Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
25. Devotary of Mercy
by Sanderson, BrandonKaladin and Teft continue their search for Noril, a refugee who lost an arm and suffered severe shock. After being cared for by Kaladin’s father, Noril was sent to the ardents for rehabilitation. However, the ardents reveal they couldn’t fully help him due to his mental state, catching him attempting suicide before transferring him to the Devotary of Mercy. Kaladin reflects on the challenges of triage, struggling with the emotional toll of prioritizing some lives over others.
The ardent assisting Kaladin initially doesn’t recognize him, only realizing his identity when he uses his Radiant abilities to levitate cushions. She explains that Noril’s psychological wounds were beyond their capacity to treat, leading to his transfer. Teft criticizes the ardents for not sending Noril to the Devotary sooner, but Kaladin defends their efforts, acknowledging his father’s role in the decision. The chapter highlights the limitations of physical rehabilitation when deeper trauma is involved.
Guided by the ardent’s directions, Kaladin and Teft journey through the sprawling, often-unexplored corridors of Urithiru to reach the Devotary of Mercy. The tower’s vast, dimly lit interior evokes a sense of unease, with most inhabitants preferring the well-lit outer rim. Kaladin notes the oddity of the monastery’s secluded location, emphasizing the eerie atmosphere of the tower’s central sections. The setting underscores the isolation faced by those with mental struggles, mirroring Noril’s unseen suffering.
Upon arriving at the Devotary, marked by religious glyphs, Kaladin and Teft prepare to confront the next phase of their search. The chapter delves into themes of responsibility, the intersection of physical and mental health, and the challenges of navigating Urithiru’s imposing structure. Kaladin’s internal conflict—balancing his duties as a surgeon with the emotional weight of individual cases—adds depth to his character, while the eerie setting reinforces the novel’s atmospheric tension.
FAQs
1. What are the key differences between the Devotary of Mercy and the ardent’s devotary described in this chapter, and why was Noril transferred between them?
Answer:
The ardent’s devotary focuses on physical rehabilitation, specifically helping those who have lost limbs or senses in battle. In contrast, the Devotary of Mercy specializes in mental health care for those struggling with psychological trauma. Noril was transferred because while he had lost an arm (a physical injury), his deeper issues were psychological—he attempted suicide, indicating severe mental distress. This distinction shows the emerging specialization in Urithiru’s care systems, where different devotees handle different aspects of healing. The transfer also highlights gaps in initial triage, as Noril’s suicide risk wasn’t prioritized until after the attempt (Chapter 25).2. Analyze how Kaladin’s internal conflict about triage reflects his character development. How does this connect to his actions in searching for Noril?
Answer:
Kaladin struggles with the surgeon’s principle of prioritizing multiple lives over one, acknowledging he’s “never mastered” this aspect because “doing it hurt.” This reveals his deep empathy and inability to view people as statistics—a core trait since his early days as a reluctant soldier. His persistence in finding Noril, despite inefficient triage, mirrors his refusal to abandon Bridge Four members in earlier books. The chapter shows his growth isn’t about becoming emotionally detached but learning to balance duty with compassion, even when it contradicts practical logic (e.g., spending time on one refugee while others need care).3. How does the description of Urithiru’s geography and atmosphere contribute to the chapter’s themes?
Answer:
The eerie, unexplored corridors—where people avoid the dark center—create a physical metaphor for societal neglect of mental health. The Devotary of Mercy’s isolated location mirrors how mental health care is marginalized, tucked away from communal spaces. Teft’s comment about unseen watchers in explored areas parallels how trauma (like Noril’s) hides beneath surface-level “mapping.” This atmospheric tension reinforces the chapter’s focus on overlooked suffering and the need to confront uncomfortable realities, much like Kaladin must confront Noril’s suicide attempt despite his own discomfort with failure to save people.4. Evaluate the significance of the ardent recognizing Kaladin as “Brightlord Stormblessed” during the cushion scene. How does this moment intersect with broader themes?
Answer:
The recognition scene underscores Kaladin’s conflicted identity—he dislikes the lighteyed privilege (“as if being lighteyed wasn’t bad enough”) but uses his Radiant abilities casually (Lashing cushions). This mirrors his broader struggle with hero worship vs. his self-perception as a flawed healer. The moment also highlights how society elevates Radiants while neglecting ordinary sufferers like Noril. The ardent’s shift from dismissive to awed contrasts with the chapter’s emphasis on quiet, unglamorous acts of mercy, suggesting Kaladin’s true worth lies not in fame but in his persistent care for individuals like Noril.
Quotes
1. “Whimsy was not terribly useful, and Mercy worries me. I do think that Valor is reasonable, and suggest you approach her again. It has been too long, in her estimation, since your last conversation.”
This opening epigraph hints at tensions among the Shards (divine entities in the Cosmere), particularly highlighting Mercy’s concerning nature and Valor’s perceived reasonableness. It sets a thematic tone for the chapter’s exploration of mercy, trauma, and healing.
2. “Unfortunately, that was a part of being a surgeon that Kaladin had never mastered. Giving up on one to save two others? Sure, it was great in principle. But doing it hurt.”
This quote encapsulates Kaladin’s central conflict - his struggle with triage ethics and the emotional toll of prioritizing patients. It reveals his deeply empathetic nature that conflicts with practical medical realities.
3. “We sent him on to the Devotary of Mercy. They care for those who… have trouble with their minds.”
This pivotal moment introduces the chapter’s namesake and central theme - the Devotary of Mercy’s role in mental health care. It marks a transition in the narrative as Kaladin seeks help for a suicidal patient, expanding the story’s exploration of trauma beyond physical wounds.
4. “You might walk the woods every day and never see one out of a hundred things in there watching you.”
Teft’s observation about Urithiru’s unexplored depths serves as both literal description and metaphorical commentary on hidden trauma and unseen suffering. It reinforces the chapter’s themes of things lurking beneath surfaces - both in the tower and in people’s minds.
5. “There was still space on the rim of the fifth and sixth floors, so why had this monastery chosen such an inward section?”
Kaladin’s question about the Devotary’s isolated location mirrors the societal tendency to marginalize mental health issues. The physical placement of the monastery reflects how mental health care was often relegated to society’s shadows, a theme the chapter explores through Noril’s story.