Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
2. Severed Cords
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Kaladin, a Surgebinder, engaging in combat with a new variety of Fused, formidable enemies with unique abilities. As he flares with Stormlight, his spren companion Syl transforms into a silvery spear, forcing back the encroaching singers. Kaladin avoids looking at his father, anticipating disappointment, while refugees scatter in panic. The Fused, a hulking figure, smiles at Kaladin, setting the stage for a tense confrontation. Syl’s telepathic banter adds a layer of urgency as Kaladin assesses the unfamiliar foe, noting its ugliness and unknown capabilities.
Kaladin reflects on the increasing diversity of Fused appearing on the battlefield, each with distinct powers akin to the Radiants. He recalls Jasnah’s theory of ten varieties, countered by Dalinar’s insistence on nine. This encounter marks the seventh type Kaladin has faced. Attempting to draw the Fused away from civilians, he uses his Lashing ability to maneuver through the air, but the dense fog limits his mobility. Syl warns him to be cautious, hinting at the unpredictability of the new Fused’s powers, foreshadowing the danger ahead.
The battle takes a dramatic turn when the Fused collapses into a streak of red-violet light, reforming instantly in front of Kaladin. The creature grabs him by the throat and slams him to the ground, demonstrating terrifying strength. Despite Kaladin’s Stormlight-enhanced resilience, the Fused’s grip is unyielding. Syl shifts forms to adapt, but the Fused’s relentless assault—repeatedly stabbing Kaladin’s neck to sever his spine—leaves him paralyzed and struggling to heal. The Fused’s precision suggests experience fighting Surgebinders, pushing Kaladin to the brink as his Stormlight depletes rapidly.
In a desperate move, Kaladin exploits a brief moment of mobility between stabs to headbutt the Fused, disrupting its grip. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Kaladin, vision swimming, feels the Fused cling to his coat. The intense combat highlights Kaladin’s resilience and tactical ingenuity, even as he faces overwhelming odds. Syl’s frantic concern underscores the gravity of the situation, leaving readers eager to see how Kaladin will overcome this life-threatening encounter.
FAQs
1. What new ability does the Fused exhibit in this chapter, and how does it differ from the abilities of other Fused Kaladin has encountered?
Answer:
The Fused demonstrates a unique ability to transform into a “small line of red-violet light” that can rapidly traverse distances before reforming into its physical shape. This differs from other Fused varieties Kaladin has fought, such as the shanay-im (Heavenly Ones) who specialize in aerial combat. The new Fused’s power allows for instantaneous repositioning, making it exceptionally dangerous in close-quarters combat. Notably, while in light form, it cannot attack—it must rematerialize to strike, as seen when it grabs Kaladin’s throat after reforming (pg. 46-47).2. How does Kaladin’s medical training influence his response to being paralyzed by the Fused?
Answer:
Kaladin’s surgical knowledge allows him to analytically assess his spinal cord injury as “repeated infliction of full paralysis” (pg. 47), recognizing the Fused’s strategy of preventing Stormlight-based healing through sustained damage. However, his soldier instincts override pure analysis; he notices a brief window of mobility between stabs and exploits it to headbutt the Fused. This blend of training highlights his dual identity—healer and warrior—and demonstrates how his combat experience complements his medical expertise in life-or-death situations.3. Analyze Syl’s role in this battle. How does her behavior reflect the evolving dynamics of her bond with Kaladin?
Answer:
Syl transitions between multiple roles: tactical advisor (warning about the Fused), weapon (spear/lance/dagger/shield), and emotional anchor (crying out when Kaladin is injured). Her frustration at Kaladin not acknowledging her earlier warning (“I’m going to keep reminding you…”) reveals their partnership’s playful yet strained dynamic (pg. 45-46). Notably, when Kaladin is paralyzed, she panics—”What should I do?“—showing dependency rather than guidance (pg. 47). This mirrors Kaladin’s own momentary vulnerability, underscoring how their bond makes them mutually reliant in crises.4. Why might the Fused’s combat strategy against Kaladin be considered particularly effective against Radiants?
Answer:
The Fused employs a methodical approach tailored to counter Stormlight healing:- Sustained damage: Repeated stabs to the spine prevent regeneration by outpacing Stormlight recovery (pg. 47).
- Positioning: Grappling from behind neutralizes Kaladin’s mobility and weapon use.
- Experience: The precision suggests prior knowledge of Surgebinder physiology.
This contrasts with Heavenly Ones, who favor honorable duels. The strategy exploits a key Radiant weakness—while Stormlight heals, it’s finite, and concentrated attacks can exhaust it faster than diffuse injuries.
5. How does the chapter’s epigraph about fabrials thematically connect to Kaladin’s confrontation?
Answer:
Navani’s lecture on trapping spren with partially infused gemstones (pg. 45) parallels Kaladin’s struggle:- Entrapment: Just as spren are lured by the gemstone, Kaladin is “trapped” by the Fused’s rapid strikes.
- Balance: The 70% Stormlight guideline mirrors Kaladin’s precarious state—neither fully disabled nor fully operational.
- Deception: The spren’s fascination with its “soon-to-be prison” reflects how Kaladin underestimates the Fused’s capabilities. Both scenarios involve manipulated targets and the danger of underestimating one’s adversary.
- Sustained damage: Repeated stabs to the spine prevent regeneration by outpacing Stormlight recovery (pg. 47).
Quotes
1. “Experiments have concluded that seventy percent of maximum Stormlight capacity works best.”
This epigraph from Navani Kholin’s lecture introduces a key technical detail about fabrial mechanics, setting the stage for the chapter’s themes of containment and power dynamics. It foreshadows the precision required in dealing with magical forces in this world.
2. “Kaladin pointedly avoided looking at his father, to not betray their relationship. Besides, he knew what he would see. Disappointment. So, nothing new.”
This poignant moment reveals Kaladin’s strained relationship with his father and his internalized sense of failure. It provides crucial character insight amid the action sequence, showing how personal struggles persist even during combat.
3. “This variety marked the seventh Kaladin had fought. And, winds willing, the seventh he would kill.”
This quote demonstrates Kaladin’s growing experience and confidence as a warrior, while also hinting at the escalating threat of new Fused varieties. It captures the ongoing arms race between Radiants and their enemies.
4. “The soldier in Kaladin worked more by instinct than deliberate thought, and noticed—despite spinning in the air, grappled by a terrible enemy—that he regained a single moment of mobility before each new stab.”
This passage highlights Kaladin’s exceptional combat instincts and adaptability, even in dire situations. It showcases the blend of training and intuition that makes him such a formidable warrior.
5. “A clever way of dealing with an enemy who could heal. Kaladin’s Stormlight would run out quickly at this rate.”
This moment of analytical thinking during combat reveals both Kaladin’s tactical mind and the strategic sophistication of their enemies. It underscores the constant innovation required in this magical arms race.