Cenn, a new recruit in Amaram's army, is assigned last minute to a new squad as a spear man. The battle is a dispute beween Amaram and another Alethi Brightlord. Dallet, a rugged veteran, helps ease Cenn's worries and gives him advice. Cenn learns that he has been assigned to Kaladin's squad. Cenn discovers that Kaladin's crew has the fewest casualties out of all the squads fighting for Amaram. He also finds out that Kaladin paid another squad leader so Cenn would be assigned to his crew.
As the battle begins, everything descends into chaos. However, Kaladin's squad stays organized. Cenn eventually gets separated from the squad, and before he is cut down, Kaladin saves him. Kaladin spots a Brightlord in plate armor, and takes him down. Then, Cenn spots a real Shardbearer, who appears to charge in their direction.