Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
18. Surgeon
by Sanderson, BrandonKaladin stands on an Oathgate platform, reflecting on the snowy landscape and his concerns for Rock’s family, who departed weeks ago. He uses the Oathgate to teleport to the Shattered Plains, where he soars through the sky with his Windrunner abilities, contemplating his future. Though his comrades assume he’ll transition to a strategic role, Kaladin is uncertain about becoming an ambassador, fearing his discomfort in political settings. His internal conflict is punctuated by moments of flight, where he savors his powers but grapples with the impending change in his life.
Navani’s flying platform arrives, carrying refugees, and Kaladin greets them, apologizing for the delay. Later, he guides his parents through Urithiru’s labyrinthine halls, explaining how the tower’s organization has evolved from princedom-based sections to neighborhood-focused living spaces. The tower’s design is both majestic and perplexing, with strange architectural features that hint at a deeper, unfathomable purpose. Kaladin notes his parents’ awe and reflects on the challenges of maintaining community in such an immense and disorienting structure.
The chapter also includes an epigraph from Navani’s lecture on fabrial mechanics, discussing the Fused’s use of a unique metal that conducts Stormlight. She theorizes that the Fused employ an Investiture differential to extract Light from Radiants, though this remains unproven. This scientific curiosity contrasts with Kaladin’s personal struggles, highlighting the intersection of technological advancement and individual introspection in the narrative.
Kaladin’s tour of Urithiru with his parents underscores the tower’s enigmatic nature, from its impractical outcroppings to its seemingly intentional yet cryptic design elements. His thoughts drift to Laral, who is adjusting to life without her husband, and the broader implications of Jasnah’s new inheritance laws. The chapter weaves together Kaladin’s personal journey, the tower’s mysteries, and the broader world’s scientific and political developments, creating a rich tapestry of introspection and discovery.
FAQs
1. Factual Question
What is the significance of the metal mentioned in Navani’s lecture that conducts Stormlight, and how do the Fused use it?
Answer:
The metal described in Navani’s lecture is significant because it can conduct Stormlight, which has profound implications for fabrial technology. Fabrials are magical devices that utilize trapped spren (spirits of elements or concepts) and gemstones to perform various functions. The Fused use this metal in conjunction with a rudimentary fabrial—a simple gemstone without a spren inside—to pull Stormlight out of a Radiant and into the sphere. Navani theorizes that this process might work through an Investiture differential, where quickly removing Light from a full gemstone creates a pressure differential or vacuum effect. However, this remains unproven, highlighting the ongoing mystery and research into these advanced magical mechanics.2. Analytical Question
How does Kaladin’s internal conflict about his future reflect his character development in this chapter?
Answer:
Kaladin’s internal struggle over his future role—whether to become an ambassador, a strategic general, or something else—reveals his ongoing journey of self-discovery and acceptance. He acknowledges his discomfort with political negotiations, humorously comparing himself to “a horse in a uniform,” which underscores his self-awareness and humility. His reluctance to fully embrace change is evident when he thinks, “I’ll miss this,” regarding flying, but he quickly chastises himself for self-pity, showing his growth in managing emotions. This conflict highlights his transition from a battlefield leader to someone grappling with identity beyond combat, emphasizing themes of duty, adaptation, and personal dignity.3. Application Question
How does the organization of Urithiru’s living spaces reflect the challenges of managing a large, diverse population, and what solutions are proposed?
Answer:
Urithiru’s initial organization by Alethi princedoms led to inefficiencies, such as crowding people into poorly designed rooms and underutilizing the tower’s perimeter with natural light. Navani’s revised approach organizes residents by neighborhoods to foster community and practicality. This shift addresses the disorientation and isolation caused by the tower’s uniform, maze-like hallways. Kaladin notes how the strange architecture (e.g., dead-end hallways, inexplicable shafts) complicates logistics but also hints at intentional design. The solution balances practicality with cultural needs, ensuring better space utilization and a sense of belonging—key for refugees and displaced groups adapting to their new environment.4. Critical Thinking Question
Evaluate the symbolism of the tower’s “oddities” (e.g., dead-end hallways, stone tubes) in relation to the broader themes of the story.
Answer:
The tower’s seemingly illogical features—such as obstructive stone tubes or shafts plunging dozens of stories—symbolize the unknown and the limits of human understanding in a world governed by ancient, mystical forces. These oddities mirror the characters’ struggles to navigate their own “architectures” of duty, identity, and change. Just as the tower’s design hints at hidden purposes (e.g., crystal veins resembling glyphs), the characters’ lives contain unseen depths and meanings. The juxtaposition of frustration and awe—Kaladin calls the arrangement “mad” yet “purposeful”—reflects the broader theme of seeking meaning amid chaos, a central motif in the series’ exploration of leadership and destiny.5. Factual Question
What practical and emotional concerns does Kaladin have about Rock’s departure, and how does he cope with them?
Answer:
Kaladin worries about Rock’s safety after his departure with family and companions, noting they sent only one update via spanreed. Emotionally, he acknowledges he’ll never stop worrying, showing his deep care for his friends. However, he rationalizes that the trip’s logistics are now Sigzil’s responsibility, not his—a pragmatic acceptance of delegated duties. His brief musing about Teft’s refusal to become companylord further illustrates his tendency to shoulder others’ burdens, but he respects their autonomy. This blend of concern and restraint reveals his growth in balancing leadership with letting go.
Quotes
1. “The Fused have a second metal I find fascinating—a metal that conducts Stormlight. The implications for this in the creation of fabrials are astounding.”
This opening epigraph by Navani Kholin introduces a key scientific mystery in the chapter—the Fused’s unique metal and its potential to revolutionize fabrial technology. It sets the tone for the scholarly exploration of Investiture mechanics that underlies the narrative.
2. “In a perfect world, Teft would have become companylord—but the older Windrunner had given Kaladin a tongue-lashing at the mere suggestion.”
This reveals Kaladin’s struggle with leadership transitions and his respect for Teft’s boundaries. It highlights the interpersonal dynamics among the Windrunners as Kaladin steps back from command.
3. “Facing this change with dignity was difficult, but he would do it.”
A pivotal moment of self-reflection where Kaladin acknowledges his emotional struggle with retirement while resolving to handle it maturely. This represents his character growth throughout the chapter.
4. “These oddities had been built for reasons they couldn’t yet fathom.”
This observation about Urithiru’s mysterious architecture encapsulates the theme of discovery and ancient knowledge that permeates the chapter. It reflects both the wonder and frustration of exploring the tower’s secrets.
5. “Navani keeps saying we don’t know the half of what it [Urithiru] can do.”
The truncated final line (though incomplete) suggests the chapter’s overarching theme of untapped potential—both in the tower’s capabilities and in Kaladin’s own future as he transitions to a new role.