Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
40. In for All
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a reflection on the nature of Odium’s power, suggesting it corrupts its Vessel and drives destructive impulses. Navani Kholin arrives at the map room in Urithiru to find it bustling with activity as officers and soldiers prepare for an imminent attack. The tower is under siege by enemy forces, including Stormform Regals and Heavenly Ones, who have infiltrated multiple floors. With the Radiants incapacitated and fabrials malfunctioning, the defenders are at a severe disadvantage, and Navani quickly assesses the dire situation.
Navani takes charge, proposing strategic barricades to hold key floors despite the overwhelming odds. She interacts with Battalionlord Teofil, a darkeyed officer promoted for merit, who provides a grim assessment of their tactical weaknesses. The enemy controls critical areas like the Oathgates and the basement, where the crystal pillar—potentially linked to the Radiants’ collapse—is located. Tension rises as officers debate the feasibility of holding their ground, with some expressing despair at facing the Fused without Radiant support.
Teofil advises Navani to consider surrender, given the hopelessness of their position, but she refuses to yield. Instead, she hypothesizes that reclaiming the crystal pillar room could reverse the Radiants’ condition. This sparks a shift in strategy: a risky counterattack to retake the basement. Teofil and the officers weigh the near-suicidal odds, but Navani’s determination and potential solution rally them. The chapter highlights her leadership under pressure and the stark reality of their dwindling options.
The scene closes with Navani and Teofil planning a desperate assault, underscoring the themes of sacrifice and resilience. The tower’s oppressive silence contrasts with the earlier chaos, amplifying the gravity of their decision. Navani’s internal resolve—to avoid micromanaging while still providing direction—reflects her growth as a leader. The chapter sets the stage for a pivotal confrontation, blending tactical urgency with deeper questions about power, control, and hope in the face of annihilation.
FAQs
1. What is the main crisis facing Navani and the Kholin forces in this chapter, and what are its immediate consequences?
Answer:
The main crisis is a coordinated attack by enemy forces (Stormform Regals and Heavenly Ones) who have infiltrated the tower through multiple entry points, including the basement and balconies. The immediate consequences include the incapacitation of all Radiants in the tower (rendering their most powerful defenders useless), the loss of key strategic locations like the library rooms and the pillar where the Sibling resides, and the disabling of fabrials (magical devices) including Soulcasters. This leaves the Kholin forces severely outmatched, as they must now face supernatural enemies with limited resources and no Radiant support.2. How does Navani demonstrate leadership in this critical situation, and what challenges does she face in making decisions?
Answer:
Navani demonstrates leadership by quickly assessing the situation, gathering information from her officers, and proposing a strategic response—initially focusing on barricading key stairwells to slow the enemy advance. She remains calm under pressure, as seen when she reassures the nervous young officer and seeks advice from experienced commanders like Battalionlord Teofil. However, she faces significant challenges, including the overwhelming strength of the Fused (who can heal and fly), the lack of functional fabrials, and the moral dilemma of whether to fight a seemingly hopeless battle or surrender. Her internal monologue reveals her self-awareness (“You’re not a general”) and the weight of her decisions.3. Analyze the significance of Battalionlord Teofil’s character and his role in the chapter. What does his presence reveal about changes in Alethi society?
Answer:
Teofil is a darkeyed battalionlord, a rarity in Alethi society, which traditionally reserves high military ranks for lighteyes. His presence reflects Dalinar’s reforms promoting merit over eye color, a significant shift in Alethi hierarchy. Teofil’s competence and calm demeanor contrast with the nervousness of some lighteyed officers, underscoring the arbitrariness of the old system. His pragmatic advice—such as questioning the viability of barricades and even suggesting surrender—highlights his strategic thinking. However, the chapter also notes lingering resistance to these changes, as Navani initially mistakes his title (“Brightlord”) and some darkeyes still find the reforms unnatural.4. What strategic options does Navani consider, and what are the potential risks and benefits of each?
Answer:
Navani considers three main options:- Barricading and holding key floors: This could buy time for Dalinar’s return, but Teofil warns that the Fused can bypass barricades by flying or moving through stone, making this a temporary solution.
- Surrendering: While distasteful, it might save lives against an unbeatable foe, but the consequences of capture are unknown.
- Retaking the crystal pillar: Navani theorizes that reversing the Radiants’ incapacitation might be possible by reclaiming the pillar room. This is the riskiest option, requiring a counterattack into enemy-held territory, but it offers the only hope of turning the tide. Teofil supports this plan if it has a chance of success, showing how leadership balances pragmatism and hope.
5. How does the chapter portray the theme of technological vs. supernatural power, and what implications does this have for the conflict?
Answer:
The chapter highlights the limitations of technology (fabrials) when pitted against supernatural forces. The enemy’s ability to disable fabrials (except the Oathgates, which they repurpose) leaves the Kholin forces reliant on conventional tactics, which are ineffective against Fused who heal and fly. Navani’s expertise in fabrial science is rendered useless, forcing her to rely on leadership and improvisation. This dynamic underscores a broader theme in the series: the clash between human ingenuity and ancient, godlike powers. The chapter suggests that while technology is valuable, it may not be enough without complementary supernatural or strategic advantages.- Barricading and holding key floors: This could buy time for Dalinar’s return, but Teofil warns that the Fused can bypass barricades by flying or moving through stone, making this a temporary solution.
Quotes
1. “My instincts say that the power of Odium is not being controlled well. The Vessel will be adapted to the power’s will. And after this long, if Odium is still seeking to destroy, then it is because of the power.”
This opening quote establishes a crucial metaphysical insight about the nature of Odium’s power - suggesting the Shard’s intent ultimately dominates its bearer. It frames the chapter’s conflict by implying the cosmic forces at play are beyond mortal control.
2. “Damnation. The enemy had the library rooms then. And the pillar. Was that where the Sibling resided?”
Navani’s realization captures a pivotal tactical and spiritual turning point, where the loss of key locations threatens both physical defense and the tower’s mystical heart. The mention of the Sibling hints at deeper lore implications.
3. “Brightness, they got the drop on us, and there aren’t many of our troops in the tower. First floor was halfway overrun by the time we mobilized.”
This quote vividly conveys the desperate military situation, showing how quickly the defenders were overwhelmed. The rushed tone mirrors the chaos of the invasion and sets up the strategic dilemma that follows.
4. “If you want us to hold, we’ll hold as long as we can—but I want to make certain you understand the situation fully. In case you want to consider a different plan.”
Teofil’s pragmatic assessment represents the chapter’s central strategic crossroads. His respectful but blunt honesty highlights both the hopelessness of conventional defense and the need for unconventional leadership decisions.
5. “I suspect whatever the enemy did to the Radiants has to do with a specific construction of garnets in the crystal pillar. If we can retake that room, I might be able to reverse all this.”
Navani’s technical insight offers the chapter’s sole glimmer of hope, combining her scholarly expertise with leadership. This quote sets up the potential solution to the Radiant crisis while underscoring the high-stakes gamble required.