, but they would not be paid or fed while they were unable to work. Not wanting to give in to Brightlord [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]], the bridgeleader asked other members of [[Bridge Four]] to pitch in money and food to care for the men. However, all refused except for [[Rock]]. He offered to share his food with [[Hobber]], who was the least injured of the three. Knowing it would only be a matter of time before the [[rotspren]] were attracted to the wounded, Kaladin came up with the idea of collecting [[knobweed]] stems during stone-gathering detail. With the stems, he could create the antiseptic the men desperately needed and even sell some to get more supplies and food. Gaining the trust of [[Rock]] and [[Teft]], Kaladin enlisted their help to find and collect the knobweed during their new detail. [[Syl]] assisted as well, finding patches of knobweed and guiding Rock—who was mysteriously able to see her—to them. While working to extract the sap that night, Kaladin started building camaraderie with the two men, even managing to get Rock to open up and share some of his life story.{{book ref|sa1|21}}{{book ref|sa1|23}}

Kaladin returned to the apothecary and made a deal for his bridge crew to gather [[knobweed]] sap in return for a [[spheres|skymark]] per bottle of sap and some bandages. Upon returning from selling the sap, [[Gaz]] sent [[Bridge Four]] to do chasm duty, recovering valuables from the war dead who had fallen into the chasms. In the chasms, Kaladin continued to build rapport with the men, bringing [[Dunny]] into the fold, who sang for the men while others hovered behind. Through their work, Kaladin came across a spear in the chasms. Picking it up and holding it drew the ire of [[Moash]], [[Sigzil]], and [[Earless Jaks]], who began taunting the bridgeleader. Ignoring their gibes, Kaladin closed his eyes and went into a trance. He performed an advanced practice kata with the spear, revealing his talent as a genius spearman to the men, leaving them speechless. During the display, [[Teft]], along with some of the other men, noticed an unknown spren—actually [[Syl]]—zipping around Kaladin. Through the rest of their chasm duty and on the walk back, more men started to open up. The night culminated in Kaladin using the money he had earned to purchase food and assigning [[Rock]] to cook a stew. Not a single person refused to partake in eating around the fire. The next day, a majority of the men followed his orders to rise out of bed and practice.{{book ref|sa1|27}}

==== Side Carry ====
Kaladin managed to get all the men to submit to his authority and participate in training. The training cut down on their losses, but Kaladin was still unsatisfied. Realizing that the bridge itself could act as a shield, Kaladin started training the men to shift the bridge and carry it on its side. The practice was slowing going, which left [[Gaz]] pleased at the prospect of [[Bridge Four]] losing more members. Prior to the next bridge run, Kaladin gained [[Lopen]] as a member from a new batch of recruits. They were immediately sent the next run. Realizing it was going to be a difficult approach, Kaladin ordered Bridge Four to perform the side carry as they engaged the [[Parshendi]]. The side carry was a success as it completely protected Kaladin’s men. However, other bridge crews tried to emulate the side carry. Not having trained in the maneuver, the other bridge crews failed. Lacking a sufficient number of bridges to cross the chasms and with the timing of the assault desynchronized, the battle was thrown into chaos and  [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]] lost. Understanding that he’d undermined the army’s strategy, Kaladin ordered [[Rock]] and [[Teft]] to stand down and Kaladin stepped up to Gaz and [[Lamaril]] to accept his fate.{{book ref|sa1|32}}

====The Stormfather's Judgement====
{{image|Survive the Storm by Ari Ibarra.jpg|side=right|width=250px|Kaladin being battered by the storm}}
{{quote
|I want you to go back into the barrack and tell the men to come out after the storm. Tell them to look up at me tied here. Tell them I’ll open my eyes and look back at them, and they’ll know that I survived.
|Kaladin to Rock, Teft, and Moash before the highstorm {{book ref|sa1|35}}
}}
As punishment for the failure, [[Torol Sadeas|Highprince Sadeas]] demoted several officers and executed [[Lamaril]], the lighteyed officer directly in charge of the bridgemen. Sadeas declined to execute Kaladin directly, but instead decided to let the [[Stormfather]] judge him. Kaladin would be freed if he could survive being tied to the side of [[Bridge Four]]’s barrack during the highstorm. Prior to the highstorm, [[Rock]], [[Teft]], and [[Moash]] came to see Kaladin and promised they would remember him. Kaladin asked them to tell the men to come out after the storm and they will see that he had survived. Teft gave Kaladin a dun sphere for good luck and the men retreated into the barracks as the storm approached.{{book ref|sa1|34}} As the storm raged and slammed into Kaladin, [[Syl]] told him to grab the roof and then the ring that his rope was attached to. He did as she said knowing that if he let go, he’d be dangling in the air again. However, the rain numbed his fingers and caused him to slip, flapping in the air again. As he hit the roof, everything went black and silent. During the darkness, Kaladin met the Stormfather in the form of a gigantic, inhuman, smile face. Immediately after, Kaladin’s [[Surgebinding]] abilities manifested and he drew upon [[Stormlight]] from the glowing blue sphere before falling unconscious.{{book ref|sa1|35}}

==== Kaladin Stormblessed ====
After the highstorm, the bridgemen followed [[Rock]] and [[Teft]] to go check on Kaladin. The bridgeleader hung by his ankles, his skin sliced in a hundred places. Just as the men gathered around him horrified, Kaladin’s eyes snapped open. His hand dropped the sphere that had been given to him, now dun, shocking Teft who knew the sphere should be infused. Wanting answers, he told Kaladin he better survive and the men rushed to cut him down. They cared for him and posted a constant guard by his bed. His injuries were severe, even attracting [[Deathspren]]. While recovering, Teft brought three infused spheres telling Kaladin he couldn’t leave them. He watched as Kaladin unconsciously consumed the Stormlight, causing Teft to suspect he may be a member of the [[Knights Radiant]]. Ten days later, Kaladin made a miraculous recovery and his men, never having known of his previous army service, revived the name Kaladin Stormblessed.{{book ref|sa1|38}}{{book ref|sa1|40}}

{{image|Chasm Kata by Art Noob.jpg|Kaladin performing a kata in the chasms|side=left|width=300px}}

==== Transforming Bridge Four into spearmen ====
After his recovery, Kaladin accompanied [[Bridge Four]] on their next bridge run. Once they dropped the bridge, Kaladin watched the battle raging on the next plateau alongside [[Rock]] and [[Sigzil]]. The latter asked why the bridgemen weren’t allowed to use shields during runs. Rock suggested that shields would slow them down, but Kaladin realized it was because they were bait.{{book ref|sa1|40}} Kaladin slipped into despair as he realized there was no hope for his men. Things were compounded the next day when Kaladin met [[Matal]], their new commander, and was re-acquainted with his wife, [[Hashal]]. She informed Kaladin that her husband would not run the bridge crews with the same laxness as his [[Lamaril|predecessor]]. Hashal then permanently assigned Bridge Four to chasm duty. Given the new orders and knowing their place as bait, Kaladin realized that further training as bridgemen would be a futile endeavor. Instead, he proposed training the men to become spearmen in order to escape, which his men accepted.{{book ref|sa1|43}}

During a highstorm, Kaladin dreamed he was the storm, traveling east to west, seeing the ground from the perspective of the storm itself. He passed over the [[Shattered Plains]], the [[Sea of Spears]], [[Kholinar]], the [[Horneater Peaks]], and countless other cities and villages. His path crossed [[Szeth]]’s in the middle of an assassination. Finally, he met the [[Stormfather]] once again, who left him with a cryptic message regarding the [[Oathpact]] being shattered and [[Odium]] reigning. Kaladin gasped awake to find himself being restrained. He attacked his “assailants,” but quickly realized they were just members of [[Bridge Four]]. They told him he had been in a fever dream and that he tried to walk out into the highstorm. Shaking off his vision, Kaladin went to clean up, even letting [[Rock]] give him a shave. Later that day, Bridge Four was given a new recruit, a parshman that Kaladin named [[Shen]]. Kaladin found himself walking around [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]]’ warcamp an hour later, still worried about his dream. He asked [[Syl]] if she knew anything about [[Odium]], which caused her to hiss and flee immediately to a nearby building. Before he could ask why the word set her off, Kaladin heard a series of curses behind him. Turning, Kaladin witnessed [[Adolin Kholin]] saving a prostitute from being beaten by a lighteyed officer. Choosing to escort the prostitute to the border, Adolin threw an emerald chip to Kaladin and told him to deliver a message that he couldn’t make his meeting and would reschedule. Kaladin took the money, but didn’t deliver the message due to his disdain of Adolin’s attitude and lighteyes in general. Syl returned, but was distressed at Kaladin’s increasingly dark attitude concerning lighteyes and his breach of the implicit agreement to do as Adolin asked.{{book ref|sa1|46}}

During their chasm duty detail, Kaladin secretly began training [[Bridge Four]], which had now dwindled to twenty-four members, as spearmen. To assist with the training, Kaladin tricked [[Teft]] into revealing that he had been a soldier and appointed him to oversee the men. To maintain their cover of working in the chasms, he assigned [[Lopen]], [[Rock]], [[Dabbid]], and [[Shen]] to do the actual salvage work with [[Syl]]’s assistance. Kaladin was impressed at the men’s progress after only a few hours and remarked that thanks to their adverse conditions, they were ironically the most motivated and fit recruits he had ever seen.{{book ref|sa1|49}}

In one of the next bridge runs, [[Dunny]] was killed. Frustrated, Kaladin began rescuing members from other bridge crews, commanding his men to carry them back to the barracks despite barely having enough resources to care for his own men. Kaladin’s actions coupled with the fact that the arrows seemed to dodge him when he ran point further raised [[Teft]]’s suspicions about the bridgeleader being a [[Knight Radiant]].{{book ref|sa1|53}} During chasm duty a week after Dunny’s passing, [[Bridge Four]] found slightly more than an emerald broam’s worth of money, including an actual emerald broam. With the money, they realized they could not only feed and care for the wounded bridgemen, but they could also advance their escape plan. Kaladin decided to turn over the emerald broam—an amount of money that no bridgeman could ever safely spend—but kept the rest. [[Rock]], though an avowed pacifist, took up a bow and attached the pouch to the underside of one of the permanent bridges using an arrow. [[Lopen]] covertly retrieved the money during their next bridge runs and turned the money over to Kaladin.{{book ref|sa1|55}}{{book ref|sa1|57}}

====Discovery of Surgebinding powers====
{{image|Wandersail by Ryland Malcom.jpg|width=400px|side=right|Wit telling Kaladin the story of the ''[[Wandersail]]''}}

In one of the next runs, [[Bridge Four]] dropped to just twenty-six members when both [[Maps]] and [[Arik]] died. Kaladin struggled to deal with their deaths, worried that soon he’d be the only one left. The rest of Bridge Four also appeared anxious as they fell in with their bridgeleader. Returning to camp, Kaladin dismissed the men, who in turn gave him a salute that [[Teft]] taught them. Teft lingered, allowing the bridgeleader to look at his arm. Under the ruse, Teft punched Kaladin, forcing him to unconsciously use his powers to defend himself. Kaladin demanded to know what Teft was doing, who just replied that he was testing something. Before either man could discuss it further, [[Lopen]] pointed out that Kaladin was glowing. Grabbing Teft, Kaladin demanded to know what he’d done to him. Teft denied doing anything, pointing out that Kaladin had been feeding off [[Stormlight]] since he’d been sick. Seeing [[Syl]] out of the corner of his eye, Kaladin confronted the spren about his powers. Realizing they come from the [[Knights Radiant]], Kaladin grew scared and wanted to be rid of them. Syl questioned why he’d want to be rid of something of the [[Windrunners]]. Kaladin wondered if he was cursed, which caused Syl to run away. When Lopen and Teft found him, Kaladin fled, overwhelmed at his new discovery.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

That night, Kaladin came across [[Hoid]], who told him the story of [[Derethil]] and the ''[[Wandersail]]'', a story that Kaladin interpreted as one about taking responsibility. Before Hoid left, he gave Kaladin a [[Trailman's flute]] and charged him with looking after his apprentice, [[Sigzil]], who he now graduated to a full [[Worldsinger]]. [[Syl]], who was present for the story, returned to Kaladin and explained she was behind what was happening to him. Syl offered to cut off their bond, but it would leave them both crippled. However, Kaladin decided to accept the responsibility that [[Surgebinding]] represented and use the power to help others.{{book ref|sa1|57}}

Kaladin spent the next week trying to learn how to use his [[Surgebinding]] powers with [[Teft]]’s help with little to no success while [[Bridge Four]] continued to train under [[Rock]]’s leadership. While trying to learn Surgebinding, Teft told Kaladin what he knew of the [[Knights Radiant]], teaching him the First Ideal of the [[Immortal Words]].{{book ref|sa1|59}} 

{{quote
|Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination.
|First Ideal of the Knights Radiant
}}

Their training was interrupted when [[Hashal]] came to visit. She informed Kaladin that [[Bridge Four]] would now go on every bridge run, citing they were a “model” for the other crews. They would no longer get the normal break between runs, a further reprisal for the side carry incident, and would now do chasm duty at night. Responding to the increased danger this change brought, Kaladin came up with a plan to use the skins of dead [[Parshendi]] found in the chasms as armor. In order to bring the armor out of the chasms, Kaladin successfully managed to use his powers to run up a wall and attach the armor to the underside of the permanent bridge they originally used to hide the spheres.{{book ref|sa1|59}}

During one of the next bridge runs, Kaladin donned the carapace armor and ran ahead of the bridge crews, drawing the attention of the [[Parshendi]]. The desecration of a Parshendi corpse enraged the warriors who focused all of their efforts on Kaladin, ignoring everyone else on the battlefield. Drawing in [[Stormlight]], Kaladin dodged arrows, his muscles reacting quickly. As [[Bridge Four]] came into range, an arrow cut open Kaladin’s arm, but to his surprise, it began to seal up instead of bleed. Continuing to serve as a distraction, Kaladin’s [[Surgebinding]] abilities protected him and the bridge crews from any harm, marking his plan a resounding success. While Bridge Four was resting and watching Kaladin treat a [[Thaylen]] man, a group of Parshendi soldiers attempted to ambush them. However, [[Dalinar Kholin]] came to their rescue and saluted them as he left. Given the success of the carapace armor, [[Matal]] gave Kaladin permission to outfit all of Bridge Four in the armor, with his wife [[Hashal]] claiming it was her idea the entire time. He set [[Leyten]], an apprentice armorer, to work on making the sets of carapace armor with the help of the wounded men. Meanwhile, the spearmen’s training advanced rapidly, with [[Moash]] and [[Skar]] emerging as the most skilled.{{book ref|sa1|62}}{{book ref|sa1|63}}

==== Battle of the Tower ====
Ten days later, on {{Rosharan date|1173|9|6|4}}, [[Bridge Four]] participated in the [[Battle of the Tower]], where the combined armies of Highprinces [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]] and [[Dalinar]] assaulted the [[Tower (Roshar)|Tower]]. By this time, they had not only perfected using the carapace armor and large wooden shields, but they had made enough sets to outfit the entire unit. Kaladin led the charge, staying in front of the other decoys, trying to distract the [[Parshendi]] forces as best he could. However, his efforts weren’t as successful as the first time he donned the armor. Five bridge crews dropped, slaughtered right where they ran. While Bridge Four fared better, they didn’t arrive unscathed. [[Skar]] and [[Teft]] both suffered injuries, which Kaladin tended to once they reached the Tower. Once Kaladin finished, he surveyed the battlefield and to his surprise, Sadeas was retreating. At first, he thought something must be wrong, but then he quickly realized that Sadeas had set up a trap, abandoning Dalinar and his men on the Tower with no means of escape.{{book ref|sa1|64}}{{book ref|sa1|65}}{{book ref|sa1|66}} 

[[Bridge Four]] retreated with the rest of Sadeas’ army, lagging behind so they could carry their wounded. As Kaladin carried the bridge, he had the idea of using the battle to escape, allowing the army to think that his men had been killed. Once [[Matal]] agreed to leave them behind, Kaladin explained the details of the escape to the men and offered to stay behind with the wounded men. Bridge Four protested, but Kaladin commanded them to stick to the plan. However, there was more than just the wounded men plaguing him. Looking back to the [[Tower (Roshar)|Tower]], he watched as [[Dalinar]] and his men continued fighting. The men of Bridge Four asked if there was anything they could do, but Kaladin refused, claiming it would be suicide. [[Syl]], who had taken up the form of a full-sized person, spoke up and revealed that she remembered being an [[honorspren]], a spirit of oaths, promises, and nobility. After a moment of internal conflict, Kaladin ordered his men to turn around and head back towards Dalinar’s army.{{book ref|sa1|67}}

{{image|Leap Onto The Tower by Marie Seeberger.jpg|width=400px|side=right|Kaladin jumping over a chasm and onto the Tower to save Dalinar and his army}}

Kaladin led [[Bridge Four]] as they charged the plateau in hopes of giving [[Dalinar]]’s army a chance to escape. He was filled with one purpose only and that was to protect. He ran ahead, dodging arrows, but he quickly realized something was wrong. [[Syl]] drew his attention back to Bridge Four and the many arrows pointed at their unshielded flank. He ordered them to go into the side carry position to deflect the arrows, something they hadn’t done in weeks. Reaching his crew, he turned just in time to see more archers behind them drawing for a large volley. He screamed and threw every bit of [[Stormlight]] he could into his shield, pulling over a hundred arrows into it. Seeing what Kaladin had done, both groups of [[Parshendi]] that had released volleys turned and fled. Knowing that Kaladin was in no condition to run the bridge, [[Moash]] led the rest of the men onwards to help Dalinar. Kaladin crawled to the edge of the chasm and asked Syl if she could help make him stronger, but she shook her head. As he listened to the sounds of war and death around him, he was transported back to the most horrible of days, the day [[Tien]] died. When he snapped out of his trance, Syl asked him if he knew the Words. Wanting to save his men, Kaladin took up a spear and spoke the [[Immortal Words|Second Ideal]] of the [[Windrunner]]s, progressing his path to becoming a member of the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa1|67}}

{{quote
|I will protect those who cannot protect themselves.
|Second Ideal of the Windrunners
}}

{{image|A Man's Worth by Randy Vargas.jpg|side=left|height=300px|Dalinar trading [[Oathbringer (Shardblade)|Oathbringer]] for the lives of Kaladin and all of the bridgemen}}

Kaladin fought with amazing prowess, his natural talents enhanced to unnatural levels by [[Stormlight]]. He single-handedly engaged and defeated dozens of [[Parshendi]]. Kaladin and his men held the bridge until [[Dalinar]]’s soldiers were able to fight their way to them. During the brief respite, the bridgeleader checked on his men, learning they had suffered three casualties and several injuries. Kaladin organized the retreat, putting [[Teft]] in charge of the bridgemen and keeping [[Moash]] by his side. Upon closer inspection of the [[Alethi]] soldiers, Kaladin realized that neither Highprince Dalinar nor [[Adolin]] were with them. Heading back to the front lines, Kaladin found the [[Cobalt Guard]], the group sworn to protect Adolin, still fighting. Knowing they wouldn’t leave without their highprince, Kaladin searched for Adolin and ordered him to retreat. However, Adolin refused to leave without his father. Kaladin convinced him to go with Moash while he went to retrieve Dalinar. He leapt over the chasm to where Dalinar was fighting with [[Eshonai]], both of whom were utilizing a full set of [[Shards]]. Fighting a [[Shardbearer]] for a second time, Kaladin rescued Dalinar and retreated with what remained of his army. Dalinar commended Kaladin for his actions and promised that he would ensure their safety from Sadeas.{{book ref|sa1|68}}

====A Promise Kept====
When they arrived back at the warcamps, Kaladin and the rest of [[Bridge Four]] accompanied [[Dalinar]] to confront Sadeas. Dalinar offered to pay an exorbitant sum of money, sixty emerald broams each, for the freedom of each bridgemen, but Sadeas refused. Finally, Dalinar offered his Shardblade [[Oathbringer (Shardblade)|Oathbringer]] in exchange for the men, which proved to be an offer Sadeas couldn’t refuse. With the deal made, Dalinar walked up to a shocked Kaladin and instructed him to gather the men he left behind and go to his warcamp. Later that night, Dalinar offered to make the bridgemen soldiers in his army, with Bridge Four becoming his personal guard. Kaladin accepted an appointment to the rank of captain, agreeing after Dalinar promised him an extraordinary amount of authority and autonomy for a [[darkeyes]].{{book ref|sa1|69}}{{book ref|sa1|73}}

=== Kholin's Bodyguard (1173-1174) ===
{{image|Feeling Pround by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=300px|Kaladin training his new men in the chasms}}

==== Rebuilding the Army ====
After the massive casualties at the [[Battle of the Tower]], Kaladin was tasked with turning the remaining bridgemen into a standing army. He promoted [[Teft]], [[Moash]], [[Skar]], [[Rock]] and [[Sigzil]] to lieutenants, a rank between captain and sergeant, to form a command structure for a thousand men. More specifically, Kaladin named Rock quartermaster, with [[Lopen]] as his second, and appointed Sigzil to be their clerk as he was the only one who could read glyphs. He put Teft in charge of training, suggesting that he combine the remaining bridgemen into twenty crews and train two members in each to go back and train the others. Kaladin promised a few men to assist Teft, but explained that would have to do as most of [[Bridge Four]], including Moash and Skar, would be needed to keep Dalinar alive. Without the highprince, Kaladin feared that the bridgemen would just be sold back to [[Torol Sadeas]] by his successor. With word spreading that the emperor of [[Azir]] was dead at the hands of the [[Assassin in White]], Kaladin reminded Teft that the assassin had already killed [[Gavilar]] and they just had to hope he was done. Regardless, they had to protect Dalinar at all costs.{{book ref|sa2|2}}

==== Freedom, Bridge Four ====
Once in agreement, they rounded up the rest of the men in [[Bridge Four]] and went to get their slave brands covered with tattoos. [[Hobber]] sat down first, with each man following, receiving tattoos that said “Freedom, Bridge Four.” Sitting down last, Kaladin closed his eyes and waited for the tattooist to finish. She cursed, revealing that the tattoo ink wouldn’t take. Kaladin sighed, realizing he was unconsciously holding [[Stormlight]] in his veins. He banished the Stormlight and she tried again, the ink taking this time. He looked in the mirror, seeing his slave brands covered up for a moment. [[Syl]] landed on his shoulder and he unconsciously sucked in Stormlight which melted the tattoo. The tattooist cursed again and picked up her rag, preparing to try again. However, Kaladin insisted that it was fine and tossed a small bag of spheres to the tattooist.{{book ref|sa2|2}}
{{sidequote
|The scars haven’t finished with me yet, it appears. I’ll try again another time.
|Kaladin to the rest of Bridge Four when his tattoo melted away{{book ref|sa2|2}}
|side=right|size=250px
}}
Upon [[Bridge Four]]’s return to the barracks, [[Rind]] was waiting for them with their new [[Cobalt Guard]] uniforms. While the men eagerly tried on their uniforms, [[Teft]] hesitated, unsure if he deserved to wear something like this again. Kaladin objected, saying the uniform was what he was and not to let the slave rule him. Teft countered, asking Kaladin when he was going to admit he was doing the same thing. Teft tried to convince him that he needed to show [[Dalinar]] that he was a [[Surgebinder]] and a [[lighteyes]]. However, Kaladin confessed that he had everything taken away from him by the lighteyes and for now, he couldn’t let them take this too. Dropping the subject, Teft put on his uniform and joined the others. With the uniforms sorted out, the men cut off the insignia of the Cobalt Guard, declaring themselves Bridge Four.{{book ref|sa2|2}}

{{image|Bridge Four - XIX. The Sun .png|side=left|width=200px|Practicing in the chasms}}

==== Becoming What Dalinar Needs ====
Kaladin set up rotations to protect [[Dalinar]], always assigning himself, [[Moash]], or [[Skar]] for the Blackthorn. After a small council, Dalinar wished for Kaladin and his best men to take on more duties extending to protecting [[Navani]], his sons and eventually King [[Elhokar]] himself. Dalinar confessed that there may have already been an attempt on the king’s life when the gemstones on his [[Shardplate]] seemed to be sabotaged. Unsure of who to trust, Dalinar asked Kaladin to familiarize himself with how the King’s Guard works and to learn from them. Once their training was complete, Kaladin would be in charge of a new group guarding the king consisting of some of the old King’s Guard and Kaladin’s own men. Kaladin worried that his men were stretched thin, but Dalinar said he was not alone in that problem.{{book ref|sa2|4}}{{book ref|sa2|5}}

During a trip to the chasms, Kaladin asked [[Syl]] what she thought about Dalinar’s plan to reform the [[Knights Radiant]]. She exclaimed that not only was it a wonderful idea, but she was jealous that he thought of it first. He then asked her if a spren could be writing the glyphs on the wall. While she didn’t know, Syl admitted that she had seen a spren like red lightning, a dangerous spren. Kaladin asked Syl if there were more like him. Though she expected the question, she didn’t answer him at first. She eventually told him that there were others like him as spren, those she didn’t know, tried to reclaim what was lost. Syl goes on to say that Kaladin has to become what Dalinar is looking for and not to make him search in vain.{{book ref|sa2|9}}

While in the chasms, [[Sigzil]] conducted some baseline tests of Kaladin’s [[Surgebinding]] abilities with [[Rock]] and [[Lopen]]’s assistance. They had to rely on counting as Sigzil didn’t have a proper clock to time Kaladin, nor did he even know how to measure [[Stormlight]]. Kaladin suggested that they use chips since they were weighed before being encased in glass. However, Sigzil worried that he was wasting Kaladin’s time as there was still so much about [[Stormlight]] that they didn’t know. [[Lopen]] reassured him that it wasn’t a waste and asked if Kaladin could stick him to the wall. Able to do so, [[Rock]] commented that this skill could be very useful in battle. They continued to experiment further with his new abilities, the others taking up spears to test him. Just like with his spear, Kaladin knew these new abilities would take lots of practice. This meant Kaladin would have to find a new person like himself to spar with. Calling it a day, the men returned to the warcamp and to the news that a hero had come to the [[Shattered Plains]]. Kaladin’s heart became ice when he heard the hero was none other than Highlord [[Amaram]], the man who stole Kaladin’s [[Shardblade]] and branded him a slave.{{book ref|sa2|12}}

==== Preparing for the Assassin in White ====
During the Highstorms, Kaladin gathered all those who were under his protection in one location to make it easier to keep them safe. However, he blamed himself when the numbers didn’t stop. After a particular highstorm, King [[Elhokar]] was nearly killed after the balcony he was standing on broke free. Kaladin and [[Dalinar]] concluded that the support was cut with a [[Shardblade]] and that it was an assassination attempt. Kaladin later confronted Moash as he was the only one on the balcony after the storm. Moash then admitted to being an accomplice and Kaladin forbade him from meeting with the assassins again.

[[Zahel]], a swordmaster who taught Adolin and other lighteyes, tried to convince Kaladin to be trained under him so that he could learn how to fight Shardbearers. Kaladin didn’t want to, as he still associated Shardblades with the [[Helaran Davar|shardbearer]] who killed his men while he was under Amaram. Zahel then goes after Adolin, pretending to be an enemy. Kaladin fought him, but was defeated because he was not protecting anybody and his Radiant abilities not aiding him.

Kaladin discussed Amaram with Dalinar, but Dalinar does nothing. He does not fully believe Kaladin, but says that he will look into it. This angered Kaladin, leaving him unsatisfied with Dalinar’s promise.

Later, Dalinar requested that Kaladin and his men learn how to ride horses, as they might be useful in the future. The groom thought it was absurd for darkeyes to learn horseback riding, but she taught them anyways. Kaladin did not want to ride the horses, but he does as he was told. At first, he rode an old, mellow horse, but Adolin came by and taunted him for not riding a fast horse. He then found [[Dreamstorm]], the most wild, violent house in the stables, and attempted to ride it. As it bucked him wildly, he was forced to stick himself on with Stormlight. He was whipped around, until he finally ran out, flying several feet in the air and landing across the stable. It hurt badly, because he was out of Stormlight. However, Adolin was very impressed and apologized for taunting him.

{{image|Facing off with the Assassin in White.jpg|side=right|width=350px|Facing off against [[Szeth]].}}

Kaladin then had a dream where he spoke to the Stormfather. The Stormfather said that Kaladin would soon betray and kill Syl. When he woke up, Syl told him that [[Odium|The One Who Hates]] is coming and Kaladin rushed to Elhokar’s room. Dalinar and Adolin were there, but so was [[Szeth]]. Kaladin defended them successfully, but his arm was wounded by Szeth's shardblade. He grew it back with Stormlight, leaving Szeth shocked and angry that the [[Knights Radiant]] were returning as evident by Kaladin’s Surgebinding. (Their return somehow seemed to exonerate him of whatever infraction resulted in his Truthless status, which destroyed his ability to distance himself from the murders he was ordered to perform.) He then left Kaladin alone. Upon seeing that he was barely able to fight a Shardbearer, Kaladin took Zahel up on his offer to train him.

Moash continued to be involved with the plot to kill Elhokar. Kaladin ordered him to cease involvement with the conspiracy, but he wished that their arguments were less persuasive. Moash agreed to stop meeting with them.

Kaladin guarded Adolin while he met with Shallan, much to Adolin’s objection, but Kaladin refused to leave him by himself. He met up with Wit, who informed Kaladin that he was aware of his new Surgebinding powers. Kaladin was shocked and angry with Wit, which he often was these days. Wit left when they were not looking, convincing a bystander to take his place driving the wagon.

{{image|The Impossible Odds by Randy Vargas.jpg|side=left|height=350px|The duel}}

====Adolin's Duel====
{{quote
|Honor is dead. But I'll see what I can do. If this goes poorly, take care of my men.
|Kaladin to Dalinar before jumping into the arena.{{book ref|wor|56}}
}}
Adolin is having a difficult time getting people to duel him, so he tells [[Relis]] that he is allowed to bring "anyone else he wants', expecting him to bring one other person. However, Relis brings three others. Adolin is a skilled dueler, but not against four opponents, so Renarin goes in after him. Renarin is unskilled at fighting, so Kaladin jumps in after.

Kaladin tells Syl that this better end differently than when he saved Amaram, and Syl promises that it will. Relis ignores Kaladin and pays the price as he gets stabbed in a crack in his armor. Kaladin guards Adolin's back and says that Adolin will need to break their foes' shardplate for him. Adolin says for Kaladin to distract one foe and to watch out for Renarin while he fights the other two and Kaladin agrees. Kaladin draws Relis' attention while Adolin fights Elit and Jakamav. Relis fights Kaladin for a short time but then goes back to fight Adolin who is skillfully dueling his two foes, so Kaladin uses a lashing-enhanced kick to knock Relis down, breaking his own legs in process though he is able to heal them. Kaladin sees that he cracked some of Relis' shards. Adolin's own armor is mostly cracked but he gets a strong blow at Elit and cracks his chestplate, slowing Elit greatly. Kaladin sees Abrobadar waving his blade at the ground and Sylphrena exclaims about something mysterious and flies over toward Renarin. Kaladin uses his broken spear to strike Elit in his exposed armor and forces him to yield. The remaining three opponents gather to battle Adolin, leaving Renarin alone to sit in the sand. Kaladin asks for Elit's helm and is given it and puts it on his hand as an armored glove, and arms himself with a knife to help Adolin. Kaladin tricks Relis into backing away then he goes to help Adolin. Relis and Jakamav both try to attack Kaladin with Sylphrena circling around him, and he dodges their shardblades or blocks them with the helm until he runs out of stormlight, realizing the helm drained it from him. Kaladin is backed against a wall, but Adolin appears and grapples Jakamav to the ground. Kaladin sees that Abrobadar was just defeated. Relis who is the last man standing rushes toward Renarin and Kaladin follows, yelling at Renarin to yield but he only dismisses his blade and does nothing. Relis raises his blade toward Renarin but ends up swinging it at Kaladin, and Kaladin catches it then hears a scream that sounds like Sylphrena. Relis hears the scream and drops the blade and vacates the arena, forfeiting the duel. Jakamav yells at Adolin to fight him as he is held down and Kaladin walks up to him with his knife and places it by a crack in his armor and tells him to yield or else. Jakamav yields and Adolin is declared victor. Adolin laughs joyously at the spoils he won and asks Kaladin to help him remove his drained armor.

Elhokar announces how impressed he is by Adolin and offers him a boon. Kaladin notices Sadeas trying to leave the arena, but before he does, Adolin demands the right to duel Sadeas there and then. Kaladin also demands a boon to challenge Amaram there and then for the crimes of murder and obstruction of justice, causing Amaram to cower, Adolin to groan and the crowd to silence. Elhokar orders Kaladin to be arrested.

{{image|Kaladin Inprisoned by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=250px|Kaladin in prison}}
==== In Prison ====
Kaladin is furious at being put in prison again; for defending a lighteyes. He is treated better in the prison than he was as a slave, but still hates it. He is furious at Dalinar, and compares him to Amaram. Syl forces Kaladin to take it back, and he does. When Dalinar walks in, Kaladin jumps to attention, even though he currently hates him. Dalinar tells Kaladin that he is trying to convince Elhokar to free him, but Elhokar is worried that he will be seen as weak. Dalinar still does not believe that Amaram stole his plate and blade, and says that if Kaladin wants Darkeyes to be respected, he should be a good soldier, not challenge people like Amaram to duels. He thanks Kaladin for saving his sons, and leaves.

Later on, Wit comes. He brings a stringed instrument, and tells Kaladin the story of Fleet, the man who tried to race a highstorm from one end of Roshar to the other. He waits for Kaladin to prompt him, before playing his music and telling the rest. In the end, Fleet makes it to Shinovar, where no highstorms can blow, but then dies of exhaustion. His soul then races the wind forever. Wit claims that he didn't know at all about the story of Fleet, and that Kaladin told it and invented it. 
Finally, Kaladin is set free. He sees that Adolin had locked himself in prison, to protest Kaladin's imprisonment. He has taken a few baths, shaved, and is wearing perfume, claiming that he didn't have to be completely barbaric, but is very thankful to Kaladin for saving his life. When he leaves the prison area, all of [[Bridge Four]] is there, celebrating his freedom. Adolin offers Kaladin Shardplate and a Shardblade, but he refuses. It reminds him of Amaram, and gives it to Moash. Kaladin can't find Syl, and is  unable to use Stormlight. He does not know why.

{{image|Kaladin and Shallan in Chasm.png|side=left|width=250px|Weathering the highstorm}}

==== In the Chasm ====
Kaladin goes out on an expedition to the Shattered Plains, so that Shallan can sketch a Chasmfiend pupa. A bridge engineer working undercover for Sadeas falls the bridge while Dalinar is crossing in an attempt to assassinate Dalinar, and Kaladin and Shallan both fall into the chasm. Each one has Radiant powers, but neither knows that the other does. They wander the chasms for a while, and begin to argue. Kaladin explains to Shallan that the world must seem wonderful to her, because she is rich and hasn't seen terrible things. She then explains to Kaladin that her [[Lin Davar|father]] was abusive, and she has experienced things just as terrible as he has. Kaladin asks her how she can be so cheerful, and she said that 'it helps if you are insane'. Then, a chasmfiend finds them. Kaladin fights it and defeats it by stabbing the top of its mouth, up into its brain, while Shallan helps by distracting it with large images of people. Neither see that the other is a Radiant.

A highstorm comes, and they hide in a hole on the inside of the wall. Kaladin sees [[spren#Stormstriders|one large figure, and a smaller deformed one]] come by. He then sees the [[Stormfather]]'s head, who tells him that he has betrayed and killed Syl.
When they leave the chasms, Bridge Four is there to greet them, and celebrate. Kaladin brings the chasmfiend's gemheart, but Shallan says that it was dead when it was found. Without Syl, it takes him just as long to heal as an ordinary person.

=== The Third Ideal (1174) ===
==== Saving King Elhokar ====
{{image|Vow of Loyalty by Petar Penev.jpg|side=right|height=400px|Kaladin defending Elhokar}}

Kaladin sees that all the men guarding King Elhokar are rebels working with Moash, and want to kill the king. He is convinced that everything is okay, and goes back to his barracks. He then gets uneasy, comes back, and finds the king half asleep on his couch. The soldiers were saying terrible things about him to make him drink, and be less alert. Kaladin sees this, and tries to carry the king out. Moash and [[Graves]] are there, and try to kill him. Moash asks Kaladin to leave, and when he refuses, punches him with his plate enhanced strength. It breaks Kaladin's ribs. They stab the king, and Kaladin tries to fight them off. He is badly injured, and thinks that he is going to die, but is content to die while doing something right. He then hears the Stormfather speaking with Syl. Syl wants to go to Kaladin, but the Stormfather argues that Kaladin will kill her again. She tells Kaladin to say the Third Ideal of the Windrunners: 
{{quote
|I will protect even those I hate, so long as it is right.
|Third Ideal of the Windrunners.
}}
Syl returns to him in the form of a Shardblade. Kaladin can use surges again, and he heals with Stormlight. He is able to defeat the assassins, and leave the building with Elhokar alive.

==== Fighting Szeth ====
{{quote
|The sky and the winds are mine, I claim them. Just as I now claim your life.
|Kaladin to Szeth
}}

Dalinar allies with several other highprinces to attack on the Parshendi. They summon an [[Everstorm]], and Szeth comes to kill Dalinar. Syl tells Kaladin that something is wrong, and Kaladin uses his lashings to fly/fall towards the shattered plains. He sees Dalinar flying upwards, where Szeth has [[lashing|lashed]] him. He lashes Dalinar slightly more down than up, so that he floats slowly down. Kaladin then plummets down to Roshar, leaving a sword shaped glyph in the ground where he lands, and tells Szeth that he claims his life.

{{image|Szeth vs Kaladin by BlazeMalefica.jpg|side=left|width=350px|Fighting Szeth in the [[highstorm]]}}

Kaladin and Szeth battle in the sky, using lashings to maneuver back and forth as the two storms crash into each other below. Szeth says the Knights can't be back but Kaladin retorts that they are and will kill him. Szeth manages to stab Kaladin but he is able to heal it, though it takes a lot of stormlight. Szeth boasts that he will win due to his experience but Kaladin says that the sky is and was always his. Kaladin starts fighting instinctually and manages to strike Szeth as Syl changes forms while they fight, though Szeth dodges a killing blow. Kaladin sees the top of the plateau crest through the clouds, spinning slowly. The top is [[Urithiru]], and a [[fabrial]], and Shallan has activated it. Szeth lands on the surface, chased by Kaladin. Szeth again yells that the Voidbringers can't be back, and goes back toward Dalinar to try to kill him.
Kaladin follows Szeth into the storm as Syl warns Kaladin that the Stormfather hates him, and that although the winds are Kaladin's, the storms are the Stormfather's. She warns him that a worse storm brews as well. Kaladin and Szeth both draw more stormlight from the storm. Szeth reaches the plateau before Kaladin but it is empty. Szeth screams at Kaladin as red spren zip around in the tempest. Szeth realizes that the armies went to Urithiru, and flies off toward the west, chased by Kal. Kaladin chases with difficulty and they both reach the stormfront and break through it, and Kaladin stabs Szeth in his foot. Kaladin manages to smash and stab Szeth further as they fight just ahead of the highstorm. As they fight, Szeth finally acknowledges the truth and says that he was right all along and never Truthless, and that he could have stopped murdering at any time. Szeth feints and Kaladin responds by stabbing the Shin through the chest, and grabs the shardblade at Syl's order from Szeth's falling corpse. Kaladin stays hovering surrounded by windspren, and Syl says she may keep Kaladin around. Syl demands compliments and a smile, which Kaladin gives.

Kaladin, Dalinar, Renarin, and Shallan meet in Urithiru. They are all finally aware that the others are Radiants. Kaladin plans to return to his hometown, and save his family from [[Roshone]].

=== Return to Alethkar (1174) ===
==== Returning to Hearthstone ====
{{image|Thepathtoheartstone.png|width=350px|side=right|The Path to Hearthstone}}

Kaladin traveled to Hearthstone to warn his parents about the approaching Everstorm, doing what he could to prepare other villages and towns as he went. However, he was too late as the Everstorm had already struck. Walking through the destruction, Kaladin was surprised to find light emanating from the manor house. Entering the house, Kaladin was stopped by one of Roshone's soldiers.{{book ref|sa3|5}}

The guard led Kaladin through the manor where the sounds of wounded led Kaladin to a makeshift triage room. There, he found his father, [[Lirin]], and his mother, [[Hesina]], attending to the wounded. After an emotional reunion, the soldiers insisted that Kaladin be taken to [[Roshone]]. Lirin offers to buy his writ of slavery, insisting that they will not take his son, lest they have to find themselves another surgeon. Kaladin observes the wounded, determining they were not signs of battle, but rather of natural disaster. The soldiers sent for Roshone who was surprised to see Kaladin alive and insistent on seeing his brands. Before the conversation went much further, Kaladin punched Roshone for his friend [[Moash]].{{book ref|sa3|6}}

Kaladin apologizes for his actions and promises not to hit the brightlord again, but rather that they need to talk. Roshone refused at first and insisted that his soldiers attack Kaladin, but they refuse after Kaladin summons [[Syl]]. The brightlord tells Kaladin that the parshmen escaped, but they fled instead of attacking the city. Kaladin asks what direction they went, but Roshone's soldiers do not know. Kaladin promises to tell Elhokar about the city's destroyed food supply. In return, he requests a horse to go hunt the parshmen and tells Roshone that he can't stay. He warns the brightlord that he must stand up and lead his people. [[Laral]] promises they will do it and arranges for Kaladin to use a spanreed. Kaladin questions whether or not she is truly happy and he is surprised to find she is content with her life in Hearthstone. Kaladin dropped the argument and returned to see his father. Lirin is happy that he returned and is well, but is concerned that he is caught up in war. Kaladin tells him that he is a "watcher at the rim" and must do what he can to protect others. His father understands and asks him to see his mother before he leaves. On his way, he runs into Laral who has the spanreed set up for Kaladin. He gives an update to [[Dalinar]], who encourages him to find out what the enemy is doing without taking any unnecessary risks. After their conversation, Kaladin goes to see Hesina who introduces him to his new brother, [[Oroden]]. Before leaving, Kaladin promises he will come back for Lirin, Hesina, and Oroden, but Lirin insists that he must stay if the [[Desolation]] is upon them. He assures them he will return and that Dalinar has refounded the [[Knights Radiant]] and this time, they will not fail them.{{book ref|sa3|7}}

=== Finding the Parshmen ({{Rosharan date|1174}}) ===
===== Hornhollow =====
Upon his departure from Hearthstone, Kaladin pursued the Voidbringers. After two days, he arrived in the village of [[Hornhollow]]. There, the townspeople had gathered for a town meeting. Syl transformed herself into the shape of a Shardblade and he was welcomed by the crowd. A lighteyed man asked Kaladin if he'd rather rest and eat or attack the rogue parshmen. Kaladin ordered the man to take him to them.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

An ardent informs him that the parshmen, about fifty in number and presumably in warform, sought the grain out specifically. Two men were hurt during the attack, [[Khem]] and another man. Kaladin then seeks out the citylord who tells him that his scouts know which direction the parshmen went, towards Kholinar. The citylord offers to have his men escort Kaladin, but he departs alone, saying they would only slow him down.{{book ref|sa3|10}}

===== Traveling with the Parshmen =====
When Kaladin finally caught up to the Voidbringers, he was surprised to find they not only were playing [[Rosharan card game|cards]], but that they looked very different than what he expected. Rather than being red and black marbled like [[Rlain]], the parshmen's skin was marbled white and red. They were not wearing warform, nor did they have red eyes. Kaladin observed them for awhile and tells [[Syl]] they had been wrong. These parshmen weren't the destroyers they had been told about. One of their number noticed him, sounding the alarm. As they took up their cudgels, Kaladin hesitated. Though he knew he could easily defeat them, it didn't sit right, so he surrendered instead.{{book ref|sa3|14}}

The parshmen bound Kaladin to a tree while they debated what to do with him. Against [[Khen]]'s wishes, they didn't kill him, but yet pulled him by a rope as they traveled. Kaladin talked up [[Sah]], his captor, explaining card game strategies to him. As they walked, Kaladin realized that the parshmen weren't monsters, they were just slaves, like him. Sah argued that Kaladin couldn't possibly understand what they had been through, but Kaladin felt he did understand a little. Continuing on, Syl panicked, worried that the parshmen could see her or at least the spren could. Syl explained that the spren leading the parshmen must be from him, a [[Voidspren]]. Syl stayed close to Kaladin, just in case he needed to summon her.{{book ref|sa3|17}}

Kaladin eventually spoke up, complimenting the parshmen and offering them assistance in their travels. Sah refuses and they continue their pace until they stop for a break. Sah's little girl, [[Vai]], brings Kaladin some water and she asks him why his people won't leave them alone. He struggles to figure out how to explain the war and her ancestors to a seven-year-old. She retreats as the parshmen make camp and Kaladin asks Syl to help cut his rope. Rather than summoning her as a blade, he dropped a rock alerting the parshmen to his freedom. He asked for his knife so he can build a fire and after a short conference, they allowed him to do just that.{{book ref|sa3|17}}

Over the next few days, Kaladin spent his time showing the parshmen how to cook food, bind wounds, and build equipment. Sah becomes frustrated though that he needs Kaladin's help at all, that he fled one master just to have to listen to him explain things that he should already know. Kaladin explained that "freedom" is a strange word and that despite serving another brightlord, he feels more free now than ever. Once Sah finished the hatchet, he asked Kaladin why he isn't afraid to show them these things. Kaladin explained that he has a choice and that it doesn't have to come to war. Despite his own words, Kaladin fears that the war is inevitable, so Syl encourages him to find the middle ground.{{book ref|sa3|20}}

===== Revolar =====
Kaladin secured a private storm bunker for the growing group of parshmen in the [[Vamah]] city of [[Revolar]] after Syl warned him of an approaching [[highstorm]]. Khen was pleased with Kaladin's work and the group hunkered down for the storm. While it raged outside and Kaladin debated how much longer he could delay returning to Urithiru, the yellow Voidspren appeared beside him. Kaladin told her he could see her and she replied that she wanted him to. She asked Kaladin why he was still there and after a lie, he admitted that the world is changing and he wanted to see which way it went. She asked Kaladin if he would fight them and he questioned if he would be allowed. She admitted that the final decision isn't with her, as she is just a messenger, but that he will find out once they reach their destination. She finally asked Kaladin how he knew of the approaching highstorm. He said he felt it in his bones and she said humans can't feel storms. She gave him a knowing smile and then disappeared.{{book ref|sa3|23}}

{{image|The Next Ideal.png|side=left|width=300px|Departing from [[Revolar]]}}

While in Revolar, the number of parshmen camping around the city continued to grow exponentially reaching at least 40,000-50,000 in number. Sah told Kaladin that the number was amazing, that he always imagined the parshmen having their own city and now they do. As they walked through the city, Kaladin saw not only signs of the Everstorm, but also of looting. He asked Sah is this what he wanted, to conquer a kingdom and destroy humankind. Sah confessed that he didn't know, but that he couldn't be a slave again. Kaladin countered that they are his people and that a war to exterminate one side or the other can't be the answer. Sah offered that maybe it doesn't have to be that way, but that he could fight alongside them in something bigger, oppressed against the oppressors. Once he passed where Syl was, she told him that there are a lot of yellow spren around and another highstorm is coming. As Khen's group approached the Parshendi leaders of the small town, the scribe evaluated them and asked about Kaladin's presence. Yixli spoke highly of him, but the scribe said that the [[Fused]] would have to label him free. He stepped out of line and saw a tall parshwoman with red eyes, like those of the [[Shattered Plains]]. Seeing the Fused, Kaladin knew it was time to go. He sucked in the [[Stormlight]] from Khen's pouch and took the pouch from her. He thanked Khen for her kindness, warned her of the impending storm, and said that no matter what she is told, he didn't wish to be her enemy.{{book ref|sa3|31}}

He launched himself into the air as the Fused began to scream. Once in the air, Kaladin looked over the scores of parshmen and he told Syl he can't help but feel a kinship to them. She argued that they're Voidbringers and they conquered the city, but Kaladin explained that they are people who are angry and have good reason to be. He reminds her of how he felt about [[Elhokar]], but she countered that he changed his mind. They continue to argue and Kaladin confessed that he just wanted an absolute right on this, not a moral code with exceptions. Kaladin looked down at the city once more and they both realized the parshmen guarding the humans had not done any preparations for the impending storm. Kaladin Lashed himself down to them and shouted warning of the highstorm. They just stared at him, so Kaladin summoned his blade and warned the people to take refuge wherever they did during the last storms. He charged the parshmen guards to do better and that if they wanted to claim moral superiority over the humans, they have to treat them better than they were treated.{{book ref|sa3|31}}

During the exchange with the guards, something crashed into Kaladin, tossing him backwards. As they grasped for his throat, Kaladin kicked them off and he Lashed himself into the air. The red-eyed parshman that attacked Kaladin glowed with what looked like dark Stormlight. Another creature appeared and Kaladin Lashed himself straight toward the stormwall. He pleaded with the [[Stormfather]] to show mercy and spare the people below. The Stormfather seemed to consider his request, but said it was something that could not be done. Kaladin zoomed to the ground hoping to find the people safe, but it was all for naught. He hit the ground and dropped Syl, seizing a young father, his son, and another woman. He led them to a group of two dozen people and walked with them. Consumed with pain, Kaladin sucked in Stormlight and deflected the storm while the battered people huddled behind him. He provided them with cover, diverting the storm long enough for the people to reach the bunker. Syl was impressed with what he had done, but Kaladin was dissatisfied that it wasn't enough. Kaladin pushed himself out of the stormwall and then rode in front of the storm for a good hour. Syl instructed Kaladin to follow the wind's nudging as the Stormfather's way of apologizing. He allowed the winds to channel him for hours and by the time the storm passed, he found himself outside of [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|31}}

=== Siege of Kholinar (1174) ===
==== Training and Recruiting Bridge Four Squires ====
The morning after his return, Sigzil came to Kaladin with a list of tasks and decisions for Kaladin to make. He had a lot of details of running an army to tend to. Together they went to the quartermaster's office to check out the royal emerald reserve, to be used for training.{{book ref|sa3|35}} Later, Bridge Four went to train and hold try-outs on the Shattered Plains, with Rock providing food & drinks. King Elhokar came by to watch the training to ask Kaladin to join the Kholinar mission. Kaladin helped Hobber breath in Stormlight for the first time and Hobber start healing his legs. The group spotted smoke in the distance, they found a caravan that was attacked by Voidbringers. Among the caravan was Rock's family, who are introduced to Bridge Four.{{book ref|sa3|37}}

Kaladin attended a conference of the Radiants and leaders. He argued with Jasnah about the motives of the Voidbringers, arguing that the common Parshsmen just want a place to live. He also vehemently disagreed with Jasnah's suggestion to find and kill the Heralds.{{book ref|sa3|39}} Later Bridge Four continued training, with almost all of Bridge Four now being able to draw in Stormlight. Kaladin was worried that none of the new recruits had drawn in Stormlight yet, but by the end of the session [[Lyn]] was the first new recruit to do so.{{book ref|sa3|46}} After a later training, Bridge Four gathered at Rock's cook fire to talk about fitting in, belonging, expectations and how it sometimes made them feel alone. Afterwards Kaladin noticed Rlain sitting alone, and asks Rlain to explain how he feels.{{book ref|sa3|55}}

==== Arriving in Kholinar ====
{{image|Abovethestorm.png|Kaladin above the highstorm|side=right|width=350px}}
After his return, [[Elhokar]] asked Kaladin to join his mission to open the [[Kholinar]] [[Oathgate]] and transport the team by flying them with Lashings above the highstorm, which would constantly renew their Stormlight. Before doing so, Kaladin practiced transporting a large group in this manner by flying [[Dalinar]], [[Navani]], and others from the Oathgate in [[Stormseat]] to the warcamps,{{book ref|sa3|50}} and by flying with [[Shallan]] to unlock the [[Thaylen City]] Oathgate after Queen [[Fen Rnamdi]] finally agrees to have it opened. Afterwards, Dalinar pulled Kaladin aside to inform him that as a Shardbearer, he was a lighteyes suitable to have a landed title. As such, he was granted an area of land on the [[Deathbend River]].{{book ref|sa3|58}} 

After travelling to Thaylen City, Kaladin, along with Elhokar, [[Adolin]], [[Shallan]], [[Skar]], [[Drehy]], [[Ishnah]], and [[Vathah]], undertook a trip atop the next highstorm, using it as fuel to travel from the [[Shattered Plains]] to Kholinar. Along the way, he noted that although he cannot reproduce his ability to influence the strength of the winds, he did create a sort of 'channel' that kept the group together as they flew. During the trip, he also briefly had a conversation with [[Syl]] about his interest in Shallan, after he reflected on how she seemed to embrace flying above the storms. Once the group arrived, they discussed the beauty of the storm, and Kaladin split from the group to scout below the clouds. Over Kholinar, he identified the banners of humans rulers, and noted the construction of [[Singer]] stormshelters. Kaladin finally gave in to his urge to gawk, but was alarmed by the dark aura around the palace. Returning to the group, he consulted them and the group decided to sneak into Kholinar, regardless of the fact that it was still in human hands.{{book ref|sa3|60}}

The group approached the city wearing disguises made by Shallan. Kaladin's illusion was particularly hideous. The king commanded Kaladin to succeed, believing that he himself would fail. The Wall Guard denied them entrance, but the group quickly entered when the guard was distracted by an attack of the Fused. Kaladin wanted to help the guards, but Adolin persuaded him to ignore it.{{book ref|sa3|61}} They sheltered at Adolin's tailor's house, and made plans.{{book ref|sa3|62}} Kaladin brought a letter from Elhokar to Shallan, for her to deliver to the palace. Meanwhile, he watched the palace and helped Shallan get back to the tailor's after she escaped.{{book ref|sa3|63}}

{{image|Kaladin vs a Voidbringer.jpg|side=left|width=300px|Slaying a [[Shanay-im|Heavenly One]] with [[Syl]]}}

==== Infiltrating the Wall Guard ====
During the next planning session, Elhokar charged Kaladin with infiltrating the Wall Guard.{{book ref|sa3|67}} Adolin and Elhokar attended a lighteyes feast to gain contacts, and Kaladin went as the head of their guards. Before joining the lighteyed guard tent he went for a walk along the wall. A patrol of the guards met him, and immediately tried to recruit him. They offered him a free meal, no strings attached.{{book ref|sa3|69}} Over the meal, the guards tried to recruit Kaladin with offers of regular meals and comradery. They were willing to ignore any man's history so long as he was able and willing to fight with them. Later Highmarshal Azure came by on her daily round, and Kaladin was flabbergasted to discover she was a woman and the Wall Guard kept that secret.{{book ref|sa3|70}} 

On Elhokar's orders, Kaladin joined the Wall Guard and went out with them on patrol. He quickly found a familiar sense of belonging with the squad and their banter. The squad helped deliver food to the city, followed by wall duty. Kaladin tried to get information about Azure out of the men. The wall was assaulted by the Fused and Kaladin started giving orders to get the defenders ready, but the attacks ended up elsewhere.{{book ref|sa3|73}} Kaladin reported his findings to Adolin and Shallan while they waited out the highstorm in a winehouse.{{book ref|sa3|77}} After the high storm, when his platoon was having dinner with Highmarshal Azure, Kaladin was sitting at the officers' table. The highmarshal and Kaladin had a barbed exchange, both trying to get information from the other without revealing anything themselves. They were interrupted when the wall was attacked.{{book ref|sa3|78}} 

Kaladin and Azure charged up the stairs to the wall and focus on the defense. The guard was in chaos under the coordinated attack. Kaladin took charge of a platoon and in the following fight was drawn into a one-on-one fight with a Fused. He managed to kill the Fused and forced himself to use only the bare minimum of stormlight to heal himself after the encounter. The Wall Guards were in awe as it was the first Fused killed. After the battle, Azure pointed out he assembled Voidbringer army, ready for the assault. When she heard about his kill, he reveals he is here on orders of the king.{{book ref|sa3|79}} He convinced the highmarshal to reveal the hidden room lined with aluminum where the Soulcasters are working. In return, Kaladin told about the Oathgate and how it is the only way to save the city.{{book ref|sa3|81}} The Wall Guard send five to six hundred troops led by Azure and Kaladin to join the assault on the palace.{{book ref|sa3|82}}

==== Assault on the Royal Palace ====
When readying for the assault, Elhokar gave Kaladin the duty to save the Queen and the heir. While the other with the troops storm the palace, Kaladin, Shallan, Skar, and Drehy used their Radiant powers to engage and distract the Fused. They seized the Sunwalk and the eastern gallery, using Shallan's illusions to fake their death, and meet the others in the palace.{{book ref|sa3|83}} Kaladin joined Elhokar to lead a force, including Noro's squad, up the stairs to the royal chambers. They found the queen, who has lost her mind and joined the enemy. Kaladin searched the room and Syl found little [[Gavinor]] surrounded by red spren. Using his Sylblade Kaladin cut one of the spren, and scared of the other spren. Elhokar and Kaladin then fled down the palace followed by the Queen's Guard. They were met at the bottom by a group of parshaman, led by [[Sah]], Kaladin's friend. Kaladin froze when he noticed he had friends in multiple of the fighting groups, the conflicting loyalties overwhelming him. He tried to stop the fighting, but his efforts were in vain. He was watching Elhokar starting to speak the First Ideal, when [[Moash]] came in and killed the king. Drehy, Skar, and Adolin enter just in time to save Kaladin and pull him to safety.{{book ref|sa3|84}} Kaladin was in shock and watched while Shallan activated the Oathgate and the group ended up accidentally in in Shadesmar.{{book ref|sa3|85}}

=== Trip through Shadesmar (1174) ===
Kaladin, Syl, Shallan, Pattern, Azure, Adolin, and his blade's deadeye found themselves stranded in Shadesmar. Kaladin immediately drew in Stormlight and started hovering, however, this drew the attention of all nearby spren. At Syl's increasingly urgent requests, he let go of the Light. Kaladin was in a broody mood and barely talked, despite Adolin's urging, while the group made their way to the land that represented the Windrunner River in the Physical. They made camp as they were all exhausted.{{book ref|sa3|89}} 

The next morning, Kaladin was sitting on a rock watching the surroundings when Syl came to speak to him. She asked why he didn't sleep, and he evaded the question. She knew something was wrong with him, despite his denials.{{book ref|sa3|91}} Later, Adolin started performing a morning kata; Azure joined him, as did Kaladin, who still struggles with the movements. The group discussed their supplies and strategy. Kaladin pressed to go back to the Oathgate to help the city. Moreover, he was shocked to learn about Shadesmar and the existence of spren cities among other things.{{book ref|sa3|93}} The group marched along the peninsula corresponding to Windrunner River in the Physical Realm. Kaladin was frustrated and felt like they are abandoning Kholinar and its people, though was aware his thoughts were irrational and linked to his depression coming back.{{book ref|sa3|95}}

{{image|Sad Man and His Honorspren by Marie Seeberger.jpg|side=right|width=350px|In [[Shadesmar]] with [[Syl]]}}

When the reached the [[Riino's lighthouse|lighthouse]] at the end of the peninsula, Kaladin tried to sneak up on it. As he attracted [[anticipationspren]], he was quickly spotted by the lighthouse keeper, [[Riino]]. Riino believed Kaladin was there to have his fortune told, while Kaladin wanted to go and get the others. When he understood what Riino was talking about, Kaladin was aghast at the idea of seeing the future, and said they were looking for passage on a ship. Outside the clouds changed as a highstorm is passing in the Physical. Kaladin is attracted by the globe on the table which was shining brightly and touched it. He had a vision of Dalinar with nine shadows and the danger he was in, then a flash of Thaylen City. Later, Kaladin sat to recover while the others arranged passage and supplies. They debated the destination, but had to take the ship sailed by [[Lightspren|Reachers]] to Celebrant.{{book ref|sa3|97}}

The next morning, Kaladin woke up on the ship. The captain, [[Ico]], took him to the hold to get the special device that could make water for the humans. He then talked with Syl, about the ship and why she was wearing a disguise. Shallan and Kaladin discussed spren and the weird ship.{{book ref|sa3|99}} When arriving in Celebrant, the group split up; Kaladin went with Adolin and Syl to change money and buy supplies. Kaladin got distracted by a stall selling paintings, including a painting from the [[Court of Gods]] seemingly depicting a figure with nine shadows. The group soon discovered that the city was under control of the Fused. They narrowly escaped when Syl surrendered herself to a ship of honorspren.{{book ref|sa3|102}} 

The honorspren sailed south-west, letting the group move freely on deck except Syl who was kept captive. Kaladin was very angry over Syl's imprisonment, and wanted to fight her free. Eventually, Kal went to the high deck to use a spyglass. He confronted the captain, and in the process revealed that Dalinar had bonded the Stormfather, which impressed the honorspren very much. Shortly thereafter, they spoted eight Fused in pursuit of the ship.{{book ref|sa3|108}} They were close to [[Longbrow's Straits]], here a land area, with Thaylen City on the other side. Using the bead of a room, Adolin, Shallan, Kaladin, and their spren snuck into the bead ocean while the honorspren and Azure held off the Fused. Kaladin flew them part of the distance, and the group had an exhausting hike across the land to get to the Thaylen City Oathgate, only to find it guarded.{{book ref|sa3|110}}{{book ref|sa3|112}} The group attacked the Oathgate in an attempt to get back to the Physical Realm.{{book ref|sa3|115}} Kaladin used some of the remaining stormlight to attack the Fused, he managed to draw four into an extended chase.{{book ref|sa3|116}} he managed to disarm one of them, and one of the others offered a challenge. Exactly then his stormlight ran out, and he dropped into the beads. Syl pulled him out of the beads, and during the whole fight encouraged him to speak the fourth ideal. Kaladin wasn't ready yet.{{book ref|sa3|117}}

{{image|Servant of Odium by Petar Penev.jpg|side=left|width=200px|Fighting [[Amaram]]}}

=== Battle of Thaylen Field (1174) ===
{{for|Battle of Thaylen Field}}
Dalinar then opened [[Honor's Perpendicularity]], allowing Kaladin, along with Shallan and Adolin, to return to the Physical Realm. When appearing out of the perpendicularity Kaladin blocked Amaram's blow that was meant to kill Dalinar. Dalinar then ordered Kaladin to guard him and settle the score with Amaram.{{book ref|sa3|119}}

Kaladin set off into the sky, and felt at home again. He attacked Amaram, who was wielding two Shardblades and had a red glow in his helmet. Kaladin's fight was complicated as he also had to watch Dalinar, and defend him from Fused. Slowly Amaram was getting access to the Surges while he was transformed by [[Yelig-nar]]. Kaladin was surprised by those, and had trouble adjusting his attacks and defenses. During the fight, Kaladin was suddenly hit with a club by a Fused hidden nearby. Kaladin disabled the Fused's arms with his Shardblade, to focus on Amaram again. He fought alternating with Amaram and the Fused. Then Amaram launched into a lecture about honor, which Kaladin dismissed. Kaladin attacked again and broke the highlord's breastplate revealing a large crystal underneath. Kaladin attacked the gem and Amaram fell, followed by an attack of eight Fused. The fused swarmed Kaladin, and he tried to dodge them while keeping them engaged away from Dalinar. When Dalinar trapped the Thrill, the Fused fled and suddenly Amaram appeared again. Kaladin whispered "Bridge Four" when Amaram got shot by Rock with an arrow in the head. Afterwards, Lopen brought Stormlight to Kaladin to heal.{{book ref|sa3|120}}

Later, Kaladin sat down on a rooftop overlooking Thaylen City. He noticed Shallan kissing Adolin in an alley below. He showed Syl a rock he found on the battlefield, one that changed color when wet. They talked about the Recreance and what it means for the current Radiants. He flew to Bridge Four and had a heart to heart with Teft about the struggles of life. Later a scout came with an urgent message.{{book ref|sa3|121}} Kaladin flew over the ocean to southern Alethkar, where he found Skar and Drehy. They were hiding among the refugees together with little Gavinor.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

=== The War Continues ({{Rosharan date|1174}}-{{Rosharan date|1175}}) ===
As the war raged on, Kaladin was spread increasingly thin, which was only amplified by the fact that many of the original crew had started picking up squires of their own. In addition to splitting his time between battlefronts in southern Alethkar and Azir, he oversaw the Windrunner training at Urithiru and organized patrols to watch the coalition fleets from the skies.{{book ref|sa3.5|3}} At some point, he was promoted to highmarshal.{{book ref|sa4|3}}

When Navani requested Windrunners to go on an expedition to [[Akinah]] to find the [[Oathgate]] there, Kaladin initially suggested sending Teft. Navani refused the suggestion due to the risk of sending a "key" to the Oathgate, in the form of a Shardblade, should it already be taken by the enemy.{{book ref|sa3.5|13}} Instead, Kaladin sent Lopen, [[Huio]], and [[Cord]] (who replaced Kaladin's original choice of Rock), telling them their mission was to see if the Oathgate was still functional and whether it has fallen into enemy hands.{{book ref|sa3.5|3}}

{{image|Kaladin and Renarin by rspixart.jpg|side=right|width=300px|[[Renarin]] helping Kaladin after the battle in Hearthstone}}

==== Evacuating Hearthstone ====
A few months into {{Rosharan date||1175}}, Kaladin flew to Hearthstone. It was a pre-arranged visit for him to meet and extract a rebel Herdazian [[Dieno enne Calah|general]], who would be hidden by his parents. While Kaladin tried to sneak into the town as part of the line of refugees, some Fused had arrived. They were looking for someone with the Windrunners description and found him.{{book ref|sa4|1}} Kaladin fought with this new type of Fused who could turn into a light, move quickly and turn back into a Fused. The Fused almost killed the Windrunner by repeatedly severing his spinal cord, but Kaladin managed to escape. They continued to fight, while Syl and Kal recognized it was a dangerous foe. Kaladin noticed that after three teleports the fused needs a break to get more Voidlight. After loosing the Fused, Stormblessed returned to Hearthstone and was suddenly exhausted. When Syl said they had shown him, Kaladin replied he was almost killed twice. Syl then expressed a worry about Kaladin, who insisted he was fine. While approaching the town, Syl wondered why Kaladin had such trouble sleeping, as humans slept every day and even babies could do it. Kaladin had no reply and felt disconnected from others. At the town, Kal told the singer to fight him, or leave. Six fought him and one died, after which the rest retreated, and left with the others.{{book ref|sa4|2}}

Kaladin walked to where is mother was waiting and greeted his brother [[Oroden]], who called him "Gagadin". His mother inquired after [[Lyn]], and Syl replied she had broken up with Kal. His mother and Syl talk about him as he wouldn't talk about personal issues. He moved to the shed where his mother had hidden the Herdazian general. He found several guards but the general had sneaked off, so Kal asked the guards to pass the message with an invitation from Dalinar. Moving on, he was approached by his father who reprimanded him for not approaching covertly enough. The Windrunner cut the fight short and told his father to start packing. Knowing his parents would not leave the people of the town, he had brought an [[Fourth Bridge|airship]] to evacuate them all.{{book ref|sa4|2}}

The highmarshal escorted his father up the ramp of the ''Fourth Bridge'' and introduced him to Dalinar and Navani. After Lirin left to inspect the accommodations, Kaladin apologized for his father's behavior which had been lacking in politeness. They quickly discuss the new Fused and the need to defend the ship, and Kal gets a new charge of Stormlight from the Bondsmith. He launched into the air, but not before touching the place where the old bridge was embedded in the deck.{{book ref|sa4|3}} Kaladin organized his Windrunners while they watched the [[Heavenly Ones]] advance in the distance. He hoped [[Leshwi]] would be among them, as he looked forward to fighting her again. The Fused offered the Windrunners one-on-one combat, creating an organized battle field. Leshwi spotted the highmarshal and invited him for a duel. They fought in the sky with Leshwi leading and Kaladin pursuing. Their flight led them around the battlefield and through the town. When they got near the airship, the Fused slowed to inspect it more carefully. This gave Kaladin the opportunity to get a normal spear from Rock that he used a moment later to Lash towards the Heavenly One. With some fancy maneuvers, the Fused managed to escape, leaving Kaladin on the ground where Teft asked if he was alright. They exchanged status reports, and Kaladin ordered the Windrunners to fight defensively. A new Fused appeared and Kaladin accepted its challenge.{{book ref|sa4|5}}

Kaladin fought with the Fused, and was winning quite quickly as the enemy was using up his light rapidly. When Kaladin had him defeated, he decided to let the Fused go as killing him wouldn't help as he would be reborn soon. When the Fused dropped its spear and drifted away, Kaladin noticed a red light streaking for him and started evading instantly. Lyn swooped by checking in on him, and he sent her off with a message to look out for the teleporting Fused. Kaladin remarked to Syl how the others were checking in on him and flew to Dalinar, who was just getting a report from Roshone. The former citylord offered to accompany an Edgedancer to free prisoners from the manor's cellar. Syl made Kal admit that the man had improved despite Kal still hating him.{{book ref|sa4|5}}

Later Kaladin had to watch while Sigzil was fighting with Leshwi, who was clearly the more skilled. He found it very hard not to interfere and help his friend, despite knowing that breaking the rules would be bad for the bigger picture. In the end Leshwi defeated Sigzil but spared his life in return for the Fused Kaladin had spared. She then challenged the highmarshal. They fought and dashed through the air, and he noticed most of the fighting was over. They left the town, and the Windrunner realized he knew the terrain very well from his childhood. He used this knowledge to trick Leshwi and scored a hit on her. Shortly after, they managed to stab each other at the same time, draining each other's Light. They both pulled out at the same moment and called it a draw. They scanned the terrain and noticed the Fused from before near the manor go after some civilians. Leshwi then gestured Kaladin to go and save the civilians.{{book ref|sa4|6}}

Near the manor, Kaladin noticed the strange Fused with a captured [[Godeke]] entering the building. He entered as well, and they fought while a Singer soldier activated a device that blocked the Radiants' powers. The Fused taunted Kaladin that without powers he was nothing, but the Windrunner used his experience and killed the soldiers and the Fused. LIft had slipped in and was helping Godeke leave, and Kal asked her to bring the device to Navani. Kaladin moved onward to the cellar where Roshone had gone.{{book ref|sa4|7}} He ran trough flames into the tunnel to the cellar, where he found two prisoners already dead. He turned and found Moash, who held Roshone and slit the former city lord's throat. Moash asked whether Kal came to save one of his enemies. When Kaladin jumped to attack, Moash dismissed his blade and surrendered. They then argued over whether Roshone and Elhokar deserved their fates. Then Moash started speaking in a fatalistic way, saying that everyone was going to die and no one could be saved. This hurt Kaladin and started to exaggerate his depression. The Windrunner froze when Moash outright suggested that Kaladin should kill himself. Then a light exploded in the room that created a vision of who Moash could have been: a Windrunner protecting people. This led Moash to flee, and the light faded to show [[Renarin]], who took Kaladin back to the airship.{{book ref|sa4|8}}

==== Retirement ====
The airship had left Hearthstone by the time Kaladin started to come to himself. He looked so bad, one of the ardents brought him soup as if he were one of the refugees. Even his Stormlight gave him no energy, and he became depressed thinking about failing Tien and Elhokar. When Syl informed him that [[Laran]] had sworn the Third Ideal, he didn't want to join the crowd to congratulate her. His spren noticed his darkness was stronger and didn't know how to help him. Teft came to see him and didn't let Kal send him away. He told the highmarshal he would go congratulate the Windrunner, and then they talked about Moash. The former sergeant also mentioned that Renarin had reported he had found Kaladin frozen in place again. Without answering, Kaladin got up and went to Laran to see her new Blade. Then he led the Windrunners that flew Dalinar and staff back to the Shattered Plains.{{book ref|sa4|9}} 

When they approached the Shattered Plains, Kaladin was feeling a bit better. Syl came to him and brought [[Yunfah]], the only unbound honorspren willing to bond a Radiant. Kaladin wanted the spren to consider Rlain, but the spren was hesitant. So Kaladin ordered him to try to bond with Rlain before bonding anyone else. The highmarshal then surveyed Narak while landing. He walked to where the Windrunners had landed their passengers and asked Dalinar to go back to Urithiru. The king denied it as he wanted to speak to Kaladin. They spoke about the war, tactics against the Heavenly Ones, and the need for more Windrunners. Syl explained the other honorspren found the humans dangerous. The king praised the highmarshal for building up the Windrunners as military force and then relieved him of duty. Kaladin was distressed and at first disagreed, but after a heated argument he had to agree he needed a break from active duty. He wondered what if something happened to one of the others because he wasn't there, to which Dalinar countered by asking what if something happened because he was there and froze. Dalinar let him keep his rank and offered him a position in training the new forces. Kaladin wasn't sure that was right, and he was allowed some time to think on how he wanted to contribute.{{book ref|sa4|10}}

After they took the Oathgate to Urithiru, Kaladin was thinking about how he had almost no squires left, as most of Bridge Four had become Knights and taken their own squires. Many of them invited Kaladin to join them for one activity or the other, but he declined them all and wanted to be alone. The moment he stepped into his rooms he broke. He sank down next to the door, and his emotions overwhelmed him, with the exhaustion and agony washing over him. He thought again about Moash's words, about how everyone was going to die and he would not be able to stop it. He was taken out of his thoughts when someone started knocking on the door. It was Adolin, who had been fetched by Syl. The highprince insisted that Kaladin join him for an evening out and wasn't accepting any more excuses. Kaladin was forced to admit he shouldn't be left alone that night, and when they left he did thank Syl.{{book ref|sa4|12}}

{{sidequote
|Is there anyone who doesn't like smart girls?
|Kaladin in reply to Veil who said Kal liked smart girls.{{book ref|sa4|12}}
|side=left|size=350px}}
Adolin took them to his favorite winehouse, [[Jez's Duty]], where he had his own booth at which [[Shallan#Veil|Veil]] was sitting already. When the [[Mel|barmaid]] came, he ordered an orange wine, as he knew alcohol would be bad for him in his current mood. Veil and Kaladin exchanged reports on their respective missions. Radiant took over and explained that they had found a balance as the Three, but that there was more going on with her. Kaladin admitted he wasn't sure he could help, as he could barely keep it together himself. Adolin returned, and he and Veil talked about the ongoing wedding party and how Kaladin didn't notice the bar staff. Veil changed the topic of the conversation to finding someone to set up with Kaladin, to the Windrunner's horror. Adolin and Veil took turns suggesting women, and Kal rejected them all. This went on until Veil left to get another drink. 
{{sidequote
|Let her know you care, listen to her. Be encouraging, but don't try to force her to be happy. And don't let her be alone, if you're worried about her..."
|Kaladin's advice to Adolin to help Shallan{{book ref|sa4|12}}
|side=right|size=400px}}
After a bit of silence, Adolin sat closer to Kaladin. He asked what was going on, and eventually Kaladin admitted he had been relieved of duty. Adolin responded supportively and even allowed that his father could be wrong. He did not know how to, but he wanted to help, thinking that it might also provide him with a way to help Shallan. The highprince eventually got Kaladin to give him some advice on how to help Shallan, and Kaladin's suggestions were exactly the things Adolin had been doing for him that night. The bridgeboy called his companion a fool and suggested they needed to get him a spren, saying that getting rid of his Shardblade would help; Adolin refused this adamantly. Later, Veil joined them and the evening went on.{{book ref|sa4|12}}

Two hours later, when Rock came to the booth, Adolin and Veil left to let them speak alone. Kaladin tried to avoid the conversation, but Rock insisted as Kaladin had refused several times before. Rock agreed it had been good to wait and give his family time to rest, but now he had to return to his people. He had to face the consequences of his action of lifting the bow to save Kaladin's life. Kal warned him about  Moash, but Skar and Drehy had agreed to escort Rock and his family to the peaks. Kaladin considered going with them, but he realized it would not solve his problems. They embraced in a final farewell, as Rock didn't expect to come back from his journey.{{book ref|sa4|12}}

Ten days after the return from Hearthstone, Kaladin attended a ceremony where Sigzil was promoted to run the daily business of the Windrunners while Skar was promoted to lead the missions. The highmarshal was still figuring out what new role would suit him. He went to the sparring grounds looking for [[Zahel]], but the swordmaster was out on the field, as he had laundry detail that day. While walking to the field, Kaladin made a short detour to visit Rlain on the growing fields. The listener was overseeing the use of gemstones to aid growth of crops. Rlain complained that humans could not hear the rhythms nor sing the pure tones. Despite that they were making progress. Kaladin told Rlain that Yunfah would try to bond with him. When Rlain learned the spren had been pressured, he didn't want the bond. He then told Kaladin how he became a bridgeman simply because he answered a question from his master.{{book ref|sa4|15}}

Kaladin found the swordmaster along the laundry lines. He told Zahel about his retirement and asked in a circumspect way if he could join the swordmasters. They discuss reasons to retire, and then Zahel demanded Kaladin fight him. They fought between the laundry lines, with Zahel evading Kaladin while [[Awakening|making use]] of the sheets and a bunch of colorful scarfs. During the fight, the swordmaster continued to question the Radiant on his motives. When Kaladin was defeated, Zahel declared that he could not join the ardents, as Kaladin still loved the fight. They moved to the edge of the plateau, and Zahel gave Kaladin a lecture on [[Realmatic Theory]], explaining how he, the [[Herald|Heralds]], and the [[Fused]] were all [[Cognitive Shadow|Type Two Invested entities]]. He told him that one would need a special weapon that could unravel their souls to kill them, and those weapons are dangerous.{{book ref|sa4|15}}

==== Surgeon and Mental Health work ====
Some days later, Kaladin used the Oathgate to travel to the Shattered Plains while he contemplated what role he wanted. He had come to meet the ''Fourth Bridge'' and the refugees from Hearthstone on it. He took his parents to Urithiru and gave them a tour of the quarters set aside for the people from Hearthstone. His parents and Syl exchanged joyful banter while they moved about. After looking through the communal spaces, Syl and Kal showed [[Lirin]] and [[Hesina]] the suite of rooms they had prepared for the family, including a fully-stocked surgery room. Despite the fact that it was stocked with the best and newest inventory, Lirin felt it was useless, as the Radiants had superseded the need for surgeons. Kaladin disagreed and explained that as they had very few Radiants who could heal, normal surgeons were still very much needed. At Syl's prodding, Kaladin revealed that he had retired, and his father immediately concluded that Kaladin would start working with him again as a surgeon.{{book ref|sa4|18}}

Before leaving with the envoy to the honorspren, Adolin came by the clinic to say goodbye to Kaladin. Adolin noticed a long line of mostly women waiting to be helped and told Kaladin that he was now Alethkar's most eligible bachelor. Syl explained how this new job was helping Kal. The highprince shared some advice from Zahel about war and suggested they spar when he came back.{{book ref|sa4|21}} Kaladin continued to work as a surgeon, which kept him busy and made him "not sad." When the girl who was reading for him left, Syl suddenly started to read the medical reference book for Kaladin, she had learned to read the week before. During a break on one of the balconies, he saw a group of Windrunners flew by and gave him a salute. On his return his next patients was Teft, who couldn't leave with the army. He has had enough of the war and his struggle with his addiction. They argued a bit, but Kaladin had to accept Teft who not leave him alone.{{book ref|sa4|23}}

Kaladin and Teft went to track down a patient who had come through the surgery a while ago. He had been sent to the ardents who after a suicide attempt send him to the [[Devotary of Mercy]]. The bridgemen found the monastery and a dark corridor full of people in solitary confinement.They were shocked and questioned the treatment, which was defended by the ardent. Kaladin talked to the patient [[Noril]], and could relate to his depression. Against the ardents protests, they took Noril to a balcony to talk and exchanged experiences. Kaladin then talked to the ardent who said this wasn't in the book of treatments.They had only one treatment for all patients, and Kaladin realized different illnesses need different responses. He was going to try something new.{{book ref|sa4|25}}

Kaladin started his efforts by focusing on the men with similar symptoms as Noril, battle fatigue, nightmares and melancholy. He organized a group therapy session where they could exchange experiences. His mother was impressed by the results, and Kaladin explained how it was important to be able to speak with someone who actually understood what you felt. And for them to not just know but feel that they weren't alone.{{book ref|sa4|33}}

Some time later, Lirin and Kaladin discussed the treatment of the patients. Lirin explained how he did not know how little they knew about mental health. Kaladin followed up that the social stigma had prevented research taking place. He wanted a medical revolution, but his father cautioned that change was hard. While they talk, Kaladin slowly realized he could have ended up in the sanatorium. Then Teft came in telling that Dabiid had been missing for three days. They went to search.{{book ref|sa4|37}}

Teft and Kaladin went to the winehouse for drinks, both sticking to orange. Shortly after, they were joined by Rlain, the whole place falling silent when he entered. They talked about the war and their time running bridges. Then they talked about Dabbid and how Kaladin thought the meetings might be helpful for him. The others including Syl make clear they think Kaladin himself should also join them. He admitted it was helping him.{{book ref|sa4|38}}

==== Capture of Urithiru ====

=== The 4th Ideal ({{Rosharan date|1175}}) ===
After Teft was killed by Vyre, Kaladin became emotionally broken. He killed the Pursuer in a rage, while a Heavenly One took Lirin up to the top of Urithiru. Kaladin followed, using Navani's fabrial, whereupon the Heavenly One grew frightened and dropped Lirin.{{book ref|sa4|106}}

Kaladin stood atop Urithiru, watching Lirin fall, and realized why he came to the top of the tower. At Honor's Chasm, he chose life, and so this time, he made the opposite choice: he jumped, attempting suicide.{{book ref|sa4|106}} However, Dalinar, riding the storm at the time, demanded that the Stormfather give Kaladin more time to think. The Stormfather took Kaladin into the "place between time" and talked to him, albeit unsuccessfully. Dalinar, using his Bondsmith abilities, took Kaladin into a vision connected to Tien. The apparition of Tien convinced Kaladin to embrace the moment and accept that all people must eventually die, admitting that he chose to be used as cannon fodder to cheer up the other boys. Returning to the real world with newfound sense of peace, Kaladin kept falling, but found the strength to declare his Fourth Ideal.{{book ref|sa4|108}}

{{quote
|I accept that there will be those I cannot protect!
|Kaladin's Fourth Ideal{{book ref|sa4|108}}
}}

Rather than the Stormfather, it was Dalinar who accepted Kaladin's words.{{book ref|sa4|108}} Around Kaladin, windspren transformed into his [[Shardplate]].{{book ref|sa4|110}}

== Relationships ==

{{image|Kal Syl.jpg|side=right|width=180px}}
=== Sylphrena ===
[[Sylphrena]], known as Syl, is an [[honorspren]] that Kaladin has [[Nahel bond|bonded]] to. Syl is Kaladin's constant companion and perhaps his best friend. In addition to providing Kaladin with companionship and guidance, Kaladin's bond with Syl is what allows him access to his [[Surgebinder]] abilities and to become a member of the [[Knights Radiant]]. Syl is also a living weapon and is able to manifest herself as a [[Shardblade]]. 

Initially, Syl is attracted to Kaladin because of his urge to save others. In this initial stage, she behaves much like a normal [[windspren]], having no sentience. As her bond with Kaladin grows, she gains intelligence, progressing from child-like naivety to understanding complex concepts. She also begins to remember parts of her past; for example, she remembers her own name (and her nickname) when Kaladin asks her if she has a name.{{book ref|twok|6}}  She also gains the ability to manifest herself into different forms, initially as things like a ribbon of light, a leaf, and a young woman, and eventually into a Shardblade.

Syl's existence, the Knights Radiant, and Kaladin are linked together. When Kaladin doesn't live up to [[Immortal Words|the oaths]] that he has made as a Knight Radiant, Syl slowly loses intelligence and is eventually "killed." When Kaladin reaffirms his oaths, he is able to revive Syl, although it is implied that there is a way for Kaladin to more permanently kill Syl. Kaladin later shares with her his regrets of not being able to save those closest to him. She acts as his lifeline when he is in his lowest moments.

=== Tien ===
Kaladin's younger brother, due to the difference in nahn between his family and the rest of the town Kaladin had no real friends growing up and instead would spend time with Tien. As a result the two of them became extremely close with Tien being the only one who could cheer Kaladin up when he became depressed, especially during the Weeping. He is also very protective of his brother as shown when he effortlessly ignored his fathers pleas and threw away his chance at training in Kharbranth. In the end Tien's death scarred him to the point where he spent the whole next year practicing with the spear to escape his pain, to the point where it nearly killed him even. Years later, Kaladin still feels remorse because of his inability to help Tien. He forces himself to relive his grief every time someone close to him is killed. this causes him to develop a serious case of depression, to the point that he actually jumps off of the Radiant City, Urithiru.

{{image|Shallan and Kaladin in the chasms.jpg|side=right|width=180px|Hiding with Shallan in the chasms}}

=== Shallan Davar ===
Kaladin and [[Shallan Davar|Shallan]] are among the first new [[Knights Radiant]] in centuries. They both reveal themselves independently during the [[Battle of Narak]], together serving as the catalyst for the refounding of the order.{{book ref|sa2|78}}{{book ref|sa2|86}} Kaladin and Shallan initially have a strained relationship. During their first meeting, Shallan tricks Kaladin out of his new boots.{{book ref|sa2|28}} During their later meetings, Kaladin suspects Shallan of being a spy or opportunist at worst, and a privileged, unempathetic lighteyes at best.{{book ref|sa2|36}}{{book ref|sa2|44}} This clash of personalities is reflected in their respective spren, as the [[Cryptic]]s (to which Shallan's spren [[Pattern]] belongs) and [[honorspren]] are involved in a complex spren conflict.

Later, when Kaladin and Shallan are both stranded in the chasms of the [[Shattered Plains]], they grow to respect and admire one another. During this time, they reveal some of their personal history and secrets to each other, including the fact that Shallan has a Shardblade.{{book ref|sa2|74}} Although unsure of their own natures as members of the Knights Radiant, this incident causes them to suspect each other of being more than meets the eye. As time passes, the two of them grow closer together, with Shallan admitting that Veil is attracted to him.{{book ref|sa3|121}} In the end, however, she chooses Adolin instead. When Syl asks how Kaladin feels about this, he claims that she lifted his burdens a bit and reminded him of Tien (possibly since they were both Lighweavers), but that he never actually loved her.{{book ref|sa3|121}}

=== Adolin Kholin ===
{{image|Shardplateconcept.jpg|side=right|width=180px|Bodyguarding Adolin}}
Kaladin first sees Adolin saving a darkeyed prostitute who is being harassed by some lighteyed officers. Despite this Kaladin, due to his past interactions with lighteyes, marks it up as an act. Their relationship sours even more when they meet face-to-face, with Kaladin seeing Adolin as spoiled and arrogant and Adolin disliking Kaladin's condescending attitude and willingness to order those clearly above him in rank. Their interactions manifest in glares and taunts with each only tolerating the other out of necessity.

This changes when Kaladin, at a suicidal disadvantage, aids Adolin in a battle against four other Shardbearers. After the duel, while the king offers a boon to Adolin, Kaladin unknowingly embarrasses Elhokar by demanding a Right of Challenge to face Amaram in the arena, resulting in his incarceration. This only further convinces Kaladin that lighteyes can't be trusted. Upon being freed, however, he discovers that Adolin had demanded to be locked up in the same prison, and had refused to be released until Kaladin was pardoned. When questioned why, the prince only says that it wasn't right after Kaladin had saved his life. Adolin then offers Kaladin one of the newly won sets of Shards, though the former bridgeman refuses both, stating that the artifacts had killed too many of his friends for him to want anything to do with them. Confused, the prince instead gives the set to Moash at Kaladin's recommendation. From there the two become good friends, although their friendship is stressed due to their mutual attraction to Shallan Davar. After a while, Shallan and Adolin confess their love to each other and Kaladin gives up on her for good.

Throughout their relationship, Adolin notices Kaladin's numerous depressive spirals and helps to break him of them, subtly or not, by forcing Kaladin to spend time around friends and not be alone with his thoughts. Adolin's support of Kaladin is highlighted after Kaladin is relieved of duty as Highmarshal, resulting in Kaladin's depression worsening, and Adolin insists he accompany him to winehouses and various outings.{{book ref|sa4|12}}

=== Wit ===
Wit and Kaladin's relationship is strange but positive; they've only met and had serious conversations a few times but each time Wit has taken the effort to give Kaladin some needed emotional support and reinforcement, thus far by telling him a story that goads Kaladin into some sort of growth (despite Wit's protests that the stories have no inherent meaning and anything Kaladin gets out of them is entirely up to Kaladin).{{book ref|sa1|57}}{{book ref|sa2|59}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Wit generally spares Kaladin his barbs and mockery, and treats him more kindly than most. Kaladin seems to enjoy the encounters with him and even asked for a story in when they meet in his nightmare, something Wit says people almost never do.{{book ref|sa4|80}}

== Development ==
{{image|Kaladin.jpg|side=right|width=200px|Early concept art for Kaladin, with [[Syl]]}}
{{quote
|Back when Kaladin was called Merin, he didn't work well as a character. He was too much the standard "farmboy who becomes a nobleman" from fantasy genre cliché.
|''The Way of Kings'' annotations{{wob ref|8965}}
}}
Kaladin's precursor in the [[Stormlight Archive]] was '''Merin''', a character Brandon came up with in the year 2000. In the original draft for ''The Way of Kings'', ''[[The Way of Kings Prime]]'', Merin wins a [[Shardblade]] after defending [[Elhokar]] on the field of battle. Much like Kaladin, Merin is of low social rank (it's unclear if the concept of eye color denoting social status was already present). As such, there are people who don't wish to him to have the Shards; however, at the insistence of Dalenar (proto-[[Dalinar]]), Merin is made a Shardbearer and adopted into [[House Kholin]].{{wob ref|4650}}

However, Brandon was very dissatisfied with Merin's character, feeling as though there was nothing interesting to him after he accepted the Shardblade. As such, he set out to add more personality to him. The surgeon backstory came first, followed by the personal tragedy of losing a family member and the decision to have Merin deny the Shardblades, with all consequences thereof. Finally, Brandon decided to give the character depression to round him out. Overall, it took about eight years for Merin to evolve.{{wob ref|5344}} The [[Shattered Plains]] plot, originally of ''[[Dragonsteel]]'', was moved to Roshar partially to assist in that, giving more context to Merin's slavery.{{wob ref|4650}}

Merin's name was up for change for a while at this point, as it sounded too much like [[wikipedia:Perrin Aybara|Perrin]]. Moreover, this new character felt too different to be still called Merin, and Brandon wanted this new protagonist to have a new, more mythic-sounding name; thus, Kaladin was born.{{wob ref|10099}}{{wob ref|10237}}

== Quotes ==
{{quote
|Perhaps you should pray to the Almighty for guidance. I hear he has a fondness for slavers. Keeps a special room in Damnation just for you.
|Kaladin to Tvlakv{{book ref|sa1|4}}
}}
{{quote
|Men are unreliable in many things. But if there's one thing you can count on, it's their greed.
|Kaladin to Sylphrena{{book ref|sa1|17}}
}}
{{quote
|Death isn't better. Oh, it's easy to say that now. But when you stand on the ledge and look down into that dark, endless pit, you change your mind. Just like Hobber did. Just like I've done. I think you've seen it too.
|Kaladin to Teft{{book ref|sa1|21}}
}}
{{quote
|Tradition is the blind witness they use to condemn us, Teft. It's the pretty box they use to wrap up their lies. It makes us serve them.
|Kaladin about lighteyes{{book ref|sa1|23}}
}}
{{quote
|Soon you'll hardly be a spren at all. You'll be a little translucent philosopher. We'll have to send you off to a monastery to spend your time in deep, important thoughts.
|Kaladin to Sylphrena{{book ref|sa1|30}}
}}
{{quote
|Storm you! Look at that! Who cares for them? Not Sadeas. Not their fellow bridgemen. I doubt even the Heralds themselves spare a thought for these. I won't stand there and watch while men die behind me. We have to be better than that! We can't look away like the lighteyes, pretending we don't see. This man is one of us. Just like Dunny was. The lighteyes talk about honor. They spout empty claims about their nobility. Well, I've only known one man in my life who was a true man of honor. He was a surgeon who would help anyone, even those who hated him. Especially those who hated him. Well, we're going to show Gaz, and Sadeas, Hashal, and any other sodden fool who cares to watch, what he taught me. Now go to work and stop complaining!
|Kaladin about members of other bridge crews{{book ref|sa1|53}}
}}
{{quote
|I've been here before! What happened last time? I've learned! I won't be a fool again! I owe you nothing, Kholin.
|Kaladin yelling before helping Dalinar's army{{book ref|sa1|67}}
}}

== Trivia ==
* Kaladin is currently immune to the [[Thrill]], although he may have felt it in the past.{{wob ref|10378}}{{book ref|sa1|16}}
* Kaladin spoke the Second Ideal of the Windrunners in modern Alethi.{{wob ref|4049}}
* At some points Brandon wanted to have a second flashback book for Kaladin, but the plan has since changed, with each of the ten Stormlight Archive books having a different flashback character.{{wob ref|10102}}{{wob ref|3757}}
* Kaladin's name comes from the combining of the name [[Kalak]] and the Alethi suffix 'din'. His name means 'born unto eternity'.{{wob ref|3199}}
* Kaladin and ex-queen [[Aesudan Kholin]] are distantly related, through Hesina.{{wob ref|10909}}
* Kaladin's physical appearance is modelled off someone with mixed Japanese and Pacific Islander heritage, although Kaladin could also be mistaken as someone who has mixed Japanese/Middle Eastern ancestry.{{wob ref|9796}}
* Kaladin is most likely a Hufflepuff.{{wob ref|11943}}
* Kaladin is referred to as "Child of [[Tanavast]]" by the Stormfather, while many other character are called "Child of Honor". There is a reason for this.{{wob ref|12688}}
* During the events of ''Rhythm of War'', Kaladin was as close as it was humanly possible to be to the 4th Ideal, without having sworn it. This, along with how much he exemplified Windrunner-hood, allowed him to resist the effects of the partially corrupted Sibling's influence. {{wob ref|14523}}

== Notes ==
<references />
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{{Stormlight}}
[[Category: Viewpoint characters]]
[[Category: Bridgemen]]