Difference between revisions of "Kaladin"

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== History ==
=== Early Life (1153–1168) ===
 
====Early Childhood childhood====
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. Kaladin grew up isolated from the majority of the townsfolk due to the class disparity between his family and the other townsfolk (who were of fourth or fifth nahn), as well as superstitions surrounding his father’s work as a surgeon. As a result, he became very close with his brother and, at the encouragement of his parents, [[Laral Wistiow]], the daughter of the city lord.{{book ref|sa1|10}}
 
[[File: Kaladin young.jpg|275px|thumb|right|Young Kal by [[User: Botanicaxu]] ]]
At the age of eight, Kaladin began training with his father in surgery, though he dreamed of becoming a soldier. In {{Rosharan date|1164}}, he assisted his father in amputating one of the fingers of a fifteen-year old girl named [[Sani]]. Once finished, they discussed Kaladin’s future. Despite his wishes to be a soldier, Lirin announced his plans to send Kaladin to train in the Great Concourse of [[Kharbranth]] once he turned sixteen.{{book ref|sa1|10}}
 
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 grewpreferred upthe isolatedshorter fromname Kal to his full name, which he felt sounded like a lighteyes’s name. At the majorityage of eight, Kal began training with his father in surgery, though he dreamed of becoming a soldier. At first, he became sick at the townsfolksight dueof wounds and injuries. Over the next couple of years, he grew used to the classsight disparityand betweenassisted his familyfather andduring surgeries which he figured would come in handy on the otherbattefield. townsfolkHowever, (whothe wereamount of fourthtime orLirin fifthspent nahn)with books and sick people, ascoupled wellwith astheir superstitionsclass surroundingdisparity, hismade father’speople workuncomfortable asto abe around Lirin and Kal, by surgeonassociation. As a result of his isolated upbringing, heKal became very close with his brother and, at the encouragement of his parents, [[Laral Wistiow]], the daughter of the city lordcitylord.{{book ref|sa1|10}} {{book ref|sa1|16}}
Two years later, Kaladin and Laral were walking together outside when Kaladin tells her of his father’s plans to send him away. Laral encouraged him to become a soldier instead, implying that he could marry her if he won a [[Shardblade]] in battle, thereby becoming a lighteyes. Kaladin missed the implication, even though he was attracted to her. Later, they encounter a group of older boys, one of whom makes the claim his father won a Shardblade in the [[wastescum skirmishes]].{{book ref|sa1|16}}
 
====Surgeon or soldier====
{{sidequote| You go be what you are, Kal. I'll be what I am.| Jost to Kaladin {{book ref|sa1|16}}|right|250px;}}
 
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]], 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}}
At Laral’s prompting, Kaladin contradicted him, which led to the boy, [[Jost]], challenging Kaladin 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 stops himself from fighting anymore. Jost, having no similar inhibition, beats Kaladin to the ground. Kaladin then asked Jost to teach him, but the older boy declined, telling Kaladin to “go be what you are.” Joined by Tien, Kaladin made his way home while contemplating what he wants to be. Once home, Lirin informed Kaladin that Citylord [[Wistiow]] had died and bequeathed a goblet full of spheres to Kaladin so he could study in Kharbranth.{{book ref|sa1|16}}
 
[[File: Kaladin and Tien.jpg|325px|thumb|left|Young Kal and Tien by [[User: Botanicaxu]] ]]
Two months later, thirteen-year-old Kaladin attempted to treat a five-year-old girl named [[Miasal]] on his own. Kaladin 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 Kaladin in front of the surgery room crying to himself. Lirin tells him that he is proud of Kaladin’s work and there was nothing he could have done to stop Miasal’s death. Kaladin confessed to Lirin that he doesn’t want to be a surgeon, but Lirin answered that he would have to learn when to care.{{book ref|sa1|20}}
 
Two years later, Kal and [[Laral]] were talking atop a low ridge of boulders to the east of [[Hearthstone]] while [[Tien]] gathered rocks at the base. Kal told her of his father’s plans to send him to [[Kharbranth]] to train to become a surgeon. Hurt, Laral asked why he didn’t tell her. He lied, saying he didn’t think his father was serious. Placing her hands on her hips, 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]], pocketing the rock. Laral rejoined them, commenting that Tien changes Kal for the better. Once again, Laral asked Kal what he planned on doing if his father tried to send him to Kharbranth. Knowing they wouldn’t take him until he was sixteen, Kal told her that he had some time to decide. Laral said that it seemed like his father was forcing him to do what he wants, not what Kal wanted. She encouraged him to become a soldier instead, implying that he could marry her if he won a [[Shardblade]] in battle, thereby becoming a [[lighteyes]]. However, he missed the implication even though he was attracted to her and continued looking for lurgs with Tien.{{book ref|sa1|16}}
{{quote|You have to learn when to care, son. And when to let go.| Lirin to Kaladin after Miasal's death {{book ref|sa1|20}}}}
 
Later, they encountered a group of older boys, one of whom makes the claim his father won a Shardblade in the [[wastescum skirmishes]]. At Laral’s[[Laral]]’s prompting, KaladinKal contradicted him, which led to the boy, [[Jost]], challenging KaladinKal 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 stops himself from fighting anymore. Jost, having no similar inhibition, beats KaladinKal to the ground. KaladinKal then asked Jost to teach him, but the older boy declined, telling KaladinKal to “go be what you are.” Joined by [[Tien]], KaladinKal made his way home while contemplating what he wants to be. Once home, [[Lirin]] informed KaladinKal that Citylord [[Wistiow]] had died and bequeathed a goblet full of spheres to KaladinKal so he could study in [[Kharbranth]].{{book ref|sa1|16}}
==== New Citylord ====
Near the end of {{Rosharan date|1166}}, Kaladin had a conversation with his mother and realized that his parents were encouraging him to spend time with [[Laral]] in the hopes the two would marry. As Kaladin mulled over the conversation, [[Lirin]] arrived with the news that a new citylord had arrived. The entire family went to the town square to await the arrival of Citylord [[Roshone]]. Roshone arrived in a carriage and barely acknowledged the crowd. When Lirin tried to welcome him to the town, he responded by blaming Lirin as the reason he ended up in [[Hearthstone]].{{book ref|sa1|25}}
 
Two months later, thirteen-year-old KaladinKal attempted to treat a five-year-old girl named [[Miasal]] on his own. KaladinKal 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 KaladinKal in front of the surgery room crying to himself. [[Lirin]] tellstold him that he is proud of Kaladin’sKal’s work and there was nothing he could have done to stop Miasal’s death. KaladinKal 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}}
Citylord Roshone’s arrival brought great misfortune to Kaladin’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.{{book ref|sa1|31}} While the townsfolk acquiesced, they still secretly provided provisions to Lirin and Hesina.{{book ref|sa1|37}} [[Tien]] apprenticed to a carpenter because he was unsuitable as a surgeon, while Kaladin still debated whether to join the army or become a surgeon.{{book ref|sa1|31}}
 
{{quote|You have to learn when to care, son. And when to let go.| Lirin to KaladinKal after Miasal's death {{book ref|sa1|20}}}}
About a year after Roshone’s arrival, three masked men tried to enter Lirin’s surgery room while he and Kaladin were inside, demanding Wistiow’s spheres. Instead, Lirin revealed that they were not 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}}
 
[[File: Kal sketches.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Kal as a child in Hearthstone by [[User: Sheep]] ]]
Half a year later, Roshone invited Lirin to the mansion for dinner. Although Lirin and [[Hesina]] tried to hide the meeting from Kaladin, he finds out and attends anyway. Roshone discussed their situation and asked them to return the spheres. When Kaladin responded with an outburst, Lirin sent him away to the kitchens. There, Roshone’s son, [[Rillir Roshone|Rillir]] walks in with Laral, and confusing Kaladin for a servant, ordered him to fetch them supper. Kaladin, protesting that he wasn’t a servant, lost an argument with Rillir and was humiliated.{{book ref|sa1|37}}
 
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}}
As Lirin and Kaladin left the mansion, Kaladin admitted to his father that he had been considering joining the army, but has resolved to become a surgeon so that he would have the education to stand up to the lighteyes. During the conversation, Kaladin realized that Lirin had indeed stolen the spheres from Wistiow. Kaladin resolved to use the spheres for his training, but would pay them back to Laral.{{book ref|sa1|37}}
 
====Desperate times====
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 instead despite his protests. They anesthetized both patients and began surgery on Roshone. 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}}
 
Kal went with his parents to the town square to await the arrival of Citylord [[Roshone]]. [[Tien]] was already there waiting for them, having already picked out a spot near the rain barrels. 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 on the rain barrels so he could get a better view of the procession. A dozen wagons followed a fine black carriage that was pulled by four sleek black horses. The carriage stopped and a middle-aged man stepped out wearing a violet coat. 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}}|right|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====
 
While on a hunting trip, [[Roshone]] and [[Rillir]] were seriously injured by a [[whitespine]] and brought to Lirin’s[[Lirin]]’s surgery room. Kaladin and Lirin determined that Rillir’s injuries were already fatal and tended to Roshone instead despite his protests. They anesthetized both patients, andRoshone beganfor surgery onand RoshoneRillir 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}}
 
{{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}}}}
 
====A decision made====
In the [[Weeping]] of {{Rosharan date|1168}}, as Kaladin’s family grew increasingly desperate, they were forced to spend some of the spheres. Roshone assembled the townsfolk in the town square. [[Meridas Amaram]], a general for [[Highprince]] [[Torol Sadeas|Sadeas]], arrived in Hearthstone to recruit soldiers for the army. There, Kaladin and his family were shocked to learn that Laral is 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 tries to take Tien’s place, he is 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 would bring Tien back in four years. Amaram promised Lirin that he would make Tien a messenger boy for a while.{{book ref|sa1|44}}
 
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}}
 
In the [[WeepingRoshone]] of {{Rosharan date|1168}}, as Kaladin’s family grew increasingly desperate, they were forced to spend some of the spheres. Roshone assembled the townsfolk in the town square.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]] iswas now engaged to Roshone himself after Rillir’s[[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[[Tien]]’s name on the list instead. When Kaladin triestried to take Tien’shis brother’s place, he iswas 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}}
 
{{quote|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}}}}
 
=== Amaram's Army (1168–1172) ===