Oathbringer
80. Oblivious
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reference to Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people, highlighting her role in providing Voidlight and empowering certain forces. The narrative then shifts to Veil’s perspective, describing her disquiet and her efforts to aid her community amid the chaos caused by the Everstorm. She navigates a damaged environment, seeking Grund, a young orphan, and reflects on her motivations—primarily driven by her desire to help those suffering from starvation and hardship rather than confront the monstrous threats of Voidbringers. Her cautious movements and covert disguises underscore her ongoing struggle to gather information without attracting attention.
Veil’s interactions with Grund reveal her concern for the boy, who unexpectedly appears tense and guarded. Their exchange hints at underlying secrets and a tense relationship, as Grund’s behavior suggests he is hiding something. Veil’s attempt to gather intelligence is interrupted by her observations of the market and her efforts to remain unnoticed, revealing her skills in disguise and stealth. Her internal thoughts indicate a sense of unease, as she senses that something is amiss beneath her outward calm. The chapter emphasizes her internal conflict—balancing her mission with her empathy for those around her, especially Grund, who seems to be hiding deeper troubles.
The story takes a darker turn when Veil witnesses a group of thugs attacking Grund, revealing her protective instincts. Her anger ignites visibly as she confronts the assailants, but they scatter before she can catch them. She finds Grund injured, bleeding from a head wound, and desperately tries to help him. Her sense of helplessness intensifies as Grund, in pain and disoriented, reveals feelings of hatred and bitterness, possibly rooted in trauma and loss. Veil’s attempts to soothe him are met with further emotional pain, exposing the harsh realities faced by the vulnerable children in her world and her internal struggle to provide comfort amid chaos.
In the final moments, Veil’s concern shifts to a broader threat—Grund’s mention of others suggests a network or group that may be involved in the violence and suffering around her. Her urgency drives her to seek out Muri, a mother figure who might hold vital information or aid. Disguised once more, Veil races through the market to rally support and uncover the extent of the danger, setting the stage for potential confrontations and revelations. The chapter concludes on a tense note, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, hidden danger, and the ongoing fight to protect the innocent amidst a fractured world.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people and Odium, and what is the plan regarding her in the chapter?
Answer:
Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people, similar to Odium’s past influence, indicates her powerful role in facilitating voidlight and other forms of power. Her connection signifies a source of immense, potentially dangerous power that has been exploited or corrupted. The chapter reveals a plan to imprison her, highlighting her importance and the threat she poses if left unchecked. This plan underscores the ongoing conflict involving powerful entities and the efforts of the strike team to contain or neutralize such threats to prevent further chaos or misuse of her abilities.2. How does Veil’s behavior and internal conflict reflect her understanding of her environment and her role within it?
Answer:
Veil’s actions, such as her disguise as a market guard and her efforts to help Grund and others, demonstrate her desire to remain covert while actively working against threats like the Voidbringers. Her internal conflict is evident in her concern about missing something beneath Grund’s seemingly innocent exterior and her unease about exposing herself. Her quick changes of appearance reveal her awareness of the dangers around her and her need for caution. Her compassion for Grund and her frustration with the violence she witnesses highlight her complex role as a protector who is aware of the harsh realities of her world, balancing her covert operations with her moral desire to help.3. What does the attack on Grund and Veil’s reaction to it reveal about the broader themes of vulnerability and resilience in the chapter?
Answer:
The attack on Grund and Veil’s response expose the fragility and danger present in their environment, emphasizing themes of vulnerability. Grund’s injury and his bitter words reflect the harshness of life on the streets, where violence and betrayal are commonplace. Veil’s immediate rage and her attempt to help despite her helplessness demonstrate resilience and determination. Her emotional struggle—feeling useless, yet committed—mirrors the broader theme that survival often requires perseverance amid chaos. It underscores the reality that even in a world filled with threats, individuals like Veil strive to protect others and maintain hope.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of deception and hidden identities through Veil’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter illustrates the theme of deception through Veil’s skillful use of Lightweaving to change her appearance and conceal her true identity. She disguises herself as a market guard to gather information and avoid detection by enemies, exemplifying her ability to manipulate her outward appearance to stay hidden. This act of deception is crucial for her covert operations and reflects the broader importance of hidden identities in her world, where trust is fragile and danger lurks behind facades. Her quick change of clothes and face demonstrates her adaptability and the constant need to conceal her true self in a hostile environment.5. What is the significance of the mention of “others” in the context of the chapter, and how does it propel the narrative forward?
Answer:
The mention of “others” by Grund and later by Shallan hints at a larger network or group involved in the conflict and secrets surrounding Ba-Ado-Mishram and the Voidbringers. It suggests that Grund’s fears and accusations point to a broader scope of danger beyond what is immediately visible. This revelation propels the narrative forward by introducing new layers of mystery and potential allies or threats. It indicates that the current conflict is part of a larger, more complex web, encouraging characters and readers to consider the possibility of unseen forces at play, which could significantly influence future events and strategies.
Quotes
1. “Ba-Ado-Mishram has somehow Connected with the parsh people, as Odium once did. She provides Voidlight and facilitates forms of power. Our strike team is going to imprison her.”
This quote encapsulates the core plot development in the chapter, highlighting the significance of Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people and her role in the story’s conflict. It underscores the strategic importance of capturing her to prevent further chaos.
2. “Veil wanted to be out working instead. Monsters and Voidbringers were something she couldn’t comprehend, but starving children… she could do something about that.”
This passage reveals Veil’s motivation and the moral compass driving her actions. It contrasts her understanding of external threats with her compassion for the vulnerable, emphasizing her desire to focus on tangible, human concerns amidst chaos.
3. “Veil drew more attention than she’d have wanted. She’d exposed herself to them, given up her face.”
This statement highlights the risks Veil takes with her disguise and underscores themes of identity and concealment. It reflects the dangerous balance she maintains between her covert operations and the need for self-protection.
4. “She heard a grunt, and a whimper. That’s Grund. Veil cursed softly, scrambling around to look in through the window. A group of thugs was chewing on the flatbread she’d brought. Grund lay in the corner, whimpering and holding his stomach.”
This moment marks a turning point in the chapter, illustrating the sudden violence and Veil’s helplessness. It underscores the peril faced by innocent bystanders and the chaos that erupts despite her intentions.
5. “She sat with him as his breathing slowed, then cut off. Finally she knelt back, bloodied cloth in her hands. Veil could handle this. She’d seen death. It… it was life… on the street… and… Too much. Too much for one day.”
This poignant reflection captures the emotional toll of the chapter’s events, emphasizing themes of loss, mortality, and the overwhelming nature of street life. It marks a somber conclusion to the chapter’s intense sequence.
Quotes
1. “Ba-Ado-Mishram has somehow Connected with the parsh people, as Odium once did. She provides Voidlight and facilitates forms of power. Our strike team is going to imprison her.”
This quote encapsulates the core plot development in the chapter, highlighting the significance of Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people and her role in the story’s conflict. It underscores the strategic importance of capturing her to prevent further chaos.
2. “Veil wanted to be out working instead. Monsters and Voidbringers were something she couldn’t comprehend, but starving children… she could do something about that.”
This passage reveals Veil’s motivation and the moral compass driving her actions. It contrasts her understanding of external threats with her compassion for the vulnerable, emphasizing her desire to focus on tangible, human concerns amidst chaos.
3. “Veil drew more attention than she’d have wanted. She’d exposed herself to them, given up her face.”
This statement highlights the risks Veil takes with her disguise and underscores themes of identity and concealment. It reflects the dangerous balance she maintains between her covert operations and the need for self-protection.
4. “She heard a grunt, and a whimper. That’s Grund. Veil cursed softly, scrambling around to look in through the window. A group of thugs was chewing on the flatbread she’d brought. Grund lay in the corner, whimpering and holding his stomach.”
This moment marks a turning point in the chapter, illustrating the sudden violence and Veil’s helplessness. It underscores the peril faced by innocent bystanders and the chaos that erupts despite her intentions.
5. “She sat with him as his breathing slowed, then cut off. Finally she knelt back, bloodied cloth in her hands. Veil could handle this. She’d seen death. It… it was life… on the street… and… Too much. Too much for one day.”
This poignant reflection captures the emotional toll of the chapter’s events, emphasizing themes of loss, mortality, and the overwhelming nature of street life. It marks a somber conclusion to the chapter’s intense sequence.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people and Odium, and what is the plan regarding her in the chapter?
Answer:
Ba-Ado-Mishram’s connection to the parsh people, similar to Odium’s past influence, indicates her powerful role in facilitating voidlight and other forms of power. Her connection signifies a source of immense, potentially dangerous power that has been exploited or corrupted. The chapter reveals a plan to imprison her, highlighting her importance and the threat she poses if left unchecked. This plan underscores the ongoing conflict involving powerful entities and the efforts of the strike team to contain or neutralize such threats to prevent further chaos or misuse of her abilities.
2. How does Veil’s behavior and internal conflict reflect her understanding of her environment and her role within it?
Answer:
Veil’s actions, such as her disguise as a market guard and her efforts to help Grund and others, demonstrate her desire to remain covert while actively working against threats like the Voidbringers. Her internal conflict is evident in her concern about missing something beneath Grund’s seemingly innocent exterior and her unease about exposing herself. Her quick changes of appearance reveal her awareness of the dangers around her and her need for caution. Her compassion for Grund and her frustration with the violence she witnesses highlight her complex role as a protector who is aware of the harsh realities of her world, balancing her covert operations with her moral desire to help.
3. What does the attack on Grund and Veil’s reaction to it reveal about the broader themes of vulnerability and resilience in the chapter?
Answer:
The attack on Grund and Veil’s response expose the fragility and danger present in their environment, emphasizing themes of vulnerability. Grund’s injury and his bitter words reflect the harshness of life on the streets, where violence and betrayal are commonplace. Veil’s immediate rage and her attempt to help despite her helplessness demonstrate resilience and determination. Her emotional struggle—feeling useless, yet committed—mirrors the broader theme that survival often requires perseverance amid chaos. It underscores the reality that even in a world filled with threats, individuals like Veil strive to protect others and maintain hope.
4. How does the chapter explore the theme of deception and hidden identities through Veil’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter illustrates the theme of deception through Veil’s skillful use of Lightweaving to change her appearance and conceal her true identity. She disguises herself as a market guard to gather information and avoid detection by enemies, exemplifying her ability to manipulate her outward appearance to stay hidden. This act of deception is crucial for her covert operations and reflects the broader importance of hidden identities in her world, where trust is fragile and danger lurks behind facades. Her quick change of clothes and face demonstrates her adaptability and the constant need to conceal her true self in a hostile environment.
5. What is the significance of the mention of “others” in the context of the chapter, and how does it propel the narrative forward?
Answer:
The mention of “others” by Grund and later by Shallan hints at a larger network or group involved in the conflict and secrets surrounding Ba-Ado-Mishram and the Voidbringers. It suggests that Grund’s fears and accusations point to a broader scope of danger beyond what is immediately visible. This revelation propels the narrative forward by introducing new layers of mystery and potential allies or threats. It indicates that the current conflict is part of a larger, more complex web, encouraging characters and readers to consider the possibility of unseen forces at play, which could significantly influence future events and strategies.
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