Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
102. Highstorm Coming
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Venli and her group of fifteen singer companions waiting in line at the Oathgates, disguised as workers returning to Kholinar for respite. Venli, grappling with the cold wind and her unarmored form, contemplates her mission to find her mother among the listener remnants, authorized by Raboniel’s writ. She debates the extent of Raboniel’s influence, wondering if she can secure transport via a Heavenly One, and acknowledges the manipulative nature of her task. Despite her doubts, Venli resolves to proceed, driven by urgency and personal stakes, even as Timbre, her spren companion, silently judges her choices.
Venli’s internal conflict deepens as she questions her worthiness and courage, confessing her fears to Timbre. The spren, however, remains steadfast in its belief in her, citing her past actions—like saving Lift—as proof of her potential. Their conversation highlights Venli’s self-loathing and Timbre’s unwavering optimism, emphasizing the theme of redemption through small, stumbling steps rather than grand heroics. Meanwhile, the line at the Oathgates stalls due to the absence of a human operator, forcing Venli to take charge and shepherd the singers inside as a highstorm approaches.
As the storm looms, Venli’s thoughts turn to the possibility of using Raboniel’s writ to help others, specifically Kaladin Stormblessed’s family. She proposes the idea to her group, expecting resistance, but they respond with consideration rather than fear. This moment marks a pivotal shift for Venli, as she transitions from self-preservation to altruism, spurred by Timbre’s encouragement and her own growing sense of responsibility. The chapter underscores her internal struggle between cowardice and courage, set against the backdrop of the impending highstorm’s symbolic fury.
In the final moments, Venli entrusts her writ and map to Mazish, preparing to act on her newfound resolve. Her decision to aid Kaladin’s family reflects her tentative steps toward redemption, even as she grapples with her perceived failures. The chapter closes with Venli and her group humming to Consideration, signaling their collective willingness to embrace risk for a greater good. The highstorm’s approach mirrors Venli’s tumultuous emotions, suggesting an impending climax in her personal journey.
FAQs
1. What is Venli’s primary motivation for traveling to Kholinar, and how does this conflict with her other responsibilities?
Answer:
Venli’s primary motivation is to discover whether her mother is still alive among the listener remnants at the Shattered Plains. This personal mission conflicts with her responsibilities to her group of fifteen listeners and her potential role in helping the human Radiants. While Raboniel’s writ allows her to leave Urithiru, Venli grapples with guilt over abandoning Rlain and the humans, as noted in her conversation with Timbre. Her internal struggle highlights the tension between personal desires and larger obligations, particularly when she considers using the writ to help Stormblessed’s family escape instead.2. Analyze the significance of Timbre’s interactions with Venli in this chapter. How does the spren influence Venli’s self-perception and decisions?
Answer:
Timbre serves as Venli’s moral compass, challenging her negative self-perception as a “coward” and “mistake.” Through rhythmic pulses, Timbre affirms Venli’s growth, citing her rescue of Lift and the spren herself as evidence of her potential. This encouragement pushes Venli to reconsider her choices, such as when she proposes helping Stormblessed’s family escape. Timbre’s unwavering belief—that progress matters more than speed—symbolizes the theme of redemption. Their dialogue underscores Venli’s internal conflict, as the spren’s optimism contrasts sharply with Venli’s self-doubt, ultimately steering her toward courage.3. How does the impending highstorm create narrative tension, and what practical challenges does it introduce for Venli’s plans?
Answer:
The approaching highstorm heightens urgency by disrupting the Oathgate transfer process—the human operator has fled, leaving the singers unable to proceed without a living Shardblade. This delay forces Venli to shelter her group inside Urithiru, compressing her timeline for action. The storm also symbolizes impending change, mirroring Venli’s pivotal decision to aid the humans. Additionally, its rare intensity (reaching near the tower’s peak) foreshadows significant events, much like Venli’s potential leap into heroism. The storm thus acts as both a logistical obstacle and a metaphor for transformation.4. Evaluate Venli’s proposal to help Stormblessed’s family escape. Why does her group respond with Consideration rather than fear?
Answer:
Venli’s group hums to Consideration because they recognize the strategic value of aligning with a Windrunner, which could secure their safety during the journey to the Shattered Plains. Their reaction also reflects listener resilience and shared disdain for their Fused overseers. Unlike Venli, they lack her personal guilt but see the pragmatism in her idea—Raboniel’s writ might plausibly cover “random” humans, minimizing risk. This moment highlights their collective growth; they prioritize solidarity over self-preservation, subtly rejecting the Fused’s divisive hierarchy.5. What does Raboniel’s manipulation of Venli reveal about the Fused’s strategies for controlling dissent?
Answer:
Raboniel’s tactic—allowing Venli to investigate the listeners while anticipating her actions—demonstrates the Fused’s preference for controlled dissent over outright suppression. By giving Venli the illusion of autonomy (via the writ), Raboniel both monitors her loyalty and exploits her mission for intelligence. This reflects a broader strategy: co-opting potential rebels by making them complicit. Venli’s awareness of the manipulation (“She knows I’m going”) yet inability to resist underscores the Fused’s psychological dominance, turning even defiance into a tool for their ends.
Quotes
1. “Raboniel had all but commanded her to go investigate the listener remnants. And what then? Venli thought. Raboniel knows about them. She knows I’m going. She’s manipulating me. For what end?”
This quote captures Venli’s internal conflict and growing awareness of Raboniel’s manipulation. It represents a key turning point where Venli questions her role while acknowledging she must proceed despite the uncertainty.
2. “Timbre pulsed. Venli was doing well. Learning. She could help. If I weren’t a coward, Venli thought.”
This exchange highlights Venli’s self-doubt and Timbre’s persistent faith in her. The spren’s encouragement contrasts sharply with Venli’s internalized shame, illustrating the central tension of her character growth.
3. “Timbre was firm. Some people charged toward the goal, running for all they had. Others stumbled. But it wasn’t the speed that mattered. It was the direction they were going.”
This profound statement from Timbre serves as the chapter’s thematic core. It reframes Venli’s journey as being about progress rather than perfection, offering a key insight about personal growth.
4. “Venli hummed to the Lost. ‘I think we should offer to bring the surgeon and his family—including their son, the Windrunner—out with us.’”
This marks Venli’s decisive turn from self-preservation to altruism. The moment represents her first active choice to help others despite personal risk, showing her evolving moral compass.
5. “Instead, as a group, they hummed to Consideration.”
This simple yet powerful conclusion shows Venli’s community mirroring her growth. Their collective consideration of her risky proposal demonstrates how her leadership is evolving beyond selfish motives.