Quote:
Originally Posted by HLS
If you cannot be helpful, then don’t answer.
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The whole context and story doesn't come into full until the third book, IIRC. Kaladin himself isn't really fighting anyone in particular, he is a slave, and he tries to escape his miserable existence.
As to his life before slavery, and how it came about, is answered in The Way of Kings.
Spoiler:
His familiy is of lower class but since his father was a healer, he is of higher status than the common people. When there was a change in rulership of the region they live in, the power dynamic shifts, everyone thinks Kaladin's father killed the former ruler to get rich, and the ruler pressures Kaladin's weaker brother into the military. Kaladin also joins the military to protect his brother. This fails utterly, the brother is killed. During his tenure in the military, Kaladin kills a sword bearer, which means he becomes one himself, but he doesn't want the sword. His leader then betray Kaladin, he is forced into slavery, so that no one will know about his claim as a sword bearer and Kaladin is marked as a deserter.
With this mark, he is now an outcast of the lowliest class.
There is of course a lot more to the story. It is quite complex and like I said, most open threads don't come together until book 3.
EDIT
To be clear, I think Sirtel provided the correct answer, my answer isn't really that helpful in the overall context and HSL didn't have to be an ass about it.