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.
44. Tinder Waiting for the Spark
bySanderson, Brandon
Kaladin carries an unconscious Teft through the dark tunnels of Urithiru, fleeing from his past decisions and the consequences of defying the queen’s orders. Each step feels like a fracture in his life, leaving behind metaphorical stains of guilt and failure. Despite his exhaustion, he pushes forward, relying on Stormlight to sustain him, though he worries about running out of energy. Syl, his spren companion, scouts ahead, guiding him through the labyrinthine tower, now an enemy stronghold rather than a sanctuary. Kaladin’s thoughts oscillate between determination and despair as he grapples with the weight of his choices.
As they navigate the unfamiliar floors, Kaladin reflects on his past as a soldier, drawing parallels between carrying Teft and the burdens of bridge runs. The physical strain is familiar, but the emotional toll is heavier, haunted by memories of lost comrades and his recent failures. Syl suggests moving to higher, less inhabited floors for safety, though she admits her limited knowledge of this section of the tower. Kaladin’s resilience is tested as he alternates between relying on Stormlight and his own strength, clinging to the hope of finding refuge.
Their journey takes a dangerous turn when Kaladin senses an unseen threat and instinctively hides, covering his sphere’s light to avoid detection. A Fused, a deadly enemy he had previously defeated, appears in the hallway, its crimson glow illuminating its terrifying form. Kaladin remains motionless, praying Teft’s murmurs don’t betray their hiding spot. The Fused pauses but moves on, leaving Kaladin to confront the reality of being hunted by a vengeful foe. He knows a direct confrontation would be perilous, especially without the element of surprise.
The chapter captures Kaladin’s internal struggle as he balances duty, guilt, and survival. His physical journey through Urithiru mirrors his emotional turmoil, with each step deepening his isolation. Syl’s presence provides guidance, but the looming threat of the Fused underscores the precariousness of their situation. Kaladin’s resolve is tempered by fear and regret, yet he presses on, driven by loyalty to Teft and the need to escape the consequences of his rebellion. The chapter ends with tension unresolved, leaving readers anticipating the next confrontation.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict is Kaladin experiencing as he flees through Urithiru, and how does this manifest in his thoughts and actions?
Answer:
Kaladin is torn between his duty to obey the queen’s orders and his personal commitment to rescue Teft from captivity. This conflict manifests in his guilt-ridden thoughts about abandoning his family and leaving “stained tracks” behind him (pg. 577-578). He oscillates between self-doubt (“What did he think he could accomplish by himself?”) and determination, suppressing his emotions to focus on survival. His physical actions—jogging with Teft, relying on Stormlight, and avoiding introspection—reflect his attempt to outrun both literal and metaphorical consequences of his choice.2. Analyze how Syl’s role in this chapter highlights the evolving dynamic between her and Kaladin.
Answer:
Syl acts as both guide and partner, scouting intersections and suggesting routes (pg. 578-579), but their relationship shows tension. Kaladin’s dependence on her is practical (e.g., light sources, navigation), yet he withholds his emotional state, telling her “No thoughts. Thoughts are dangerous” (pg. 578). This contrasts with earlier collaborations where Syl probed his feelings. Her concern (“Can you manage?”) and adaptability (leading him despite unfamiliar terrain) underscore her growth into a strategic ally, while Kaladin’s reticence hints at his regression into soldier-mode to avoid confronting his trauma.3. How does the reappearance of the Fused create narrative tension, and what might it foreshadow?
Answer:
The Fused’s arrival (pg. 579) escalates immediate danger—Kaladin is unarmed (carrying only a scalpel) and burdened by Teft—while symbolizing unresolved past conflicts. The creature’s “revenge” motive suggests persistent threats from previous battles, foreshadowing a recurring cycle of violence. The scene’s suspense derives from Kaladin’s vulnerability: hiding in darkness, silencing Teft, and lacking Stormlight. This encounter implies future confrontations will require more than physical combat, as the Fused’s arrogance (exploited in their last fight) may no longer be a weakness Kaladin can rely on.4. Evaluate the significance of Kaladin’s comparison between carrying Teft and “carrying a bridge.” What does this reveal about his psychological state?
Answer:
The analogy (pg. 579) exposes Kaladin’s trauma. While the physical familiarity of burden-bearing offers momentary focus, it triggers memories of Bridge Four’s horrors—watching friends die and daily terror. This parallel reveals his subconscious association of rescue missions with loss and failure, undermining his current heroism. The “rhythm of steps” provides mechanical comfort, but his immediate recall of trauma suggests he views himself as doomed to repeat cycles of sacrifice and grief, reinforcing his earlier sense of life “crumbling like glass” (pg. 577).5. How does Sanderson use sensory details to convey Urithiru’s atmosphere and Kaladin’s isolation?
Answer:
The chapter employs auditory (“phantom cracking,” Teft’s muttering), visual (flickering Stormlight, “red eyes” of the Fused), and tactile (Teft’s weight, the scalpel’s presence) imagery to heighten tension. Urithiru’s tunnels—dark, unpainted, and labyrinthine—mirror Kaladin’s disorientation (pg. 578-579). The “stained tracks” metaphor (pg. 577) blends physical and moral exhaustion, while the Fused’s “red light” intrusion contrasts with Kaladin’s dwindling Stormlight, emphasizing his precarious isolation. These details transform the setting into an extension of his fractured psyche.
Quotes
1. “Kaladin jogged through the dark tunnels of Urithiru, Teft across his shoulders, feeling as if he could hear his life crumbling underfoot with each step. A phantom cracking, like glass shattering.”
This opening passage powerfully captures Kaladin’s emotional and physical state as he flees—weighed down by both Teft and the consequences of his choices. The glass metaphor foreshadows his fragile mental state and the breaking point he approaches.
2. “He’d made his decision. He would not leave his friend to the whims of enemy captivity. But though he’d finally thought to take off his bloodied shoes […] he still felt as if he were leaving stained tracks behind him.”
This quote exemplifies Kaladin’s defining trait of loyalty, even at great personal cost. The symbolic “stained tracks” reflect his lingering guilt over abandoning his family and duty, despite his conviction to save Teft.
3. “No, he thought to himself. No thoughts. Thoughts are dangerous. Just move.”
A pivotal moment showing Kaladin’s survival mindset—suppressing reflection to avoid paralyzing guilt. This internal command mirrors his soldier’s training and highlights his deteriorating mental state as he avoids confronting his trauma.
4. “The Fused didn’t seem to spot Kaladin hiding in the darkness, though he did pause at the intersection for an extended period of time. He moved on, thankfully, going deeper along the path Kaladin had been taking.”
This tense encounter with the reborn Fused represents both immediate danger and foreshadowing of future conflicts. The near-miss emphasizes Kaladin’s vulnerability while carrying Teft and establishes ongoing stakes for their escape.