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.
I-7. Szeth
bySanderson, Brandon
Szeth, tasked with guarding Dalinar Kholin and his grandnephew Gavinor, struggles to appear relaxed despite his innate intensity. Dalinar advises him to adopt a more casual demeanor, but Szeth finds it difficult to balance vigilance with the appearance of ease. As he watches over the clearing, memories of his childhood in Shinovar surface, contrasting sharply with his current role as a protector. The peaceful setting reminds him of his father’s teachings about creation over destruction, yet he remains acutely aware of the threats surrounding Dalinar.
Szeth’s sentient sword, Nightblood, engages him in conversation, attempting to lighten the mood with its playful yet ominous remarks. Despite its insistence that no danger is present, Szeth remains uneasy, convinced that Dalinar’s enemies must be lurking unseen. His paranoia is compounded by his past experiences and the weight of his duty. Meanwhile, Dalinar bonds with Gavinor, whose laughter and playfulness evoke a mix of joy and sorrow in Szeth, who fears the child’s happiness will inevitably be shattered again.
The chapter delves into Szeth’s internal conflict as he grapples with his fractured identity and lingering trauma. He feels a kinship with Gavinor, recognizing the boy’s haunted past and his own unresolved pain. Szeth’s fragile soul, visibly trailing his movements, symbolizes his unstable existence. Nightblood’s attempts to understand human emotions, particularly laughter, highlight the sword’s curious yet detached nature, while Szeth’s fear of his own presence near the child reveals his deep-seated self-doubt.
Szeth’s trust in Dalinar as a moral anchor is tested by moments of uncertainty in the Blackthorn’s leadership. He contrasts Dalinar’s occasional doubts with the unshakable confidence of Taravangian, a figure from his past who still looms as a threat. The chapter ends with a surreal moment as reality seems to split open, hinting at impending danger or a supernatural event. Szeth leaves Nightblood to guard the clearing, stepping into the unknown as his past and present tensions converge.
FAQs
1. How does Szeth attempt to change his behavior while on guard duty, and why does Dalinar suggest these changes?
Answer:
Szeth tries to adopt a more relaxed posture by leaning against a tree and folding his arms, as Dalinar advised. Dalinar suggests these changes because Szeth naturally behaves too intensely—prowling when he walks and standing too alert during watch, like “a fire burning high when it should be smoldering.” Dalinar wants Szeth to blend in as an ordinary soldier on routine guard duty, avoiding drawing attention to himself. This reflects Dalinar’s understanding of subtlety in military operations, where overt vigilance can sometimes be counterproductive by making others suspicious or uneasy.2. What internal conflict does Szeth experience regarding his duty to guard Gavinor, and how does this reflect his personal history?
Answer:
Szeth feels conflicted about guarding Gavinor because the child’s laughter and happiness remind him of his own lost innocence and the inevitable suffering the boy will face again. This resonates with Szeth’s traumatic past—his family was given to the Honorblades, forcing his gentle father to become a killer. Szeth sees parallels between Gavinor’s suffering (torture by Voidspren and neglect) and his own, making him fear that his presence might somehow taint the child’s fragile joy. This reveals Szeth’s deep-seated guilt and self-perception as “not well,” highlighting his struggle with identity and purpose.3. Analyze the relationship between Szeth and his sword. How does the sword’s personality contrast with Szeth’s demeanor, and what role does it play in the chapter?
Answer:
The sword is playful, joking, and seemingly carefree (e.g., “Ha! HA! Vivenna always liked my jokes”), which starkly contrasts with Szeth’s solemn, duty-driven nature. It attempts to lighten Szeth’s mood by asking to be drawn or claiming it can “see better” when unsheathed, though Szeth distrusts its motives due to its life-draining tendencies. The sword also serves as a foil to Szeth’s paranoia, dismissing his concerns with remarks like “Vasher was always paranoid too.” This dynamic underscores Szeth’s isolation—the sword is his only conversational partner, yet their interactions emphasize his inability to relax or trust.4. Why does Szeth find the absence of visible threats concerning, and how does this relate to his broader anxieties about Dalinar’s leadership?
Answer:
Szeth is troubled by the lack of visible dangers because he believes Dalinar’s many enemies should be actively sending assassins or spies. His worry stems from a fear of failing his duty—either due to personal inadequacy (“too lax or unskilled”) or the hidden sophistication of adversaries. This ties to his deeper anxiety about Dalinar’s occasional uncertainty; Szeth craves an “unshakable” moral leader, and Dalinar’s moments of doubt destabilize him. The absence of threats ironically heightens Szeth’s tension, revealing his reliance on external validation (e.g., visible dangers to confront) to affirm his purpose.5. How does Szeth’s perception of Taravangian contribute to the tension in the chapter, and what might this foreshadow?
Answer:
Szeth believes Taravangian has seen through his disguise and is “plotting,” which injects dread into the narrative. His description of Taravangian as “the tyrant” and “the destroyer” contrasts sharply with Dalinar’s moral uncertainty, making Taravangian a looming threat. This foreshadows potential betrayal or manipulation, as Szeth’s past allegiance to Taravangian (as his assassin) suggests unresolved ties. The tension lies in Szeth’s fear that Taravangian’s confidence in his own morality—unlike Dalinar’s occasional doubt—might eventually undermine Szeth’s newfound loyalty to Dalinar’s Ideal.
Quotes
1. “The best and truest duty of a person is to add to the world. To create, and not destroy.”
This quote represents Szeth’s father’s philosophy, which contrasts sharply with Szeth’s current role as a warrior. It highlights the internal conflict Szeth feels between his upbringing and his violent duties, serving as a moral anchor in the chapter.
2. “Dalinar said Szeth prowled when he walked, and was too intense when standing at watch. Like a fire burning high when it should be smoldering.”
This observation captures Szeth’s fundamental struggle to appear normal and relaxed, revealing his deeply ingrained warrior nature. It shows the tension between his natural intensity and Dalinar’s attempts to help him blend in.
3. “He was reminded again of his own childhood spent playing with the sheep. A simple time, before his family had been given to the Honorblades. Before his gentle father had been taught to kill. To subtract.”
This poignant reflection reveals Szeth’s tragic backstory and the transformation of his family from peaceful shepherds to warriors. It underscores the theme of lost innocence and the corrupting influence of violence.
4. “Szeth had found purpose here in following an Ideal. In trusting Dalinar Kholin. He could not afford to have that Ideal shaken. He could not.”
This quote demonstrates Szeth’s psychological dependence on Dalinar as a moral compass. It reveals his fragile mental state and the existential crisis he would face if his faith in Dalinar were undermined.
5. “The air split, showing a blackness speckled faintly with stars beyond. Szeth immediately set down his sword by the trunk of the tree.”
This mysterious moment suggests supernatural elements at play and Szeth’s readiness to confront them. It serves as a cliffhanger ending to the chapter, hinting at impending danger or revelation.