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    Oathbringer

    by Sanderson, Brandon
    Oathbringer, the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive series, is an epic fantasy novel set on the planet Roshar. It follows Dalinar Kholin as he confronts his past, unravels ancient secrets, and strives to unite warring factions against existential threats. The story explores themes of leadership, memory, and redemption amid catastrophic conflicts and mystical revelations, advancing the series’ intricate world-building and character development.
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    Oathbringer

    81. Ithi and Her Sister

    by Sanderson, Brandon

    The chap­ter opens with a scene of strate­gic secre­cy and con­cern over the poten­tial con­se­quences of cer­tain actions, hint­ing at the del­i­cate bal­ance of pow­er and the risks involved in using mys­ti­cal arti­facts. Mel­ishi express­es con­fi­dence about the out­come, but Naze-daugh­ter-Kuzo­do warns of unfore­seen side effects, empha­siz­ing the ten­sion between intent and con­se­quence in their mag­i­cal endeav­ors. This sets a tone of cau­tious exper­i­men­ta­tion and high­lights the stakes involved in their mys­ti­cal manip­u­la­tions, which could impact not only their imme­di­ate envi­ron­ment but also broad­er polit­i­cal or spir­i­tu­al realms.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts to Kaladin, who intro­duces him­self in a for­mal set­ting with­in a bar­rack, where a small group of mil­i­tary per­son­nel and offi­cers are gath­ered. As Kaladin inter­acts with Azure and Bat­tal­ion­lord Had­i­nar, the con­ver­sa­tion reveals under­ly­ing ten­sions about the use of a Soul­cast­er and the secret tech­niques employed to avoid attract­ing dan­ger­ous spren. Kaladin’s guard­ed atti­tude under­scores the clan­des­tine nature of their activ­i­ties, and the scene under­scores the impor­tance of secre­cy in their efforts to manip­u­late mag­i­cal resources with­out alert­ing ene­mies or caus­ing chaos.

    Fur­ther explo­ration uncov­ers a hid­den tun­nel beneath the city, used by Azure for covert oper­a­tions. Azure demon­strates her inge­nu­ity by cut­ting through stone to extract build­ing mate­r­i­al with­out draw­ing atten­tion, reveal­ing her fears of the city’s insta­bil­i­ty. The group dis­cov­ers a con­cealed cham­ber where a skilled female ardent uses a fab­r­i­al, indi­cat­ing the pres­ence of a gen­uine Soul­cast­er. This dis­cov­ery rais­es ques­tions about the true source of their mag­i­cal pow­er, as Azure’s reliance on the woman sug­gests a lay­ered approach to mag­ic, blend­ing ancient tech­nol­o­gy and mys­ti­cal craft to sus­tain their defens­es.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with a dis­cus­sion about the broad­er strate­gic sit­u­a­tion, focus­ing on a mys­te­ri­ous ancient device capa­ble of instant tele­por­ta­tion. Kaladin reveals the exis­tence of this device in Kholi­nar, which could be instru­men­tal in sav­ing the city if acti­vat­ed cor­rect­ly. The sol­diers’ excite­ment con­trasts with Kaladin’s cau­tious tone, hint­ing at the com­plex logis­ti­cal and mag­i­cal chal­lenges they face. The chap­ter ends with a sense of urgency and unre­solved ten­sion, as Kaladin hes­i­tates to dis­close the loca­tion of the device, empha­siz­ing the high stakes and the del­i­cate nature of their plans to save the city from impend­ing dis­as­ter.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the significance of the secret tunnel and hidden room described in the chapter, and how does it relate to the characters’ efforts to maintain secrecy while working on their projects?

      Answer:
      The secret tunnel and hidden room are crucial for the characters’ covert operations, allowing them to work without attracting the attention of the screamers or other enemies. Azure reveals a concealed corridor that runs through the city wall, which she uses to cut stone blocks at night, indicating her effort to secretly reinforce or repair the city’s defenses. The locked door leading to a room with a Soulcaster and a female ardent shows their reliance on clandestine magical resources. These hidden spaces symbolize the need for secrecy in their work, especially when dealing with dangerous or forbidden magic, and highlight the risks they take to preserve their efforts and protect the city.

      2. How does Azure’s use of reflective metal walls to hide her activities illustrate the balance between necessity and limitation in their efforts to use magic safely?

      Answer:
      Azure’s use of reflective metal walls to prevent the screamers from sensing their Soulcasting activities demonstrates a strategic measure to maintain secrecy and safety. While effective in blocking the screamers’ detection, it also has the drawback of preventing spanreeds from communicating with the outside, illustrating a trade-off between security and information flow. This highlights the difficult balance the characters must strike: protecting their operations from immediate threats while risking isolation and reduced communication. It underscores the complexity of using magic in wartime—sometimes, protective measures can inadvertently hinder coordination and intelligence.

      3. Why is Kaladin’s mention of the ancient device in Kholinar significant, and what challenges does he imply about utilizing it?

      Answer:
      Kaladin’s mention of the ancient device capable of transporting large groups across great distances is significant because it represents a potential solution for quickly evacuating or reinforcing the city, which is under threat. The device’s importance lies in its ability to facilitate rapid movement, crucial for survival and strategic advantage. However, Kaladin admits that activating this device is not straightforward, implying that only a select few can operate it, and perhaps that it requires specific knowledge or conditions to function. This challenge underscores the urgency and difficulty of leveraging ancient technology in modern warfare, emphasizing that even powerful tools require specialized skills and knowledge.

      4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of secrecy and the use of magic in wartime?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights the importance of secrecy through the hidden tunnel, locked doors, and reflective walls that obscure the characters’ activities, especially their use of magic. Azure’s efforts to conceal her Soulcasting operations and the presence of a hidden corridor reflect the necessity of clandestine dealings in wartime, where exposure could lead to destruction or loss of advantage. The use of magical artifacts, like the Soulcaster and reflective metal, illustrates how magic is both a vital resource and a risky tool, requiring careful management. This exploration underscores the tension between the need for secrecy to survive and the limitations imposed by magical safeguards, emphasizing that wartime strategies often involve clandestine actions and protective measures.

      5. How does the chapter portray the relationship between individual heroism and collective effort in the context of saving the city?

      Answer:
      The chapter portrays individual heroism through Kaladin’s willingness to share knowledge of the ancient device and his efforts to understand and navigate the complex magical and strategic landscape. However, it also emphasizes collective effort—Azure’s secret operations, the squad’s work, and the city’s overall reliance on coordinated actions—highlighting that saving the city depends on many individuals working in secret and in concert. Kaladin’s recognition that activating the device is complicated and requires specialized skill suggests that heroism is not solely about individual actions but also about facilitating and supporting collective endeavors. It underscores the importance of teamwork, hidden efforts, and shared knowledge in facing large-scale threats.

    Quotes

    • 1. “We are uncertain the effect this will have on the parsh. At the very least, it should deny them forms of power. Melishi is confident, but Naze-daughter-Kuzodo warns of unintended side effects.”

      This quote highlights the cautious approach and potential risks involved in manipulating powerful magical artifacts, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of hidden knowledge and its consequences.

      2. “Kaladin, standing in the barrack common room—which had been emptied at the highmarshal’s order—introduced himself with quiet dignity, his words hinting at secrets and orders from the king, yet grounded in the reality of his humble origins.”

      This passage underscores Kaladin’s complex identity—both as a soldier and as someone with access to secret, possibly dangerous, knowledge—and marks a key moment of introduction and revelation.

      3. “Azure pointed at the sides of the room, and for the first time Kaladin noticed the walls were covered in reflective metal plates. He frowned and rested his fingers against one, and found it cool to the touch. This wasn’t steel, was it?”

      This quote reveals the presence of mysterious reflective metal walls that serve as a crucial technological safeguard, illustrating the chapter’s theme of secret defenses and concealed technologies.

      4. “We keep poor Ithi and her sister working nonstop, trading off the Soulcaster. Feeding the entire city would be an impossible task for the two of them, but we’ve been able to at least keep our army strong, with some to spare.”

      This statement emphasizes the immense effort and sacrifice involved in maintaining the city’s defenses, highlighting the critical role of the Soulcasters and the hidden labor behind the scenes.

      5. “There’s a device in Kholinar of ancient design. It can instantly transport large groups of people across great distances. The soldiers looked stunned—all but Azure, who perked up. ‘Really? You’re serious?’ Kaladin nodded. ‘Great! Let’s get this thing working! Where is it?’ Kaladin took a deep breath. ‘Well, that happens to be the problem…’”

      This passage encapsulates the chapter’s main turning point—Kaladin’s revelation about the transportation device—and the immediate challenge that lies ahead, emphasizing the chapter’s focus on hope, strategy, and the daunting obstacles to saving the city.

    Quotes

    1. “We are uncertain the effect this will have on the parsh. At the very least, it should deny them forms of power. Melishi is confident, but Naze-daughter-Kuzodo warns of unintended side effects.”

    This quote highlights the cautious approach and potential risks involved in manipulating powerful magical artifacts, setting the tone for the chapter’s exploration of hidden knowledge and its consequences.

    2. “Kaladin, standing in the barrack common room—which had been emptied at the highmarshal’s order—introduced himself with quiet dignity, his words hinting at secrets and orders from the king, yet grounded in the reality of his humble origins.”

    This passage underscores Kaladin’s complex identity—both as a soldier and as someone with access to secret, possibly dangerous, knowledge—and marks a key moment of introduction and revelation.

    3. “Azure pointed at the sides of the room, and for the first time Kaladin noticed the walls were covered in reflective metal plates. He frowned and rested his fingers against one, and found it cool to the touch. This wasn’t steel, was it?”

    This quote reveals the presence of mysterious reflective metal walls that serve as a crucial technological safeguard, illustrating the chapter’s theme of secret defenses and concealed technologies.

    4. “We keep poor Ithi and her sister working nonstop, trading off the Soulcaster. Feeding the entire city would be an impossible task for the two of them, but we’ve been able to at least keep our army strong, with some to spare.”

    This statement emphasizes the immense effort and sacrifice involved in maintaining the city’s defenses, highlighting the critical role of the Soulcasters and the hidden labor behind the scenes.

    5. “There’s a device in Kholinar of ancient design. It can instantly transport large groups of people across great distances. The soldiers looked stunned—all but Azure, who perked up. ‘Really? You’re serious?’ Kaladin nodded. ‘Great! Let’s get this thing working! Where is it?’ Kaladin took a deep breath. ‘Well, that happens to be the problem…’”

    This passage encapsulates the chapter’s main turning point—Kaladin’s revelation about the transportation device—and the immediate challenge that lies ahead, emphasizing the chapter’s focus on hope, strategy, and the daunting obstacles to saving the city.

    FAQs

    1. What is the significance of the secret tunnel and hidden room described in the chapter, and how does it relate to the characters’ efforts to maintain secrecy while working on their projects?

    Answer:
    The secret tunnel and hidden room are crucial for the characters’ covert operations, allowing them to work without attracting the attention of the screamers or other enemies. Azure reveals a concealed corridor that runs through the city wall, which she uses to cut stone blocks at night, indicating her effort to secretly reinforce or repair the city’s defenses. The locked door leading to a room with a Soulcaster and a female ardent shows their reliance on clandestine magical resources. These hidden spaces symbolize the need for secrecy in their work, especially when dealing with dangerous or forbidden magic, and highlight the risks they take to preserve their efforts and protect the city.

    2. How does Azure’s use of reflective metal walls to hide her activities illustrate the balance between necessity and limitation in their efforts to use magic safely?

    Answer:
    Azure’s use of reflective metal walls to prevent the screamers from sensing their Soulcasting activities demonstrates a strategic measure to maintain secrecy and safety. While effective in blocking the screamers’ detection, it also has the drawback of preventing spanreeds from communicating with the outside, illustrating a trade-off between security and information flow. This highlights the difficult balance the characters must strike: protecting their operations from immediate threats while risking isolation and reduced communication. It underscores the complexity of using magic in wartime—sometimes, protective measures can inadvertently hinder coordination and intelligence.

    3. Why is Kaladin’s mention of the ancient device in Kholinar significant, and what challenges does he imply about utilizing it?

    Answer:
    Kaladin’s mention of the ancient device capable of transporting large groups across great distances is significant because it represents a potential solution for quickly evacuating or reinforcing the city, which is under threat. The device’s importance lies in its ability to facilitate rapid movement, crucial for survival and strategic advantage. However, Kaladin admits that activating this device is not straightforward, implying that only a select few can operate it, and perhaps that it requires specific knowledge or conditions to function. This challenge underscores the urgency and difficulty of leveraging ancient technology in modern warfare, emphasizing that even powerful tools require specialized skills and knowledge.

    4. In what ways does the chapter explore the theme of secrecy and the use of magic in wartime?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights the importance of secrecy through the hidden tunnel, locked doors, and reflective walls that obscure the characters’ activities, especially their use of magic. Azure’s efforts to conceal her Soulcasting operations and the presence of a hidden corridor reflect the necessity of clandestine dealings in wartime, where exposure could lead to destruction or loss of advantage. The use of magical artifacts, like the Soulcaster and reflective metal, illustrates how magic is both a vital resource and a risky tool, requiring careful management. This exploration underscores the tension between the need for secrecy to survive and the limitations imposed by magical safeguards, emphasizing that wartime strategies often involve clandestine actions and protective measures.

    5. How does the chapter portray the relationship between individual heroism and collective effort in the context of saving the city?

    Answer:
    The chapter portrays individual heroism through Kaladin’s willingness to share knowledge of the ancient device and his efforts to understand and navigate the complex magical and strategic landscape. However, it also emphasizes collective effort—Azure’s secret operations, the squad’s work, and the city’s overall reliance on coordinated actions—highlighting that saving the city depends on many individuals working in secret and in concert. Kaladin’s recognition that activating the device is complicated and requires specialized skill suggests that heroism is not solely about individual actions but also about facilitating and supporting collective endeavors. It underscores the importance of teamwork, hidden efforts, and shared knowledge in facing large-scale threats.

    Note