Chapter 74: 63. Fear – The Way of Kings

Spoiler Notice: This page contains spoilers for The Way of Kings. Read with caution if you haven't yet reached Chapter 74.

Summary

Kaladin instructs Leyten to craft carapace armor for every member of Bridge Four, not just the decoys. Leyten, an apprentice armorer turned bridgeman, agrees and works through the night in the cold, dark chasm, illuminated by topaz spheres. Kaladin secures permission to bring lights for the work, and Hashal—pretending the armor was her idea—reduces the scavenging quota, though she eyes Kaladin with worry. Kaladin moves on to oversee spear training in a triangular chasm intersection. The men practice by faint diamond chip light, with Teft leading drills. Kaladin corrects Hobber’s stance, then watches Moash, whose intense dedication reminds him of his own driven period after Tien’s death. He calls Moash aside and learns that Moash fights for vengeance, not protection. Moash refuses to name his target but swears by his fathers’ blood to guard Kaladin with his life. Kaladin then discusses the escape plan with Rock. They realize that staying as bridgemen means slow extinction, so they need a way to disappear—perhaps faking their deaths. Later, Teft urges Kaladin to demonstrate his spear skills for the men’s morale, but Kaladin refuses. He admits to Teft that he fears becoming the man he was, the Stormblessed, because last time he failed. Teft tells him to be ready when the time comes.

Key Events

  • Leyten agrees to outfit all of Bridge Four with carapace armor, working through the night.
  • Hashal reduces scavenging quotas and pretends the armor was her initiative.
  • Moash reveals he trains for vengeance, not to save anyone, and swears to protect Kaladin.
  • Kaladin and Rock discuss the escape plan’s flaws and brainstorm ways to vanish.
  • Kaladin declines to spar, admitting his fear of taking up the spear again and becoming the Stormblessed.

Character Development

  • Kaladin: Struggles with the fear of reclaiming his identity as a fighter. He was once the best spearman in Amaram’s army, but failure haunts him. He avoids sparring because it would force him to face that past.
  • Moash: Driven by vengeance for an unnamed person. His oath to Kaladin shows deep loyalty, but his motivation is destruction rather than protection.
  • Rock: Steps into a strategic role, promising to think of an escape plan and demonstrating faith in Kaladin’s leadership.
  • Teft: Perceptively identifies Kaladin’s fear and gently challenges him, showing his sergeant’s instincts.

Themes, Symbols, and Motifs

  • Fear and Identity: Kaladin’s refusal to spar symbolizes his terror of reverting to the Stormblessed persona and risking another failure.
  • Vengeance vs. Protection: Contrast between Moash (vengeance) and Kaladin’s past (protection) highlights how trauma shapes purpose.
  • Innovation and Survival: The carapace armor represents Bridge Four’s resourcefulness and Kaladin’s determination to keep his men alive.
  • Darkness and Light: The chasms at night, lit only by spheres, mirror Kaladin’s emotional state—glimmers of hope amid despair.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens the internal conflict within Kaladin, showing that his greatest obstacle is not external threats but his own fear of repeating past mistakes. It also solidifies Moash’s arc and his bond with Kaladin, while advancing the escape subplot. The armor project and training reflect Bridge Four’s growing cohesion and agency, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Study Questions and Answers

  1. Why does Kaladin refuse to spar with the bridgemen? He fears that picking up a spear again will force him to become the Stormblessed—the confident, capable warrior he once was—and he dreads failing as he did before when his brother Tien died.

  2. What does Moash’s desire for vengeance reveal about his character? It shows that his dedication comes from a place of pain and anger rather than altruism. This makes him a fierce protector but also a potentially unstable ally, as his ultimate goal is to kill someone.

  3. How does Rock contribute to the escape plan? Rock acknowledges the plan’s flaws and volunteers to brainstorm with Sigzil, suggesting ideas like creating a false trail or faking their deaths. His proactive role underscores his loyalty and growing investment in the crew’s survival.