Oathbringer
9. The Threads of a Screw
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Shallan reflecting on her new status as Brightness Radiant, which grants her a sense of inclusion in significant events, contrasting her previous outsider status. Amidst the chaos of an investigation into a murder, she observes the scene with a mixture of curiosity and exhaustion, especially after using her Stormlight supply on a map that disintegrated. Her perspective offers insight into her feelings of being both a participant and an outsider in the tense environment of the palace and the ongoing political and military turmoil.
As the investigation progresses, the scene shifts to the discovery of a murdered lighteyed officer, Vedekar Perel, found in a chamber with peculiar structural features resembling a screw thread. The body bears signs of a brutal fight, with a precise and disturbing kill—stabbed through the eye—mirroring the earlier death of Highprince Sadeas. This pattern suggests a deliberate and methodical killer, raising fears that the murders are interconnected and possibly orchestrated by a single perpetrator, which alarms the characters and complicates their understanding of the threat.
Dalinar, Navani, and their guards examine the crime scene, noting the similarities in the method of murder and the room’s unusual architecture, which includes stone sculptures resembling spouts and a bathing chamber. Navani’s detailed observations underscore the meticulous nature of the killer’s work, hinting at a level of intelligence and intent behind the murders. The scene highlights the unsettling precision with which the killer operates, adding a layer of menace to an already tense political landscape, and emphasizing the difficulty of uncovering the perpetrator amidst ongoing chaos.
The chapter concludes with Dalinar’s leadership focus shifting to the broader threat facing Roshar, as he orders the withdrawal of troops and the dissemination of warnings to potential allies. Meanwhile, Shallan’s interactions with Renarin and Adolin reveal her internal tension and her awareness of the dangerous environment around her. Dalinar’s somber reflection on the loss of most investigative personnel underscores the gravity of the situation, where the murder investigation becomes just one facet of a much larger, existential conflict that demands their full attention and resilience.
FAQs
1. What significance does Shallan’s new status as “Brightness Radiant” have for her role in the investigation, and how does it reflect her social standing?
Answer:
Shallan’s elevation to “Brightness Radiant” signifies a notable change in her social standing, as it grants her a respected and expected presence in important events. Unlike before, when she might have been overlooked or considered out of place, her new title ensures she is included in significant moments, such as the investigation of the murder. This status reflects her recognized importance and perhaps her growing influence within the societal hierarchy. It also allows her to observe and participate in critical affairs without suspicion or dismissal, highlighting how her role is evolving from an outsider to a key observer in the political and military landscape.2. How does the description of the murder scene and the killer’s methods deepen the mystery, and what clues suggest about the killer’s intentions?
Answer:
The murder scene, with the victim stabbed through the eye and positioned similarly to the death of Highprince Sadeas, indicates a deliberate and symbolic pattern. Navani’s observation that the positioning and puncturing are “exactly” like Sadeas’s death suggests the killer is intentionally recreating previous murders to send a message or establish a pattern. The detailed description of the chamber—particularly the spiraling strata and the bathhouse setting—adds an eerie, ritualistic tone. The killer’s methods imply a calculated, possibly ritualistic motive, aiming to evoke fear or send a message through symbolic acts. The repeated pattern also hints at a personal or ideological motive behind the murders, making the case more complex and sinister.3. How does Dalinar’s response to the murder scene and his subsequent actions reveal his leadership style and priorities?
Answer:
Dalinar’s calm yet authoritative response—immediately sending for reinforcements, instructing the soldiers to maintain the perimeter, and planning to inform Sebarial—demonstrates his pragmatic and responsible leadership style. He prioritizes containment and communication over panic, recognizing the importance of controlling the situation while addressing the larger threat facing Roshar. His focus on the investigation amid looming political and military crises shows a leader committed to justice and security, but also one burdened by the gravity of the threat, as evidenced by his comment about most of his men being dead and the pressing need to address the greater danger.4. In what ways does the chapter explore the societal roles and expectations of women in Alethkar, particularly through Navani’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the societal norm that women, especially of noble or royal status, are expected to be involved in certain duties, even in gruesome or traditionally male-dominated environments. Navani’s willingness to kneel beside the corpse and examine it directly suggests a degree of temerity and practicality that might be uncommon elsewhere but is accepted in Alethkar. The mention that it might be “completely proper” for the king’s mother to do this indicates societal acceptance of women participating actively in investigations or scenes of violence. This portrayal reflects a society where gender roles are somewhat flexible, especially among the elite, and women are expected to be capable and unafraid to engage in matters of life and death.5. What does the chapter suggest about the political and military climate on Roshar, especially regarding the threat of the unknown killer and the broader dangers facing the characters?
Answer:
The chapter underscores a tense and perilous environment on Roshar, where political intrigue, murder, and larger existential threats coexist. The fact that the killer is recreating the murder of Sadeas, a high-ranking prince, indicates a dangerous pattern that could destabilize the political order. Dalinar’s concern about a “terrible threat” that could wipe out their kind emphasizes the magnitude of the broader danger beyond individual crimes. The mention of most of Dalinar’s men being dead and the need to focus on larger threats suggests a climate of ongoing conflict and instability. The scene reflects a world where violence is intertwined with political maneuvering, and the characters must navigate both immediate dangers and larger, potentially apocalyptic threats.
Quotes
1. “The sum of my experiences has pointed at this moment. This decision.” (Preface, Oathbringer)
This quote underscores the chapter’s theme of pivotal moments shaped by accumulated experiences, highlighting how past events culminate in decisive actions. It sets a reflective tone about the importance of choices made in critical circumstances.
2. “The strata here spiraled, twisting around the floor, ceiling, and walls like the threads of a screw.”
This vivid description emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the building’s unique architecture, symbolizing the complex and intertwined nature of the investigation and the environment. It also metaphorically reflects the twisting, inescapable path of the mystery.
3. “Remarkable… the positioning, the puncturing of the eye… It’s exactly like what happened to Sadeas. This has to be the same killer.” (Navani)
This quote captures the crucial discovery that links the murder to a specific pattern, pointing to a serial killer. It marks a key turning point in understanding the crime’s nature and foreshadows the threat’s significance.
4. “Most of the men I’d have assigned to an investigation like this are dead.” (Dalinar)
This statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the dangerous environment in which the characters operate. It conveys the sense of loss and the high stakes involved in their struggle against both external threats and internal chaos.
Quotes
1. “The sum of my experiences has pointed at this moment. This decision.” (Preface, Oathbringer)
This quote underscores the chapter’s theme of pivotal moments shaped by accumulated experiences, highlighting how past events culminate in decisive actions. It sets a reflective tone about the importance of choices made in critical circumstances.
2. “The strata here spiraled, twisting around the floor, ceiling, and walls like the threads of a screw.”
This vivid description emphasizes the chapter’s focus on the building’s unique architecture, symbolizing the complex and intertwined nature of the investigation and the environment. It also metaphorically reflects the twisting, inescapable path of the mystery.
3. “Remarkable… the positioning, the puncturing of the eye… It’s exactly like what happened to Sadeas. This has to be the same killer.” (Navani)
This quote captures the crucial discovery that links the murder to a specific pattern, pointing to a serial killer. It marks a key turning point in understanding the crime’s nature and foreshadows the threat’s significance.
4. “Most of the men I’d have assigned to an investigation like this are dead.” (Dalinar)
This statement highlights the gravity of the situation and the dangerous environment in which the characters operate. It conveys the sense of loss and the high stakes involved in their struggle against both external threats and internal chaos.
— Unknown
FAQs
1. What significance does Shallan’s new status as “Brightness Radiant” have for her role in the investigation, and how does it reflect her social standing?
Answer:
Shallan’s elevation to “Brightness Radiant” signifies a notable change in her social standing, as it grants her a respected and expected presence in important events. Unlike before, when she might have been overlooked or considered out of place, her new title ensures she is included in significant moments, such as the investigation of the murder. This status reflects her recognized importance and perhaps her growing influence within the societal hierarchy. It also allows her to observe and participate in critical affairs without suspicion or dismissal, highlighting how her role is evolving from an outsider to a key observer in the political and military landscape.
2. How does the description of the murder scene and the killer’s methods deepen the mystery, and what clues suggest about the killer’s intentions?
Answer:
The murder scene, with the victim stabbed through the eye and positioned similarly to the death of Highprince Sadeas, indicates a deliberate and symbolic pattern. Navani’s observation that the positioning and puncturing are “exactly” like Sadeas’s death suggests the killer is intentionally recreating previous murders to send a message or establish a pattern. The detailed description of the chamber—particularly the spiraling strata and the bathhouse setting—adds an eerie, ritualistic tone. The killer’s methods imply a calculated, possibly ritualistic motive, aiming to evoke fear or send a message through symbolic acts. The repeated pattern also hints at a personal or ideological motive behind the murders, making the case more complex and sinister.
3. How does Dalinar’s response to the murder scene and his subsequent actions reveal his leadership style and priorities?
Answer:
Dalinar’s calm yet authoritative response—immediately sending for reinforcements, instructing the soldiers to maintain the perimeter, and planning to inform Sebarial—demonstrates his pragmatic and responsible leadership style. He prioritizes containment and communication over panic, recognizing the importance of controlling the situation while addressing the larger threat facing Roshar. His focus on the investigation amid looming political and military crises shows a leader committed to justice and security, but also one burdened by the gravity of the threat, as evidenced by his comment about most of his men being dead and the pressing need to address the greater danger.
4. In what ways does the chapter explore the societal roles and expectations of women in Alethkar, particularly through Navani’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the societal norm that women, especially of noble or royal status, are expected to be involved in certain duties, even in gruesome or traditionally male-dominated environments. Navani’s willingness to kneel beside the corpse and examine it directly suggests a degree of temerity and practicality that might be uncommon elsewhere but is accepted in Alethkar. The mention that it might be “completely proper” for the king’s mother to do this indicates societal acceptance of women participating actively in investigations or scenes of violence. This portrayal reflects a society where gender roles are somewhat flexible, especially among the elite, and women are expected to be capable and unafraid to engage in matters of life and death.
5. What does the chapter suggest about the political and military climate on Roshar, especially regarding the threat of the unknown killer and the broader dangers facing the characters?
Answer:
The chapter underscores a tense and perilous environment on Roshar, where political intrigue, murder, and larger existential threats coexist. The fact that the killer is recreating the murder of Sadeas, a high-ranking prince, indicates a dangerous pattern that could destabilize the political order. Dalinar’s concern about a “terrible threat” that could wipe out their kind emphasizes the magnitude of the broader danger beyond individual crimes. The mention of most of Dalinar’s men being dead and the need to focus on larger threats suggests a climate of ongoing conflict and instability. The scene reflects a world where violence is intertwined with political maneuvering, and the characters must navigate both immediate dangers and larger, potentially apocalyptic threats.
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