Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
38. Rhythm of the Terrors
by Sanderson, BrandonNavani arrives at the scene of a devastating explosion in the tower, which claimed the lives of two expert scholars, Nem and Talnah, and destroyed their laboratory. The blast also obliterated Szeth’s mysterious Voidlight sphere, a relic Gavilar had deemed highly significant. Overwhelmed by guilt, Navani suspects her request to study the sphere may have triggered the catastrophe. As she surveys the wreckage, the gruesome aftermath—including dismembered bodies under five sheets—deepens her unease. She orders Rushu to meticulously document the scene, sensing the explosion’s unnatural nature, as fabrials typically don’t detonate.
Meanwhile, Navani’s investigation leads her to question the voiceless prisoner who delivered the ruby, seeking possible links between the explosion and recent cryptic communications. Determined to uncover the truth, she summons Radiants for assistance, reflecting her growing frustration with the tower’s unexplained disturbances. The chapter underscores Navani’s resolve to confront the mounting mysteries, even as the weight of responsibility for the scholars’ deaths weighs heavily on her.
The narrative shifts to Venli’s perspective, detailing her grueling ascent with Raboniel’s forces through Urithiru’s tunnels. Exhausted but driven, Venli relies on Timbre’s comforting rhythm to endure the march. The tension escalates as they near the tower’s basement, where Deepest Ones have silently eliminated human guards. The glowing eyes of Voidspren-infused soldiers pierce the darkness, heightening the sense of impending invasion. Venli’s internal conflict—balancing her Radiant identity with her deceptive role—adds layers to the scene.
The chapter culminates in a pivotal moment as Raboniel’s forces prepare to breach Urithiru’s heart. The door ahead opens, signaling the invasion’s critical phase. Venli’s anxiety mirrors the high stakes: if Radiants rally to defend the tower, the assault could fail. The juxtaposition of Navani’s investigative turmoil and Venli’s physical and emotional strain creates a gripping parallel, emphasizing the converging threats to Urithiru’s stability.
FAQs
1. What were the immediate consequences of the explosion in Navani’s tower, and why was the loss particularly significant?
Answer:
The explosion resulted in two fatalities—Nem and Talnah, who were expert lensmakers, astronomers, and gemstone scholars—and destroyed their shared laboratory, including thousands of broams worth of equipment. Most critically, it claimed Szeth’s Voidlight sphere, which Gavilar had deemed invaluable. Navani felt responsible, as she had tasked the scholars with studying the sphere. The loss was compounded by the unusual nature of the explosion, as fabrials and spheres typically do not detonate. This event heightened Navani’s suspicions about recent disturbances in the tower and prompted her to investigate further.2. How does Venli’s physical and emotional state during the ascent to Urithiru reflect the broader tensions of her situation?
Answer:
Venli endures extreme physical strain during the climb, relying on her Regal form for strength while resisting the temptation to use Stormlight, which would reveal her Radiant abilities. Her exhaustion and pain mirror her precarious position as a spy among the enemy—she must maintain her cover despite the toll it takes. Timbre’s comforting rhythm provides emotional support, symbolizing her hidden allegiance to the Radiants. The relentless pace set by Raboniel and the silent, tense approach to Urithiru underscore the high stakes of the invasion and Venli’s internal conflict as she balances survival with loyalty.3. What strategic concerns does Navani demonstrate in her response to the explosion, and how do they align with her leadership role?
Answer:
Navani’s actions reveal her methodical and protective leadership. She prioritizes safety by allowing Rushu to inspect the wreckage first, despite her authority to override the guards. She then orders a meticulous cataloging of the debris to uncover clues about the explosion’s cause, recognizing its anomalous nature. Her decision to consult Radiants about the voiceless prisoner and her frustration with unanswered questions highlight her proactive approach to threats. These steps reflect her dual focus on preserving life and solving mysteries, embodying her role as both a scholar and a leader in crisis.4. Analyze the significance of the Deepest Ones in the assault on Urithiru. What vulnerabilities and advantages do they present?
Answer:
The Deepest Ones serve as stealth operatives, capable of silently eliminating guards and infiltrating Urithiru’s basement undetected. Their ability to merge with stone provides a tactical advantage for surprise attacks, but they lack the strength to confront Radiants directly in open combat. This duality makes them effective for initial infiltration but reliant on the main force for sustained assault. Their success hinges on avoiding early detection, as Radiant defenders could neutralize their advance. The tension in the scene underscores the precariousness of their role in the larger invasion plan.5. How does the chapter juxtapose Navani’s and Venli’s narratives to highlight themes of uncertainty and hidden threats?
Answer:
Both narratives explore characters grappling with unseen dangers. Navani confronts the mystery of the explosion and the tower’s disturbances, symbolizing the destabilization of her ordered world. Meanwhile, Venli’s physical struggle and covert mission emphasize the pervasive fear of discovery. The chapter contrasts Navani’s intellectual pursuit of answers with Venli’s physical endurance, yet both women face existential threats—Navani from an unknown saboteur, Venli from her double agency. This parallel structure reinforces the novel’s themes of instability and the cost of hidden truths in a world at war.
Quotes
1. “You have not felt what I have. You have not known what I have. You rejected that chance—and wisely, I think.”
This opening italicized line sets a haunting tone for the chapter, suggesting a deep divide in experience and perspective between the speaker and the addressed. It hints at themes of trauma, choice, and the burden of knowledge that permeate the narrative.
2. “She had caused this somehow by asking those two women to study the sphere. Now she’d likely lost it and the lives of two expert scholars. Storms. What had happened?”
This quote captures Navani’s moment of horrified realization about the consequences of her actions. The explosion and deaths weigh heavily on her, showing the dangerous nature of their research and the personal cost of scientific pursuit in this world.
3. “By the time the second hour had passed—judged by the Rhythm of Peace—Venli’s legs were aching, her breathing ragged from the hike.”
This passage introduces Venli’s perspective and the physical toll of their mission, while also showcasing the unique worldbuilding element of the Rhythms. The contrast between the peaceful rhythm and Venli’s suffering creates powerful tension.
4. “They were here. Finally. The tunnel had come up beneath the city of Urithiru, and would now emerge into the basement chambers.”
This moment marks a critical turning point in the chapter as the invading force reaches their target. The simple “Finally” conveys both relief and dread, foreshadowing the confrontation to come at Urithiru’s heart.