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.
31. Daughter of Traitors
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter follows Venli, a Regal serving under the Fused Raboniel, as she accompanies a strike team through treacherous mountain passes toward the hidden human fortress of Urithiru. The group includes the enigmatic *makay-im*, or Deepest Ones, a brand of Fused with unique abilities to meld with stone. Venli is fascinated by their smooth, patterned bodies and their Surge of liquefying stone, observing their aloof demeanor and unnatural movement. Raboniel, a formidable and ancient Fused, pushes the group at a relentless pace, eager to reach their destination undetected by Windrunner patrols.
Venli’s role as Raboniel’s Voice is complicated by her status as the “daughter of traitors,” a label she carries despite Leshwi’s trust in her. The harsh, storm-scarred landscape of the highland valley reflects the peril of their mission, with barren rock and resilient flora offering little shelter. Venli’s curiosity about the Deepest Ones draws Raboniel’s attention, raising her anxiety as she fears her bond and true loyalties might be discovered. Raboniel, however, seems intrigued rather than suspicious, praising Venli’s curiosity as a worthy Passion.
Raboniel’s cryptic remarks suggest she suspects Venli’s role as a spy for Leshwi, though the extent of her knowledge remains unclear. She probes Venli about her interest in the Deepest Ones, hinting at a deeper understanding of the Surges and the nine brands of Fused. Venli treads carefully, avoiding outright lies while concealing her true intentions. The tension between them grows as Raboniel’s satisfaction with Venli’s “irregular” nature hints at a dangerous game of deception and trust.
The chapter culminates in a quiet but charged exchange, with Raboniel acknowledging Leshwi’s cunning and Venli’s precarious position. Venli’s internal struggle with Anxiety and Agony underscores the stakes of her mission, as she balances her loyalty to Leshwi with the need to survive Raboniel’s scrutiny. The looming threat of exposure and the unknown dangers of Urithiru cast a shadow over the group’s progress, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.
FAQs
1. Who are the makay-im, and how do they differ from other Fused?
Answer:
The makay-im, or “Those Ones of the Depths,” are a unique brand of Fused characterized by their smooth, hairless bodies with minimal carapace—only covering their heads and genitals. Their vibrant patterns are prominently displayed, and they possess a sinuous, long-limbed physique. Unlike other Fused, they wield the Surge of turning stone into liquid and move distinctively by melding with the ground, appearing to slide across it as if pushed by an unseen current. Their glowing red eyes are described as darker and more sinister than those of other Fused. They remain aloof, rarely interacting with others in the strike team, and wear open-fronted robes or nothing at all.2. Why is Venli so apprehensive about Raboniel’s attention, and what does this reveal about her hidden loyalties?
Answer:
Venli is apprehensive because Raboniel is a highly perceptive Fused, and Venli fears her secret bond with Timbre (a spren) and her true loyalties might be discovered. Raboniel’s sudden interest in Venli’s curiosity about the makay-im raises alarms, as Venli is already wary of exposing her role as Leshwi’s spy. Timbre’s anxious thrumming within Venli underscores this tension. The interaction reveals Venli’s dual allegiance: outwardly serving Raboniel while secretly working for Leshwi, who values her competence despite her traitorous lineage. Raboniel’s probing questions force Venli to carefully navigate her responses to avoid suspicion.3. Analyze Raboniel’s leadership style and how it influences the group’s dynamics.
Answer:
Raboniel is a demanding and efficient leader, setting a relentless pace for the strike team and prioritizing mission success over comfort. She has exchanged stately robes for practical battle leathers, reflecting her focus on the task. Her praise of Venli’s curiosity as a “worthy Passion” suggests she values intellectual engagement, but her tone remains calculating—she rewards competence, not kindness. Her ability to discern Leshwi’s strategic mind (calling her “dangerous”) highlights her own sharp perception. This leadership creates a tense, disciplined atmosphere, with little room for camaraderie, as seen in the makay-im’s aloofness and Venli’s cautious obedience.4. How does the environment of the mountain passes reflect the challenges faced by the strike team?
Answer:
The harsh, barren highlands—marked by rugged rockbuds, storm-resistant trees, and scorched earth—mirror the team’s arduous journey. The Everstorm’s fury is evident in lightning-scarred terrain, symbolizing the constant threat of discovery by Windrunner patrols. The coldspren pointing skyward and lack of lifespren emphasize the hostile, lifeless conditions. Raboniel’s strategy of traveling on foot during storms or at night underscores the need for stealth in this unforgiving landscape, where the environment itself is both an obstacle and a shield against detection.5. What does Raboniel’s comment about Leshwi—“She is dangerous, and that is good”—reveal about the Fused’s values and power structures?
Answer:
Raboniel’s remark underscores that Fused culture prizes strategic cunning and lethal capability over overt displays of power. By praising Leshwi’s ability to make others underestimate her, Raboniel implies that true strength lies in subtlety and unpredictability. This aligns with her earlier statement that Fused “reward competence and Passion,” not kindness. The comment also hints at a hierarchy where perceived weakness is a liability, and “dangerous” individuals like Leshwi are valued assets. It reflects a worldview where survival and dominance depend on intellect and deception as much as raw power.
Quotes
1. “I do not share their attitude. If you can, as you suppose, maintain Odium’s prison for now, it would give us necessary time to plan. This is a threat beyond the capacity of one Shard to face.”
This opening statement sets the high-stakes tone of the chapter, hinting at the cosmic conflict between Shards and the precarious nature of Odium’s imprisonment. It introduces the theme of collaboration against overwhelming threats.
2. “These ones—called the makay-im, or ‘Those Ones of the Depths’—had access to one of her same Surges: the ability to turn stone into a liquid.”
This quote introduces the mysterious Deepest Ones Fused and their unique Surge manipulation, showcasing the fascinating worldbuilding and variety of powers among the Fused. It highlights the chapter’s exploration of different singer forms and abilities.
3. “Fused are not kind; they reward competence and Passion. Even if one is the daughter of traitors.”
Raboniel’s blunt statement reveals the harsh meritocracy of Fused society and directly addresses Venli’s conflicted position as the “daughter of traitors.” This encapsulates the chapter’s tension between past sins and present opportunities.
4. “She is among the most clever and capable of the Heavenly Ones… I realize how much work she does to make others underestimate her. She is dangerous, and that is good.”
Raboniel’s assessment of Leshwi reveals the complex power dynamics among the Fused and the value placed on strategic deception. This insight into their hierarchy foreshadows potential conflicts while showing Raboniel’s perceptiveness.
5. “Nine brands of Fused. Nine Surges. You know of the Surges? ‘The innate forces by which all life, all reality, are connected.’”
This exchange begins a deeper exploration of the Cosmere’s fundamental magic system, positioning Venli’s curiosity about the Surges as both a character trait and a vehicle for worldbuilding exposition.