Oathbringer
61. Nightmare Made Manifest
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on the nature of secrets and their potential to be uncovered, exemplified by a character’s casual attitude toward recording confidential information without concern for discovery. This sets a tone of clandestine activity and underlying tension. The narrative then shifts to a strategic military situation, where Kaladin and his allies observe the city of Kholinar from a concealed position outside the walls. They notice the enemy army’s unusual tactic of allowing refugees to approach, seemingly to drain the city’s resources, indicating a complex and deceptive siege strategy. This reconnaissance underscores the importance of careful planning and deception in wartime.
As dawn breaks, the group continues their covert surveillance, with Shallan utilizing her Lightweaving abilities to maintain illusions and conceal their presence. The narrative highlights her skill in creating realistic disguises, which are vital for infiltration. The characters discuss the possibility of entering the city disguised as refugees, a plan that hinges on deception and the illusionary skills of Shallan. Meanwhile, they observe the palace, which appears shadowed despite the clear weather, hinting at a sinister influence—specifically, the presence of the Unmade, a dangerous and corrupting entity. This observation raises the stakes, emphasizing the threat lurking within the city.
The story then focuses on the characters preparing for their infiltration, with Shallan designing disguises for Kaladin, Adolin, and Elhokar. The group adopts new identities, including Kaladin as an old man and Elhokar as a noblewoman, to avoid recognition and suspicion. The transformation process demonstrates Shallan’s mastery of Lightweaving and her practical approach to deception. Elhokar’s willingness to become a woman underscores his commitment to caution, and the scene underscores the importance of disguise and perception in their mission. This segment explores themes of identity, strategy, and the necessity of adaptability in dangerous situations.
The chapter concludes with a humorous yet tense interaction involving Kaladin and Shallan, highlighting the psychological nuances of their disguises. Kaladin’s concern about the illusions’ authenticity and Syl’s playful reactions add depth to their characters. As they prepare to move into the city, the narrative emphasizes the importance of concealment and the characters’ readiness to face the perils ahead. The scene ends with a sense of cautious anticipation, illustrating the delicate balance between deception and danger in their covert operation, and setting the stage for the imminent confrontation within Kholinar.
FAQs
1. Question 1
Why does the enemy army allow refugees to approach Kholinar, and what strategic purpose might this serve?
Answer:
The enemy army’s decision to let refugees approach Kholinar appears counterintuitive at first, as sieges typically aim to prevent any entry to weaken the city’s defenses. However, the chapter reveals that this tactic is deliberate, aiming to drain the city’s resources by allowing refugees in. This strategy could weaken Kholinar over time, making it more vulnerable to attack or surrender, while also possibly destabilizing the city’s internal stability. It demonstrates a calculated psychological and logistical warfare tactic, exploiting humanitarian concerns to undermine the city’s resilience from within.2. Question 2
How does Shallan’s use of Lightweaving illusions contribute to the characters’ covert operation, and what limitations does she face?
Answer:
Shallan’s Lightweaving illusions are crucial for the characters’ covert infiltration, enabling them to disguise themselves and blend into the city’s environment. For example, she creates illusions of old men and women to give the group new identities, reducing the risk of recognition. Her ability to make illusions last all night with minimal Stormlight is advantageous, conserving resources. However, she faces limitations, such as the inability to make the illusion transparent from both sides and the challenge of ensuring the illusions are convincing enough to avoid suspicion. These constraints require her to be strategic and precise in her illusion crafting.3. Question 3
What is the significance of Kaladin’s reaction to the illusion that makes him appear older, and what does it reveal about his character?
Answer:
Kaladin’s initial glower and resistance to the disguise highlight his discomfort with deception and his strong sense of identity. His reaction—glowering and feeling uneasy—reveals that he values authenticity and struggles with the idea of hiding his true self, even for a strategic purpose. This moment underscores his internal conflict between practicality and personal integrity. Despite understanding the necessity of deception in their mission, Kaladin’s reaction shows he is not entirely comfortable with the role he is being asked to play, reflecting his core values and sense of honor.4. Question 4
Analyze how the chapter portrays leadership and prudence through Elhokar’s behavior and decisions.
Answer:
Elhokar’s transformation into a woman and his cautious approach to the situation exemplify adaptive leadership and prudence. Despite his instinct to rush into the city, he recognizes the danger of acting impulsively and instead adopts a careful strategy, listening to Shallan’s advice and emphasizing the importance of caution. His willingness to change his appearance and demeanor to avoid recognition demonstrates strategic thinking and prioritization of safety over pride. This portrayal underscores that effective leadership, especially in perilous circumstances, involves adaptability and careful planning rather than impulsive action.5. Question 5
Considering the chapter’s context, how does the use of illusions reflect the broader themes of perception and reality in the story?
Answer:
The chapter’s focus on illusions highlights the theme that perception can be manipulated, and appearances are often deceptive. Shallan’s Lightweaving allows characters to assume different identities, emphasizing that what is seen on the surface may not reflect the true reality. This manipulation of perception is a metaphor for the broader themes of truth, identity, and deception in the story. It underscores that understanding and navigating the world requires looking beyond surface appearances, recognizing that reality can be shaped by perception—whether through magic, strategy, or personal insight.
Quotes
1. “We can record any secret we wish, and leave it here? How do we know that they’ll be discovered? Well, I don’t care. Record that then.”
This quote highlights the chapter’s theme of secrets, trust, and the willingness to reveal hidden truths despite potential risks, emphasizing the importance of the recorded secrets in the story.
2. “The enemy army was letting refugees approach the city.”
This statement introduces a strategic deception or tactic used by the enemy, prompting questions about their true intentions and the nature of the siege—an important turning point in understanding the political and military landscape.
3. “There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. But somehow, the palace was still in shadow.”
This observation signifies that something unnatural or sinister is at play, hinting at the presence of the Unmade and foreshadowing deeper threats lurking within the story.
4. “If I stretch a lie too far, people are more likely to be suspicious.”
Shallan’s insight underscores the delicate balance of deception and illusion, illustrating how her illusions are carefully crafted to avoid suspicion—an essential concept in her role as a Lightweaver.
5. “Storms. ‘Syl,’ he growled, ‘could I summon you not as a sword, but as a flat, shiny piece of metal?’”
This humorous yet meaningful quote reveals Kaladin’s desire for practicality and dignity in his illusions, reflecting his internal conflict and the chapter’s exploration of identity and perception.