| Meridas Amaram | |
|---|---|
 Fan art by Botanicaxu[1] | |
| Biographical information | |
| Ethnicity | Alethi |
| Nationality | Alethi |
| Gender | Male |
| Status | Dead |
| Abilities | Shardbearer |
| Physical Description | |
| Eye Color | Light Tan |
| Social Information | |
| Title(s) |
Brightlord, Highmarshal, Son of Honor |
| Family | Toralin Roshone (distant cousin) |
| Occupation | Soldier |
| Appears in | The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer |
Meridas Amaram was an Alethi Brightlord of the third dahn. He was a Highmarshal in service of Highprince Sadeas,[1] in command of defending the princedom borders, while the king and Sadeas are away fighting on the Shattered Plains to fulfill the Vengeance Pact. He was a close friend of Dalinar Kholin. His standard is a burgundy field blazoned with a dark green glyphpair shaped like a whitespine with tusks upraised. Merem and khakh, honor and determination.[2]
Amaram's war recruitment effort brought him to Hearthstone, where the citylord, Roshone - Amaram's distant cousin - conscripted several locals, among them young Tien and Kaladin. Amaram promised Tien's father, Lirin, to place his son in a position as a messenger until he grew older.[3] Amaram betrayed Lirin as Tien was killed in his only battle soon after his conscription.[4]
Amaram later betrayed Kaladin, after being saved by him from an enemy Shardbearer (i.e., Helaran Davar). He had the surviving members of Kaladin's squad killed, stole the Shardplate and Shardblade that Kaladin had won, then branded Kaladin's forehead and sold him into slavery.[5][6]
Amaram was viewed as different and more honorable than other lighteyes. His betrayal is a major factor in Kaladin's rage at all lighteyes.
After having become a Shardbearer, Amaram made his way to the Shattered Plains. He arrived shortly after the battle at the Tower, and was greeted by his old friend, Dalinar.[6] He rode a fine warhorse of Shin stock; the hulking breed used to pull heavy carts. It looks like a pony next to Dalinar's Ryshadium, Gallant.[7]
He later became Ialai Sadeas's lead investigator into the murder of her husband, Torol, who believed that Amaram was one of his most acclaimed generals.[8] Soon thereafter, she named him regent and heir to the title of House Sadeas.[9]
He then wore Sadeas's colors, forest green and white. As his regent, he became Sadeas in all but name.[10]
Appearance[]
Gavilar was shorter than Amaram, yet the latter stooped shallowly in the king's company.[11]
Amaram was tall, with a square face and angular nose. He wore fashionable lighteyed outfits of modern design, such as an open jacket over a buttoned shirt, stiff trousers, and a stock tied in place at his neck.[12]
He had tan eyes and was a solid figure.[13]
Personality[]
Sadeas claimed that he knew Amaram for the ruthless bastard that he really was. Amaram agreed with Sadeas's assessment of him.[14] Amaram was a murderer, a liar, and a thief who was willing to do very slimy things to accomplish his goals, but he also calmly stuck to what he believed in and was willing to take the consequences. When his duplicity was revealed, he acknowledged what he'd done, explained why he'd done it, then coolly bowed out. Still, he thought of himself as a hero.*[7]
Characteristics[]
Amaram's citizenship level entitled him to his own domain within his liege's warcamp. He was a traditionalist, and even the uniforms of his forces reflected this. His manor flew his own banner, and he had his own military force occupying buildings near his warcamp. His colors - burgundy and forest green - delineated his sphere of influence.[12]
Nevertheless, he was a murderer, a thief, and a traitor. He had also been caught trying to steal a Shardblade.[13]
His voice gave Shallan chills. According to her, his refined diction, perfect face, and crisp uniform exemplified that which every soldier aspired to be ... yet, in his display, she recognized that he is also good at playing pretend.[9].
Left alone, he'd rip the armies apart to justify his inflated opinion of himself.[10]
But, the truth of Amaram was difficult to see, and had been even more so in the past, when he'd been close to Gavilar.[10]
Beliefs[]
Amaram genuinely thought he was Alethkar's only hope and salvation, and had a keen desire to prove it.[10]
Accoutrements[]
Amaram has a collection of "nigh forbidden" flutes.[12][15]
History[]
Amaram didn't relish fighting down into the vertical streets of the Rift in the night at Dalinar's insistence upon attacking Tanalan's heir there.[16]
Shattered Plains[]
Amaram's Betrayal[]
Amaram's betrayal is revealed by Kaladin to Dalinar,[17] who says he'll look into the matter, needing proof. However, Dalinar believes Amaram to be the only general in Sadeas's princedom with any real leadership ability. He believes him to be one of the best men he knows, stating that his honor is spotless and that he'd never known him to take undue advantage of an opponent in a duel, despite cases when it would've been acceptable.[17]
Amaram's Manor[]
Amaram's manor is relatively small - two stories, with a handful of rooms on each floor. Perhaps, previously a tavern, and temporary; stacked piles of crembrick and stone nearby indicate that grander building is planned.[12]
Directed by the Ghostbloods to infiltrate Amaram's manor, Veil (i.e., Shallan) disguises herself, talks her way inside with a ruse, then gains access via Pattern to Amaram's secret room. There, she finds maps of the Shattered Plains, marked with notes about the Parshendi and their knowledge of the Voidbringers, along with references to Urithiru, which Amaram believes can be reached through Stormseat at the center of the Shattered Plains.[18] The notes are made using the Stormwarden script, a form of glyphs adapted by Stormwardens into a more complete writing system. Given the extent of her observation, Shallan determines that exposing Amaram as a Stormwarden would damage his reputation.[12]
Amaram's Personal Guard[]
Amaram's personal guard includes about 50 men. Most of these soldiers have been recruited from Sadeas's lands and are sworn to him.[12]
A Son without Honor[]
Amaram
Fan art by lilikaia[2]
Though he does not have any Surgebinding abilities, Amaram is proclaimed by Dalinar to be the first new Knight Radiant,[19] as Dalinar does not yet know about the existence of new Surgebinders. After Dalinar's proclamation, Amaram wears a cloak of yellow-gold with the symbol of the Knights Radiant on its back.[20]
During Adolin's duel with Relis, Elit, Abrobadar, and Jakamav, Dalinar asks Amaram to step into the arena to help his son. Instead, Amaram does nothing, ignoring his friend's son in need.[20]
When Dalinar confronts Amaram about knowing Kaladin and taking Kaladin's rightfully-earned Blade and Plate, then killing his own men to cover up the crime, Amaram admits that Kaladin bears his army's slave brand, but denies the allegations. Dalinar then reveals that he'd set a trap for Amaram using the madman's Shardblade, to see what Amaram would do; Amaram had taken the Shard and lied about it.[7] Amaram tries to summon his Shardblade, but Dalinar was already summoning the madman's Shardblade (now bonded to Dalinar), and holds it at Amaram's throat.[7]
Amaram confesses, saying he would do it again. Believing that the Voidbringers will soon return, he says he wants to have practiced, accomplished Shardbearers to face them. He then turns and apologizes to Kaladin for the betrayal, and Kaladin realizes he sincerely believes his actions were necessary for the greater good. Dalinar then accuses Amaram: [7]
| “ | "You are guilty of murder - of killing men for personal wealth." [7] | ” |
He demands that Amaram remove his cloak, indicating that Amaram is no Radiant. Amaram does so, dropping it, then walks away, his reputation broken.[7]
Ultimately, Amaram is a murderer, a liar, and a thief who’s willing to do very slimy things to accomplish his goals, but he also calmly sticks to what he believes in and is willing to take the consequences. When his duplicity is revealed,[7] he acknowledges what he did, he explains why he did it, and he coolly gives up his position as leader of the Radiants. No desperate excuses, no further attempts to hide the truth, no empty promises to reform. He’s made a choice about what his goals are and what his principles will be, and now he is firmly and calmly sticking to that choice and accepting its painful consequences.
Sons of Honor[]
By the end of Words of Radiance, it has become known that Amaram is connected to a group known as the Sons of Honor, who, not knowing about the broken Oathpact, believe that if they can precipitate the return of the Voidbringers - a crisis - it will bring the Heralds back as well. Their primary motivation for this seems to be bringing power and political influence back to the Vorin church.[21]
Following the creation of the Everstorm, Amaram writes a letter in glyphs to Restares:
| “ | I can only conclude ... that we have been successful, Restares. The reports from Dalinar's army indicate that Voidbringers were not only spotted, but fought. Red eyes, ancient powers. They have apparently unleashed a new storm upon this world.
... I do not exult in this success ... . Lives will be lost. It has ever been our burden as Sons of Honor. To return the Heralds, to return the domination of the Church, we had to put the world into a crisis. That crisis we now have, a terrible one. The Heralds will return. How can they not, with the problems we now face? But many will die. So very many. Nalan send that it is worth the loss. Regardless, I will have more information soon. When I next write you, I hope to do so from Urithiru.[21] |
” |
Rescuing Heralds[]
In effort to "free" Taln from Dalinar's temple complex, Amaram sliced into the wall of the monastery with his appropriated Shardblade. He referred to Taln as "The Great One".[21]
Amaram assumed Taln was insane, that Dalinar thought him a murderer, and then regretted that he'd not killed Kaladin when he'd had the chance.[21]
Amaram also referred to Taln as "Great Prince". He foolishly expected that all Heralds would appear to be Alethi, rather than dark-skinned. He also assumed that Taln's dark eyes were a disguise.[21]
In his attempt to remove Taln from the temple complex, Amaram is attacked by Iyatil with her blow darts. Taln intercepts the darts by grabbing them from within their projection. Amaram was targeted by Iyatil because his maps and possible attempts to find lost Urithiru appear to be in conflict with the plans of the Ghostbloods.[21]
Amaram attempted to summon his Blade, but was too slow. He chased after the perpetrator, looked back toward the Herald for his safety, and was startled to find the Herald standing tall. He then brought Taln to his coach.[21]
Battle of Thaylen Field[]
Meridas Amaram
Fan art by shuravf[3]
Having been influenced by Odium, Amaram attacks Thaylen City and the citizens therein.[22]
Soon thereafter, he ingests a gemstone that contains the Unmade, Yelig-nar, and undergoes a transformation. This is somewhat hidden by his Plate, and - having done so - he acquires the ten Surges.[22]
Then, with two Blades, he fights Kaladin. With striking fury - a frenetic kind of harmony, an unending assault of weaving Shardblades and beautiful stances, he fights. Kaladin blocks one Blade with his Sylspear, and they lock for a moment.[22]
A sharp violet crystal bursts out of Amaram's elbow, cracking the Shardplate there, glowing with a soft inner light. Kaladin flings himself backward as Amaram swings his other Blade, nearly connecting.[22]
Kaladin dances away. Amaram makes using two Blades at once look elegant, mesmerizing.[22]
The deep red glow within Amaram's helm grows darker, bloody, somehow even more sinister. Kaladin blocks another hit, but the power of the blow sends him skidding backward on the stone.[22]
Shortly thereafter, Kaladin glances over his shoulder, then Lashes himself backward,[23] Stormlight puffing before him. A thick black arrow shot right through that, dispersing the Light.[22]
Amaram was standing near his horse, where he unhooked a massive Shardbow that used arrows as thick as a spear s haft. Amaram raised it to loose again, and a line of crystals jutted out along his arm, cracking his Shardplate.[22]
Almost, Amaram wins ... but is then shot by Rock - who uses a Shardbow to do so - impaling Amaram twice; once in the mouth and a second time in his 'gemheart'. He falls dead at Kaladin's feet.[22]
Relationships[]
Jasnah Kholin[]
Gavilar had wished them to be close, but she eventually grew to know Amaram's reputation and spurned him.[10]
When he asked her why she'd always denied him, Jasnah told him that other than the fact that he was a detestable buffoon who achieved only the lowest level of mediocrity, as it was the best his limited mind could imagine, she couldn't possibly think of a reason.[10]
When he questioned her assessment of mediocrity, he told her that she'd insulted his mother. He told her that she knew how hard his mother had worked to raise him to be the best soldier the kingdom had ever known. Jasnah replied that from what she understood, his mother spent the seven months she was with child entertaining each and every military man she could find, in the hopes that something of them would stick to him.[10]
In response to Jasnah's reply, Amaram called her a godless whore, stating that if she weren't a woman ... to which she responds if she wasn't a woman, she suspected that they wouldn't be having such a conversation.[10]
| “ | "Unless I were a pig. Then you’d be doubly interested." He thrust his hand to the side, stepping back, preparing to summon his Blade. | ” |
–Jasnah to Amaram[10] | ||
Jasnah smiled, holding her freehand toward him, letting Stormlight curl and rise from it, telling him to give her an excuse. That she dared him.[10]
Notes[]
Amaram was somewhat older than Jasnah.[24]
*Brandon has said that he meant Amaram to be the representation of the corrupt side of the Alethi.[25]
References[]
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 10. Stories of Surgeons
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 47. Stormblessings
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 44. The Weeping
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 67. Words
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 51. Sas Nahn
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Words of Radiance, 12. Hero
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Words of Radiance, 76. The Hidden Blade
- ↑ Oathbringer, 22. The Darkness Within
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Oathbringer, 37. The Last Time We March
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 Oathbringer, 53. Such A Twisted Cut
- ↑ Words of Radiance, Prologue - To Question
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Words of Radiance, 52. Into The Sky
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Oathbringer, 27. Playing Pretend
- ↑ Words of Radiance, 29. Rule Of Blood
- ↑ Flutes
- ↑ Oathbringer, 76. An Animal
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Words of Radiance, 22. Lights In The Storm
- ↑ Words of Radiance, 60. Veil Walks
- ↑ Words of Radiance, 55. The Rules Of The Game
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Words of Radiance, 56. Whitespine Uncaged
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 Words of Radiance, 88. The Man Who Owned The Winds
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7 22.8 Oathbringer, 120. The Spear That Would Not Break
- ↑ Ars Arcanum
- ↑ Starsight Release Party, Orem, UT, 11/26/19
- ↑ YouTube Livestream 2, 1/20/20
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