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.
12. A Way to Help
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Kaladin’s internal struggle as he arrives at Urithiru, burdened by his emotional turmoil. Despite being surrounded by his former Windrunner squires—now jovial and progressing in their Radiant journeys—Kaladin feels isolated and pained by his recent “relegation” from active duty. His attempts to mask his distress with a forced smile fail to convince his companions, particularly perceptive friends like Rock and Syl, who sense his true state. The contrast between the group’s laughter and Kaladin’s inner despair highlights his sense of displacement and loss.
Kaladin reflects on the changes within his circle: most of his former squires have advanced to higher Ideals, while others like Dabbid and Rlain remain in limbo. His friends, including Lopen and Skar, try to cheer him up with jokes and sparring invitations, but their efforts only deepen his anguish. Sigzil’s tactful avoidance of work topics underscores how visibly affected Kaladin appears. Rock’s deliberate distance and Syl’s anxious hovering further emphasize Kaladin’s struggle to maintain a facade of strength for their sake, even as he grapples with the idea of a “clean break” from his former life.
The group dynamics shift as they approach Urithiru, with squires dispersing into their own teams, leaving Kaladin increasingly alone. A fleeting moment of genuine amusement arises from Rock’s banter with Kara, but it quickly fades. Kaladin’s internal conflict intensifies as he questions whether he can fulfill Dalinar’s request to lead the Windrunners from a administrative role rather than the battlefield. His prideful demeanor—offering dismissive nods to invitations—masks his longing for someone to insist he stay, but his companions, now preoccupied with their own lives, respectfully let him go.
The chapter closes with Kaladin retreating to his spartan quarters, a stark contrast to the bustling life of Urithiru. The emptiness of his highlord’s chambers mirrors his emotional void, underscoring his isolation despite his legendary status. His brief pride in maintaining composure in public collapses as he confronts the reality of his situation—a leader adrift, disconnected from the camaraderie that once defined him. The chapter poignantly captures Kaladin’s struggle with identity, duty, and the weight of his perceived failures.
FAQs
1. How does Kaladin’s internal conflict manifest in his interactions with his former team members?
Answer:
Kaladin’s internal struggle is evident through his forced smiles and attempts to deflect his team’s cheerful efforts. While he genuinely wants them to be happy, their attempts to cheer him up only deepen his pain, reminding him of his perceived failure and loss of role. The chapter shows this tension when he refuses Skar’s sparring offer (which would remind him of lost abilities) and when he gives “the nod” to dismiss companions rather than joining them. His internal monologue reveals he’s putting up a “strong front” to protect Syl and others from his pain, showing his characteristic self-sacrifice even in personal crisis.2. Analyze the significance of Rock’s role in this chapter as both comic relief and emotional barometer.
Answer:
Rock serves dual purposes: his humorous exchange about stew and mocking Kara’s joke provides momentary levity, even drawing a genuine smile from Kaladin. More importantly, Rock demonstrates unique emotional intelligence by keeping careful distance—he intuitively understands Kaladin’s true mood better than others, noted by his avoidance and ability to see Syl’s distress. This contrasts with other characters who misread Kaladin’s forced cheerfulness. Rock’s behavior mirrors his established role as the group’s grounded, perceptive figure who often addresses hard truths through indirect means.3. What does the chapter reveal about the evolving social dynamics between Kaladin and Bridge Four?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a poignant shift: while Bridge Four members still wear their patches with pride, they’ve moved into new roles as Radiants, leaders, and family members. Kaladin recognizes they now belong to Bridge Four only in memory, a “legendary team passed into myth.” This creates emotional distance, emphasized when groups naturally split by current affiliations rather than old bonds. Kaladin’s authority as highmarshal further isolates him, as others salute or defer to him rather than engage as equals. The social hierarchy has solidified, leaving Kaladin nostalgically observing the camaraderie he can no longer fully share.4. How does the physical description of Urithiru mirror Kaladin’s emotional state?
Answer:
The tower’s grandeur initially causes Kaladin’s “shock of dissociation,” mirroring his own feelings of being overwhelmed and out of place. As the narrative notes the tower becoming “practically mundane,” it parallels Kaladin’s forced acclimation to his new, unwanted role. Later, the bustling, lived-in corridors contrast sharply with his “empty nothingness” upon entering his quarters—a physical manifestation of his isolation despite being surrounded by life. The luxurious but sparsely furnished rooms reflect his inability to embrace his highlord status, leaving him in a barren emotional space between identities.5. Evaluate Navani’s epigraph about fabrial secrecy in relation to Kaladin’s situation.
Answer:
Navani’s critique of artifabrians hoarding knowledge parallels Kaladin’s broader narrative about systemic barriers. Where artifabrians “impoverish us all” by obscuring techniques, Kaladin’s struggles often stem from societal structures that limit understanding (e.g., lighteyes’ oppression, the Stormfather’s rigid interpretations of oaths). The epigraph’s emphasis on transparency contrasts with Kaladin’s current isolation—he lacks a system to openly process his trauma, just as novices lack clear paths to fabrial mastery. This framing invites readers to consider how institutional secrecy or misinformation creates broader societal harm beyond individual cases.
Quotes
1. “One of my pleas is for artifabrians to stop shrouding fabrial techniques with so much mystery. Many decoy metals are used in cages, and wires are often plated to look like a different metal, with the express intent of confusing those who might try to learn the process through personal study. This might enrich the artifabrian, but it impoverishes us all.”
This epigraph from Navani Kholin sets the thematic tone for the chapter, criticizing the hoarding of knowledge and highlighting how secrecy in fabrial technology ultimately hinders collective progress. It mirrors Kaladin’s internal struggle with isolation versus connection.
2. “They sensed his mood, though he hadn’t spoken to them regarding his… relegation? His retirement? Storms. It made him sick to think about it.”
This quote captures Kaladin’s profound emotional turmoil as he grapples with his changing role and identity. The hesitation between “relegation” and “retirement” shows his difficulty even naming his situation, emphasizing the depth of his crisis.
3. “I need to be careful not to let this break her… Keep up a strong front for her, for all of them. They shouldn’t have to be in pain because of how I feel.”
This introspective moment reveals Kaladin’s protective nature, even in his own suffering. It showcases his characteristic self-sacrifice and the complex dynamic between Radiants and their spren, while foreshadowing his internal conflict about burdening others.
4. “Bridge Four was something they used to belong to. A legendary team already passed into myth.”
This poignant reflection highlights the theme of change and the painful transition from active participant to living legend. It underscores how Kaladin’s past glories have become distant history to others, intensifying his sense of isolation.
5. “He kept on the proper face all the way to his rooms, and was proud of himself for it. Then he stepped inside and found an empty nothingness.”
This powerful contrast between Kaladin’s public composure and private despair perfectly encapsulates the chapter’s central tension. The physical emptiness of his quarters mirrors his emotional state, revealing the hollowness behind his maintained facade.