Oathbringer
75. Only Red
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on a past military campaign, highlighting Dalinar’s strategic mindset and his fascination with the potential of mounted archers and cavalry tactics. The scene vividly depicts his leadership and the elite training of his soldiers, emphasizing their stamina and proficiency in long-distance combat. Dalinar’s thoughts reveal his curiosity about warfare innovations, setting the tone for a story deeply rooted in military strategy and honor. The narrative intertwines his tactical considerations with personal resolve, illustrating his dedication to understanding and mastering the art of war on a grand scale.
As Dalinar leads his forces over rugged terrain, the chapter explores his internal struggle with trust and betrayal. The “Thrill,” a powerful emotional and mystical force, energizes him but also clouds his judgment, especially as he contemplates the loyalty of Sadeas. Dalinar’s trust in his allies is challenged by suspicions of treachery, creating a tense atmosphere of uncertainty. His focus sharpens as he prepares for what might be a confrontation, driven by a mixture of loyalty, suspicion, and a desire for truth. This internal conflict underscores the complexities of leadership in a treacherous political landscape.
The scene shifts to an intense action sequence as Dalinar’s forces approach a seemingly abandoned caravan. His instincts alert him to danger, prompting him to charge into a camp that appears deserted. However, the situation quickly escalates when he realizes something is amiss—the soldiers wear Sadeas’s colors, but their behavior and the environment suggest deception. The chapter builds suspense as Dalinar’s suspicions grow; he orders a retreat, only to be caught off guard by a sudden landslide triggered by enemies. This trap results in Dalinar being buried and injured, leaving him vulnerable and in a perilous situation.
In the final moments, Dalinar’s resilience shines through. Trapped beneath the rocks, he senses betrayal and recognizes the trap set by enemies allied with the Rift and its highlord. Despite his injuries and the overwhelming odds, his determination to survive and fight back is palpable. He uses his armor’s mystical power, the Thrill, to summon the strength needed to escape the rockslide tomb. The chapter concludes with Dalinar breaking free from his rocky prison, ready to confront his enemies and uncover the truth behind the deception. His resolve and strategic mind remain unbroken, setting the stage for future conflict and revelation.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Dalinar to lead the charge during the attack on the Rift, and how does his internal state influence his actions?
Answer:
Dalinar is driven by a combination of strategic purpose and internal emotional forces. His motivation to lead the charge stems from a desire to uncover the truth about the caravan and potential betrayal, as well as to demonstrate leadership and resolve. His internal state is heavily influenced by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, which boost his energy and focus but also create a sense of focus bordering on obsession. The Thrill, in particular, heightens his sense of purpose, making him feel more powerful and determined, even to the point of madness. This internal drive compels him to ignore fatigue and push forward, showcasing his unwavering commitment and the dangerous allure of the adrenaline-frazed state he enters during combat.2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the theme of betrayal, and what clues suggest that Dalinar’s initial assumptions about Sadeas and the enemy might be misleading?
Answer:
The chapter explores betrayal as a central theme through Dalinar’s suspicions and the unfolding events. Initially, Dalinar trusts Sadeas, believing him to be loyal and supportive of Gavilar, but his encounter with the enemy forces wearing Sadeas’s colors raises doubts. Clues indicating potential deception include the fact that the enemy was disguised, potentially to lure Dalinar into a trap, and their apparent use of Sadeas’s colors, which could be a tactic to mislead him. The landslide attack, designed by the Rift’s highlord, further suggests a complex plot involving treachery and manipulation. Dalinar’s realization that he might have been misled underscores the chapter’s exploration of shifting loyalties and the danger of trusting appearances.3. Question 3
Describe the significance of Dalinar’s use of the “Thrill” in this chapter. How does it affect his perception and actions, and what potential risks does it pose?
Answer:
The “Thrill” is depicted as a powerful, almost supernatural force that surges within Dalinar during moments of extreme stress or combat. It enhances his physical capabilities, granting him heightened focus, strength, and clarity—allowing him to push through fatigue and even survive being buried in a landslide. The Thrill also sharpens his perception, giving him a sense of purpose and focus that borders on madness. However, its risks include the potential for dependency or losing self-control, as it can lead to reckless decisions or a blurring of moral boundaries. The chapter illustrates that while the Thrill can be a vital tool in battle, it is also a dangerous force that can consume a person if not carefully managed.4. Question 4
How does the chapter use imagery and setting to heighten the suspense and emphasize Dalinar’s perilous situation?
Answer:
The chapter employs vivid imagery and dynamic settings to create suspense. The misty fog and the landscape of reeds, rocks, and hills evoke a sense of desolation and danger. The landslide, with its thunderous roar and tumbling rocks, heightens the chaos and threat, emphasizing Dalinar’s vulnerability. The confined space of the buried tomb, illuminated only by Stormlight seeping from his armor, intensifies the feeling of helplessness and claustrophobia. The shifting stones and the soundscape of scraping rocks and distant voices add to the tension, making the reader feel the immediacy of the danger Dalinar faces. These elements work together to underscore the peril and uncertainty of his situation, keeping the reader on edge.5. Question 5
In what ways does Dalinar’s encounter with the trap and subsequent escape reflect his leadership qualities and inner resolve?
Answer:
Dalinar’s response to the trap showcases his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering resolve—key qualities of leadership. Despite being buried and injured, he refuses to succumb to despair or passive acceptance. Instead, he taps into his inner strength, driven by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, to assess his situation and act decisively. His clever use of his armor and the environment to free himself demonstrates tactical thinking and determination. His decision to stand up and face his enemies rather than remain trapped reflects courage and a refusal to be defeated. This episode underscores his capacity to endure and lead even in the direst circumstances, reinforcing his role as a resilient and formidable leader.
Quotes
1. “Those possibilities intrigued Dalinar. Could men be trained to fire bows from horseback? How devastating would that be? What about a charge of horses bearing men with spears, like the legends spoke of during the Shin invasion?”
This quote highlights Dalinar’s strategic curiosity and the importance of innovation in warfare, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on combat tactics and leadership.
2. “There were two fires burning inside him. First the energy of the Plate, lending power to each step. The second fire was the Thrill. Sadeas, a traitor? Impossible. Dalinar trusted him.”
This passage reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle—his reliance on the power of his armor and his initial trust in allies—emphasizing themes of loyalty and the tension between perception and suspicion.
3. “This… this was a trap… Dalinar was not a traitor. This had been designed by the Rift and its highlord to lure Dalinar in, then drop stones to crush him. Cowards.”
This statement underscores the chapter’s pivotal moment of betrayal and deception, illustrating the high-stakes danger Dalinar faces and the treacherous environment of political and military intrigue.
4. “He carried Shards. They would find him to recover their prize.”
This line emphasizes Dalinar’s resilience and the significance of the Shardplate, symbolizing his strength and the dangerous pursuit of power, even in dire circumstances.
5. “Dalinar heaved with his Plated feet and shifted a boulder with his still-armored hand, opening enough space that he could stand up straight. He ripped free of the tomb and stumbled upright into open air, stones clattering.”
This moment marks Dalinar’s physical and symbolic escape from peril, illustrating his determination and resourcefulness in overcoming betrayal and life-threatening traps.
Quotes
1. “Those possibilities intrigued Dalinar. Could men be trained to fire bows from horseback? How devastating would that be? What about a charge of horses bearing men with spears, like the legends spoke of during the Shin invasion?”
This quote highlights Dalinar’s strategic curiosity and the importance of innovation in warfare, setting the tone for the chapter’s focus on combat tactics and leadership.
2. “There were two fires burning inside him. First the energy of the Plate, lending power to each step. The second fire was the Thrill. Sadeas, a traitor? Impossible. Dalinar trusted him.”
This passage reveals Dalinar’s internal struggle
— his reliance on the power of his armor and his initial trust in allies—emphasizing themes of loyalty and the tension between perception and suspicion.3. “This… this was a trap… Dalinar was not a traitor. This had been designed by the Rift and its highlord to lure Dalinar in, then drop stones to crush him. Cowards.”
This statement underscores the chapter’s pivotal moment of betrayal and deception, illustrating the high-stakes danger Dalinar faces and the treacherous environment of political and military intrigue.
4. “He carried Shards. They would find him to recover their prize.”
This line emphasizes Dalinar’s resilience and the significance of the Shardplate, symbolizing his strength and the dangerous pursuit of power, even in dire circumstances.
5. “Dalinar heaved with his Plated feet and shifted a boulder with his still-armored hand, opening enough space that he could stand up straight. He ripped free of the tomb and stumbled upright into open air, stones clattering.”
This moment marks Dalinar’s physical and symbolic escape from peril, illustrating his determination and resourcefulness in overcoming betrayal and life-threatening traps.
FAQs
1. Question 1
What motivates Dalinar to lead the charge during the attack on the Rift, and how does his internal state influence his actions?
Answer:
Dalinar is driven by a combination of strategic purpose and internal emotional forces. His motivation to lead the charge stems from a desire to uncover the truth about the caravan and potential betrayal, as well as to demonstrate leadership and resolve. His internal state is heavily influenced by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, which boost his energy and focus but also create a sense of focus bordering on obsession. The Thrill, in particular, heightens his sense of purpose, making him feel more powerful and determined, even to the point of madness. This internal drive compels him to ignore fatigue and push forward, showcasing his unwavering commitment and the dangerous allure of the adrenaline-frazed state he enters during combat.
2. Question 2
How does the chapter depict the theme of betrayal, and what clues suggest that Dalinar’s initial assumptions about Sadeas and the enemy might be misleading?
Answer:
The chapter explores betrayal as a central theme through Dalinar’s suspicions and the unfolding events. Initially, Dalinar trusts Sadeas, believing him to be loyal and supportive of Gavilar, but his encounter with the enemy forces wearing Sadeas’s colors raises doubts. Clues indicating potential deception include the fact that the enemy was disguised, potentially to lure Dalinar into a trap, and their apparent use of Sadeas’s colors, which could be a tactic to mislead him. The landslide attack, designed by the Rift’s highlord, further suggests a complex plot involving treachery and manipulation. Dalinar’s realization that he might have been misled underscores the chapter’s exploration of shifting loyalties and the danger of trusting appearances.
3. Question 3
Describe the significance of Dalinar’s use of the “Thrill” in this chapter. How does it affect his perception and actions, and what potential risks does it pose?
Answer:
The “Thrill” is depicted as a powerful, almost supernatural force that surges within Dalinar during moments of extreme stress or combat. It enhances his physical capabilities, granting him heightened focus, strength, and clarity—allowing him to push through fatigue and even survive being buried in a landslide. The Thrill also sharpens his perception, giving him a sense of purpose and focus that borders on madness. However, its risks include the potential for dependency or losing self-control, as it can lead to reckless decisions or a blurring of moral boundaries. The chapter illustrates that while the Thrill can be a vital tool in battle, it is also a dangerous force that can consume a person if not carefully managed.
4. Question 4
How does the chapter use imagery and setting to heighten the suspense and emphasize Dalinar’s perilous situation?
Answer:
The chapter employs vivid imagery and dynamic settings to create suspense. The misty fog and the landscape of reeds, rocks, and hills evoke a sense of desolation and danger. The landslide, with its thunderous roar and tumbling rocks, heightens the chaos and threat, emphasizing Dalinar’s vulnerability. The confined space of the buried tomb, illuminated only by Stormlight seeping from his armor, intensifies the feeling of helplessness and claustrophobia. The shifting stones and the soundscape of scraping rocks and distant voices add to the tension, making the reader feel the immediacy of the danger Dalinar faces. These elements work together to underscore the peril and uncertainty of his situation, keeping the reader on edge.
5. Question 5
In what ways does Dalinar’s encounter with the trap and subsequent escape reflect his leadership qualities and inner resolve?
Answer:
Dalinar’s response to the trap showcases his resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering resolve—key qualities of leadership. Despite being buried and injured, he refuses to succumb to despair or passive acceptance. Instead, he taps into his inner strength, driven by the “fire” of the Plate and the Thrill, to assess his situation and act decisively. His clever use of his armor and the environment to free himself demonstrates tactical thinking and determination. His decision to stand up and face his enemies rather than remain trapped reflects courage and a refusal to be defeated. This episode underscores his capacity to endure and lead even in the direst circumstances, reinforcing his role as a resilient and formidable leader.
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