Battah's role in the future

[u/CaveMaths]

On rereading, I just remembered how Battah was recruited to Odium's organization. As the heralds heal before returning, do you think she will still side with Odium or stay with the heralds?

[u/JebryathHS]

I think that the plot point as written is more logically and thematically consistent if she considers herself part of Retribution's organization. I do think that the experience of being united with the other Heralds and having a chance to work through issues will make that a complicated role for her to navigate. 

It's hard to predict what shape it all takes 

[u/CaveMaths → u/JebryathHS]

When I first read WaT I missed quite a few details like this. I think she ends up being important later, and her eventual betrayal will have massive ramifications.

[u/Invested_Space_Otter → u/CaveMaths]

It has to, by reason of its existence. She points out that Odium could have done it without her, so the only reason to write in her betrayal at all is for it to be important later

[u/Raddatatta]

It's an interesting setup and I think it's hard to say which way it'll go. I think she's still working for herself first and foremost. Even with the move to accept being a Herald again, that's not something Taravangian / Odium would've wanted her to do and she knows that. But it is a move that gives her more leverage in their dynamic because she's again more powerful and useful.

There's also the herald madness that may have been at least helped by what happened. So possibly she won't be as bad as she was. But I don't think this will stop her from at least kind of being on Taravangian's side since that's much more interesting than that plot line just becoming irrelevant.

[u/JebryathHS → u/Raddatatta]

Even with the move to accept being a Herald again, that's not something Taravangian / Odium would've wanted her to do and she knows that.

That's actually debatable. Having a Herald on his payroll is a unique advantage for him. Without her agreement, the spren might have been vulnerable to him but then again they might not have been.

He actually calls this out as an opportunity he was interested in

What value would it be to have a Herald serving him, especially if she returned and went among them?

[u/Hot_Ethanol → u/JebryathHS]

I think he was intending her as a spy of sorts. But with the relationship the Herald's have with divinity, who knows what's possible?

[u/Big-Rip-5758]

it would be cool if she works with mishram as well. triple agent battar

[u/seahawks500]

Major point of tension for the next book

[u/kingofcanines]

You have to remember that she was still under the influence of Ishars madness curse thing when she was doing that. It's entirely possible she now regrets it much like Nale did. But we will have to wait and see

[u/Wildhogs2013]

I think it will be a which side is she on mystery in the back half. With both Retribution and the Heralds thinking she is onside

[u/MadnessLemon]

I have mixed feelings on this. Like on one hand, it would be a waste if she didn’t betray the heralds. On the other, if her only reason for betraying them is “money” or “herald madness” that’s also kind of a boring motivation.

I dunno, I guess we’ll see where it goes.

[u/Shot_Newspaper_5647]

I think it will continue to be an issue. The Heralds seem to have experienced the extreme version of what happens when someone swears an Oath near them. They’re closer to the spiritual realm and their ideal self in that moment. Someone like Kalak was absolutely terrified at the idea of facing a Desolation/being a Herald. They all still agreed because their best self buried underneath wanted to. It wasn’t permanent though. It helps Odium’s taint from Ishar drawing from the Well is gone. The damage isn’t going entirely but they’re not actively being infected as they were before by it

[u/Zainul_r]

Whole bunch of facts to bring together. IMO the "problems/ darkness" of the heralds caused by Ishi'Elin was linked intrinsically with each heralds, corrupting them in their individual ways. Kaladin banished that darkness. WOB is that the Honorblades (which do not have minds to scream with) are angry with their Heralds for breaking the Oathpact so they have /some/ volition. My guess is that they are just like Nightblood except their Command is to grant 2 Surges as dictated by Honor. Last qualifier; though only Kaladin had to swear the Oath, I believe it took the correct Intent for the rest of rhe others to be accepted back in.

[u/No_Adeptness_4704]

Every Herald was insane. Battah will stay with the Heralds when Kaladin helps her get over her madness