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.
60. Essai
bySanderson, Brandon
Venli experiences a profound moment of realization upon discovering Rlain, another surviving listener, imprisoned in a cell. The encounter disrupts her perception of being the last of her kind, and she senses an unfamiliar “pure tone” beyond the rhythms. Rlain’s hostile reaction, marked by human-influenced expressions, shatters the brief peace, leaving Venli uncertain if he recognizes her in her Regal form. The scene underscores the tension between their shared past and their current divided loyalties.
The chapter reveals Raboniel’s unexpected reaction to the recent incident involving Stormblessed and the destroyed node. Despite the chaos, Raboniel appears amused and deliberately slows the corruption process, hinting at hidden motives. Venli, exhausted from interpreting for the Fused, finally visits Rlain after learning of his survival from Mazish. The prison, originally built by humans, now holds Rlain under the accusation of being an “essai”—a traitorous “human lover.”
Venli confronts the direform jailer, who dismissively explains Rlain’s imprisonment as punishment for his alliance with the Radiants. The jailer’s use of the Rhythm of Executions signals a lethal intent, but Venli asserts her authority as Raboniel’s Voice to speak with Rlain alone. Before their conversation, she detects a Voidspren hiding in a cremling, heightening her anxiety. The spren’s presence suggests surveillance, forcing Venli to carefully maintain her composure while ensuring it leaves.
When Venli finally addresses Rlain in their native language, he remains wary, revealing he was never executed but used as an experiment by the humans. His distrust mirrors the broader conflict between listeners and Regals, as both navigate a world where old alliances and identities are fraught with danger. The chapter ends with Venli’s determination to uncover the truth, even as shadows of betrayal and surveillance loom over their fragile reunion.
FAQs
1. How does Venli’s discovery of Rlain in the cell impact her emotionally and psychologically?
Answer:
Venli experiences a profound emotional shift upon discovering Rlain alive. The moment is described as a silence following a crescendo, suggesting a dramatic pause in her worldview. This revelation makes her believe Mazish’s claims and fundamentally alters her perception of being “the last” listener. She even senses a distant pure tone beyond the rhythms, hinting at a spiritual awakening or connection. However, Rlain’s hostile reaction (sneering at her) shatters this momentary peace, reminding her of their strained relationship and her current Regal form that likely makes her unrecognizable to him.2. What does Raboniel’s unexpected reaction to the incident with Stormblessed and the node destruction reveal about her motivations?
Answer:
Raboniel’s amusement and lack of fury suggest hidden motivations. Instead of being angry about the setback, she appears to deliberately slow the corruption process in Urithiru. This implies she may have a larger, more complex plan that doesn’t align with the typical Fused agenda. Venli notes Raboniel’s secrecy, indicating the Lady of Wishes might be manipulating both sides or pursuing a personal goal—possibly related to her experiments with the tower’s spren or her interest in the Sibling.3. Analyze the significance of the Voidspren hiding in the cremling and how Venli handles its presence.
Answer:
The Voidspren’s presence is a critical threat to Venli’s secret rebellion, as it could expose her covert actions or communication with Rlain. Its method of hiding in a cremling shows adaptability—Voidspren can no longer move freely in Urithiru due to the tower’s protections. Venli’s quick thinking (shooing the cremling away while pretending nonchalance) demonstrates her growing skill at espionage. This moment also heightens tension, as it confirms she’s being watched, forcing her to be more cautious in future interactions.4. How does the direform Regal’s attitude toward Rlain reflect the broader cultural conflict between listeners and Fused-aligned Regals?
Answer:
The direform’s derisive label for Rlain—”essai” (human lover/hairy)—highlights the ideological divide. He views Rlain as a traitor for bonding with humans, mocking his choice to stay with the Radiants as “wanting to be a slave.” This reflects the Fused’s disdain for listeners who reject Odium’s cause. The direform’s use of the Rhythm of Executions underscores the lethal consequences of such “betrayal,” contrasting sharply with Venli’s subtle sympathy, which foreshadows her potential alliance with Rlain against their common oppressors.5. What thematic significance does the chapter’s title, “Essai,” hold in relation to Rlain and Venli’s roles in the narrative?
Answer:
“Essai” (an ancient term for “human lover” or “hairy”) serves as a dual metaphor. For Rlain, it literalizes his bond with humans, framing him as an outcast among his own people. For Venli, it becomes ironic—she’s physically transformed into a Regal (losing listener traits) but is spiritually aligning with Rlain’s rebellion. The title critiques the Fused’s rigid categorizations, suggesting true loyalty transcends labels. Both characters, though ostracized, may hold the key to bridging divides between humans and listeners.
Quotes
1. “Venli felt all rhythms freeze when she saw Rlain in the cell. Like the silence following a crescendo.”
This opening line powerfully captures the emotional shock of Venli discovering Rlain alive—a pivotal moment that shatters her belief that she was the last of her people. The musical metaphor (“silence following a crescendo”) reflects the chapter’s recurring theme of rhythms and tones.
2. “In that silence, Venli finally believed what Mazish had told her. In that silence, all of Roshar changed. Venli was no longer the last. And in that silence, Venli thought she could hear something distant beyond the rhythms. A pure tone.”
This multilayered quote represents both a personal revelation (Venli’s isolation ending) and a metaphysical hint (the “pure tone” suggesting deeper Cosmere mechanics at play). It marks a turning point in Venli’s arc and the chapter’s exploration of identity.
3. “He was an essai,” the direform said to Derision, using an ancient word they’d picked up from the Fused. It meant something along the lines of “human lover,” though her form told her it technically meant “hairy.”
This quote introduces a key cultural conflict through linguistic nuance—the derogatory term “essai” encapsulates the ideological divide between traditional listeners and those like Rlain who allied with humans. The etymological detail enriches the worldbuilding.
4. “It’s me,” she said to Peace, speaking in the listener language for an extra measure of privacy. “Venli.”
This intimate moment—where Venli reveals her true identity in their native tongue—carries immense weight as the first connection between surviving listeners. The choice of Peace rhythm and language underscores the chapter’s themes of hidden truths and fragile alliances.
5. “I was made an example, used as an experiment. They put me in the bridge crews. I don’t think anyone ever suspected I was a spy.”
Rlain’s revelation about his survival provides crucial backstory while illustrating the complex dynamics between listeners and humans. His experience as both spy and bridge crew member reflects the chapter’s exploration of shifting loyalties and identities.