Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
8. Surrender
by Sanderson, BrandonKaladin navigates a burning manor, deeply unsettled by a recent loss of his Stormlight powers, which he had come to rely upon like a trusted weapon. He discusses the threat of enemy fabrials that can nullify their abilities with Syl, his spren companion, who describes the experience as feeling “faded.” The fire around them is described with vivid, almost sentient malevolence, consuming the delicate wooden structure. Kaladin pushes forward, using his Stormlight to heal minor burns as he searches for a way to the cellar, ultimately dashing through the flames to reach a dark tunnel leading underground.
Upon entering the cellar, Kaladin discovers two prisoners manacled to the wall, one of whom is Jeber, a familiar face from his youth. Both are dead, their eyes burned out by a Shardblade. Syl alerts Kaladin to a hidden alcove where Moash, a former ally turned traitor, stands with Roshone—a man who once tormented Kaladin’s family—held at knifepoint. Before Kaladin can react, Moash slits Roshone’s throat, leaving him to bleed out on the stone floor. Kaladin is paralyzed by the surgeon’s instinct that the wound is fatal, unable to save Roshone despite their bitter history.
Moash coldly observes Kaladin’s futile attempt to rescue Roshone, mocking his willingness to save even his worst enemies. The scene triggers Kaladin’s memories of Moash’s betrayal in Kholinar, where he killed King Elhokar. The confrontation is charged with unresolved anger and grief, as Kaladin grapples with Moash’s twisted justification for his actions. The chapter highlights the moral complexity of vengeance and mercy, as Kaladin’s instincts to protect clash with his personal wounds.
The chapter ends with Kaladin roaring in fury, leaping to his feet as Roshone’s death echoes the trauma of Elhokar’s murder. Moash’s taunts and the Bridge Four salute—a gesture now tainted by betrayal—deepen Kaladin’s anguish. The scene underscores the themes of loss, betrayal, and the struggle to uphold one’s principles in the face of personal pain. The fire, both literal and metaphorical, serves as a backdrop to the emotional inferno consuming Kaladin as he confronts the consequences of Moash’s choices and his own unresolved past.
FAQs
1. How does Kaladin react to suddenly losing his powers, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Kaladin is deeply rattled by the sudden loss of his powers, comparing it to a battle-tested spear failing in combat. This reveals his dependence on his abilities, not just as tools but as integral parts of his identity and survival. His reliance on Stormlight mirrors his soldier’s mindset—trusting his “weapon” to protect himself and others. The moment also exposes his vulnerability, showing that despite his strength, he is unsettled by unpredictability. This reaction underscores his disciplined yet pragmatic nature, as he immediately begins strategizing with Syl about how to counter the enemy’s fabrials that nullify their powers.2. Analyze the symbolism of fire in this chapter. How does it contribute to the tone and themes?
Answer:
Fire in this chapter serves as both a literal and metaphorical force. The “glee” of the flames and their destructive joy mirror the chaos and violence unfolding in the narrative. The burning manor represents the fragility of power and status—lighteyed opulence reduced to primal destruction. Fire also reflects Kaladin’s internal turmoil, as he navigates danger and moral conflict. The flamespren trailing him symbolize the ever-present threat of death and instability. Ultimately, the fire amplifies the chapter’s themes of impermanence and surrender, as even sturdy structures (and convictions) can be consumed.3. What is the significance of Moash’s actions in the cellar, and how do they contrast with Kaladin’s intentions?
Answer:
Moash’s cold execution of Roshone starkly contrasts with Kaladin’s intent to rescue his former oppressor. While Kaladin seeks to save even his enemies—embodying his oath to protect others—Moash enacts vengeance with clinical precision. This moment revisits their ideological clash: Kaladin’s belief in redemption versus Moash’s embrace of retribution. The murder also parallels Moash’s betrayal of Elhokar, reinforcing his role as Kaladin’s foil. By killing Roshone just as Kaladin arrives, Moash deliberately undermines Kaladin’s purpose, highlighting their irreconcilable paths—one toward mercy, the other toward nihilistic justice.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of surrender through its events and character decisions?
Answer:
The chapter examines surrender in multiple dimensions. Kaladin “surrenders” his reliance on his powers when they fail, forcing him to adapt. Roshone’s death represents a surrender to fate, as his lifeblood drains away without hope of salvation. Moash surrenders to his darker impulses, abandoning Bridge Four’s ideals. Even the burning manor surrenders to destruction. Kaladin’s aborted attempt to save Roshone—a man he once hated—suggests a surrender of grudges, though Moash interrupts this arc. The title thus reflects both physical and emotional capitulations, weaving a thread of inevitability through each character’s choices.5. Evaluate Syl’s role in this chapter. How does her presence influence Kaladin’s actions and the narrative’s tension?
Answer:
Syl acts as Kaladin’s anchor and moral compass. Her confusion about the power loss (“I felt… faded”) humanizes the stakes, making the fabrial threat visceral. Her humor (“Your backside’s on fire”) provides levity amid danger, showcasing their bond. Most critically, her alert about Moash’s presence heightens the scene’s tension, pivoting the narrative toward confrontation. Syl’s reactions—from curiosity to alarm—mirror the reader’s shifting emotions, while her partnership with Kaladin underscores his isolation when facing Moash. Her presence reminds us that Kaladin’s struggles are not just physical but deeply tied to his identity as a Radiant.
Quotes
1. “The truth was, he had come to rely upon his abilities. Like you relied on a good spear, battle-tested and sharp. There was little worse than having your weapon fail you in battle.”
This quote captures Kaladin’s vulnerability after unexpectedly losing his powers, highlighting his dependence on Stormlight and the psychological impact of being stripped of his abilities mid-conflict. It reflects the chapter’s theme of fragility in the face of new threats.
2. “It made me feel… faded. As if I wasn’t quite here.”
Syl’s haunting description of the effect of the anti-surge fabrial provides critical insight into how these devices affect spren. This foreshadows later revelations about the enemy’s technological advancements and their existential threat to Radiant bonds.
3. “There was a glee to the sounds of the fire: its roars and hisses.”
This vivid personification of the fire mirrors the chapter’s escalating tension and the antagonists’ malicious joy in destruction. The imagery reinforces the life-or-death stakes of Kaladin’s mission while subtly reflecting Moash’s later actions.
4. “Instead of finding vengeance and peace, you run to rescue him.”
Moash’s chilling observation contrasts his path of vengeance with Kaladin’s commitment to protection, even for enemies. This pivotal moment crystallizes the chapter’s central conflict between justice and mercy, while revealing Moash’s warped moral perspective.
5. “The man who had terrorized Kaladin’s family—the man who had consigned Tien to death—simply… faded away in a pool of his own blood.”
This climactic moment underscores the complex emotions surrounding Roshone’s death, blending Kaladin’s unresolved trauma with the futility of vengeance. The poetic “faded away” echoes Syl’s earlier description, creating thematic symmetry about loss and impermanence.