Oathbringer
78. The Revel
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a strategic alliance among scholar Radiants aimed at disrupting the enemy’s supply of Voidlight, which is crucial for their transformations and power. This coalition’s goal is to weaken the opposition by denying them vital resources, thereby gaining an advantage in ongoing conflicts. The focus on this clandestine effort highlights the importance of intelligence and covert operations in their broader struggle. It underscores the delicate balance of alliances and the tactical measures taken to ensure their side’s survival and dominance in the ongoing war.
Veil’s character is central to the narrative, revealing her internal conflict as she exposes herself during a covert operation. She is disguised as “Swiftspren,” and her presence at a clandestine revel involves navigating suspicion and danger. Veil wrestles with her identity, contemplating whether to adopt a false persona or remain true to herself, knowing the enemy could recognize her. Her internal dialogue reflects her struggle with authenticity and survival, as she suppresses the desire to abandon her true self for a safer, more fabricated identity, emphasizing her resilience and complexity.
As Veil approaches the Oathgate platform, she encounters cult members and guards who are suspicious of her intentions. She maintains her composure, presenting herself as someone seeking enlightenment and answers from the rising orange glow at the top of the platform. Her strategic behavior and careful negotiations reveal her skill in deception and her understanding of the cult’s rituals. Veil’s plan involves climbing the steps to confront the unknown, trusting her allies’ tests and her own resolve, with her safety hinging on her ability to blend in and stay alert to threats.
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Kaladin, who is engaged in a routine patrol and reflects on the aftermath of a storm in the city. His observations of the damaged buildings and the strange behavior of the windspren set a tone of unease. The scene transitions to a formal military inspection led by Azure, showcasing the discipline and morale of the troops. Kaladin’s interactions reveal his aspirations and the respect he garners within the military hierarchy, while also hinting at underlying tensions and the broader political landscape. The chapter ends with a glimpse of Veil reaching a smaller, more refined monastery, hinting at her ongoing mission and the larger mysteries awaiting her.
FAQs
1. What strategic goal is the coalition of scholar Radiants trying to achieve, and how does this goal relate to their broader conflict?
Answer:
The coalition of scholar Radiants aims to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight, which is crucial for their ongoing transformations. By cutting off this resource, they hope to prevent the enemy from progressing further in their power and gaining an advantage in combat. This strategy is vital because Voidlight sustains the enemy’s ability to transform and evolve, making it a key resource in their broader conflict. Controlling or depriving the enemy of Voidlight allows the Radiants to weaken their adversaries’ offensive capabilities, positioning themselves better in the struggle for dominance and survival.2. How does Veil’s internal conflict about her identity and disguise reflect her understanding of her role and the risks involved in her mission?
Answer:
Veil’s internal dialogue reveals her awareness that her true identity is exposed and that she must decide whether to maintain her disguise or reveal herself. She recognizes that creating a false persona might protect her from enemies, but she also feels that Veil is too vital and real to abandon. Her internal struggle indicates her understanding of the risks—if she reveals herself, she risks exposure and danger; if she continues pretending, she might compromise her authenticity or effectiveness. Her resolve to go as herself, despite knowing the enemy recognizes her, underscores her commitment to her role and the importance she places on authenticity, even at personal risk.3. In what ways does the scene at the Oathgate platform illustrate themes of trust and testing within covert operations?
Answer:
The scene shows Veil navigating a delicate situation where she must trust that her contacts and the cultists have passed some form of test, indicated by their subtle nods and the instructions given to her. Her assertion that she wants to climb the steps to enlightenment and her willingness to proceed signifies her trust in the process and her belief that her mission aligns with the cult’s expectations. The fact that the cultists allow her to ascend, suggesting she has passed some test, highlights how covert operations often rely on signals, subtle cues, and mutual trust. It emphasizes the importance of reading and interpreting these signs accurately to succeed in clandestine missions.4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the city after a storm and his role within the military reflect his character development and values?
Answer:
Kaladin’s appreciation for the city’s cleanliness after a storm and his attentiveness during the patrol reflect his deep sense of responsibility and desire for order and safety. His observations of the damage from lightning strikes and the presence of corrupted windspren show his awareness of the ongoing dangers and his concern for his community. His participation in the formal inspection and his desire to dine with the highmarshal demonstrate his respect for discipline and his aspiration to rise in rank. Overall, these details highlight Kaladin’s values of duty, vigilance, and a longing for stability and leadership, marking his ongoing development from a soldier with personal struggles to a committed protector.5. What does the highmarshal Azure’s behavior and manner during the dinner suggest about her leadership style and personality?
Answer:
Azure’s calm, commanding presence and her formal inspection during dinner reveal her as a disciplined and confident leader. She maintains a professional demeanor, focusing on ensuring her troops are well-prepared and motivated. Her careful observation of the men’s equipment and her quiet, authoritative manner suggest she values competence and order. Her decision to dine separately and her composed attitude indicate she is deliberate and strategic, possibly reserved but capable of inspiring loyalty and morale through her actions and words. These traits portray her as a strong, competent leader who prioritizes discipline and excellence within her ranks.
Quotes
1. “A coalition has been formed among scholar Radiants. Our goal is to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight; this will prevent their continuing transformations, and give us an edge in combat.”
This quote highlights the strategic alliance formed among the Radiants, emphasizing the importance of controlling Voidlight as a means of gaining an advantage in their ongoing conflict. It encapsulates the chapter’s focus on tactical cooperation and the significance of Voidlight in their struggle.
2. “Veil had exposed herself.”
This concise statement marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability, revealing Veil’s internal conflict about maintaining her disguise and her true identity. It underscores themes of deception and self-awareness that run throughout her storyline.
3. “Veil is a false face, a part of her said. You could always abandon her.”
This introspective line delves into Veil’s internal dialogue, exploring her struggle between her constructed identity and her authentic self. It represents the chapter’s exploration of identity, masks, and the tension between survival and authenticity.
4. “You may climb the steps to enlightenment,” the cultist in white told her. “Your guide will meet you at the top.”
This quote signifies Veil’s ongoing journey toward understanding and possibly transformation, framing her ascent as a metaphor for seeking enlightenment or answers. It also hints at the manipulative nature of the cult and the promises of revelation.
5. “Kaladin normally liked the feeling of the city after a storm. Clean and fresh, washed of grime and refuse.”
This opening line for Kaladin’s section contrasts the aftermath of a storm with the state of the city, symbolizing renewal and the fragile peace that follows chaos. It introduces themes of resilience and the calm after upheaval, setting the tone for his narrative arc.
Quotes
1. “A coalition has been formed among scholar Radiants. Our goal is to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight; this will prevent their continuing transformations, and give us an edge in combat.”
This quote highlights the strategic alliance formed among the Radiants, emphasizing the importance of controlling Voidlight as a means of gaining an advantage in their ongoing conflict. It encapsulates the chapter’s focus on tactical cooperation and the significance of Voidlight in their struggle.
2. “Veil had exposed herself.”
This concise statement marks a pivotal moment of vulnerability, revealing Veil’s internal conflict about maintaining her disguise and her true identity. It underscores themes of deception and self-awareness that run throughout her storyline.
3. “Veil is a false face, a part of her said. You could always abandon her.”
This introspective line delves into Veil’s internal dialogue, exploring her struggle between her constructed identity and her authentic self. It represents the chapter’s exploration of identity, masks, and the tension between survival and authenticity.
4. “You may climb the steps to enlightenment,” the cultist in white told her. “Your guide will meet you at the top.”
This quote signifies Veil’s ongoing journey toward understanding and possibly transformation, framing her ascent as a metaphor for seeking enlightenment or answers. It also hints at the manipulative nature of the cult and the promises of revelation.
5. “Kaladin normally liked the feeling of the city after a storm. Clean and fresh, washed of grime and refuse.”
This opening line for Kaladin’s section contrasts the aftermath of a storm with the state of the city, symbolizing renewal and the fragile peace that follows chaos. It introduces themes of resilience and the calm after upheaval, setting the tone for his narrative arc.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. What strategic goal is the coalition of scholar Radiants trying to achieve, and how does this goal relate to their broader conflict?
Answer:
The coalition of scholar Radiants aims to deny the enemy their supply of Voidlight, which is crucial for their ongoing transformations. By cutting off this resource, they hope to prevent the enemy from progressing further in their power and gaining an advantage in combat. This strategy is vital because Voidlight sustains the enemy’s ability to transform and evolve, making it a key resource in their broader conflict. Controlling or depriving the enemy of Voidlight allows the Radiants to weaken their adversaries’ offensive capabilities, positioning themselves better in the struggle for dominance and survival.
2. How does Veil’s internal conflict about her identity and disguise reflect her understanding of her role and the risks involved in her mission?
Answer:
Veil’s internal dialogue reveals her awareness that her true identity is exposed and that she must decide whether to maintain her disguise or reveal herself. She recognizes that creating a false persona might protect her from enemies, but she also feels that Veil is too vital and real to abandon. Her internal struggle indicates her understanding of the risks—if she reveals herself, she risks exposure and danger; if she continues pretending, she might compromise her authenticity or effectiveness. Her resolve to go as herself, despite knowing the enemy recognizes her, underscores her commitment to her role and the importance she places on authenticity, even at personal risk.
3. In what ways does the scene at the Oathgate platform illustrate themes of trust and testing within covert operations?
Answer:
The scene shows Veil navigating a delicate situation where she must trust that her contacts and the cultists have passed some form of test, indicated by their subtle nods and the instructions given to her. Her assertion that she wants to climb the steps to enlightenment and her willingness to proceed signifies her trust in the process and her belief that her mission aligns with the cult’s expectations. The fact that the cultists allow her to ascend, suggesting she has passed some test, highlights how covert operations often rely on signals, subtle cues, and mutual trust. It emphasizes the importance of reading and interpreting these signs accurately to succeed in clandestine missions.
4. How does Kaladin’s perception of the city after a storm and his role within the military reflect his character development and values?
Answer:
Kaladin’s appreciation for the city’s cleanliness after a storm and his attentiveness during the patrol reflect his deep sense of responsibility and desire for order and safety. His observations of the damage from lightning strikes and the presence of corrupted windspren show his awareness of the ongoing dangers and his concern for his community. His participation in the formal inspection and his desire to dine with the highmarshal demonstrate his respect for discipline and his aspiration to rise in rank. Overall, these details highlight Kaladin’s values of duty, vigilance, and a longing for stability and leadership, marking his ongoing development from a soldier with personal struggles to a committed protector.
5. What does the highmarshal Azure’s behavior and manner during the dinner suggest about her leadership style and personality?
Answer:
Azure’s calm, commanding presence and her formal inspection during dinner reveal her as a disciplined and confident leader. She maintains a professional demeanor, focusing on ensuring her troops are well-prepared and motivated. Her careful observation of the men’s equipment and her quiet, authoritative manner suggest she values competence and order. Her decision to dine separately and her composed attitude indicate she is deliberate and strategic, possibly reserved but capable of inspiring loyalty and morale through her actions and words. These traits portray her as a strong, competent leader who prioritizes discipline and excellence within her ranks.
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