Rhythm of War (9781429952040)
92. A Gift
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with a philosophical reflection on the fragility of bonds, warning that severing them leads to a loss of connection between realms, reducing beings to mere souls that fade into oblivion. Venli, serving as Raboniel’s interpreter, stands beside her during military reports, translating for Regals who speak Azish. The setting—a throne at the base of a stairwell—evokes grim memories of human casualties from a recent battle, underscored by the scent of burning flesh and the hastily repaired steps. Venli suppresses her emotions by attuning to Odium’s rhythm of Indifference, though it leaves her feeling uneasy.
Raboniel, a commanding yet scholarly Fused, transitions from her role as a general to a contemplative researcher after dismissing the reports. Venli observes the duality in Raboniel’s nature, sensing her true self lies in scholarly pursuits rather than warfare. Raboniel reflects on Venli’s unique position as the last of the Listeners, a group that once defied Fused rule, and probes Venli’s regrets about her past betrayals. Venli admits her shame and grief over the deaths of loved ones, revealing her inner conflict and longing for redemption.
Their conversation delves into the motivations behind their relentless war efforts. Raboniel justifies the suffering as a sacrifice for future generations, claiming they endure pain to secure peace for those who come after. Venli, however, questions whether they will ever experience peace themselves, to which Raboniel offers no clear answer. The dialogue exposes Venli’s growing disillusionment and Raboniel’s pragmatic yet grim perspective on their cause. Timbre, Venli’s spren, provides silent comfort, but she rejects it, wallowing in her guilt.
The chapter concludes with Raboniel acknowledging Venli’s divided loyalties, particularly her allegiance to Leshwi, another Fused. Raboniel dismisses any resentment, praising Leshwi’s unwavering dedication to their cause despite her distrust of Raboniel. The exchange highlights the complex dynamics among the Fused and Venli’s precarious position as she navigates her shifting loyalties and moral dilemmas. The scene leaves Venli grappling with her identity and the weight of her choices, while Raboniel remains an enigmatic figure, both mentor and manipulator.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the “bond” mentioned at the beginning of the chapter, and how does it relate to the broader conflict between the singers and humans?
Answer:
The bond refers to the spiritual connection that keeps spren (or similar beings) alive and connected to both the Physical and Spiritual Realms. Severing this bond causes them to decompose into ordinary souls and eventually fade away. This concept mirrors the broader conflict between singers and humans, as Raboniel later discusses how humans falsely claim singers are mere drones controlled by Odium to justify their actions. The bond metaphor underscores the fragility of existence and the high stakes of the war, where both sides risk losing their essence—whether through physical death or spiritual disintegration.2. How does Venli’s character development in this chapter reflect her internal conflict and changing loyalties?
Answer:
Venli’s character arc in this chapter reveals deep regret and shame for her past actions, particularly her betrayal of her people, which led to the deaths of loved ones like her sister and mother. Her admission to Raboniel—spoken to the Lost rhythm, which Regals aren’t supposed to hear—shows her emotional turmoil and distancing from Odium’s influence. Timbre’s presence (likely a spren) symbolizes her latent desire for redemption. Venli’s questioning of the war’s purpose (“Why fight?”) further highlights her disillusionment with the Fused’s cause, contrasting with her earlier ambition. This internal conflict sets the stage for a potential shift in her allegiance.3. Analyze Raboniel’s leadership style and philosophy as revealed in her interactions with Venli. How does she justify the ongoing war?
Answer:
Raboniel embodies a dual nature: a ruthless commander and a scholarly thinker. She justifies the war not for personal gain but as a sacrifice for future generations, stating, “We sing rhythms of Pain so they may know rhythms of Peace.” This reflects a utilitarian perspective, where present suffering is endured for long-term stability. Her tolerance of Venli’s doubts and her appreciation for Leshwi’s passion suggest she values authenticity, even if it contradicts Odium’s ideals. However, her Spite rhythm when questioning Venli reveals her capacity for manipulation. Raboniel’s complexity lies in her blend of strategic pragmatism and genuine, if grim, dedication to her people’s survival.4. How does the chapter use rhythms (e.g., Indifference, Craving, Spite) to convey emotional and ideological tension?
Answer:
The rhythms serve as a cultural and emotional shorthand for the singers’ society. Venli’s use of Indifference (Odium’s rhythm) feels forced, leaving her mouth “coated in oil,” symbolizing her discomfort with Odium’s influence. In contrast, her slip into the Lost rhythm—an old rhythm tied to her Listener heritage—reveals her unresolved grief and latent rebellion. Raboniel’s shifts between Spite (mocking) and Indifference (dismissal) underscore her power over Venli. The rhythms thus mirror the chapter’s central tension: the clash between Odium’s imposed ideologies and Venli’s emerging individuality, as well as the broader struggle between tradition and change.5. What thematic role does the setting (e.g., the stairwell, murals, and shield) play in reinforcing the chapter’s tone and themes?
Answer:
The stairwell, with its hastily rebuilt steps and memories of human deaths, symbolizes the cyclical nature of violence and the fragility of progress. The murals and darkened shield (now violet instead of blue) suggest a corrupted or fading legacy, paralleling Venli’s fractured identity and the singers’ warped cause. Raboniel’s desk pressed against the shield visually represents her proximity to both scholarly pursuit and destructive power. Together, these elements create a claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere, reinforcing themes of entrapment, regret, and the inescapable weight of history—both personal and cultural.
Quotes
1. “The bond is what keeps us alive. You sever that, and we will slowly decompose into ordinary souls—with no valid Connection to the Physical or Spiritual Realms. Capture one of us with your knives, and you won’t be left with a spren in a jar, foolish ones. You’ll be left with a being that eventually fades away into the Beyond.”
This opening statement establishes a core metaphysical truth in the story’s universe—the vital importance of bonds between spren and their partners. It foreshadows key themes of Connection and identity while delivering a stark warning about the consequences of disrupting these bonds.
2. “Humans have always tried to claim that we are nothing but drones controlled by Odium. They like that lie because it makes them feel better about killing us. I wonder if it assuaged their guilt on the day they stole the minds of those they enslaved.”
Raboniel’s sharp critique reveals the complex power dynamics and historical grievances between humans and singers. This quote challenges simplistic narratives of good vs. evil, exposing how dehumanization serves as justification for oppression—a central theme in Venli’s character arc.
3. “It is not for us that we fight. It is not for our comfort that we destroy, but for the comfort of those who come after. We sing rhythms of Pain so they may know rhythms of Peace.”
This poignant statement from Raboniel encapsulates the tragic rationale behind the Fused’s eternal war. The quote reveals the sacrificial logic of their rebellion while hinting at the cyclical nature of violence—a key philosophical tension in the chapter.
4. “I understand… We all pay dearly for our choices, and the pain lingers, when one is immortal.”
Raboniel’s brief but powerful acknowledgment of Venli’s guilt represents a rare moment of empathy between them. This exchange highlights the chapter’s exploration of regret, consequences, and the burden of immortality—themes that define both characters’ journeys.