Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
“Rhythm of War” is the fourth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. Set on the planet Roshar, the novel continues the conflict between Dalinar Kholin’s coalition of Knights Radiant and the forces of Odium, a malevolent god seeking dominion. The story delves deeper into the psychological and emotional struggles of key characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, and Navani, as they grapple with war, trauma, and the mysteries of ancient magics. Themes of resilience, identity, and the cost of power are explored amidst intricate world-building and high-stakes battles. The book expands the Cosmere universe, revealing new layers of lore and setting the stage for future confrontations.
100. Watchers at the Rim
bySanderson, Brandon
Kaladin awakens in distress, his hands bound as a precaution against his violent nightmares. Struggling with inner turmoil and exhaustion, he calms himself enough to free his hands and assess his surroundings. A faint light from a garnet on the wall catches his attention, revealing a desperate plea from the tower spren, who warns of imminent danger. The spren reveals that the final node has been found near the infirmary’s tower model, where the Radiants—and Kaladin’s parents—are located, and hints at a graver threat: the planned execution of the captive Radiants.
Kaladin quickly formulates a plan with Teft, recognizing the urgency of the situation. They decide to rescue the Radiants, with Kaladin creating a diversion to lure guards away while Teft and Lift prepare to infiltrate and awaken the captives. Kaladin emphasizes the need for speed and adaptability, instructing Teft to escape through the window if necessary. The gravity of their mission weighs heavily on Kaladin, who acknowledges the risks but resolves to act despite his fatigue and emotional strain.
Dabbid arrives with news that Rlain is shaken by events involving Venli and agrees to relay the plan to him and Queen Navani. Kaladin stresses the importance of contacting the queen and ensuring Rlain reaches the Sibling, as requested by the tower spren. The group’s solidarity is reaffirmed with the Bridge Four salute, though Kaladin worries about leaving Dabbid and Rlain vulnerable. The chapter underscores the tension between their limited options and the dire consequences of inaction.
As Kaladin and Teft prepare to execute their plan, the chapter closes with a sense of impending confrontation. Kaladin’s hesitation when Teft questions his willingness to flee hints at his self-sacrificial tendencies. The urgency of their mission—to save the Radiants and thwart the Fused—leaves little room for error, setting the stage for a high-stakes rescue attempt. The chapter masterfully blends personal struggle with broader conflict, highlighting Kaladin’s resilience amid despair.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Kaladin binding his own hands before sleeping, and how does this reflect his internal struggle?
Answer:
Kaladin binds his hands to prevent himself from accidentally attacking someone who might wake him, as he had previously done to Dabbid. This act symbolizes his ongoing battle with PTSD and the psychological trauma from his experiences. The chapter reveals his deep exhaustion and mental anguish, as he fights against “overwhelming darkness” and terrifying visions. His self-restraint shows both his self-awareness of his volatile state and his determination to protect others, even as he struggles to maintain control over his own mind and emotions.2. Analyze the tower spren’s communication with Kaladin. What critical information does it convey, and why is Rlain specifically requested?
Answer:
The tower spren (the Sibling) communicates urgent warnings about two major threats: the discovery of the final node at the infirmary model and the imminent execution of the captive Radiants. The spren’s frailty suggests Urithiru’s weakening state. Rlain is specifically requested likely because of his unique position as a listener who can bridge human and singer cultures, making him crucial for coordinating with Navani or other key figures. This highlights the strategic importance of diverse allies in the conflict and the Sibling’s desperate need for intervention to prevent catastrophe.3. How does Teft’s reaction to Kaladin’s plan reveal their differing approaches to leadership and crisis management?
Answer:
Teft’s lack of surprise and resigned acceptance (“This was coming, lad”) contrasts with Kaladin’s urgency and meticulous planning. Teft demonstrates pragmatic realism, acknowledging inevitable violence, while Kaladin clings to a hope of minimizing bloodshed (“your father’s way”). Their exchange underscores Kaladin’s idealism and protective instincts versus Teft’s weathered perspective. However, both ultimately commit to action, showing shared loyalty to Bridge Four and the Radiants, even as they grapple with the moral and tactical weight of their decisions.4. What strategic purpose does the “watchers at the rim” tactic serve, and what risks does it entail?
Answer:
The tactic involves a diversion: Kaladin creates a visible disturbance to lure guards away while Lift stealthily rescues the comatose Radiants. This leverages their limited resources—Kaladin’s combat prowess and Lift’s mobility—but risks splitting their forces. If guards aren’t drawn out, Teft must engage them directly, escalating danger. The plan also depends on precarious elements like wall-climbing with infused boots and last-minute coordination with Rlain. It reflects their desperate circumstances, where imperfect action is deemed better than inaction, despite high stakes of failure.5. Evaluate Kaladin’s hesitation when Teft asks if he’ll retreat if necessary. What does this reveal about his character arc in this chapter?
Answer:
Kaladin’s hesitation underscores his self-sacrificial tendencies and survivor’s guilt. While he urges Teft to prioritize escape, he implicitly reserves the right to stay behind, mirroring his past behavior of assuming personal responsibility for others’ safety. This moment captures his unresolved conflict between self-preservation and martyrdom, exacerbated by his mental exhaustion. It foreshadows potential recklessness in coming confrontations, highlighting how his trauma and leadership burdens continue to shape his decisions, even as he strives to protect his team.
Quotes
1. “Humans are weapons. We singers revere Passion, do we not? How can we throw away such an excellent channeling of it?”
This epigraph from El sets the thematic tone for the chapter, highlighting the brutal pragmatism of the enemy forces and their view of humans as tools of war. It foreshadows the coming conflict and the chapter’s exploration of violence as an expression of passion.
2. “He was so tired.”
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates Kaladin’s mental state, conveying the profound exhaustion of a warrior battling both external enemies and internal demons. It reflects the chapter’s recurring theme of resilience in the face of overwhelming fatigue.
3. “Watchers at the rim… We’ll need to move quickly.”
This quote marks a pivotal turning point where Kaladin transitions from personal struggle to decisive action. The phrase “watchers at the rim” suggests both vigilance and impending danger, perfectly capturing the chapter’s tension as the characters prepare for their dangerous mission.
4. “Bridge Four… I don’t want to leave you two alone, Dabbid, but we need to move now.”
This exchange highlights the core conflict between loyalty to comrades and the demands of the mission. It showcases the brotherhood of Bridge Four while emphasizing the urgent stakes of their situation, representing the chapter’s themes of sacrifice and duty.