The Emergence of a New Alliance

The Way of Kings

Kaladin and Dalinar move from mutual suspicion to a negotiated alliance that joins military reform with the protection of marginalized soldiers.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Distant Reputation A Distant Reputation from "The Way of Kings". The Name of Dalinar A Rumored Ideal Bridgemen describe Dalinar as honorable, disciplined, and unlike other highprinces.

A Distant Reputation from "The Way of Kings". The Name of Dalinar A Rumored Ideal Bridgemen describe Dalinar as honorable, disciplined, and unlike other highprinces.

The Name of Dalinar A Rumored Ideal Bridgemen describe Dalinar as honorable, disciplined, and unlike other highprinces. Kaladin’s Distrust Kaladin rejects the praise because Amaram once carried the same reputation. He refuses to let polished ideals substitute for evidence.

The Chasmfiend Rescue The Chasmfiend Rescue from "The Way of Kings". A Public Example Dalinar Saves Elhokar Dalinar catches a chasmfiend’s claw and protects the king while risking his own life.

The Chasmfiend Rescue from "The Way of Kings". A Public Example Dalinar Saves Elhokar Dalinar catches a chasmfiend’s claw and protects the king while risking his own life.

A Public Example Dalinar Saves Elhokar Dalinar catches a chasmfiend’s claw and protects the king while risking his own life. Kaladin’s Observation Kaladin later witnesses Dalinar protect Bridge Four from Parshendi archers. These actions create evidence that the highprince’s reputation may be deserved.

The Rescue Witnessed The Rescue Witnessed from "The Way of Kings". Each Saves the Other Kaladin’s Intervention Kaladin reaches Dalinar’s surrounded army with Bridge Four and holds the bridgehead long enough for the survivors…

The Rescue Witnessed from "The Way of Kings". Each Saves the Other Kaladin’s Intervention Kaladin reaches Dalinar’s surrounded army with Bridge Four and holds the bridgehead long enough for the survivors…

Each Saves the Other Kaladin’s Intervention Kaladin reaches Dalinar’s surrounded army with Bridge Four and holds the bridgehead long enough for the survivors to escape. Dalinar’s Recognition Dalinar sees a darkeyed bridgeleader acting with the authority of a commander. Their mutual respect begins before either understands the other’s full story.

The Bargain of Freedom The Bargain of Freedom from "The Way of Kings". A Promise Made Material Dalinar’s Offer Dalinar promises to buy the bridgemen’s freedom and protect them from Sadeas.

The Bargain of Freedom from "The Way of Kings". A Promise Made Material Dalinar’s Offer Dalinar promises to buy the bridgemen’s freedom and protect them from Sadeas.

A Promise Made Material Dalinar’s Offer Dalinar promises to buy the bridgemen’s freedom and protect them from Sadeas. Kaladin’s Reservation Kaladin distrusts promises because Amaram and other masters betrayed him. He accepts only when Dalinar offers concrete authority, resources, and independence.

The Captain’s Appointment The Captain’s Appointment from "The Way of Kings". A Guard Built from Survivors Negotiated Authority Kaladin becomes captain of a special force, with power to appoint leaders, requisition supplies, and train…

The Captain’s Appointment from "The Way of Kings". A Guard Built from Survivors Negotiated Authority Kaladin becomes captain of a special force, with power to appoint leaders, requisition supplies, and train…

A Guard Built from Survivors Negotiated Authority Kaladin becomes captain of a special force, with power to appoint leaders, requisition supplies, and train former bridgemen. Mutual Dependence Dalinar needs loyal men outside the compromised hierarchy. Kaladin needs a chance to protect without being owned. Their alliance joins political risk to personal trust.

During Kaladin’s early bridge service

During the first major hunt

During the final battle at the Tower plateau

Immediately after the armies return

Final evening in the Kholin staging ground