Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
24. Full of Awe
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter delves into the internal dynamics of Shallan’s fractured psyche as Radiant, Shallan, and Veil navigate their shared consciousness during a voyage in Shadesmar. Radiant takes charge of daily routines, assigning tasks to companions while grappling with Shallan’s withdrawal and Veil’s recent violation of their compact. Tensions rise as Shallan insists on uncovering a suspected spy among their group, but Radiant feels ill-suited for espionage and focuses instead on documenting their surroundings and studying Ialai’s book for clues about the Ghostbloods and the mythical spren Ba-Ado-Mishram.
Radiant’s research reveals that the Ghostbloods, led by the enigmatic Thaidakar, are obsessed with Ba-Ado-Mishram—an Unmade spren imprisoned in a gemstone. This artifact, believed to be Mraize’s true objective, may hold the key to transporting Stormlight offworld. Shallan intermittently emerges, urging action to find the spy, but Radiant remains hesitant, prioritizing their collective stability over immediate investigation. The chapter highlights the trio’s struggle to reconcile their individual strengths and flaws while maintaining their fragile balance.
Veil unexpectedly regains control, relishing the opportunity to act in Shadesmar’s mysterious environment. Despite Shallan’s demands to hunt the spy, Veil deliberately avoids the task, instead provoking Shallan by creating poorly drawn sketches—a symbolic act of defiance and apology for her earlier transgression. This passive resistance forces Shallan to confront her own rigidity, while Radiant observes with cautious relief as Veil acknowledges her mistake and seeks reconciliation.
The chapter culminates in a tense but pivotal moment of unity among the three personas. Radiant and Veil align in their decision to delay the spy hunt, emphasizing the need for collective agreement over impulsive action. Veil’s apology and Radiant’s mediation hint at potential growth in their dynamic, though Shallan’s unresolved anger lingers. The interplay of guilt, responsibility, and forgiveness underscores their ongoing journey toward self-integration amidst the larger mysteries of Shadesmar and the Ghostbloods’ machinations.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Ba-Ado-Mishram in the chapter, and how does it connect to the Ghostbloods’ goals?
Answer:
Ba-Ado-Mishram is one of the Unmade, a powerful spren who took over for Odium after the Final Desolation and granted the singers forms of power. The chapter reveals that the Ghostbloods, led by Thaidakar, are obsessed with finding Ba-Ado-Mishram, who was captured and imprisoned in a gemstone long ago. Radiant deduces that Mraize, a Ghostblood operative, is hunting this gemstone, believing it may hold the key to transporting Stormlight offworld. This connects to the broader theme of interworld conflict and the Ghostbloods’ mysterious agenda, as Ba-Ado-Mishram’s power could be instrumental in their plans. The chapter also hints that rescuing Ba-Ado-Mishram might align with the Midnight Mother’s interests, adding layers to the political and supernatural stakes.2. How does the dynamic between Radiant, Shallan, and Veil evolve in this chapter, and what does it reveal about their shared identity?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the tension and cooperation among the three personas—Radiant, Shallan, and Veil—as they navigate their voyage in Shadesmar. Shallan is emotionally drained and distrustful after Veil violated their compact by seizing control without consent. Radiant, the disciplined and guilt-ridden persona, tries to mediate, while Veil seeks redemption by acknowledging her mistake. Their interactions reveal the fragility of their shared identity: Shallan’s growing anxiety, Radiant’s guilt over past actions, and Veil’s rebellious yet apologetic nature. The chapter underscores that their unity is precarious, as each persona has distinct strengths and flaws, and their ability to function depends on mutual trust and adherence to their compact.3. What role does Shadesmar play in the chapter, and how does it influence the characters’ actions and perspectives?
Answer:
Shadesmar, the cognitive realm, serves as both a setting and a catalyst for the characters’ introspection and conflict. Its surreal environment—a bead ocean, a static sky, and strange spren—creates a sense of isolation and mystery. For Radiant, it’s a place of duty and observation; for Veil, it’s an opportunity for espionage and adventure; and for Shallan, it’s a source of stress and unresolved questions. The alien nature of Shadesmar amplifies the personas’ struggles, as they grapple with their mission (finding the spy) and their internal discord. The realm’s otherworldly qualities also mirror the characters’ fractured identities, emphasizing themes of exploration and self-discovery.4. Why is the spy subplot significant, and how do the characters approach uncovering it?
Answer:
The spy subplot is a critical thread in the chapter, reflecting the broader conflict with the Ghostbloods and the need for vigilance. Shallan is fixated on identifying the spy among the Lightweavers, believing it’s urgent, while Radiant and Veil prioritize other tasks, such as studying Shadesmar and reconciling their fractured dynamic. Veil’s earlier actions—inviting suspicious individuals to test them—show her proactive but reckless approach. The disagreement over how to handle the spy highlights the personas’ differing priorities: Shallan’s paranoia, Radiant’s caution, and Veil’s cunning. This subplot underscores the tension between immediate action and strategic patience in their mission.5. How does the chapter explore the theme of guilt and redemption, particularly through Veil’s actions?
Answer:
The chapter delves into guilt and redemption through Veil’s acknowledgment of her violation of the compact. Her apology—”I’m sorry for violating the compact”—shows her recognition of the harm caused by seizing control without consensus. Radiant’s guilt over her own past actions (implied but not detailed) and Shallan’s refusal to let Veil retreat illustrate the cyclical nature of their struggles. Veil’s attempt at drawing, despite her lack of skill, symbolizes her effort to make amends by enduring Shallan’s frustration. This theme reinforces the idea that growth requires accountability, even when it’s painful, and that redemption is a collective process for the three personas.
Quotes
1. “Radiant did not want to be in control at the moment.”
This quote highlights the internal struggle among Shallan’s personas, emphasizing Radiant’s reluctance to lead after Veil’s violation of their compact. It sets the tone for the chapter’s exploration of identity and responsibility.
2. “We’re supposed to be getting better, not worse.”
Shallan’s frustrated thought captures the central tension of her character arc—her battle with dissociative identity disorder and her desire for self-improvement. This moment reveals her vulnerability and self-doubt.
3. “By capturing Ba-Ado-Mishram—locking her in a gemstone—humankind had stolen the minds of the singers in ancient times.”
This revelation about the Unmade spren provides crucial lore about Roshar’s history and connects to the Ghostbloods’ motivations. It represents a key worldbuilding moment that expands the series’ mythological framework.
4. “It was the perfect place for Shallan.”
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates Shallan’s complex relationship with Shadesmar—a realm of mystery that both challenges and complements her fractured identity. It marks a turning point where Veil acknowledges Shallan’s suitability for this environment.
5. “I’m sorry for violating the compact. I needed to get those three on the mission so I could watch them. But I should have persuaded you two first.”
Veil’s apology represents growth in the personas’ relationship and shows their evolving dynamic. This moment of reconciliation demonstrates their shared commitment to working together despite their differences.