To The Victor Go The Spoils

by CremlingCrimes

Summary:

Kaladin, a young squadleader in Highlord Amaram's army, is the first darkeyed Shardbearer in living memory. He has now become what he has always resented, and has to navigate his new standing within society. All while taking part in the war against the Parshendi on the Shattered Plains. Kaladin wishes to make changes for his people, but the status quo has grown it's roots deep. Can he help steer the Highprinces' onto the right path?

Meanwhile, out on the Plains, something much more sinister stirs, and Dalinar Kholin seems to be alone in seeing it. He receives strange visions during the Highstorms and wonders if his sanity is slipping. Tension between the Highprinces' grows every day, and he struggles to direct their attention towards the actual threat. Will he succeed in uniting them in time?

This story is a reimagining of The Way of Kings, in a world where Kaladin picked up the shards.

Chapter 1: Days of Travel

Kaladin woke in a bed much softer than it ought to have been. They were, after all, still traveling, and had he still been a regular soldier he would have slept out there, on the ground, with only a bedroll to rest upon. Instead of laying inside a spacious tent with a washbasin and a private dinner table, he would have been outside with his fellow spearmen and the stars for company. No more. Now he could wash when he wished to, eat meals that weren't heavily supplemented with soulcast grain, and go to bed with no chores to complete.

It was supposed to be a privilege, his daily life had changed to reflect his elevation and this newly acquired freedom was part of that. A Shardbearer was above scrubbing pots and taking the night shift to patrol the camp. Kaladin missed the work that had been required of him more and more, however. Without routine and discipline, he found that his thoughts drifted in dark directions. Hours where he before would have been needed to train his squad in new formations were now spent contemplating the many ways in which he had failed the people he cared about and was responsible for.

Failing Dallet, Korater, Cyn and the other members of his old spear squad ate at him. He often found himself reliving that day, thinking of how he could have prevented what happened. Somewhere inside he knew it was fruitless. They had been a squad of spearmen against a mounted Shardbearer, he knew that there was nothing he could have done. By the time he even saw the enemy Hab's and Lynel's eyes were already burning.

In another's eyes, it wasn't a failure, it was a success. Every soldier's dream was to win a shardblade or plate. Winning both while only armed with a spear was an incredible feat. That didn't change the roiling in Kaladin's stomach whenever he had to summon the weapon. It was as if all he could see in its shining reflection was his lost companion's eyeless faces.

He thought often of his family too, his mother and father. He had promised them as well and he had failed. Failed to bring back Tien and failed to heal instead of hurt. His parents were now fourth Dahn like him and were granted all the comforts of that standing. It was a poor replacement for Kaladin's little brother and all the spheres on Roshar wouldn't bring their younger son back. His father's disappointment loomed like a great storm cloud over him as well.

Kaladin knew his parents didn't blame him for Tien's death, and when his mother had spoken to him via spanreed after he had won his shards, he had felt that her pride in him had been genuine.

He had let himself swell at the thought for a short while until he realized that his father hadn't gone with his mother to speak with him. When you contacted a person with a spanreed the writer on the other end wrote what was said to the recipient as though they were speaking themselves, and only his mother had addressed him directly.

Kaladin didn't need to wonder why his father didn't see fit to congratulate him on his accomplishment. Lirin would never celebrate the harming of another, even if doing otherwise resulted in harm to oneself. Kaladin winning his shards was just confirmation of what his father had probably feared all along. That the hands he had trained so carefully to heal had instead become adept at hurting.

Kaladin swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, only to look down and find that instead of cold ground, his feet were standing on the soft carpet. He was hit once more by the opulence in which he now lived. An absolute waste.

He shook his head and strode towards the wash basin to get ready for another day of riding. It had been quite embarrassing, having to learn how to ride a horse while on the way to the Shattered Plains. He had been assigned a stablehand who was to remain at his side for the first couple of days of travel to help Kaladin get used to sitting on one of the terrifying creatures. This became a non-issue however, when one of the lighteyes in Amaram's retinue declared that he was a master at horse riding and then insisted that he would ride beside Kaladin and personally oversee his training.

This was, as it became apparent, only an excuse to start becoming friendly with Kaladin. A task in which he failed quite spectacularly. Kaladin was still overwhelmed and not used to the ways in which lighteyes twisted and turned their words.

When it became clear relatively quickly that Kaladin wasn't responding in the way the Highlord thought he should, conversation quickly dried up. Thankfully the man seemed to understand he would get nowhere with the new Shardbearer, as he put in effort in instructing Kaladin on how to ride after that.

Kaladin was now a comfortable rider, if not a very enthusiastic one, and rode on his own away from where the other lighteyes spoke amongst each other. Despite his often gloomy thoughts, he was genuinely excited to see the Shattered Plains. He hoped to find there what he hadn't found in Amaram's army. Fighting with actual purpose, not small border skirmishes between Highlords that ended up costing too many lives.

As far as Kaladin understood, the Parshendi were an enemy worth fighting. They had managed to lure their way into the heart of Alethkar and had assassinated their king. He had asked the ardent that was now part of his household, an old man with bushy eyebrows called Yakeb, to read the reports from the Shattered Plains from before king Gavilar's death. They were fascinating. Not only was it strange how much they resembled the Parshmen slaves that were a part of human society, but they also seemed to have been completely detached from the world outside of the Shattered Plains, before meeting the Alethi explorers.

Kaladin had used his interest in the Parshendi fighters to distract himself from his darker thoughts and it seemed to work to an extent. He buttoned up his uniform, a uniform no longer adorned with a single knot to signify his rank as squad leader but now outfitted with several elaborate ones that identified him as a high-ranking Lighteyed officer.

He looked down as he adjusted his sleeves and remembered the embroidered cuffs that his new tailor had attempted to make him wear. Kaladin had shut that down quickly. He had always disliked the way high-ranking lighteyes seemed to care more about how much gold they could sew into their collars than the actual practicality of the uniform itself. His uniform was a darker shade of green, the same color that many other Lighteyed houses in Sadeas's princedom, including Amaram, used to represent their houses.

Ardent Yakeb had advised him to choose both a name and house colors to distinguish himself, but Kaladin hadn't even begun to think about it. He didn't understand his hesitance. The natural choice of house name was of course Stormblessed. It was how he was referred to by the soldiers in Amaram's army, but he still couldn't make the decision. He found that he wanted his father's insight and approval of the house name he chose. His parents would after all also take his name.

As his father hadn't deigned to speak with Kaladin, let alone give his opinion on what name Kaladin should choose for himself he had decided to wait. He knew his mother had distant relations to some minor lighteyes, something he had learned after these relatives suddenly wrote letters to congratulate him on his victory over the Shardbearer. He had immediately understood that these relatives only wanted to contact him now because of his elevation and hadn't asked his ardent to write anything back. Besides not wanting to pick a name without his parent's approval there was also a certain finality to changing his name. It meant becoming one of them and Kaladin didn't know if he was ready for that.

After putting on his boots, Kaladin made his way outside of the tent. Once outside he stood still for a few moments to blink at the bright light of the day. The sun was glaring down on the camp and Kaladin could see dust swirling in the air. Around him, the camp was already starting to disassemble. The soldiers and servants had probably been at it for some time, Kaladin hadn't been woken to help of course.

It was now his right to laze about in the mornings while others worked. He sniffed and wondered if he could get away with asking some of the soldiers if they wanted help disassembling his tent. He had worked up the courage to ask when a man in the same dark green colored uniform, though this one without the many bows and knots, jogged up to him.

Kaladin felt his mood brighten at the sight of him. Hav was familiar to him and he hadn't changed much in how he behaved with Kaladin, even after his elevation. The man had remained the same calm but stern veteran and hadn't shied away from lecturing Kaladin on his spear stances, just as before. He now gave Kaladin a small bow before addressing him for the benefit of those around them, but he spoke just as he would have when Kaladin was a recruit. Though perhaps with a friendlier tone, they had known each other for years now after all.

"I was just about to come to pull you out of bed lad." He said and steered Kaladin towards where the company was starting to line up to start the day's march. "Brightlord Amaram says we have about a day's ride left to the Plains and he wants you with him today." Kaladin nodded, he had figured there was only so long he could ignore the other Brightlords before it would become rude. Technically Amaram didn't outrank him and Kaladin didn't have to heed him but he felt it best not to step on any toes. Hav gave him a knowing look. "Let's see to it that you don't fall off your horse and embarrass us all today, yes?" Kaladin grunted and Hav seemed content with that as an answer.

Around them, soldiers and servants hurried to finish up the day's preparations. Kaladin didn't have to look over his shoulder to know that they were already taking down his tent. They walked past chull-drawn wagons as soldiers and servants alike slowed in their duties to give Kaladin awed looks. It was to be expected, he was the first Darkeyed Shardbearer in living memory and it was natural that people would gawk. That knowledge didn't make him any less uncomfortable with it, however. Before he had been one of them, but now he wasn't. He hoped that fellow darkeyes saw him as a sign of hope that you could move up in this world and not as an unattainable standard. He did his best to look approachable even if he knew that he had never had an inviting disposition.

Only Hav was beside him as a guard. He knew that guards stood outside his tent as he slept as well but he had requested that only Hav or other surviving members of his squad guard him during the day. He felt uncomfortable with people he didn't know watching his back. Eventually, they arrived at a small pavilion where a gathering of lighteyes stood together, speaking amongst each other and eating their morning meal served from trays held by servants. Amaram was among them and the man smiled at Kaladin before turning back to converse with another Brightlord. Some of the others offered greetings to Kaladin as he approached and he did his best to smile and ignore the looks of envy some of them gave him.

After Kaladin won his shards it quickly became clear that not all were happy with his accomplishment. Many of the minor lighteyes probably felt that they should have been the ones to earn his plate and blade. Becoming a Shardbearer was a ticket into the circle of high-ranking lighteyes and it seemed to infuriate many of them that Kaladin wasn't making proper use of his high standing. Kaladin took some flatbread and a bowl of curry from a tray that a servant held up to him. He thanked the man and stood at the edge of the circle of Highlords. Hav stood just outside the pavilion at parade rest, he wasn't allowed inside. Kaladin pretended to be focused on his breakfast so that none of the others would think he wanted to chat.

He had attempted to engage in some conversations during the first week of travel, but he quickly realized that it would be almost impossible to find common ground with these men. They were so used to this life of luxury and their topics of interest did not at all align with Kaladin's own. Just as common as awkward conversations with them were moments where Kaladin had a hard time concealing his disdain for the Highlords. He found their worldview and lack of perspective on their society infuriating. He had therefore decided that it was best not to engage, lest he said something to offend them.

Kaladin found himself thinking of his shards, his blade ten heartbeats away and his plate safely locked away in a trunk with four guards around it at all times. When the shock of gaining his shards had worn off Kaladin had started to think about why there were no other darkeyed Shardbearers. Considering the number of shards in Alethkar, more than in almost any other country on Roshar, it was strange that Kaladin's circumstances were so unique. After all, his victory over the Shardbearer had been more about luck and circumstance rather than skill. The man had been so confident in his belief that the shards would protect him that he hadn't been as vigilant as he should have been. Kaladin was skilled with the spear, but any other observant soldier would have taken advantage of the Shardbearer's negligence.

Kaladin finished his meal and watched as Amaram gave instructions to some of the officers. The Highlord carried himself in such a proud way and Kaladin wanted to have nothing but respect for the man. But he still felt it sometimes, the feeling that there was something ugly beneath that honorable facade. He hadn't noticed it before becoming of equal standing with the man of course. The 15-year-old Kaladin who had been recruited to the army had idolised Amaram. Here is a proper lighteyes, he had thought. Not a spiteful and selfish rat like Roshone. He had become more and more disillusioned, however. He questioned the purpose of the small border skirmishes in which Amaram's forces engaged. Wouldn't it be more beneficial to make their way to the Shattered Plains and deal with the actual threat to their nation? Besides questioning the man's military interests he also felt some of the same feelings of envy from Amaram as he did the other lighteyes. He was better at hiding it of course, but there was always something hungry in his gaze whenever the Highlord came to watch Kaladin be instructed by the Ardents in proper swordstances.

Amaram finished giving out orders and turned, striding towards Kaladin.

"Good day to you Kaladin." Amaram smiled at him. "Just another day's march until our arrival to the plains and I feel as though we haven't become properly acquainted as of yet. Would you ride with me today?" Kaladin wanted to say no, not only did the man make him uncomfortable at times, but Kaladin also didn't want to embarrass himself. He answered in the affirmative nonetheless.

"Of course, Brightlord." Amaram nodded and they walked together towards where their horses were saddled and waiting. Kaladin shot a longing look towards the chull-drawn wagons. Chulls were quiet, sturdy, and not so disarmingly smart. He sighed and walked up to his horse anyway. He had gotten his pick of the warhorses in Amaram's stable and he had chosen one that the stablehand had described as calm and nonthreatening. Well, the words he had used were lazy and hard to anger which in Kaladin's opinion were both good things. The stallion was still a large beast, with a black coat and large hooves. His slightly plump physique and white and pink muzzle were what had drawn Kaladin to him. It made him look less threatening. The stablehand had told Kaladin his name was Tallew. Tallew was a grain used in cooking and Kaladin's horse had earned the name due to his more than healthy appetite. Kaladin had done nothing to discourage Tallew from eating his fill now that he was under his care. He wanted the beast to be satisfied at all times so that it wouldn't feel the need to punish its new master by throwing him off its back.

Kaladin put his boot in the stirrup and swung up into the saddle. It was a good thing he was tall, otherwise it would have been a chore to get up on a horse like Tallew. He looked around the quickly disappearing camp from his vantage point, letting Tallew continue with his task of waiting for a tuft of grass to come out of hiding. Directly behind him and Amaram were Hav and Larn, another member of Kaladin's former squad, mounted on their horses together with two of Amaram's guards. Larn gave Kaladin an exaggerated bow when they locked eyes and Kaladin fought the urge to snort with laughter. He looked towards where the camp was being disassembled and saw that his tent, just as he had guessed, had been taken down. The column was growing quickly as everyone got to their assigned places. The Highlords and their guards were to the front and behind them the chull-drawn wagons, carrying servants, livestock, and provisions. Behind the wagons were the soldiers. Hundreds of them stood in line, ready for the day's march.

Kaladin reached down to pat Tallew's neck, trying to signal that he would need to start moving soon. The horse lifted his head, only to give Kaladin an annoyed look and return to his grass. Amaram gave Kaladin's horse an unimpressed look and spurred his own beast into a trot. Thankfully, Tallew seemed to be done eating because he quickly trotted after Amaram's horse.

Some time later they slowed to a walk and Amaram turned in his saddle to face Kaladin.

"So Kaladin, forgive me if this is forward but I've found myself wondering, are you a religious man?" Kaladin looked to Amaram, disarmed by the question. Was piousness something that was considered important to high-ranking lighteyes? He had never gotten that impression from Roshone. He settled on the truth, after all, it wasn't as if he didn't believe.

"My parents taught me to believe in the Almighty if that's what you mean sir. My father, as I've probably mentioned before, was a surgeon. A lot of what he taught me he referred to as 'wisdom of the Heralds'. My mother burned glyphwards for me and my brother when we were young as well." Amaram nodded.

"As expected. No man without the Almighty's blessing would have won himself a shardblade." Kaladin nodded but silently thought that it wasn't religious belief that had earned him his shards. It was luck and skill with the spear, and you didn't have to believe to have those things. "I've seen you become a good and disciplined soldier over some time now. Young as you are you rose quickly within the ranks of my army. Why you must be the youngest squad leader to ever be promoted in our princedom." Kaladin tried to look flattered but humble at the same time, not an easy feat it turned out. He wondered if Amaram also knew of his bribes and his silent threats to the other Darkeyed officers. "Despite being Darkeyed and of relatively humble beginnings you show honor and humility in the face of your elevation."

Kaladin silently bristled at that. It was a backhanded compliment, whether Amaram realized it or not. Kaladin wasn't who he was despite his origins, he was who he was because of them. His parents had taught him to care for those around him and to help those he could. Those weren't virtues he had gained in the army under the lighteyes tutelage, those were things he had brought with him to his deployment. He didn't want to be thought of as an exception. It was likely that many darkeyes were capable of the things he had accomplished, they just didn't get as many opportunities to show it. He thanked Amaram for his words all the same. Perhaps if he grew closer to the man he could change his way of viewing darkeyes. He was after all of equal standing now, perhaps he could change things for people like him.

Silence stretched for some time after that. Tallew's hooves clomped audibly on the flat ground. The landscape had changed the further they got into the east of Alethkar. The ground around them was now rocky and dry, different from the fields of Kaladin's homeland. He missed lying in those fields, Tien beside him. Home. Family. Peace.

Kaladin shook himself out of those thoughts. It was no use dwelling on them now. He had chosen to stay in the army. If he wanted to go home so badly he never should have picked up his shards.

"You should call me Meridas." Kaladin looked up to see Amaram speaking to him once more, eyes still forward on the road before them. "I understand your wish to be respectful in keeping to addressing me as Brightlord, but you are a Highlord in your own right now Kaladin. Remain respectful but demand the same respect from others in return. Other Highlords will see weakness in your demeanor if you do not." Kaladin understood, at least he thought he did. His father had spoken sometimes of lighteyes and their games.

"I understand, I am grateful for your guidance Meridas." Amaram gave an approving nod.

"I feel a certain responsibility for you Kaladin. You are new to this game of politics and nobility. I want you to know that I remain a source of answers to any questions you may have. I wish to become a confidant, and if you wish it, a friend" Kaladin felt gratitude for the man and then guilt for not finding it in himself to trust him completely.

"Thank you, I appreciate it, Meridas. Truly." Amaram nodded again, looking satisfied with his answer.

"I see potential in you. A wish to do what is best for all." He looked Kaladin in the eye. "If it interests you I might be able to introduce you to some among us who share those same ideals. Those who truly fight for humanity." With that he spurred his horse forward, leaving Kaladin behind. Amaram's honor guard was not far behind and Kaladin was left with his thoughts for company.

What had Amaram meant by that? 'Those who truly fight for humanity'? Was he perhaps referring to introducing Kaladin to the king? Wasn't Kaladin supposed to present himself to the king regardless as a new Shardbearer? Confused, he considered riding after Amaram for answers. He decided against it, however, remembering the ache in his thighs after his first time galloping under the supervision of the stable hands. Besides, he didn't want to annoy Tallew.

Hours later Kaladin's backside had started to ache in a subtle but still annoying way. He shifted, trying to find a more comfortable position in the saddle. It didn't work. He sighed and stretched out his arm to stroke Tallew's flank. The beast had been good today. At least six hours of riding had passed and he hadn't stopped once to wait for grass to appear from the ground. Kaladin had fed him well when they stopped for the midday meal, however, so perhaps he was too full for more.

Amaram and his retinue of lighteyes were some ways ahead of Kaladin, speaking amongst themselves. Kaladin felt no urge to join them. He heard trotting hooves behind him and Hav rode up beside Kaladin. The man gave Kaladin a critical look.

"What?" Kaladin said, annoyed with the scrutiny. Hav had a way to say exactly what he was thinking without speaking a word. Hav rolled his eyes as if Kaladin was somehow slow.

"You look like you're about to keel over lad, are you well?" Kaladin looked over at him, irritated.

"I am well Hav. Why? Do I look ill?" Hav snorted.

"No, you don't look ill boy, you look tired. Exhausted even. Are you sure you've been sleeping well in that fancy tent of yours?" Now it was Kaladin's turn to snort.

"Of course I am. I didn't know such soft bedding existed a few months ago." Hav didn't comment on that, only continued to look at him. Kaladin refused to be the one to break first so he glued his gaze on the road before them. After some time Hav sighed and spoke in a low tone:

"Is it one of those days?" Kaladin didn't say anything but nodded. It was indeed one of those days. One of Kaladin's bad days, where everything was gloomy no matter how much joy and sunshine surrounded him. It wasn't just that however, his thoughts on darkeyes and their place in society had probably triggered this feeling of hopelessness. He looked to Hav again. He decided to share his thoughts.

He told him of his musings on darkeyed people's place in society. Hav looked unsurprised by Kaladin's thoughts.

"Lad," He said, looking suddenly tired. "It is unfair, I know that better than anyone, but you need to think of the good. You're in a place now where you can make changes, perhaps for all of us." Kaladin knew he was right. Silently being angry and feeling mistreated wasn't going to make a difference for anyone. He almost felt that he had a responsibility now, as a darkeyed Shardbearer. To attempt to make some kind of change. He had never been good at arguing and debating with people, his emotions often got the better of him. Perhaps it was time to learn how to control himself better, if not for himself then for others like him. Someone had to start, and he was in a better position to do so than anyone else.

He thought again of how strange it was that he was the only one in this position. He turned to Hav:

"Don't you find it strange that I'm the only darkeyed Shardbearer in the kingdom? I am hardly the most skilled spearman to ever live, it doesn't add up, statistically, I mean. Shouldn't other darkeyed soldiers have won shards by now?" Hav looked at him, something resigned in his eyes.

"You know what Kal? I think they have." When Kaladin just looked confused he sighed and continued. "When you won your shards, it was witnessed by hundreds of soldiers." He looked to Kaladin as if willing him to understand. Kaladin was still lost however, so Hav continued, his tone almost a whisper: "It would have been impossible for Amaram, or any other lighteyes around for that matter, to claim they were the one who defeated the Shardbearer. They would have had to kill every soldier who witnessed it to keep it quiet."

When he turned to Kaladin this time the younger man looked aghast.

"But who would do that? The promise is that the person who wins the shards gets to keep them, isn't it? Besides, killing people for material gain is punishable by death, even if you are a Highlord. Who would risk it?" Kaladin knew that lighteyes were callous, but they weren't all murderers surely. An image of Roshone's pudgy face swam to the forefront of his mind then, and Kaladin realized that he could imagine someone who would.

Kaladin looked to Hav, the former sergeant gave him a rueful smile.

"You're a good man Kaladin, one of the best I've known. You would never do such a thing, but others will do terrible things to get what they think they deserve." After that, they rode in silence for some time, until Hav pointed to the distance in front of them. Kaladin looked up and saw, for the first time, the ten warcamps that made up the Alethi forces on the Shattered Plains.

In another world, perhaps Amaram would have been the one to carry Kaladin's blade, but in this one, the shards were his own and he would, storm it, he would make a change.

Chapter 2: Whispers In The Dark

Summary:

Kaladin arrives at his new home.

After arriving at Highprince Sadeas’s warcamp late into the night, Kaladin’s retinue split from the main column to follow a group of soldiers sent to guide him to his new home. His ardents had already communicated with their counterparts on the Shattered Plains via spanreed to announce his arrival. The soldiers who greeted them, both lighteyed, addressed him as “Brightlord” and led Kaladin, along with his guards and ardents, toward the manor.

Sometime later, Kaladin stood before a manor house larger than Roshone’s. As a boy, he had never understood why the Citylord had chosen to live in a home mostly made of wood. It seemed impractical—wood was weaker than stone and easily damaged by the Highstorms. But as he’d grown older, Kaladin had come to understand: that the choice was a display of wealth. The Citylord’s home wasn’t just functional—it was a statement. The handcrafted wooden structure meant that the person who owned it had the spheres to spend on it, unlike most people who lived in soulcast, often plain-looking homes.

Though probably built recently as the Alethi had been on the Shattered Plains for less than a decade, the wooden manor he stood in front of still seemed old to Kaladin. The first moon, Salas, cast a pale, violet light over the manor. It made the building look pale and lifeless to Kaladin, almost skeletal. He could still see the intricate woodwork along the edges. He wondered how much time and effort had gone into building the place, only to remain unused.

A man, who Kaladin guessed to be a horse master or stablehand, hurried forward to take Tallew's rains and lead him away to the stables. Larn let out a whistle to Kaladin's right.

"Nice place you've got here, Kal. Shame you'll be living here all alone..." Larn’s eyes scanned the manor, then flicked over the servants lingering near the entrance. Kaladin shot him an unimpressed look. "Hey, I’ve got an idea! I know a guy who’d be happy to room with you. He just arrived on the Plains, and-" Larn was interrupted by Hav, who slapped the back of his head.

"Kaladin’s already arranged our rooms, but I guess you’d know that if you ever paid attention!" Hav hissed. "Now, enough from you. Kaladin needs to greet his staff properly."
Kaladin smiled, a warm sense of fondness stirring within him for his companions, who had journeyed so far with him. After Tallew trotted off, likely eager for his evening meal, Kaladin and the others headed toward the staff, who were waiting by the entrance.

A woman in her middle years stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Kaladin. She was Alethi, tall and dark-haired, with the grace of someone accustomed to authority. She wore a simple working dress, her hair pulled into an updo, and her expression was no-nonsense. She shot a disapproving glance at Larn before turning her attention to Kaladin.

"Brightlord, welcome. We have been preparing for your arrival for some time now and we hope your travels have been easy." Kaladin cleared his throat, ready to thank her, but the woman continued in a brusque tone. "I am Jana, your head of staff. I oversee all who serve in your household, with the exception of the soldiers and ardents, of course. Should you require anything or have any concerns, do not hesitate to come to me. Now, it is late, and you likely require rest—and perhaps a bath as well. Follow me, and I will show you to your quarters." With that, the woman spun on her heel and marched towards the great doors of the mansion. The servants sprung into action as well, hurrying towards the wagons where Kaladin's belongings were stored and directing the soldiers and ardents to their respective accommodations.

Larn leaned toward Kaladin and stage-whispered, "I think she just called you foul-smelling, Kal. Charming." Kaladin rolled his eyes and quickened his pace to catch up with Jana, whose strides were brisk. After taking two steps at a time to get to the open doors, Kaladin walked into the hall beyond it. The entrance hall was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the wooden floor as the blue glow of spheres pulsed from their places on the walls. The high ceilings loomed above, hard to see in the dark, with violet moonlight filtering in through the windows, casting pale shapes on the floor. Jana was already on the other side of the hall, quickly disappearing in the dim light. Kaladin hurried after her.

They made their way up a winding staircase and through sphere-lit corridors. Suddenly, Jana stopped outside a door, and Kaladin, carried by the momentum of his hurried steps, nearly took another step before he managed to stop. Jana turned to him:

"This door leads to your quarters Brightlord." Kaladin nodded.

"Thank you, Jana, I appreciate you getting everything ready for me and the men." Jana's eyebrows shot up as if she hadn't expected to be thanked for her services.

"You are welcome Brightlord. I believe the evening meal should be prepared in the kitchens by now, and a bath is prepared inside. Would you like to take your meal in the dining hall with the rest of your men or shall I have it brought up to your rooms with a servant?"

Kaladin was about to answer that he would like to eat his dinner in his room when he stopped himself. He was tired and weary from the day's travel, but it was late for the servants too and he didn't want to create more work for his new staff. Jana seemed to notice his indecisiveness because she spoke again.

"I'll have the meal brought up for you Brightlord." Her eyes softened as if she saw something in Kaladin she hadn't seen before. "I will go and see to it that your men are situated. Go and rest." With that, she passed him and made her way down the corridor. Kaladin sighed. Was he that easy to see through? He turned to the door and opened it.

Kaladin felt suddenly drained. All he wanted was to sit himself in one of the chairs by the fire and close his eyes. But Jana was right; he did smell. He pulled off his boots, set them aside beside the door, and made to search for the promised bath.

A bath and change of clothing later Kaladin was struggling to keep his eyes open. Seated in a plush chair in front of the hearth, he was thankful for the real fire that heated the room, in the place of a fabrial or a bowl of spheres. The clothes he now wore were comfortable, a little too much so. A knock came at the door, probably the servant with his meal. He called for the person to enter. A servant stepped inside, a tray held in her hands. She made her way to the table in the middle of the room and set it down before bowing to Kaladin. He thanked her and told her not to bother coming to get the tray later. He already felt bad for making her come up to his room to give him his food. The girl smiled and made her way out. She didn't close the door after herself however and Kaladin looked up to find ardent Yakeb standing in the doorway. Yakeb bowed.

"Brightlord, forgive me for disturbing you so late, but I have received a missive from Highprince Sadeas's household." Kaladin waved his hand dismissively, urging the ardent to continue, and made his way to sit before his food. "The Highprince wishes for you to come visit him tomorrow, to formally greet you. He also asks that you accompany him to the King's feast. Highprince Sadeas probably wishes to introduce you to the king personally" Yakeb made it all sound very formal and Kaladin felt dread creep up his spine. He had managed to avoid speaking to the lighteyes in Amaram's retinue during their journey, but it was clear he wouldn't get away with it here. He nodded, resigned.

"Send a missive back and tell him I'll come see him." He paused. "And do it in a more refined way than how I worded it." Yakeb just sniffed.

"Not to worry Brightlord, I already intended to." Kaladin felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth.

"Thank you Yakeb, go and rest." The ardent bowed once more and left the room, closing the door on the way out. Kaladin ate his meal in the comfortable silence that followed. It was still strange, having access to such fine food at all times. During the first few weeks after winning his shards, Kaladin's stomach had fought against him, he wasn't used to the richness of the food. He imagined it would be much easier to get out of shape with this kind of nutrition, but he resolved to get back to training with the swordmaster as quickly as possible.

As he sat there he thought of the months in his youth, when Roshone and his father had been at odds. The Citylord had attempted to starve Kaladin's family into giving up the spheres meant for Kaladin's education. He knew now that his father had stolen the spheres, but it still didn't feel right for Roshone to attempt to take food from their table.

He looked down at his finished plate. Now he would never go hungry. Never would he have to rely on a Highlord's goodwill to remain comfortable. He thought suddenly of his Sharblade then. It was the thing that had given him this luxury in the first place. He hadn't summoned it in some time now and he felt an urge to do it just then. Kaladin took a deep breath, stretched out his hand, and started to count his heartbeats.

Strangely, the blade fell into his hand on the ninth beat instead of the tenth, but before he had a chance to think about the oddity he heard someone scream. Kaladin's head snapped to the side, staring at the door. It sounded as if someone was being hurt in the corridor outside his room, and badly so. He hurried to the door and swung it open, sword held up. When he stepped outside, however, ready to deal with a potential threat he saw no one there. He looked from left to right, trying to determine from which way the horrible screams came from. It was hard to tell and Kaladin chanced the corridor to the left, hurrying in that direction.

He wondered what was happening. Had someone come inside the manor and attacked one of his staff? He didn't recognize the voice, though it was female. He felt a sense of urgency come over him and he quickened his steps. He turned a sphere-lit corner only to bump into a servant. The man stepped back, startled, but before he could speak Kaladin did:

"What's going on, is someone hurt?" The man just looked disarmed and confused.

"I am sorry Brightlord," he said, eyeing Kaladin's Shardblade carefully, "but I don't understand. The staff have stopped their work for the evening, I am probably the last to return to my room." Kaladin looked at him, incredulous. Could he not hear the screaming? That horrible, heartbreaking screaming.

"No, the girl. The one screaming can't you hear her?" The man still looked confused.

"A girl Brightlord? No, I don't hear anything." He seemed to sense that Kaladin didn't believe him because he continued to speak. "Truly Brightlord, there is nothing. Are you well, should I perhaps go fetch an ardent?" Kaladin blinked. Maybe he was feeling a little ill. Hav had said he looked ready to keel over after all.

"No, no I don't think… It's fine. I must have misheard, forgive me, go and rest." Kaladin turned away, making his way back towards his room. He could still hear the screaming, but now that he thought about it it didn't feel as though he actually heard it through his ears. It felt more like a deafening ringing in his head. He returned to his room, closed the door, and dismissed his blade. Suddenly the screaming ceased and all fell quiet. Kaladin dragged a hand over his face, he really was tired.

He walked on tired legs to his bedroom and lay down on the bed. He felt himself starting to drift off to sleep when he heard it—a whisper, quiet as the night breeze.

It's been so long, the voice whispered, It is as though I have been in the depths of a deep ocean, and I am finally close to the surface. A breath of air is so near. It's been so long… But perhaps you can help me. Kaladin…That is your name. Would you help me breathe again Kaladin?

Notes:

Kaladin gets the bath that was promised! This chapter is a little short, but don't worry, the next one will more than make up for it. Thank you for the kudos and comments on the last chapter, they really encouraged me! Thanks again for reading!

Chapter 3: Wine and Feasts

The day after he had arrived at the Shattered Plains Kaladin stood outside his manor, waiting beside his horse for the soldiers from Sadeas’s household to arrive. It had been a good day so far. He had woken early, despite having gotten to rest late the evening before, and had shared breakfast with his men and staff in the manor’s dining hall. For a brief moment, it had felt almost like the mess hall back in Amaram’s army—if he closed his eyes, he could almost pretend he was back there. Friends around him, and no other expectation than to do his job as a squadleader.

Still, the hall had felt a little empty. Even with all his men, old and new, gathered around the long tables, there was still space for many more to sit. He had asked Jana where the servants ate their meals. She had explained that those who didn't rise very early took their meals down in the kitchens. She had looked surprised when Kaladin had asked her to relay to his staff that they had permission to eat in the hall with him and his men.

Some hours later, Kaladin waited for Tallew and four other horses to be saddled for their trek to Sadeas's estate. Hav stood to his right, giving out instructions to a drill sergeant. Kaladin had asked him to instruct the men to train regularly in preparation for when they would be needed out on the Plains. Larn, Hamel, and Coreb were also there, acting as Kaladin's guards together with Hav for the day. Larn turned to Kaladin.

"So Kal. The king's feast 'ey. Any chance you'll let us inside with you?" Beside him, Coreb snorted.

"Don't entertain him Kaladin. He just wants to eat the fancy food and try his luck with the highborn ladies." Larn put a hand to his chest, apparently gravely offended. Hamel spoke before Larn could come up with a retort.

"You know, I doubt they even let darkeyes into the actual feast. Kaladin is an exception I guess, but we'll probably be sent to share space with the other guards." Kaladin nodded at that, the lighteyes probably had guards inside the feast already—lighteyed guards. It was a shame really, he would have liked to have his friends with him even if Larn made a fool of himself.

Kaladin heard the sounds of a horse approaching from beyond the manor grounds and looked up. A lighteyed man dressed in a green and white uniform trotted up to Kaladin and dismounted. He bowed before speaking:

"Brightlord, I am Matal, a member of Highprince Sadeas's retinue. I have been asked to escort you to see him today." Kaladin nodded and turned to his horse, now saddled.

"Let's get going then," he said. Loud enough that Larn stopped his chatting to pay attention."Let's not keep the Highprince waiting." The others hurried to mount and they were off soon enough.

Sadeas's warcamp wasn't what Kaladin had hoped to find on the Shattered Plains. He felt dejected, looking around the place. The soldiers on duty stood around the market, bored expressions on their faces, some were even sitting at tables, drinking or playing cards. Raised voices were heard all around them as they rode through. Vendors were having a hard time keeping their customers from crowding the space from behind their market stalls and the haggling turned almost violent in some cases. Some people did seem to notice Kaladin however, as they stopped in their shouting to look at him. They turned to those around them, muttering 'Shardbearer'. Some of them even started to make their way towards him, but Hav and Matal ordered the guards to spread out around him so they wouldn't get too close.

When they finally made their way out of the crowded streets, Kaladin let out a sigh of relief. He wondered if all the warcamps were in such a state of constant chaos. He wouldn't have minded meeting some of the people who lived in the warcamps, perhaps perusing some of the stalls as well, but it was all too overwhelming. They continued on, Matal pointing out important buildings on the way. At one point they passed what Kaladin first thought was a lumberyard. People were at work constructing what seemed to be enormous slabs of wood with handles as if people were supposed to carry the things with their hands. Kaladin pointed to them and asked Matal what they were.

"Those are the bridges Brightlord. The bridgecrews carry them out onto the Plains during the plateau assaults." Matal gestured toward some soldiers' barracks that Kaladin hadn't seen before. "When we first came to the Plains we used Chulls to drag bridges to the chasms, but this is more efficient." Kaladin nodded. It was a creative way to use siege equipment and he had never heard of such a thing before. He wondered how Sadeas kept the soldiers carrying the bridges sufficiently protected while carrying them. Perhaps they stood in pairs, one carrying the bridge and the other holding a shield. Kaladin would have to ask. Kaladin was about to turn his head forward again when he spotted something. Outside one of the barracks, where Kaladin assumed the soldiers of the bridgecrews slept, sat a young man. He looked underfed and he had such a profound look of hollowness on his face that Kaladin almost felt the urge to stop his horse. The young man, a boy really, wasn't in uniform, instead, he wore simple half-length breeches, a vest, and sandals. It was strange to Kaladin. Weren't soldiers required to be in uniform during the day? He shook his head. It seemed Sadeas's warcamp wasn't very well coordinated.

Some time later they came to a halt in front of what Kaladin could only presume to be Highprince Sadeas's estate. Great metal gates were swung open to admit them and they were led inside by soldiers. Kaladin dismounted and turned to the great manor house, only to see Amaram standing in front of the doors as if waiting for him. The Highlord held up a hand in greeting and Kaladin did the same before turning to his men, only to find that Hav and the others were being led away by a servant. Coreb waved his hand toward Amaram, urging Kaladin to go inside the estate. Kaladin turned again and hurried up to Amaram. The Highlord smiled at him.

"Good day to you Kaladin. I trust you got some well-deserved rest after our travels." Kaladin nodded and was about to answer when a Master-servant came out of the doors to Sadeas's estate. The man bowed to them and asked them to come with him. Amaram and Kaladin followed the man into the estate. While walking beside Amaram Kaladin found himself wondering if Sadeas was one of the people Amaram had referred to on that last day of travel. One of the men who 'really fought for humanity'. He didn't ask, however, as Amaram seemed deep in thought as they marched through the estate. After some time of walking through long corridors and up winding staircases, Kaladin doubted he would be able to find his way back out on his own. Finally, the servant stopped outside a pair of glass doors guarded by soldiers, leading out onto a grand balcony. The servant stuck his head outside, probably to announce them, before bowing to them once more and hurrying off.

Amaram made to go out onto the balcony and Kaladin followed his lead. The balcony was spacious, with a view looking out onto the Plains. Kaladin hadn't seen them from such a height yet and he was awed by the size of them. A man, who Kaladin could only assume to be Highprince Sadeas sat on a chair beside a round table in the middle of the balcony. Amaram bowed at the waist and Kaladin quickly followed suit. When he straightened Sadeas was smiling at them.

"Meridas, my friend, it is good to see you." Amaram smiled when Sadeas grasped his forearm in a friendly gesture.

"And you as well Torol. It's been too long." Sadeas clapped him on the shoulder, before turning his attention to Kaladin. The Highprince held out a hand for Kaladin to take in his own. Kaladin grasped it, wondering how to start a conversation. It seemed he wouldn't have to as the Highprince spoke again:

"And here he is, our newest Shardbearer. It is good to finally meet you, I have only heard good things from Meridas" Kaladin bowed his head slightly.

"Thank you Brighlord, and thank you for inviting me here." Sadeas waved his hand dismissively.

"Of course, of course." The Highprince turned to the table and gestured to the two other seats across from his own. "Come, sit. I shall have some chilled wine brought up for you." Amaram and Kaladin sat down in the chairs while Sadeas called for a servant. One appeared almost instantly and Sadeas turned to them once more. "Any color preferences my lords?" Amaram asked for a yellow beverage and the servant turned to Kaladin.

"Just an orange, thank you." He had never been one to enjoy the feeling of drinking too much and he didn't like to drink while technically being on duty as an officer, even if none of his men were there to see him indulge. The servant hurried off to fetch their drinks and Sadeas sat down across from them. Kaladin took note of the Highprinces's clothing. He wasn't wearing a uniform, like Kaladin and Amaram, instead, he was dressed in a flowy yellow garment embroidered with many colors. It was in a uniform-like cut but too extravagant to fight in. It seemed impractical to Kaladin.

"I must begin by thanking you Kaladin," Sadeas said, swirling the wine in its glass with a glint of mirth in his eyes. "It is not often I get to brag to the other Highprinces' but you have given me a wondrous excuse. I don't believe any of them can claim to have produced such an accomplished warrior from their own princedoms in some time." Sadeas chuckled and took a swig of his wine. Kaladin didn't know what to say to that, Amaram saved him, however.

"Do not confuse the boy Torol." He said with a smile of his own. "He is new to all of this, he cannot tell when you're joking." Sadeas waved his hand, still chuckling.

"Yes, yes, fine. You are right, of course." Just then the servant returned with their drinks and the man refilled Sadeas's glass before departing. Sadeas turned his attention to Kaladin once more. "So, Kaladin, I have of course read the reports and heard it from Meridas but I must hear the story from you as well. Tell me of the day you won your Shards." Kaladin was relieved. It was still hard to speak of his dead companions but this was something he knew how to do. He was simply recounting a story that he had had to tell many times on his journey to the Shattered Plains. It had seemed as though the lighteyes of Amaram's retinue never got tired of hearing of his 'great accomplishment'. Every time he spoke of that day it became a little easier. He tried not to picture any of his friend's faces and focused on recounting the events as accurately as possible. While speaking, Kaladin noticed a look of hunger coming over Sadeas's features. Perhaps the Highprince did not have Shards of his own? When he was done telling the tale Sadeas thanked him and turned to Amaram.

"You surprise me Meridas, when I heard Shards had been claimed in my princedom I immediately thought it was you who had defeated a Shardbearer." Amaram's smile suddenly turned stiff.

"Hundreds of soldiers saw Kaladin win the Shards. They are his, as is his right." Kaladin felt coldness creep up his spine and he was suddenly reminded of what Hav had said about lighteyes being willing to steal and murder for Shards. It was almost as if Highprince Sadeas was asking Amaram why he hadn't simply disposed of Kaladin and claimed the Shards for himself and Amaram had answered that there had been too many witnesses. Kaladin wondered if the other men even knew that he had picked up on it, he felt the urge to shudder.

Sadeas and Amaram looked at each other for a beat, as if having a silent conversation, before Sadeas clapped his hands together and stood.

"Well my lords, it is time we make our way to the king's feast. It will be my pleasure to introduce our young Shardbearer to the court." Kaladin tried to smile but he doubted it looked genuine.

---

Kaladin stood on one of the islands where the king's feast was held, Amaram beside him. Sadeas had gone ahead of them, looking for the king's table. They had passed the king's palace on the way to the feast. Kaladin had never seen such an elaborate building. Neither had he ever seen one so large. Hav, Larn, Coreb, and Hamel had been sent to guard stations upon their arrival. There were enough guards inside the feast as it was. Kaladin felt overwhelmed by the number of lighteyes about, all dressed in finery, and all engaged in conversation. Tables ladened with foods he had never seen nor tasted were placed in lines together with barrels of what Kaladin assumed to be wine. How would he possibly fit in in this strange place?

He felt a hand grab his shoulder. Kaladin flinched but looked up to find Amaram giving him a reassuring nod. The Highlord clasped his hands behind his back in a laid-back but still dignified way and walked forward. Kaladin followed, glancing around at the opulence around him.

They crossed one of the bridges linking the islands together and emerged onto another island. A gathering of lighteyes stood around a table where a man in a black uniform sat. As they neared the table on which the man sat Kaladin was surprised to hear the man insult every single person arriving at the feast. The man was lighteyed, but surely he couldn't go about insulting all these powerful people. Kaladin turned to Amaram:

"Bri- Meridas, who is that man? Why is he- what is he doing?" He asked, confused. Amaram looked to where Kaladin was looking and seemed to understand.

"That must be the king's newest Wit. A Wit is a form of entertainment. The man who gets the title makes fun of all the people in court, and no one is allowed to do anything about it. They usually get assassinated after some time. I've heard of this one. They say he is… Particularly creative." Kaladin looked at him in disbelief, but Amaram only continued walking until they were in front of the man. Or the Wit.

The man spotted them, stopped in the middle of an insult to another Highlord, and jumped off his perch on the table. He gave a sweeping, fluttering, bow to Kaladin.

"Why, if it isn't the new Shardbearer that has the whole kingdom in a buzz," the man declared in a loud voice. Several of the other lighteyes turned to look at Kaladin. "I welcome you, oh great warrior, to this gathering of overstuffed chickens. Not to worry, a couple of weeks of eating like they do and you'll fit right in. It takes great bravery to walk into a feast such as this one. The smell of self-aggrandizement and ridiculously small appetizers often make grown men faint" The man's eyes glittered with mirth as if he and Kaladin were sharing a private joke. "You may call me Wit." He bowed once more, adding more hand fluttering this time around.

Kaladin blinked. This man spoke very fast. He felt as though he had gotten lost somewhere in the man's twisting sentences. A lot of the lighteyes were watching him now, so he felt it best to say something. He settled on voicing the thoughts already on his mind.

"It is nice to meet you Wit, and I uh… appreciate it, I suppose." Wit looked up at him, a smile still on his lips. "Aren't you worried people will eventually do something to you if you continue to insult them?"

"It is most gracious of you to worry for me, oh great warrior, but I am quite safe. You see killing me is illegal and will earn you a death sentence." He winked at Kaladin. Amaram scoffed.

"Don't worry about it Kaladin, someone will have him assassinated, sooner rather than later." Wit turned to Amaram, still smiling, but wearing a mischievous look in his eyes. Kaladin had a feeling that it would have been better for Amaram not to comment.

"Well, I should hope so Highmarshal Amaram. Someone would have to put me out of the misery your presence is putting me in. I mean, the smell alone…" Amaram's eye gave an irritated twitch. The Highlord put a hand on Kaladin's shoulder steering him forward, away from Wit. They were nearing the next bridge when Wit's voice again floated over to them.

"Young Shardbearer, you should know," Kaladin looked over his shoulder at him, and was surprised to find the mirth in Wit's eyes gone, replaced by a gaze of disdain directed to Amaram's back. "the Highmarshal's appearance does not deceive. He looks like a skyeel because he is as slippery as one!" With that, the man turned to continue his work.

They passed over three more bridges before arriving at what Amaram called 'the king's isle'. Here was where the most important lighteyes of the kingdom gathered, to drink and feast. A man, who Kaladin could only assume to be the king stood in front of one of the tables, between Sadeas and another man. Sadeas looked to them as they approached.

"Ah, here he is! Elhokar, I want you to meet Kaladin our newest Shardbearer from my princedom." Kaladin bowed low, as did Amaram.

"So it's true then," The king said as Kaladin straightened. "he really is darkeyed." Kaladin tried not to give the most powerful man on Roshar an eye-roll and instead did his best to look grateful. The man to Elhokar's other side gave the king a disapproving glance.

"Do not insult him by sounding so surprised Elhokar." The man had an admonishing tone, like a parent speaking to his child. The man turned his attention to Kaladin. "It is good to meet you Kaladin," He stepped forward to offer his hand to shake. "I am Highprince Dalinar Kholin." Kaladin was a little awestruck as he shook the man's hand. So this was the Blackthorne, the king's uncle who had conquered Alethkar with the late king Gavilar.

"Brightlord." He said dumbly, with a small bow to his head. Dalinar Kholin smiled at him, wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.

"I am afraid you will be subjected to political talks if you stay here with us, there are things we need to discuss with Highmarshal Amaram." He nodded to the Highlord. "I have sons your age, Adolin, and Renarin. They are both here tonight and should be happy to introduce themselves to you. I saw Adolin just a short while ago." Dalinar seemed to scan the crowd around him. "Ah, there he is. I think he spotted you." Kaladin looked in the direction Dalinar was. A young man with blonde hair speckled with black strands came striding towards them, a smile on his face.

"Is this him father?" The man, Adolin, asked and came to a stop before them.

"Yes this is him Adolin, is that how you introduce yourself?" Adolin didn't seem to mind the admonishment. He stretched out his hand to Kaladin, and Kaladin took it.

"Nice to meet you, I apologize, it's not often I get to meet other Shardbearers my age. I understand you must be new to swordstances, but I'd be happy to coach and-"

"Adolin," Dalinar cut in. "why don't you take Kaladin and show him around." Adolin nodded and waved for Kaladin to follow him. Kaladin did, slightly relieved at not having to attempt to discuss politics with two Highprinces and the king of Alethkar.

Notes:

This chapter is out a little early, but I was in the mood so here you go! Thanks for reading.

Notes:

This is a project that I've been wanting to start for some time now! I hope you find it as exciting as I do. Chapters will hopefully release once a week, but keep in mind that I write in my free time so this might not always be the case. English is not my first language, and I currently don't have a beta reader, so please be patient with me. Thank you for reading!