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.
51. To Sing Hopeless Songs
bySanderson, Brandon
The chapter opens with Raboniel questioning Venli about the literacy of her staff, criticizing their adherence to human customs. Venli defends her team, explaining their Alethi cultural background and lamenting the loss of the listeners, who were taken by Odium. Raboniel probes Venli’s loyalty, asking why she serves so eagerly despite Odium’s actions against her people. Venli responds with a rehearsed answer, praising Odium’s selectivity, while internally reflecting on her past aspirations for immortality.
Raboniel observes the chaotic scene in the hallway, where Venli’s staff and human scribes are sorting through notes and equipment. She interprets the human queen’s actions as a deliberate stalling tactic and an attempt to eavesdrop. Venli agrees, noting the queen’s cleverness, but expresses skepticism about the humans’ ability to understand Raboniel’s language. The tension between the Fused and the humans is palpable, with both sides maneuvering for advantage.
Venli privately confides in her spren, Timbre, about her lack of desire to become a Fused, despite her past ambitions. She meets Dul, a trusted member of her inner circle, to discuss their escape plans. Dul reports progress in covertly preparing supply packs for their eventual flight. Venli remains determined, believing that an opportunity to escape will arise during the inevitable upheaval in Urithiru.
The chapter concludes with Venli and Dul strategizing their escape route through the mountains, emphasizing Venli’s meticulous planning and memorization of the path. Their conversation underscores the precariousness of their situation and their readiness to seize any chance to flee. The interplay of loyalty, survival, and hidden motives drives the narrative forward, setting the stage for future conflicts and revelations.
FAQs
1. Comprehension Question
What is Raboniel’s assessment of the human queen’s behavior with the boxes in the hallway, and what strategic purpose might this serve?
Answer:
Raboniel observes that the human queen is deliberately creating chaos by constantly reshuffling boxes in the hallway. She interprets this as a stalling tactic disguised as disorganization, allowing the queen to buy time without appearing to interfere directly. Additionally, Raboniel suspects the queen is attempting to establish a presence outside the shielded room to position her people where they might overhear conversations—possibly because some humans can understand Raboniel’s language. This reflects the queen’s resourcefulness in gathering intelligence while maintaining plausible deniability (referenced on page 647).2. Analytical Question
How does Venli’s response to Raboniel about serving Odium reveal her internal conflict and growth?
Answer:
Venli claims that only the “very best” of her people were worthy of Odium’s favor, a rehearsed answer that masks her true feelings. This reflects her survival instincts under scrutiny. However, her later whisper to Timbre—acknowledging her past self would have been “thrilled” by immortality—shows self-awareness of her ideological shift. The contrast highlights her growth from ambition to disillusionment, though she still navigates loyalty cautiously to protect her covert plans (pages 647–648).3. Application Question
If you were part of Venli’s escape plan, what practical challenges would you anticipate based on the chapter’s details?
Answer:
Key challenges include: (1) Evading surveillance, as the Fused are on high alert for Alethi scouts; (2) Securing supplies discreetly, though Venli’s team is already prepping packs; and (3) Timing the escape to coincide with a diversion (e.g., a human revolt). The chapter emphasizes the need for secrecy—Venli checks Shadesmar for spies—and reliance on her memorized mountain route. The plan hinges on exploiting chaos, suggesting flexibility is critical (page 648).4. Critical Thinking Question
Raboniel compares Odium’s denial of “Passions” to mortals with the Fused’s similar tendencies. What does this imply about power dynamics in their society?
Answer:
Raboniel’s remark—”we are like him”—suggests a cyclical abuse of power: Odium and the Fused both hoard autonomy (e.g., questioning, curiosity) for themselves while restricting it in others. This mirrors historical oppression, where elites justify exclusivity (“elevation”) as merit-based. The irony lies in Raboniel’s amusement, which critiques the system while perpetuating it. It invites reflection on whether power inevitably corrupts, even among immortals (page 647).5. Thematic Question
How does the epigraph (“This song… sounds so familiar”) resonate with Venli’s arc in this chapter?
Answer:
The epigraph’s theme of unrecognized familiarity parallels Venli’s duality: she performs loyalty like a “familiar” song for Raboniel but harmonizes with Determination and Amusement for her true goals. Just as the song’s meaning is elusive, Venli’s defiance is hidden beneath compliance. The “rhythm” also mirrors her strategic patience—waiting for the right moment to act, much like a song’s unresolved tension (epigraph and pages 646–648).
Quotes
1. “Your staff shouldn’t follow foolish human customs.”
Raboniel criticizes Venli’s staff for adopting Alethi cultural norms, highlighting the tension between Singer traditions and human influences. This quote underscores the cultural conflict central to the chapter.
2. “And to wonder, to question, is a Passion.”
Venli defends her questioning nature by framing it as a virtue in Odium’s theology. This reveals her nuanced understanding of Fused ideology while subtly asserting her intellectual independence.
3. “She’s creating ways to stall that won’t appear like purposeful interference.”
Raboniel analyzes Queen Navani’s tactics, demonstrating her strategic acumen. This insight into the cat-and-mouse game between occupiers and occupied drives much of the chapter’s tension.
4. “I knew that only the very best among us would earn his favor and reward. Most were simply not worthy.”
Venli’s carefully crafted response about Odium’s culling of her people reveals both her survival instincts and the painful cognitive dissonance required to serve those who destroyed her culture.
5. “The person I was not so long ago would have been thrilled by the possibility of becoming immortal.”
In a private moment with Timbre, Venli reflects on her personal growth. This introspective quote contrasts her past ambitions with her current values, showing her evolving character arc.