Oathbringer
32. Company
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Shallan settled in Sebarial’s lavish sitting room, a space marked by its unusual architecture and opulent furnishings. Despite the grandeur, the room features a hole covered with splintery boards, hinting at ongoing construction or hazards. Shallan’s physical state is fragile, still chilled from her recent encounter with Re-Shephir, a formidable spren linked to the Voidbringers. She finds comfort in Palona’s company and a warm cup of citrus tea, reflecting her desire for normalcy amid the chaos of her recent experiences. Her discomfort underscores the emotional and physical toll of her journey, emphasizing her vulnerability despite her outward composure.
Shallan’s conversation with Palona shifts to her recent, harrowing encounter with Re-Shephir, a being of ancient lore and one of the Unmade. She describes Re-Shephir as a beautiful yet terrifying spren, driven by a desperate desire to understand humans, which manifests in violence. Shallan’s insights reveal that Re-Shephir is more than a myth; she is a creature seeking something lost, perhaps her own humanity. This interaction reveals the deep mystery surrounding the Unmade, whose true nature and origins remain elusive. Shallan’s reflections highlight how little is understood about these entities, even by scholars, emphasizing the enduring enigma that surrounds them.
The narrative delves into the history of Re-Shephir, revealing she was once captive and has been waiting in hiding for centuries. Shallan ponders the possibility that she and others like her might still be present, lurking undetected. Her concern about the whereabouts of other captives and the potential danger they pose adds a layer of tension, hinting at larger threats looming beneath the surface. Despite her fears, Shallan’s thoughts also reveal her hope that these entities might be indistinguishable from ordinary people—an unsettling idea that complicates her understanding of the world. Her exhaustion and emotional strain are palpable as she grapples with these revelations.
The chapter concludes with a sense of impending change as Adolin announces the arrival of someone significant at the tower—Jasnah Kholin. The atmosphere shifts from introspection to anticipation, signaling the end of Part One. Shallan’s internal struggle with her fears and her emerging sense of stability are contrasted by the external events unfolding. Her realization that she is beginning to feel like an adult, capable of handling her circumstances, marks a pivotal moment of personal growth. The chapter ends with a mix of relief and anticipation, setting the stage for new developments and challenges as the story moves forward.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What is the significance of Shallan’s encounter with Re-Shephir, and how does she describe her experience?
Answer:
Shallan’s encounter with Re-Shephir is significant because it reveals the complex and dangerous nature of the Unmade spren, which are tied to the Voidbringers. She describes Re-Shephir as a dark, beautiful figure, emphasizing her as a spren who desperately seeks to understand humans—yet does so through violence and killing. Shallan’s account highlights her personal trauma and the deeper mystery surrounding Re-Shephir, suggesting that the spren may have once been human or lost something fundamental. This encounter underscores the themes of misunderstanding, the unknown, and the potential for ancient secrets buried in the past, which are crucial to the broader narrative about the Voidbringers and the spren’s true nature.2. Question 2
What does Shallan speculate about the origin of Re-Shephir, and what deeper mystery does she hint at?
Answer:
Shallan speculates that Re-Shephir, an ancient and powerful spren, may have once been human, implying a possible transformation or loss over time. She hints at a deeper mystery—that Re-Shephir is not merely trying to understand humans but might be searching for something it has lost, possibly its humanity or a fundamental part of itself. This speculation raises questions about the spren’s origins and the nature of their existence, suggesting that these entities may have complex histories tied to humanity and the ancient conflicts involving the Voidbringers. It invites readers to consider the possibility that the spren’s violence and desire to understand may stem from a tragic past.3. Question 3
How does the chapter portray the limitations of human knowledge about the ancient events and entities like Re-Shephir?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes that human knowledge about ancient events and entities such as Re-Shephir is limited and often unreliable. Despite efforts by scholars and the access to libraries like the Palanaeum, much information remains elusive due to the passage of centuries and the scarcity of accurate records. Navani’s scholars, including Jasnah, have hunted for clues about Urithiru and the Unmade for years, but their discoveries have been inconclusive. This portrayal underscores the theme that history and ancient secrets are difficult to uncover, and much about the past remains shrouded in mystery, reflecting the broader human struggle to understand their origins and the true nature of the world.4. Question 4
In what ways does Shallan’s emotional state and sense of stability evolve throughout the chapter, and what factors contribute to this?
Answer:
Throughout the chapter, Shallan’s emotional state shifts from exhaustion and fear to a sense of cautious stability and even a feeling of being somewhat like an adult. Initially, she is still haunted by her encounter with Re-Shephir, feeling chilled and overwhelmed, but she finds comfort in the company of Palona and her tea, which helps her momentarily escape her fears. As she reflects on her actions and the progress she has made, she begins to feel a sense of control over her life, especially after surviving traumatic events. The recognition that she can handle her situation and the support from friends like Adolin and Dalinar contribute to her growing confidence, making her feel more mature and capable despite the lingering fears of future encounters.5. Question 5
What does the ending of the chapter, with Jasnah’s arrival, suggest about the direction of the story, and what might her presence imply for the characters?
Answer:
The chapter’s ending, with Jasnah’s arrival at the tower, signals a new and potentially pivotal development in the story. Jasnah is a key figure—an intelligent and influential scholar—and her presence suggests that significant revelations or plans are about to emerge. Her arrival, especially after the tense and mysterious events described earlier, hints at the possibility of uncovering more truths about the ancient conflicts, the Unmade, or the ongoing threat of the Voidbringers. For the characters, Jasnah’s presence could bring clarity, strategic insight, or new challenges, and it indicates that the narrative is moving toward a critical phase where deeper secrets will be explored, and decisions made that could impact the future of their world.
Quotes
1. “Re-Shephir is a spren. A vast, terrible spren who wants so desperately to understand us. So she kills us, imitating our violence.”
This quote encapsulates Shallan’s understanding of Re-Shephir, highlighting the spren’s tragic quest for understanding and its destructive imitation of humanity’s violence. It reflects the chapter’s exploration of the unknown nature of the Unmade and the deeper mysteries surrounding these entities.
2. “They didn’t know. They didn’t know anything.”
This stark statement emphasizes the pervasive ignorance about the true nature of the Unmade and the historical secrets hidden in their world. It underscores the chapter’s theme of mystery and the limits of current knowledge about these ancient beings.
3. “She was a child when she’d left her home, seeking salvation for her family. For the first time since that day on the ship, watching Jah Keved fade behind her, she felt like she actually might have a handle on all of this.”
This quote reveals Shallan’s internal growth and her tentative sense of stability amid chaos. It signifies a pivotal moment of personal development, where she begins to feel more in control and mature despite the overwhelming circumstances.
4. “She felt exhausted, and her eyes were drooping in direct defiance of her insistence to Adolin that she was not that kind of tired.”
This line captures Shallan’s vulnerability and the emotional toll of her experiences, contrasting her outward composure with her internal fatigue. It highlights the chapter’s focus on her psychological state and the burdens she carries.
5. “Don’t panic,” he said. “It’s a good thing.”
This brief but impactful quote from Adolin underscores the chapter’s shift towards a significant, potentially hopeful development, as news arrives that will influence the story’s next phase. It marks a moment of anticipation and possible change.