Oathbringer
23. Storming Strange
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter begins with Kaladin and his parshmen seeking refuge during a storm, highlighting the tense atmosphere and the ongoing threat posed by the unpredictable weather phenomena. Kaladin negotiates with a merchant for shelter and supplies, emphasizing the importance of secrecy regarding his group’s movements. The merchant mentions strange disappearances of caravans from Revolar, adding an element of mystery and foreboding to the setting. Kaladin’s concern about the storm’s recurrence and its potential implications underscores the unpredictable nature of the environment they are navigating, setting a tone of uncertainty and danger.
As they prepare for the storm, Kaladin arranges for shelter and supplies, emphasizing the need for discretion and security. He instructs the merchant to keep their arrival hidden from the army, reflecting the covert nature of their mission and the importance of maintaining secrecy. The chapter reveals Kaladin’s strategic mindset, balancing immediate survival with the larger goal of protecting his group. The parshmen, led by Khen and others, gather anxiously, demonstrating their reliance on Kaladin’s leadership and the ongoing urgency of their situation amidst the storm’s fury.
The narrative then shifts to the parshmen’s arrival at a bunker, where they hunker down as the storm intensifies outside. Kaladin reflects on his feelings toward the storm, feeling both a kinship and wariness due to its destructive power, which has repeatedly threatened his life. The storm is depicted as a force that renews the gemstones carrying Stormlight, symbolizing both danger and potential power. Kaladin’s internal conflict about how long he can remain in this isolated position, and his growing awareness of the broader world’s chaos, adds depth to his character and hints at the larger stakes beyond their immediate survival.
In the final moments, Kaladin considers the need to send a message to his allies and retrieve his spanreed, indicating his desire to stay connected to the wider conflict. He notices a strange flicker of color from Syl, who appears different in appearance and demeanor, hinting at new developments or transformations. This encounter underscores the ongoing mystery surrounding Syl and the larger forces at play, leaving the reader with a sense of anticipation about the unfolding events and Kaladin’s next moves in this tumultuous landscape.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Kaladin’s interaction with the old merchant regarding the storm bunker, and what does it reveal about the current situation in Vamah?
Answer:
Kaladin’s interaction with the merchant highlights the tense and uncertain environment in Vamah amidst the ongoing storms. The merchant offers a bunker for shelter, implying that safe havens are valuable and scarce due to the storm’s unpredictability. The merchant’s mention of caravans gone silent and the strange weather suggests widespread instability and potential danger, such as the recurring Everstorm. This exchange also emphasizes Kaladin’s need for discretion and privacy for his “brightlord,” hinting at delicate political or military circumstances. Overall, it reveals a world in chaos, where normal trade and communication are disrupted, and survival depends on strategic planning and secrecy.2. How does Kaladin’s perception of the storm and his feelings toward it reflect his inner conflict, and what does this suggest about his relationship with nature and danger?
Answer:
Kaladin’s mixed feelings toward the storm—hating the Weeping yet feeling a thrill from thunder—mirror his complex relationship with danger and nature. He perceives the storm as a brutal force that has repeatedly tried to kill him, yet he also feels a kinship with it, recognizing its power and the life-giving Stormlight it renews. This duality suggests that Kaladin views danger not solely as an adversary but as an integral part of his existence that commands respect. His wariness indicates an understanding of nature’s unpredictability, and his feelings reveal a deeper acceptance of the storm’s role in his world, symbolizing both threat and renewal.3. What strategic considerations does Kaladin have regarding the use of Stormlight and communication, and how do these reflect his priorities in the current crisis?
Answer:
Kaladin recognizes the importance of replenishing Stormlight by renewing the gems outside the bunker, which will provide him and the parshmen with vital resources for healing, protection, and possibly combat. His desire to steal back his spanreed and send a message to Brightness Navani demonstrates his priority to stay connected with allies and gather intelligence about the broader situation. These actions reflect his focus on maintaining control, ensuring communication, and preparing for upcoming challenges. His concern about the timing of returning to the Shattered Plains and the uncertainty about what is happening at Urithiru underscores his strategic mindset—balancing immediate safety with the need to participate in the larger conflict.4. Analyze the significance of Syl’s unexpected appearance in her new form and what it might imply about her role or the larger narrative.
Answer:
Syl’s appearance, glowing yellow and dressed differently, indicates a shift in her state or role. Her transformation into a figure that resembles someone from Shinovar, with childlike features and a flowing dress, suggests she may be revealing a different aspect of her identity or a new phase in her relationship with Kaladin. This change could symbolize a deeper connection to her powers, a revelation about her origins, or an evolution in her role within the story. Her presence at this critical moment hints that she might play a significant part in upcoming events, possibly guiding or aiding Kaladin in ways that are not yet fully understood. It underscores the theme of transformation and the importance of spren in shaping the narrative.5. Considering the chapter’s events, what can be inferred about the broader political and military landscape, especially regarding the highlords and the ongoing storm activity?
Answer:
The chapter suggests a world in turmoil, with highlords like Cadilar exercising territorial control but also being cautious about external threats. Kaladin’s concern about not revealing his “brightlord” and the mention of hunting hogs on Highlord Cadilar’s land imply delicate political boundaries and the risks of offending powerful figures. The recurring storms, particularly the Everstorm, are causing widespread disruption, affecting trade, communication, and safety. The silence of caravans and the strange weather patterns point to a destabilized region where traditional power structures are strained. Overall, the political landscape is fragile, and the natural chaos of the storms exacerbates the uncertainty, making strategic alliances and secrecy crucial for survival.
Quotes
1. “I am no poet, to delight you with clever allusions.”
*This quote, from the preface of Oathbringer, underscores the chapter’s tone—direct and unadorned—highlighting the straightforwardness of the narrative and the author’s humility in presentation. It sets a tone of honesty that resonates throughout the chapter.*
2. “Strange times, Corporal. That wrong-way storm. You reckon it will keep coming back?”
This question reflects the central theme of unpredictability and chaos introduced by the Everstorm, emphasizing the sense of ongoing threat and instability that characters must confront. It also foreshadows the recurring danger that shapes their decisions and actions.
3. “What were they doing at Urithiru? What was the word from the rest of the world? The questions hounded him.”
This passage reveals Kaladin’s growing concern beyond immediate survival—his awareness of the larger political and military implications. It captures his transition from personal duty to global responsibility, marking a key turning point in his character development.
4. “She wore a flowing dress that covered her legs entirely. Hands behind her back, she inspected him.”
This description of Syl, depicted in a new, almost regal form, highlights her mysterious and evolving nature. It signals a shift in her role and hints at deeper secrets or new alliances that may be forthcoming in the story.
5. “The storm would renew the gems outside, which included not only spheres, but the larger gemstones he’d been carrying. Once renewed, he—well, the parshmen—would have a wealth of Stormlight.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of Stormlight as a resource—central to magic and survival in the world—and underscores the strategic significance of Kaladin’s actions. It also hints at the potential power and influence that comes with replenishing these gemstones.
Quotes
1. “I am no poet, to delight you with clever allusions.”
*This quote, from the preface of Oathbringer, underscores the chapter’s tone
— direct and unadorned—highlighting the straightforwardness of the narrative and the author’s humility in presentation. It sets a tone of honesty that resonates throughout the chapter.*2. “Strange times, Corporal. That wrong-way storm. You reckon it will keep coming back?”
This question reflects the central theme of unpredictability and chaos introduced by the Everstorm, emphasizing the sense of ongoing threat and instability that characters must confront. It also foreshadows the recurring danger that shapes their decisions and actions.
3. “What were they doing at Urithiru? What was the word from the rest of the world? The questions hounded him.”
This passage reveals Kaladin’s growing concern beyond immediate survival—his awareness of the larger political and military implications. It captures his transition from personal duty to global responsibility, marking a key turning point in his character development.
4. “She wore a flowing dress that covered her legs entirely. Hands behind her back, she inspected him.”
This description of Syl, depicted in a new, almost regal form, highlights her mysterious and evolving nature. It signals a shift in her role and hints at deeper secrets or new alliances that may be forthcoming in the story.
5. “The storm would renew the gems outside, which included not only spheres, but the larger gemstones he’d been carrying. Once renewed, he—well, the parshmen—would have a wealth of Stormlight.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of Stormlight as a resource—central to magic and survival in the world—and underscores the strategic significance of Kaladin’s actions. It also hints at the potential power and influence that comes with replenishing these gemstones.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Kaladin’s interaction with the old merchant regarding the storm bunker, and what does it reveal about the current situation in Vamah?
Answer:
Kaladin’s interaction with the merchant highlights the tense and uncertain environment in Vamah amidst the ongoing storms. The merchant offers a bunker for shelter, implying that safe havens are valuable and scarce due to the storm’s unpredictability. The merchant’s mention of caravans gone silent and the strange weather suggests widespread instability and potential danger, such as the recurring Everstorm. This exchange also emphasizes Kaladin’s need for discretion and privacy for his “brightlord,” hinting at delicate political or military circumstances. Overall, it reveals a world in chaos, where normal trade and communication are disrupted, and survival depends on strategic planning and secrecy.
2. How does Kaladin’s perception of the storm and his feelings toward it reflect his inner conflict, and what does this suggest about his relationship with nature and danger?
Answer:
Kaladin’s mixed feelings toward the storm—hating the Weeping yet feeling a thrill from thunder—mirror his complex relationship with danger and nature. He perceives the storm as a brutal force that has repeatedly tried to kill him, yet he also feels a kinship with it, recognizing its power and the life-giving Stormlight it renews. This duality suggests that Kaladin views danger not solely as an adversary but as an integral part of his existence that commands respect. His wariness indicates an understanding of nature’s unpredictability, and his feelings reveal a deeper acceptance of the storm’s role in his world, symbolizing both threat and renewal.
3. What strategic considerations does Kaladin have regarding the use of Stormlight and communication, and how do these reflect his priorities in the current crisis?
Answer:
Kaladin recognizes the importance of replenishing Stormlight by renewing the gems outside the bunker, which will provide him and the parshmen with vital resources for healing, protection, and possibly combat. His desire to steal back his spanreed and send a message to Brightness Navani demonstrates his priority to stay connected with allies and gather intelligence about the broader situation. These actions reflect his focus on maintaining control, ensuring communication, and preparing for upcoming challenges. His concern about the timing of returning to the Shattered Plains and the uncertainty about what is happening at Urithiru underscores his strategic mindset—balancing immediate safety with the need to participate in the larger conflict.
4. Analyze the significance of Syl’s unexpected appearance in her new form and what it might imply about her role or the larger narrative.
Answer:
Syl’s appearance, glowing yellow and dressed differently, indicates a shift in her state or role. Her transformation into a figure that resembles someone from Shinovar, with childlike features and a flowing dress, suggests she may be revealing a different aspect of her identity or a new phase in her relationship with Kaladin. This change could symbolize a deeper connection to her powers, a revelation about her origins, or an evolution in her role within the story. Her presence at this critical moment hints that she might play a significant part in upcoming events, possibly guiding or aiding Kaladin in ways that are not yet fully understood. It underscores the theme of transformation and the importance of spren in shaping the narrative.
5. Considering the chapter’s events, what can be inferred about the broader political and military landscape, especially regarding the highlords and the ongoing storm activity?
Answer:
The chapter suggests a world in turmoil, with highlords like Cadilar exercising territorial control but also being cautious about external threats. Kaladin’s concern about not revealing his “brightlord” and the mention of hunting hogs on Highlord Cadilar’s land imply delicate political boundaries and the risks of offending powerful figures. The recurring storms, particularly the Everstorm, are causing widespread disruption, affecting trade, communication, and safety. The silence of caravans and the strange weather patterns point to a destabilized region where traditional power structures are strained. Overall, the political landscape is fragile, and the natural chaos of the storms exacerbates the uncertainty, making strategic alliances and secrecy crucial for survival.
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