This chapter opens with Roran moving boulders with a group of men; he watches as Lang, a veteran who teaches the art of war, runs through a practice round with two others. After the Battle of the Burning Plains, all residents of Carvahall elect to join the Varden and all able-bodied men are trained with a sword. Near his tent, Roran encounters a woman named Birgit who reminds Roran of his role in her husband’s death and consumption by the Ra’zac; she vows compensation, and Roran feels he is in mortal danger, but for now it is just a threat, and she backs off without drawing her dagger. Preparing for his meeting with Nasuada by taking a rare bath, he stops to visit Katrina on his way. They speak of a shared secret.

Nasuada confesses she wants to put Roran in charge of some troops, but she is unsure whether she can trust him, which Roran attributes to his position of power amongst the people of Carvahall; Nasuada may see him as a political threat. Instead, Nasuada suggests he move out the next day under Martland Redbeard’s command. Roran asks for a delay so he can reveal his intent to marry Katrina to

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