Difference between revisions of "Kaladin"

He is placed under the command of the bridge sergeant [[Gaz]] and is immediately forced to go on a bridge run. During this initial bridge run, Kaladin is sent out completely unprepared and unequipped as part of Bridge Four to carry a large bridge, allowing Sadeas's soldiers to cross the plateaus of the Shattered Plains and assault the [[Parshendi]]. During the assault, Parshendi archers target the bridge crews and inflict heavy casualties. Although Kaladin wishes to render aid to the men, he is unable to and falls unconscious. Kaladin is about to be left for dead by the retreating bridge crews, until Syl calls out his name and urges him to move.{{book ref|twok|6}}

 

During this time in Bridge Four, Kaladin grows more and more depressed at his situation. Eventually, Syl is unable to bear seeing Kaladin's state and leaves Kaladin but promises to return. On the next bridge run, the last man that survived Kaladin's initial bridge run dies, leaving Kaladin as the senior member of Bridge Four.{{book ref|twok|9}} Faced with losing Syl, his only friend, and such a grim reality, Kaladin seriously contemplates suicide. He goes to the [[Honor Chasm]] at night, intending to jump off. Before he can do so, Syl returns, 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, assumes they would make Kaladin feel better. This innocent gesture ironically gives Kaladin the will to live again. Kaladin leaves the chasm and, resolved to become bridgeleader, bribes and intimidates Gaz into giving him the position along with autonomy in running Bridge Four. That night, he learns the name of every men in Bridge Four and goes to sleep with a sense of purpose in protecting the men.{{book ref|twok|11}}