Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
115. Testament
by Sanderson, BrandonShallan and Adolin reflect on the progress of their spren companions, Testament and Maya, in their chamber at Lasting Integrity. Shallan notes Testament’s improved condition, while Adolin expresses uncertainty about their understanding of the healing process. Maya, though still largely silent, has shown remarkable recovery since her pivotal speech at the trial, offering hope that Testament’s restoration is possible. The couple shares a moment of gratitude, with Shallan thanking Adolin for his unwavering support despite her past secrets and struggles.
The chapter shifts focus to a mysterious spren, a seon named Ala, contained within a cube sent by Mraize. The spren behaves timidly, as if conditioned to obedience, hinting at Mraize’s cruel treatment. Shallan attempts to coax Ala out, but the spren resists, reinforcing the Ghostbloods’ sinister reputation. Meanwhile, Shallan grapples with her fragmented past, realizing her bond with Pattern was newer than she remembered and that she possesses two Shardblades. Kelek, a Herald, provides cryptic insights about deadeyes and Mraize’s motives, linking them to ancient events involving the Unmade Ba-Ado-Mishram.
Shallan contacts Mraize using the seon, revealing she has merged with Veil and severed ties with the Ghostbloods. Mraize warns her of consequences, but Shallan remains defiant, confident in her newfound clarity and the safety of her brothers, whom Wit and Pattern rescued. She taunts Mraize with knowledge gained from Kelek, including the Herald’s desire to escape Roshar to avoid Odium’s torment. The exchange underscores Shallan’s transformation from a manipulated agent to an independent force.
The chapter concludes with unresolved tensions, as Shallan and Adolin prepare for an uncertain future. Kelek’s revelations about other worlds and the trapped Unmade hint at larger conflicts ahead. Shallan’s reconciliation with her past and her rejection of the Ghostbloods mark a turning point, but the shadow of Mraize’s threat lingers. The interplay of personal growth, ancient secrets, and looming dangers sets the stage for the next phase of their journey.
FAQs
1. What significant revelation does Shallan have about Pattern in this chapter, and how does this connect to her past actions?
Answer:
Shallan realizes that Pattern was newly bonded to her when she began noticing him on the ship with Jasnah, which explains why he acted like a fresh spren bond. This revelation confirms that she had previously bonded another Cryptic named Testament, whom she killed. The chapter reveals that Shallan actually possesses two Shardblades—one from her current bond with Pattern and the remnants of her past bond with Testament. This connects to her fractured memories and the guilt she carries, as her powers continued functioning in some capacity even after killing Testament, suggesting complex lingering effects of her past actions.2. How does Maya’s condition and behavior in this chapter symbolize hope for Testament’s potential recovery?
Answer:
Maya—Adolin’s deadeye spren—shows significant improvement compared to her previous state, particularly after her pivotal speech during the trial. Though she still doesn’t speak much, her progress demonstrates that damaged spren bonds can be repaired. This gives Shallan and Adolin hope that Testament, Shallan’s first Cryptic, might also be restored. Maya’s warrior-like posture and rare but meaningful words (described as some of the most valuable spoken) serve as a parallel to Testament’s situation, suggesting that even “broken” spren can heal with time and effort, challenging previous assumptions about deadeyes.3. Analyze the significance of the seon (Ala) and its role in the conflict between Shallan and Mraize.
Answer:
The seon, a mysterious glowing spren named Ala, serves as a communication tool between Shallan and Mraize but also represents the Ghostbloods’ manipulative tactics. Ala behaves like an “abused child,” reluctant to leave its containment cube, highlighting Mraize’s cruelty. Shallan uses the seon to defiantly cut ties with the Ghostbloods, revealing she has outmaneuvered Mraize by rescuing her brothers and allying with Wit and Kelek. The seon thus becomes a symbol of both oppression (as a controlled tool) and liberation (as a means to reject Mraize’s authority), reflecting the broader struggle for autonomy in the chapter.4. How does Kelek’s involvement provide both answers and new mysteries about the larger conflict in the story?
Answer:
Kelek, a Herald, shares critical information with Shallan about deadeyes, the Recreance, and Ba-Ado-Mishram (an Unmade spren), suggesting these elements are tied to Mraize’s motives. His unstable yet desperate desire to flee Roshar—fearing Odium’s return—adds urgency to the narrative. However, his revelations also raise new questions: Why is Mraize hunting Kelek specifically? How does Ba-Ado-Mishram’s imprisonment connect to the Ghostbloods’ goals? Kelek’s knowledge bridges personal and cosmic stakes, linking Shallan’s healing journey to ancient Radiant history and the war between gods.5. Evaluate Shallan’s emotional state at the chapter’s end. How does her resolution with Veil and confrontation with Mraize mark a turning point for her character?
Answer:
Shallan reaches a pivotal moment of self-acceptance: she has fully integrated Veil, acknowledging her past wounds are “practically bleeding” but finally beginning to heal. Her calm defiance toward Mraize—declaring independence from the Ghostbloods—shows newfound confidence, aided by Adolin’s support and her reclaimed agency (e.g., saving her brothers). While she still has unresolved questions, her hand on the notebook symbolizes readiness to face truths. This contrasts with earlier fragmentation, marking her transition from avoidance to active reconciliation with her identity and trauma.
Quotes
1. “If you aren’t going to say much, then you might as well make what you do say mean something.”
This reflection on Maya’s impactful words during the trial captures a profound truth about communication—quality over quantity. It underscores how even brief statements can carry immense weight when carefully chosen.
2. “And Shallan had not one Shardblade, but two.”
This revelation about Shallan’s dual Shardblades represents a major turning point in understanding her past and abilities. It explains previous mysteries while opening new questions about her complex relationship with spren.
3. “He was convinced that Odium would soon take over the world completely and restart torturing all the Heralds. Kelek would do practically anything to escape that fate.”
This insight into Kelek’s motivations reveals the desperate psychology of the Heralds and the looming threat of Odium. It provides crucial context for understanding the broader conflicts in the story’s world.
4. “I’m not one of the Ghostbloods. None of us ever were, not fully. And now we are stepping away.”
Shallan’s declaration marks a definitive break from the Ghostbloods, representing her character growth and reclamation of agency. This moment signifies her rejection of manipulation in favor of truth and self-determination.
5. “I have what I need, thank you very much.”
Shallan’s simple yet powerful statement to Mraize demonstrates her emotional resolution and independence. It contrasts with her previous fragmented self and shows her newfound confidence in facing her past.