Editing Summary:The Hero of Ages

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== Prologue ==

== Prologue ==

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From the very start the process of [[Hemalurgy]] is revealed. [[Marsh]] basks in the pleasure of the fear of the [[Terrisman]] steward tied to the table. Below him is the Inquisitor they are about to create. For a moment, Marsh is able to regain control of his own mind, seeing the horror in what he is about to do, before [[Ruin]] completely subjugates him into continuing the task. He drives a brass spike through the heart of the Terrisman.

From the very start the process of [[Hemalurgy]] is revealed. [[Marsh]] basks in the pleasure of the fear of the [[Terrisman]] steward tied to the table. Below him is the Inquisitor they are about to create. For a moment, Marsh is able to regain control of his own mind, seeing the horror in what he is about to do, before [[Ruin]] completely subjugates him into continuing the task. He drives a brass spike through the heart of the Terrisman.

{{epigraph|I am, unfortunately, the Hero of Ages.}}

{{epigraph|I am, unfortunately, the Hero of Ages.}}

The book opens several months since [[Vin]] released Ruin from his prison within the [[Well of Ascension|Well]]. [[Fatren]] and his town are one of many that have been devastated by Ruin's malevolent horde of [[koloss]] and the [[Mist|killer mists]]. As they prepare for death having reports of an approaching koloss army they are greeted by a lone rider. This rider proves to be an [[Allomancy|Allomancer]] identifying himself as their emperor: [[Elend Venture]].

The book opens several months since [[Vin]] released Ruin from his prison within the [[Well of Ascension|Well]]. [[Fatren]] and his town are one of many that have been devastated by Ruin's malevolent horde of [[koloss]] and the [[Mist|killer mists]]. As they prepare for death having reports of an approaching koloss army they are greeted by a lone rider. This rider proves to be an [[Allomancy|Allomancer]] identifying himself as their emperor: [[Elend Venture]].

Yet, this knowledge was different from experience, or even ability to use that power. For instance, I knew how to move a planet in the sky. Yet, I didn't know where to place it so that it wouldn't be too close, or too far, from the sun.}}

Yet, this knowledge was different from experience, or even ability to use that power. For instance, I knew how to move a planet in the sky. Yet, I didn't know where to place it so that it wouldn't be too close, or too far, from the sun.}}

TenSoon moves about his prison cell in the kandra Homeland, awaiting his sentence. His form lacks bones and sensory organs but he can feel the vibrations of his cell being opened, the pain of being lifted out by hooks. By the First Contract he should have a chance to state his defense: the guards give him a skull but begin to dissolve him with acid, twisting the words of the law.

TenSoon moves about his prison cell in the kandra Homeland, awaiting his sentence. His form lacks bones and sensory organs but he can feel the vibrations of his cell being opened, the pain of being lifted out by hooks. By the First Contract he should have a chance to state his defense: the guards give him a skull but begin to dissolve him with acid, twisting the words of the law.

{{epigraph|In some ways, having such power was too overwhelming, I think. This was a power that would take millennia to understand. Remaking the world would have been easy, had one been familiar with the power. Yet, I realized the danger inherent in my ignorance. Like a child suddenly given awesome strength, I could have pushed too hard, and left the world a broken toy I could never repair.}}

{{epigraph|In some ways, having such power was too overwhelming, I think. This was a power that would take millennia to understand. Remaking the world would have been easy, had one been familiar with the power. Yet, I realized the danger inherent in my ignorance. Like a child suddenly given awesome strength, I could have pushed too hard, and left the world a broken toy I could never repair.}}

Leading the charge, Elend muses how Allomancy has given him the abilities to be in this position. His assumption about the koloss proves true as they're startled about the initial attack. This gives the assailants enough time to take down several hundred koloss before the blood frenzy kicks in. As the sounds of it alert Elend to its start he calls for the men to form up, simultaneously Soothing away their fear and Pushing on their emotions as he emboldens them. The battle drags on and Fatren loses his confidence, screaming about Elend leading them to die before Elend points at a speck in the sky.

Leading the charge, Elend muses how Allomancy has given him the abilities to be in this position. His assumption about the koloss proves true as they're startled about the initial attack. This gives the assailants enough time to take down several hundred koloss before the blood frenzy kicks in. As the sounds of it alert Elend to its start he calls for the men to form up, simultaneously Soothing away their fear and Pushing on their emotions as he emboldens them. The battle drags on and Fatren loses his confidence, screaming about Elend leading them to die before Elend points at a speck in the sky.

The ashmounts were his solution to this. He had learned that shoving a planet around required too much precision, so instead he caused the mountains to erupt, spewing ash and smoke into the air. The thicker atmosphere made the world cooler, and turned the sun red.}}

The ashmounts were his solution to this. He had learned that shoving a planet around required too much precision, so instead he caused the mountains to erupt, spewing ash and smoke into the air. The thicker atmosphere made the world cooler, and turned the sun red.}}

Sazed reviews the tenets of the [[Canzi]] religion, but rejects them as self-contradictory. As Breeze and Sazed await the signing of a treaty by King [[Audil Lekal]] to submit to Elend's rule, Breeze asks Sazed to preach of one of the religions in the Keeper's copperminds, but Sazed declines, stating his faith is shaken by the recent world events. An aide to the king delivers the signed treaty to Sazed and Breeze.

Sazed reviews the tenets of the [[Canzi]] religion, but rejects them as self-contradictory. As Breeze and Sazed await the signing of a treaty by King [[Audil Lekal]] to submit to Elend's rule, Breeze asks Sazed to preach of one of the religions in the Keeper's copperminds, but Sazed declines, stating his faith is shaken by the recent world events. An aide to the king delivers the signed treaty to Sazed and Breeze.

{{epigraph|Each time Rashek tried to fix things, he made them worse. He had to change the world's plants to make them able to survive in the new, harsh environment. Yet, that change left the plants less nutritious to mankind. Indeed, the falling ash would make men sick, causing them to cough like those who spent too long mining beneath the earth. And so Rashek changed mankind itself as well, altering them so that they could survive.}}

{{epigraph|Each time Rashek tried to fix things, he made them worse. He had to change the world's plants to make them able to survive in the new, harsh environment. Yet, that change left the plants less nutritious to mankind. Indeed, the falling ash would make men sick, causing them to cough like those who spent too long mining beneath the earth. And so Rashek changed mankind itself as well, altering them so that they could survive.}}

Elend has mental control of the koloss army, with the steel inquisitor now deceased. Vin realizes this inquisitor had a non-allomantic speed enhancement, and after investigation, finds and removes a pewter spike from its heart. Elend ponders if there is a third power besides allomancy and feruchemy. Elend and Vin discuss their losing battle against their [[Ruin|nebulous foe]].

Elend has mental control of the koloss army, with the steel inquisitor now deceased. Vin realizes this inquisitor had a non-allomantic speed enhancement, and after investigation, finds and removes a pewter spike from its heart. Elend ponders if there is a third power besides allomancy and feruchemy. Elend and Vin discuss their losing battle against their [[Ruin|nebulous foe]].

Either way, we had him to thank for a world without flowers, where plants grew brown rather than green, and where people could survive in an environment where ash fell from the sky on a regular basis.}}

Either way, we had him to thank for a world without flowers, where plants grew brown rather than green, and where people could survive in an environment where ash fell from the sky on a regular basis.}}

Marsh regains lucidity as Ruin lessens his control over the inquisitor. He is in a large koloss camp, and is accompanied by several inquisitors, many of whom have new hemalurgic spikes charged by Terris keepers. He ponders that he will never get enough control to kill himself, and that he wishes Ruin would keep control over him permanently to let him see the beauty in the destruction of the world.

Marsh regains lucidity as Ruin lessens his control over the inquisitor. He is in a large koloss camp, and is accompanied by several inquisitors, many of whom have new hemalurgic spikes charged by Terris keepers. He ponders that he will never get enough control to kill himself, and that he wishes Ruin would keep control over him permanently to let him see the beauty in the destruction of the world.

We were one. That didn't stop the world from ending, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.}}

We were one. That didn't stop the world from ending, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.}}

TenSoon consumes a new body. Four kandra of the Fifth Generation, including [[VarSell]], escort TenSoon to trial in the [[Trustwarren]].

TenSoon consumes a new body. Four kandra of the Fifth Generation, including [[VarSell]], escort TenSoon to trial in the [[Trustwarren]].

Ruin could plan and carefully plot, knowing if he built one thing up, he could use it to knock down two others. The nature of the world is that when we create something, we often destroy something else in the process.}}

Ruin could plan and carefully plot, knowing if he built one thing up, he could use it to knock down two others. The nature of the world is that when we create something, we often destroy something else in the process.}}

Vin watches as the mists attack the refugees from Vetitan, causing sickness and killing a nearly predictable number of them. Fatren is disbelieving about exposing his townsfolk to the mists, but Elend counters that it is necessary and that the survivors are now inoculated and will suffer no further.

Vin watches as the mists attack the refugees from Vetitan, causing sickness and killing a nearly predictable number of them. Fatren is disbelieving about exposing his townsfolk to the mists, but Elend counters that it is necessary and that the survivors are now inoculated and will suffer no further.

One of these was an understanding of the Three Metallic Arts. He knew, for instance, that the nuggets of metal in the Chamber of Ascension would make those who ingested them into Mistborn. These were, after all, fractions of the very power in the Well itself.}}

One of these was an understanding of the Three Metallic Arts. He knew, for instance, that the nuggets of metal in the Chamber of Ascension would make those who ingested them into Mistborn. These were, after all, fractions of the very power in the Well itself.}}

[[KanPaar]] of the Second Generation asks if TenSoon insists upon being tried, and TenSoon replies in the affirmative. Hundreds of kandra arrive at the Trustwarren to watch the proceedings, including [[MeLaan]], a close friend of TenSoon's. TenSoon believes that he is a proxy for a contest between KanPaar's and TenSoon's entire Generations.

[[KanPaar]] of the Second Generation asks if TenSoon insists upon being tried, and TenSoon replies in the affirmative. Hundreds of kandra arrive at the Trustwarren to watch the proceedings, including [[MeLaan]], a close friend of TenSoon's. TenSoon believes that he is a proxy for a contest between KanPaar's and TenSoon's entire Generations.

Perhaps he feared that someday, he would lose his powers, and would need that nugget to grant him Allomancy. Either way, I bless Rashek for his oversight, for without that nugget, Elend would have died that day at the Well.}}

Perhaps he feared that someday, he would lose his powers, and would need that nugget to grant him Allomancy. Either way, I bless Rashek for his oversight, for without that nugget, Elend would have died that day at the Well.}}

Sazed pontificates on the religion of [[Larstaism]], which revolved around financial donations to create art that increased mankind's understanding of divinity. Sazed and Breeze debate on the existance of a supernatural force and whether said force is the cause of the increased volcanic activity and killer mists. Sazed rejects Larstaism as not viable due to the ongoing massive natural disasters affecting the lands.

Sazed pontificates on the religion of [[Larstaism]], which revolved around financial donations to create art that increased mankind's understanding of divinity. Sazed and Breeze debate on the existance of a supernatural force and whether said force is the cause of the increased volcanic activity and killer mists. Sazed rejects Larstaism as not viable due to the ongoing massive natural disasters affecting the lands.

Most disturbingly, the First Contract contained a provision which, if invoked, would require the mass suicide of the entire kandra people.}}

Most disturbingly, the First Contract contained a provision which, if invoked, would require the mass suicide of the entire kandra people.}}

KanPaar interrogates TenSoon on why he killed [[OreSeur|a fellow kandra]], and TenSoon replies that he was compelled by his Contract to obey. The issue of kandra killing kandra leading to their extermination is raised to weaken TenSoon's trustworthiness as a witness, but he counters with an argument that Kelsier, the man who planned to kill their [[Lord Ruler|Father]] was allowed a Contract, a treacherous act in itself. KanPaar then asks why TenSoon broke Contract with Zane, to which TenSoon replies that he upheld a greater Contract, the First Contract with the Lord Ruler, by upholding Vin, who he labels as Mother, since she killed Father and replaced him in the sense of being the prime oppostion to Ruin. TenSoon states that he revealed their secret weakness to emotional allomancy to Vin and that they should pledge service to Vin in the same way they served the Lord Ruler, but KanPaar shouts down his arguments, and informs him that he will receive his punishment in one month's time.

KanPaar interrogates TenSoon on why he killed [[OreSeur|a fellow kandra]], and TenSoon replies that he was compelled by his Contract to obey. The issue of kandra killing kandra leading to their extermination is raised to weaken TenSoon's trustworthiness as a witness, but he counters with an argument that Kelsier, the man who planned to kill their [[Lord Ruler|Father]] was allowed a Contract, a treacherous act in itself. KanPaar then asks why TenSoon broke Contract with Zane, to which TenSoon replies that he upheld a greater Contract, the First Contract with the Lord Ruler, by upholding Vin, who he labels as Mother, since she killed Father and replaced him in the sense of being the prime oppostion to Ruin. TenSoon states that he revealed their secret weakness to emotional allomancy to Vin and that they should pledge service to Vin in the same way they served the Lord Ruler, but KanPaar shouts down his arguments, and informs him that he will receive his punishment in one month's time.

He constructed his palace around that room at its heart, the room where he would meditate, the room that was a replica of his old hovel in Terris. A refuge created during the last moments before his power ran out.}}

He constructed his palace around that room at its heart, the room where he would meditate, the room that was a replica of his old hovel in Terris. A refuge created during the last moments before his power ran out.}}

Elend and Vin discuss how the members of Kelsier's crew are losing hope and what they can do about it.

Elend and Vin discuss how the members of Kelsier's crew are losing hope and what they can do about it.

{{epigraph|Hemalurgy, it is called, because of the connection to blood. It is not a coincidence, I believe, that death is always involved in the transfer of powers via Hemalurgy. Marsh once described it as a "messy" process. Not the adjective I would have chosen. It's not disturbing enough.}}

{{epigraph|Hemalurgy, it is called, because of the connection to blood. It is not a coincidence, I believe, that death is always involved in the transfer of powers via Hemalurgy. Marsh once described it as a "messy" process. Not the adjective I would have chosen. It's not disturbing enough.}}

Marsh sits unmoving in the koloss camp, deliberating about Kelsier, Mare, his leadership role in the skaa rebellion, and his role in Ruin's plans. He decides that he will cease his futile struggles against Ruin and feign compliance so that he can lull his master into a false sense of security and foil his plans at a critical moment when Ruin is least expecting it.

Marsh sits unmoving in the koloss camp, deliberating about Kelsier, Mare, his leadership role in the skaa rebellion, and his role in Ruin's plans. He decides that he will cease his futile struggles against Ruin and feign compliance so that he can lull his master into a false sense of security and foil his plans at a critical moment when Ruin is least expecting it.

The body of a god—or, rather, the power of a god, since the two are really the same thing. Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood.}}

The body of a god—or, rather, the power of a god, since the two are really the same thing. Ruin and Preservation inhabited power and energy in the same way a person inhabits flesh and blood.}}

Spook flares tin constantly despite the dangers, having done so for over a year, first over guilt at Clubs' death, and then to follow Vin's example and to try to maintain every advantage that he could get. As he skulks through Urteau at night, his enhanced senses allow him to see by the stars as if in daylight, make his skin feel extremely sensitive to pebbles and wind, and hear ambient noises through walls. He wishes to prove himself valuable to the crew and takes the initiative to spy on Quellion's, aka the [[Citizen]]'s meetings, and to secretly watch [[Beldre]], the Citizen's sister. Spook observes as Quellion and his council discuss Elend's conquests, the ambassador Elend is sending to Urteau to negotiate with them, and various laws to deal with the nobility.

Spook flares tin constantly despite the dangers, having done so for over a year, first over guilt at Clubs' death, and then to follow Vin's example and to try to maintain every advantage that he could get. As he skulks through Urteau at night, his enhanced senses allow him to see by the stars as if in daylight, make his skin feel extremely sensitive to pebbles and wind, and hear ambient noises through walls. He wishes to prove himself valuable to the crew and takes the initiative to spy on Quellion's, aka the [[Citizen]]'s meetings, and to secretly watch [[Beldre]], the Citizen's sister. Spook observes as Quellion and his council discuss Elend's conquests, the ambassador Elend is sending to Urteau to negotiate with them, and various laws to deal with the nobility.

Though, of course, that did eventually happen anyway.}}

Though, of course, that did eventually happen anyway.}}

Vin wonders why the mists seem different and why she doesn't feel sheltered by them anymore. She watches as the mists retreat for the day and the soldiers leave their tents to prepare to march for the day. Elend and Hammond discuss the pros and cons of not exposing the soldiers to the mists.

Vin wonders why the mists seem different and why she doesn't feel sheltered by them anymore. She watches as the mists retreat for the day and the soldiers leave their tents to prepare to march for the day. Elend and Hammond discuss the pros and cons of not exposing the soldiers to the mists.

One could argue that, like an Inquisitor who has been transformed by a Hemalurgic spike, the Allomantic savant is no longer even human.}}

One could argue that, like an Inquisitor who has been transformed by a Hemalurgic spike, the Allomantic savant is no longer even human.}}

Spook has to wear a cloth over his eyes to be able to tolerate sunlight, but he needs to go out during the day to gather intelligence. He loiters by a streetslot in a busy market area that was formerly a canal, posing as a blind beggar, and seeing a procession of guards and prisoners that he was awaiting, goes to follow them, along with Durn, an informant, who tells Spook to keep a close watch. The prisoners, all nobles who didn't leave Urteau as ordered, are locked into a building which is then set aflame.

Spook has to wear a cloth over his eyes to be able to tolerate sunlight, but he needs to go out during the day to gather intelligence. He loiters by a streetslot in a busy market area that was formerly a canal, posing as a blind beggar, and seeing a procession of guards and prisoners that he was awaiting, goes to follow them, along with Durn, an informant, who tells Spook to keep a close watch. The prisoners, all nobles who didn't leave Urteau as ordered, are locked into a building which is then set aflame.

It also shows his mind-set during his time with Preservation's power. Under its influence he was obviously in a protective mode. Instead of leveling the ashmounts and trying to push the planet back into place, he was reactive, working furiously to fix problems that he himself had caused.}}

It also shows his mind-set during his time with Preservation's power. Under its influence he was obviously in a protective mode. Instead of leveling the ashmounts and trying to push the planet back into place, he was reactive, working furiously to fix problems that he himself had caused.}}

Elend orders his soldiers be exposed to the mists under relatively controlled conditions so that they are immunized for the future, where it wouldn't be so easy in possible combat situations to avoid them. Demoux asks Elend not to speak in the Survivor's name if he isn't a true believer, and says that Kelsier not only snapped to become a mistborn, but was granted power by a divine force.

Elend orders his soldiers be exposed to the mists under relatively controlled conditions so that they are immunized for the future, where it wouldn't be so easy in possible combat situations to avoid them. Demoux asks Elend not to speak in the Survivor's name if he isn't a true believer, and says that Kelsier not only snapped to become a mistborn, but was granted power by a divine force.

He did save the world. True, the near-destruction was his fault in the first place—but he did an admirable job, all things considered. At least he didn't release Ruin to the world as we did.}}

He did save the world. True, the near-destruction was his fault in the first place—but he did an admirable job, all things considered. At least he didn't release Ruin to the world as we did.}}

Sazed, Breeze, Allrianne, Captain Goradel, and two hundred soldiers travel toward Urteau, and Sazed decides to continue searching for a religion to believe in. They pass some farms and Goradel tells Sazed of his life and family. Goradel leads the soldiers to Luthadel to resupply while Sazed temporarily takes his leave of them.

Sazed, Breeze, Allrianne, Captain Goradel, and two hundred soldiers travel toward Urteau, and Sazed decides to continue searching for a religion to believe in. They pass some farms and Goradel tells Sazed of his life and family. Goradel leads the soldiers to Luthadel to resupply while Sazed temporarily takes his leave of them.

Ash from the ashmounts . . . it was different. Like the mists themselves, the ash covering our land was not truly a natural thing. Perhaps it was the influence of Ruin's power—as black as Preservation was white. Or, perhaps it was simply the nature of the ashmounts, which were designed and created specifically to blast ash and smoke into the sky.}}

Ash from the ashmounts . . . it was different. Like the mists themselves, the ash covering our land was not truly a natural thing. Perhaps it was the influence of Ruin's power—as black as Preservation was white. Or, perhaps it was simply the nature of the ashmounts, which were designed and created specifically to blast ash and smoke into the sky.}}

Spook regains consciousness, and feels numbed due to a lack of tin to burn. He hears a voice that tells him he has lost a lot of blood and that he will soon die from flames, and realizes he is in a burning building. The voice guides him to a room that has a desk containing allomantic vials, and he drinks the contents of one. He sees a figure that talks to him, telling him that the vials didn't belong to a Tineye so they wouldn't have tin, but Spook discovers that he can now burn pewter, thanks to the mysterious figure who resembles Kelsier. Spook is told to escape so that he can exact revenge.

Spook regains consciousness, and feels numbed due to a lack of tin to burn. He hears a voice that tells him he has lost a lot of blood and that he will soon die from flames, and realizes he is in a burning building. The voice guides him to a room that has a desk containing allomantic vials, and he drinks the contents of one. He sees a figure that talks to him, telling him that the vials didn't belong to a Tineye so they wouldn't have tin, but Spook discovers that he can now burn pewter, thanks to the mysterious figure who resembles Kelsier. Spook is told to escape so that he can exact revenge.

For some few, however, there was more. Those it favored, it swirled around. Those it was hostile to, it pulled away from. Some felt peace within it, others felt hatred. It all came down to Ruin's subtle touch, and how much one responded to his promptings.}}

For some few, however, there was more. Those it favored, it swirled around. Those it was hostile to, it pulled away from. Some felt peace within it, others felt hatred. It all came down to Ruin's subtle touch, and how much one responded to his promptings.}}

TenSoon sits in his prison cell, feeling insulted that anyone would think he would try to escape, as various kandra visit to condemn him or commisserate with him. He looks forward to his solitary confinement. MeLaan approaches him and tells him he can challenge the second generation, and that Ruin is conquering the lands. TenSoon is hesitant to rebel, but MeLaan's pleadings make him reconsider, and he decides to escape if given the opportunity, though he tells the opposite to MeLaan in case of eavesdroppers, and she leaves him feeling angry.

TenSoon sits in his prison cell, feeling insulted that anyone would think he would try to escape, as various kandra visit to condemn him or commisserate with him. He looks forward to his solitary confinement. MeLaan approaches him and tells him he can challenge the second generation, and that Ruin is conquering the lands. TenSoon is hesitant to rebel, but MeLaan's pleadings make him reconsider, and he decides to escape if given the opportunity, though he tells the opposite to MeLaan in case of eavesdroppers, and she leaves him feeling angry.

In those days, an Allomancer didn't need duralumin to take control of a kandra or koloss. A simple Push or Pull on the emotions was enough. In fact, this ability was one of the main reasons that the kandra devised their Contracts with the humans—for, at that time, not only Mistborn, but Soothers and Rioters could take control of them at the merest of whims.}}

In those days, an Allomancer didn't need duralumin to take control of a kandra or koloss. A simple Push or Pull on the emotions was enough. In fact, this ability was one of the main reasons that the kandra devised their Contracts with the humans—for, at that time, not only Mistborn, but Soothers and Rioters could take control of them at the merest of whims.}}

Demoux survives his sickness.

Demoux survives his sickness.

The Lord Ruler was one of these ancient Allomancers, his power pure and unadulterated by time and breeding. That is part of why he was so mighty compared to other Mistborn—though, admittedly, his ability to mix Feruchemy and Allomancy was what produced many of his most spectacular abilities. Still, it is interesting to me that one of his "divine" powers—his essential Allomantic strength—was something every one of the original nine Allomancers possessed.}}

The Lord Ruler was one of these ancient Allomancers, his power pure and unadulterated by time and breeding. That is part of why he was so mighty compared to other Mistborn—though, admittedly, his ability to mix Feruchemy and Allomancy was what produced many of his most spectacular abilities. Still, it is interesting to me that one of his "divine" powers—his essential Allomantic strength—was something every one of the original nine Allomancers possessed.}}

Sazed meets with the Terris elders, giving them advice, telling them he cannot stay to be their leader since he isn't worthy, and that he will be leaving the following morning. He inquires about mist deaths, and is informed that none of the Terris people have been stricken with this illness, a fact that he dwells upon.

Sazed meets with the Terris elders, giving them advice, telling them he cannot stay to be their leader since he isn't worthy, and that he will be leaving the following morning. He inquires about mist deaths, and is informed that none of the Terris people have been stricken with this illness, a fact that he dwells upon.

Nobody really knew what Kelsier did in the years between his escape from the Pits of Hathsin and his return to Luthadel. When pressed, he simply said that he had been in "the West." Somehow in his wanderings he discovered stories that no Keeper had ever heard. Most of the crew didn't know what to make of the legends he spoke of. This might have been the first seed that made even his oldest friends begin to question his leadership.}}

Nobody really knew what Kelsier did in the years between his escape from the Pits of Hathsin and his return to Luthadel. When pressed, he simply said that he had been in "the West." Somehow in his wanderings he discovered stories that no Keeper had ever heard. Most of the crew didn't know what to make of the legends he spoke of. This might have been the first seed that made even his oldest friends begin to question his leadership.}}

Spook explores his past in a fever-dream, reliving the day he was taken in by [[Clubs]].

Spook explores his past in a fever-dream, reliving the day he was taken in by [[Clubs]].

=== Chapter 24 ===

=== Chapter 24 ===

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That secret was indeed crucial. Kelsier's Eleventh Metal provided the very clue we needed to defeat the Lord Ruler. However, even in this, we were manipulated. The Lord Ruler knew Ruin's goals, and would never have released him from the Well of Ascension. So, Ruin needed other pawns—and for that to happen, the Lord Ruler needed to die. Even our greatest victory was shaped by Ruin's subtle fingers.}}

That secret was indeed crucial. Kelsier's Eleventh Metal provided the very clue we needed to defeat the Lord Ruler. However, even in this, we were manipulated. The Lord Ruler knew Ruin's goals, and would never have released him from the Well of Ascension. So, Ruin needed other pawns—and for that to happen, the Lord Ruler needed to die. Even our greatest victory was shaped by Ruin's subtle fingers.}}

TenSoon deliberates whether he should accept his punishment or try to escape to help Vin. VarSell and other kandra appear, ordering TenSoon to consume his wolfhound body to wear as punishment for his sentencing, since they believe that TenSoon despises the dog's body because that is what he said to MeLaan while they were eavesdropping, not realizing that this was actually TenSoon's desired result.

TenSoon deliberates whether he should accept his punishment or try to escape to help Vin. VarSell and other kandra appear, ordering TenSoon to consume his wolfhound body to wear as punishment for his sentencing, since they believe that TenSoon despises the dog's body because that is what he said to MeLaan while they were eavesdropping, not realizing that this was actually TenSoon's desired result.

The changes were slight, however, and after a thousand years of interbreeding, the differences had largely been erased.}}

The changes were slight, however, and after a thousand years of interbreeding, the differences had largely been erased.}}

Elend's army reaches Fadrex City. Elend and Hammond note the natural rock formations around the city, the lack of trees to conceal invaders, and the canyon like entrance to the city will make it difficult to conquer.

Elend's army reaches Fadrex City. Elend and Hammond note the natural rock formations around the city, the lack of trees to conceal invaders, and the canyon like entrance to the city will make it difficult to conquer.

I suspect that despite his hatred of the Khlenni people—of whom Alendi was one—Rashek had a deep-seated envy of them as well. The Terris of the time were pastoral herdsmen, the Khlenni cultured cosmopolitans. However ironic, it is logical that Rashek's new empire would mimic the high culture of the people he hated.}}

I suspect that despite his hatred of the Khlenni people—of whom Alendi was one—Rashek had a deep-seated envy of them as well. The Terris of the time were pastoral herdsmen, the Khlenni cultured cosmopolitans. However ironic, it is logical that Rashek's new empire would mimic the high culture of the people he hated.}}

Spook marvels at his survival and newfound Thug ability. He notices a metal sliver in his skin from the sword he was stabbed with and prepares to remove it, but Kelsier's voice tells him to leave it as a sign of his survival. He leaves his lair late at night and goes to a tavern to drink and get the pulse of the population. Spook daydreams about his past but notices several people talking about him being a member of Kelsier's crew, and wishing to avoid attention, leaves the bar.

Spook marvels at his survival and newfound Thug ability. He notices a metal sliver in his skin from the sword he was stabbed with and prepares to remove it, but Kelsier's voice tells him to leave it as a sign of his survival. He leaves his lair late at night and goes to a tavern to drink and get the pulse of the population. Spook daydreams about his past but notices several people talking about him being a member of Kelsier's crew, and wishing to avoid attention, leaves the bar.

The imperial religion, with its obligators, actually appears to have arisen from the bureaucratic mercantile system of the Hallant, a people who were very focused on weights, measures, and permissions. The fact that the Lord Ruler would base his Church on a financial institution shows—in my opinion—that he worried less about true faith in his followers, and more about stability, loyalty, and quantifiable measures of devotion.}}

The imperial religion, with its obligators, actually appears to have arisen from the bureaucratic mercantile system of the Hallant, a people who were very focused on weights, measures, and permissions. The fact that the Lord Ruler would base his Church on a financial institution shows—in my opinion—that he worried less about true faith in his followers, and more about stability, loyalty, and quantifiable measures of devotion.}}

Vin sneaks into Fadrex City. She scouts the city then visits an informant that Cett recommended named [[Slowswift]], who is a longtime associate of his. Slowswift says that Yomen is ruling well, providing stability and familiarity. Slowswift also mentions that a ball is being held that evening despite the pending siege, and says that he won't provide information to help the invasion of the city at the cost of his soul. Vin counters that the stability won't last due to the increasing ash and killer mists. Slowswift relents at this and speaks of Yomen's weaknesses and Vin departs after paying the informant.

Vin sneaks into Fadrex City. She scouts the city then visits an informant that Cett recommended named [[Slowswift]], who is a longtime associate of his. Slowswift says that Yomen is ruling well, providing stability and familiarity. Slowswift also mentions that a ball is being held that evening despite the pending siege, and says that he won't provide information to help the invasion of the city at the cost of his soul. Vin counters that the stability won't last due to the increasing ash and killer mists. Slowswift relents at this and speaks of Yomen's weaknesses and Vin departs after paying the informant.

Vin then goes to seek a second informant, a [[Hoid|beggar known to hum to himself]], but when Vin finds him, she feels uncomfortable and decides to not meet him. She scouts Yomen's palace, for former Canton of Resources building, and sees that is where the evening's ball is being held. She senses allomantic pulses indicating a possible mistborn but they vanish suddenly when she tries to locate their source. Vin returns to the army.

Vin then goes to seek a second informant, a [[Hoid|beggar known to hum to himself]], but when Vin finds him, she feels uncomfortable and decides to not meet him. She scouts Yomen's palace, for former Canton of Resources building, and sees that is where the evening's ball is being held. She senses allomantic pulses indicating a possible mistborn but they vanish suddenly when she tries to locate their source. Vin returns to the army.

=== Chapter 28 ===

=== Chapter 28 ===

Apparently, Rashek found it alarming that armed with gunpowder weapons, even the most common of men could be nearly as effective as archers with years of training. And so, he favored archers. The more training-dependent military technology was, the less likely it was that the peasant population would be able to rise up and resist him. Indeed, skaa revolts always failed in part for this very reason.}}

Apparently, Rashek found it alarming that armed with gunpowder weapons, even the most common of men could be nearly as effective as archers with years of training. And so, he favored archers. The more training-dependent military technology was, the less likely it was that the peasant population would be able to rise up and resist him. Indeed, skaa revolts always failed in part for this very reason.}}

Vin tells Elend that she thinks she saw or felt the Mist Spirit in Fadrex, and they discuss its intention to oppose Ruin. Vin states that it is much weaker than Ruin, and that she doesn't think it is related to the mist sickness. Vin talks about her destiny as the Hero of Ages but Elend says they have other priorities and that the prophecy proclaiming the Hero could have been corrupted by Ruin.

Vin tells Elend that she thinks she saw or felt the Mist Spirit in Fadrex, and they discuss its intention to oppose Ruin. Vin states that it is much weaker than Ruin, and that she doesn't think it is related to the mist sickness. Vin talks about her destiny as the Hero of Ages but Elend says they have other priorities and that the prophecy proclaiming the Hero could have been corrupted by Ruin.

Until it all collapsed, of course.}}

Until it all collapsed, of course.}}

Sazed arrives at Urteau, accompanied by Goradel, Breeze, Allrianne and an honor guard of soldiers, and they are immediately summoned to see Quellion.

Sazed arrives at Urteau, accompanied by Goradel, Breeze, Allrianne and an honor guard of soldiers, and they are immediately summoned to see Quellion.

{{epigraph|Originally, men assumed that Rashek's persecution of the Terris religion came from hatred. Yet, now that we know that Rashek was himself a Terrisman, his destruction of that religion seems odd. I suspect it had something to do with the prophecies about the Hero of Ages. Rashek knew that Preservation's power would eventually return to the Well of Ascension. If the Terris religion had been allowed to survive, then perhaps—someday—a person would find their way to the Well and take up the power, then use it to defeat Rashek and overthrow his empire. So, he obscured knowledge of the Hero and what he was supposed to do, hoping to keep the secret of the Well to himself.}}

{{epigraph|Originally, men assumed that Rashek's persecution of the Terris religion came from hatred. Yet, now that we know that Rashek was himself a Terrisman, his destruction of that religion seems odd. I suspect it had something to do with the prophecies about the Hero of Ages. Rashek knew that Preservation's power would eventually return to the Well of Ascension. If the Terris religion had been allowed to survive, then perhaps—someday—a person would find their way to the Well and take up the power, then use it to defeat Rashek and overthrow his empire. So, he obscured knowledge of the Hero and what he was supposed to do, hoping to keep the secret of the Well to himself.}}

Elend is surprised that no one objects to him and Vin placing themselves in danger by attending a ball in [[Fadrex City]]. Elend delineates the line of succession to Lord Cett.

Elend is surprised that no one objects to him and Vin placing themselves in danger by attending a ball in [[Fadrex City]]. Elend delineates the line of succession to Lord Cett.

This, of course, was a lie. After all, he had only touched one of the powers—and only in a very small way at that.}}

This, of course, was a lie. After all, he had only touched one of the powers—and only in a very small way at that.}}

Sazed, Spook, Breeze and Allrianne discuss the rationale for diverting the Urteau water supply to the underground lake. They also discuss methods to depose or remove the Citizen without allowing him to be replaced with someone who is just as bad. Sazed plays devil's advocate in taking Quellion's position as a true follower of Kelsier's policies regarding the nobility, though Breeze and the others point out the flaws in his logic. Breeze offers to gather intelligence on the political climate so they can determine their course of action.

Sazed, Spook, Breeze and Allrianne discuss the rationale for diverting the Urteau water supply to the underground lake. They also discuss methods to depose or remove the Citizen without allowing him to be replaced with someone who is just as bad. Sazed plays devil's advocate in taking Quellion's position as a true follower of Kelsier's policies regarding the nobility, though Breeze and the others point out the flaws in his logic. Breeze offers to gather intelligence on the political climate so they can determine their course of action.

{{epigraph|Allomancy, obviously, is of Preservation. The rational mind will see this. For, in the case of Allomancy, net power is gained. It is provided by an external source—Preservation's own body.}}

{{epigraph|Allomancy, obviously, is of Preservation. The rational mind will see this. For, in the case of Allomancy, net power is gained. It is provided by an external source—Preservation's own body.}}

Elend encounters Telden at the ball and they reminisce. Telden states that Elend is becoming a new Lord Ruler, but Elend counters he is only concerned with providing strong leadership, without the element of tyranny. Telden changes the topic to Elend and Vin's marriage, which makes Elend smile, then Elend leaves to confront Yomen, sitting to eat at Yomen's high table. Yomen wears a bead of atium tied to his forehead. Yomen ignores Elend's overtures of parlay, calling Elend flagrant and garish. Elend delivers an ultimatum to Yomen to cooperate or be deposed forcefully. Yomen debates Elend's legal basis for conquering Fadrex and calls him a hypocrite for not following his own laws in Luthadel, while Yomen claims the Lord Ruler's mandate in ruling this city. Yomen and Elend debate philosophical theory about the Lord Ruler, Vin, and divinity. Yomen asks why Elend needs to rule in his dominance and Elend states that he doesn't but he does need access to the storage cache for the greater good. Yomen refuses to give in, and Elend takes his leave of him.

Elend encounters Telden at the ball and they reminisce. Telden states that Elend is becoming a new Lord Ruler, but Elend counters he is only concerned with providing strong leadership, without the element of tyranny. Telden changes the topic to Elend and Vin's marriage, which makes Elend smile, then Elend leaves to confront Yomen, sitting to eat at Yomen's high table. Yomen wears a bead of atium tied to his forehead. Yomen ignores Elend's overtures of parlay, calling Elend flagrant and garish. Elend delivers an ultimatum to Yomen to cooperate or be deposed forcefully. Yomen debates Elend's legal basis for conquering Fadrex and calls him a hypocrite for not following his own laws in Luthadel, while Yomen claims the Lord Ruler's mandate in ruling this city. Yomen and Elend debate philosophical theory about the Lord Ruler, Vin, and divinity. Yomen asks why Elend needs to rule in his dominance and Elend states that he doesn't but he does need access to the storage cache for the greater good. Yomen refuses to give in, and Elend takes his leave of him.

{{epigraph|Hemalurgy is of Ruin. It destroys. By taking abilities from one person and giving them to another—in reduced amounts—power is actually lost. In line with Ruin's own appointed purpose—breaking down the universe into smaller and smaller pieces—Hemalurgy gives great gifts, but at a high cost.}}

{{epigraph|Hemalurgy is of Ruin. It destroys. By taking abilities from one person and giving them to another—in reduced amounts—power is actually lost. In line with Ruin's own appointed purpose—breaking down the universe into smaller and smaller pieces—Hemalurgy gives great gifts, but at a high cost.}}

TenSoon is led to his judgment in the Trustwarren, now wearing his wolfhound bones. He interrupts KanPaar's pronouncement of judgment to address the First Generation on the state of affairs in the world outside and to advise that they may need to command acceptance of the Resolution. KanPaar is ordered to continue judgment, and he sentences TenSoon to imprisonment for Ten Generations, then death by starvation, for the crimes of rebellion and endangerment. TenSoon escapes, using the superior dexterity of his familiar wolfhound body to easily evade the aesthetically styled but impractical kandra guards, who are not able to restrain a kandra that is able to keep pace with a mistborn.

TenSoon is led to his judgment in the Trustwarren, now wearing his wolfhound bones. He interrupts KanPaar's pronouncement of judgment to address the First Generation on the state of affairs in the world outside and to advise that they may need to command acceptance of the Resolution. KanPaar is ordered to continue judgment, and he sentences TenSoon to imprisonment for Ten Generations, then death by starvation, for the crimes of rebellion and endangerment. TenSoon escapes, using the superior dexterity of his familiar wolfhound body to easily evade the aesthetically styled but impractical kandra guards, who are not able to restrain a kandra that is able to keep pace with a mistborn.

{{anchor|Part 3}}

{{anchor|Part 3}}

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{{epigraph|Feruchemy, it should be noted, is the power of balance. Of the three powers, only it was known to men before the conflict between Preservation and Ruin came to a head. In Feruchemy, power is stored up, then later drawn upon. There is no loss of energy—just a changing of the time and rate of its use.}}

{{epigraph|Feruchemy, it should be noted, is the power of balance. Of the three powers, only it was known to men before the conflict between Preservation and Ruin came to a head. In Feruchemy, power is stored up, then later drawn upon. There is no loss of energy—just a changing of the time and rate of its use.}}

Marsh walks through a small town in the Central Dominance, near [[Ashmounts|Mount Tyrian]], full of starving people despite the fact that the area is in Elend's protected zone. Marsh revels in the despair, holding back his sliver of resistance. He creates a bronze hemalurgic spike by stabbing a [[Copper|Smoker]] through the heart with it, then leaves and watches as the volcano erupts in a flow of magma.

Marsh walks through a small town in the Central Dominance, near [[Ashmounts|Mount Tyrian]], full of starving people despite the fact that the area is in Elend's protected zone. Marsh revels in the despair, holding back his sliver of resistance. He creates a bronze hemalurgic spike by stabbing a [[Copper|Smoker]] through the heart with it, then leaves and watches as the volcano erupts in a flow of magma.

In concept, it is a very simple art. A parasitic one. Without other people to steal from, Hemalurgy would be useless.}}

In concept, it is a very simple art. A parasitic one. Without other people to steal from, Hemalurgy would be useless.}}

Breeze mingles at a tavern as Spook seeks out Durn in the Harrows, breaking into his lair, and confronting him about rumors that Durn was spreading about Spook. Durn says that he is trying to undermine the Citizen, who has caused problems for the underground economy, by showing that Quellion tried to kill a member of Kelsier's crew which would not go over well with the townspeople.

Breeze mingles at a tavern as Spook seeks out Durn in the Harrows, breaking into his lair, and confronting him about rumors that Durn was spreading about Spook. Durn says that he is trying to undermine the Citizen, who has caused problems for the underground economy, by showing that Quellion tried to kill a member of Kelsier's crew which would not go over well with the townspeople.

Spikes made from other metals steal Feruchemical abilities. For example, all of the original Inquisitors were given a pewter spike, which—after first being pounded through the body of a Feruchemist—gave the Inquisitor the ability to store up healing power. (Though they couldn't do so as quickly as a real Feruchemist, as per the law of Hemalurgic decay.) This, obviously, is where the Inquisitors got their infamous ability to recover from wounds quickly, and was also why they needed to rest so much.}}

Spikes made from other metals steal Feruchemical abilities. For example, all of the original Inquisitors were given a pewter spike, which—after first being pounded through the body of a Feruchemist—gave the Inquisitor the ability to store up healing power. (Though they couldn't do so as quickly as a real Feruchemist, as per the law of Hemalurgic decay.) This, obviously, is where the Inquisitors got their infamous ability to recover from wounds quickly, and was also why they needed to rest so much.}}

Elend and Lord Cett discuss the siege, and Elend accepts Cett's suggestion to poison the water wells, though he doesn't want people to die because of this. Elend also orders residents of the outlying villages to be intimidated but not killed. An earthquake hits, providing a reminder that they can't spend too long trying to siege Fadrex.

Elend and Lord Cett discuss the siege, and Elend accepts Cett's suggestion to poison the water wells, though he doesn't want people to die because of this. Elend also orders residents of the outlying villages to be intimidated but not killed. An earthquake hits, providing a reminder that they can't spend too long trying to siege Fadrex.

Demoux recovers sufficiently from his illness to leave bed and return to his duties.

Demoux recovers sufficiently from his illness to leave bed and return to his duties.

Demoux asks to be relieved of his position as General as he feels that Kelsier has judged him and found him unworthy. Demoux mentions another statistical oddity that Elend was not aware of, that one sixteenth of the sick either remained sick for sixteen days or perished. Demoux mentions other ways that the number sixteen seems to be relevant, stating there is a pattern that Kelsier is behind. Elend states that Demoux wasn't killed and that means that he isn't being punished for lack of faith as he thinks. Elend tells Demoux to stop pitying himself and apply scientific reasoning to investigate the mists and the numerological phenomena. They are interrupted by shouting.

Demoux asks to be relieved of his position as General as he feels that Kelsier has judged him and found him unworthy. Demoux mentions another statistical oddity that Elend was not aware of, that one sixteenth of the sick either remained sick for sixteen days or perished. Demoux mentions other ways that the number sixteen seems to be relevant, stating there is a pattern that Kelsier is behind. Elend states that Demoux wasn't killed and that means that he isn't being punished for lack of faith as he thinks. Elend tells Demoux to stop pitying himself and apply scientific reasoning to investigate the mists and the numerological phenomena. They are interrupted by shouting.

In most cases, however, Inquisitors were created from Mistings. It appears that Seekers, like Marsh, were the favored recruits. For, when a Mistborn wasn't available, an Inquisitor with enhanced bronze abilities was a powerful tool for searching out skaa Mistings.}}

In most cases, however, Inquisitors were created from Mistings. It appears that Seekers, like Marsh, were the favored recruits. For, when a Mistborn wasn't available, an Inquisitor with enhanced bronze abilities was a powerful tool for searching out skaa Mistings.}}

Vin investigates as raiders on horses sent by King Yomen attack their camp trying to destroy their supplies. Vin uses allomantic pushes and pulls on the tent spikes to turn them into deadly missiles against the attackers. She detects another mistborn and chases that person into the city, but loses him again somehow, then returns to the camp. Elend reveals the attack on the camp was a distraction, allowing Yomen to use heavy siege equipment to wipe out half of their twenty thousand koloss army. Elend transfers control of one thousand of the remaining koloss to Vin.

Vin investigates as raiders on horses sent by King Yomen attack their camp trying to destroy their supplies. Vin uses allomantic pushes and pulls on the tent spikes to turn them into deadly missiles against the attackers. She detects another mistborn and chases that person into the city, but loses him again somehow, then returns to the camp. Elend reveals the attack on the camp was a distraction, allowing Yomen to use heavy siege equipment to wipe out half of their twenty thousand koloss army. Elend transfers control of one thousand of the remaining koloss to Vin.

And so, a kandra granted the Blessing of Potency is actually acquiring a bit of innate strength similar to that of burning pewter. The Blessing of Presence grants mental capacity in a similar way, while the Blessing of Awareness is the ability to sense with greater acuity and the rarely used Blessing of Stability grants emotional fortitude.}}

And so, a kandra granted the Blessing of Potency is actually acquiring a bit of innate strength similar to that of burning pewter. The Blessing of Presence grants mental capacity in a similar way, while the Blessing of Awareness is the ability to sense with greater acuity and the rarely used Blessing of Stability grants emotional fortitude.}}

Spook watches as Franson and some other skaa excavate one of the burned out buildings, finding nine skulls among the debris, which he thinks is significant since he watched ten people get locked in the building. Spook realizes there are secret exits from the buildings. He tells Franson that this means they can help save his sister.

Spook watches as Franson and some other skaa excavate one of the burned out buildings, finding nine skulls among the debris, which he thinks is significant since he watched ten people get locked in the building. Spook realizes there are secret exits from the buildings. He tells Franson that this means they can help save his sister.

I have delved and searched, and have only been able to come up with a single name: [[Adonalsium]]. Who, or what, it was, I do not yet know.}}

I have delved and searched, and have only been able to come up with a single name: [[Adonalsium]]. Who, or what, it was, I do not yet know.}}

TenSoon retrieves two iron hemalurgic spikes that he hid before returning to his homeland for trial, and absorbs them into his mass. The two spikes which TenSoon had stolen from OreSeur now grant him the [[Blessing of Potency]], giving him greater strength, to go along with his [[Blessing of Presence]], and giving him great power for a kandra. He then seeks out Vin as a replacement for the Lord Ruler to serve her under the terms of the [[First Contract]].

TenSoon retrieves two iron hemalurgic spikes that he hid before returning to his homeland for trial, and absorbs them into his mass. The two spikes which TenSoon had stolen from OreSeur now grant him the [[Blessing of Potency]], giving him greater strength, to go along with his [[Blessing of Presence]], and giving him great power for a kandra. He then seeks out Vin as a replacement for the Lord Ruler to serve her under the terms of the [[First Contract]].

Each pair of spikes grants what the kandra would call the Blessing of Potency. However, each spike also distorts the koloss body a little more, making it increasingly inhuman. Such is the cost of Hemalurgy.}}

Each pair of spikes grants what the kandra would call the Blessing of Potency. However, each spike also distorts the koloss body a little more, making it increasingly inhuman. Such is the cost of Hemalurgy.}}

Elend, Hammond, Lord Cett, Noorden and Demoux discuss how inquisitors are made, as Vin watches. Cett questions the significance of this topic, and Elend states they are facing a greater force than Yomen's soldiers. Noorden explains that the patterns in the sickness indicate an intelligent force was causing it, and tells of rumors that inquisitors are made by combining the powers of several allomancers. Hammond concludes that is why skaa mistings were hunted, to replenish the inquisitor population. Elend connects the spikes Human was using and the description that Marsh gave about the process of his being turned into an inquisitor being messy to the creation of inquisitors, and explains that koloss are made from humans. Vin says this Art is called Hemalurgy, according to Marsh. They theorize that since the same process creates koloss, kandra and inquisitors, that they must have the same weaknesses to emotional allomancy, and that their enemy is controlling the inquisitors and koloss using the weakness. Elend declares that they must look for patterns in the enemy's actions to try to determine how to defeat it.

Elend, Hammond, Lord Cett, Noorden and Demoux discuss how inquisitors are made, as Vin watches. Cett questions the significance of this topic, and Elend states they are facing a greater force than Yomen's soldiers. Noorden explains that the patterns in the sickness indicate an intelligent force was causing it, and tells of rumors that inquisitors are made by combining the powers of several allomancers. Hammond concludes that is why skaa mistings were hunted, to replenish the inquisitor population. Elend connects the spikes Human was using and the description that Marsh gave about the process of his being turned into an inquisitor being messy to the creation of inquisitors, and explains that koloss are made from humans. Vin says this Art is called Hemalurgy, according to Marsh. They theorize that since the same process creates koloss, kandra and inquisitors, that they must have the same weaknesses to emotional allomancy, and that their enemy is controlling the inquisitors and koloss using the weakness. Elend declares that they must look for patterns in the enemy's actions to try to determine how to defeat it.

One might think that kandra are changed most of all. However, one must remember that new kandra are made from mistwraiths, and not humans. The spikes worn by the kandra cause only a small transformation in their hosts—leaving their bodies mostly like that of a mistwraith, but allowing their minds to begin working. Ironically, while the spikes dehumanize the koloss, they give a measure of humanity to the kandra.}}

One might think that kandra are changed most of all. However, one must remember that new kandra are made from mistwraiths, and not humans. The spikes worn by the kandra cause only a small transformation in their hosts—leaving their bodies mostly like that of a mistwraith, but allowing their minds to begin working. Ironically, while the spikes dehumanize the koloss, they give a measure of humanity to the kandra.}}

Kelsier tells Spook that he has to kill the guards to save the prisoners from being executed. Spook finds a secret bolt-hole where some of the Citizen's soldiers were liberating one of the prisoners, and attacks, killing all the soldiers, though he ends up locked in the burning building with one of the prisoners, a young girl.

Kelsier tells Spook that he has to kill the guards to save the prisoners from being executed. Spook finds a secret bolt-hole where some of the Citizen's soldiers were liberating one of the prisoners, and attacks, killing all the soldiers, though he ends up locked in the burning building with one of the prisoners, a young girl.

They then no longer required a fresh supply of spikes. I often wonder what effect the constant reuse of spikes had on their population. A spike can only hold so much of a Hemalurgic charge, so they could not create spikes that granted infinite strength, no matter how many people those spikes killed and drew power from. However, did the repeated reuse of spikes perhaps bring more humanity to the koloss they made?}}

They then no longer required a fresh supply of spikes. I often wonder what effect the constant reuse of spikes had on their population. A spike can only hold so much of a Hemalurgic charge, so they could not create spikes that granted infinite strength, no matter how many people those spikes killed and drew power from. However, did the repeated reuse of spikes perhaps bring more humanity to the koloss they made?}}

Marsh observes in secret as surgeons confer about Penrod, deciding to leave the spike in place since they aren't able to safely remove it and since he seems to be in good health even with the spike, all according to Ruin's plan.

Marsh observes in secret as surgeons confer about Penrod, deciding to leave the spike in place since they aren't able to safely remove it and since he seems to be in good health even with the spike, all according to Ruin's plan.

The art that is unique to Hemalurgy, however, is the knowledge of where to place the spikes.}}

The art that is unique to Hemalurgy, however, is the knowledge of where to place the spikes.}}

Elend and Vin are followed by the mysterious mistborn, but ignore it as they travel to a ball at the Canton of Resource. At the ball, they split up, and Vin mingles at the party before setting off for her mission to locate the storage cache. She detects a couple of mistings, a Smoker and a Tineye, tailing her at the party. She sees Slowswift at the party, and asks him for two men to help her, and he agrees to have someone meet her on the patio. She stands on the patio waiting for Elend to create a pre-arranged distraction, and when it happens, she attacks the women, using a duralumin brass push on them, then knocking them out and having the two friends of Slowswift conceal their unconscious forms, so that she can move about undetected. She changes into more appropriate garb for subterfuge, and sneaks into a building to find the cache.

Elend and Vin are followed by the mysterious mistborn, but ignore it as they travel to a ball at the Canton of Resource. At the ball, they split up, and Vin mingles at the party before setting off for her mission to locate the storage cache. She detects a couple of mistings, a Smoker and a Tineye, tailing her at the party. She sees Slowswift at the party, and asks him for two men to help her, and he agrees to have someone meet her on the patio. She stands on the patio waiting for Elend to create a pre-arranged distraction, and when it happens, she attacks the women, using a duralumin brass push on them, then knocking them out and having the two friends of Slowswift conceal their unconscious forms, so that she can move about undetected. She changes into more appropriate garb for subterfuge, and sneaks into a building to find the cache.

It is a little-known fact that the Inquisitors' torture chambers were actually Hemalurgic laboratories. The Lord Ruler was constantly trying to develop new breeds of servant. It is a testament to Hemalurgy's complexity that, despite a thousand years of trying, he never managed to create anything with it beyond the three kinds of creatures he developed during those few brief moments holding the power.}}

It is a little-known fact that the Inquisitors' torture chambers were actually Hemalurgic laboratories. The Lord Ruler was constantly trying to develop new breeds of servant. It is a testament to Hemalurgy's complexity that, despite a thousand years of trying, he never managed to create anything with it beyond the three kinds of creatures he developed during those few brief moments holding the power.}}

Vin descends below ground, finding several corridors, one of which is guarded. She uses emotional allomancy to distract these and other guards, and finds her way after a while into the storage cache. However, after she gains access, she gets locked in.

Vin descends below ground, finding several corridors, one of which is guarded. She uses emotional allomancy to distract these and other guards, and finds her way after a while into the storage cache. However, after she gains access, she gets locked in.

An Inquisitor who was a Seeker before his transformation would therefore have an enhanced ability to use bronze. This simple fact explains how many Inquisitors were able to pierce copperclouds.}}

An Inquisitor who was a Seeker before his transformation would therefore have an enhanced ability to use bronze. This simple fact explains how many Inquisitors were able to pierce copperclouds.}}

Vin confronts Reen, demanding who or what he really is. She tries a duralumin zinc blast but nothing happens, proving the creature is not a kandra. She goes on the offensive, though Reen only backs away defensively, not attacking, and asks her to stop to talk. The lights go out, but Vin is still not able to hit the impostor. In the dark, she focuses on the allomantic pulses and realizes they match the ones from the Well of Ascension, and that the creature is Ruin. Ruin tells her that all things must end and that he is not her enemy. It also says that it has always been with her, even when she couldn't see it, since she was a child.

Vin confronts Reen, demanding who or what he really is. She tries a duralumin zinc blast but nothing happens, proving the creature is not a kandra. She goes on the offensive, though Reen only backs away defensively, not attacking, and asks her to stop to talk. The lights go out, but Vin is still not able to hit the impostor. In the dark, she focuses on the allomantic pulses and realizes they match the ones from the Well of Ascension, and that the creature is Ruin. Ruin tells her that all things must end and that he is not her enemy. It also says that it has always been with her, even when she couldn't see it, since she was a child.

Ruin's prison, however, was fabricated of that power. Therefore, it was attuned to the power of Preservation—the very power of the Well. When that power was released and dispersed, rather than utilized, it acted as a key. The subsequent "unlocking" is what finally freed Ruin.}}

Ruin's prison, however, was fabricated of that power. Therefore, it was attuned to the power of Preservation—the very power of the Well. When that power was released and dispersed, rather than utilized, it acted as a key. The subsequent "unlocking" is what finally freed Ruin.}}

Sazed, Breeze and Allrianne await Spook's return to the storage cavern, and speculate on his actions and his ability to jump two stories without being severely injured. Sazed thinks that are no known examples of an allomancer gaining new powers after snapping.

Sazed, Breeze and Allrianne await Spook's return to the storage cavern, and speculate on his actions and his ability to jump two stories without being severely injured. Sazed thinks that are no known examples of an allomancer gaining new powers after snapping.

Which was why Ruin became so obsessed with finding the hidden part of his self.}}

Which was why Ruin became so obsessed with finding the hidden part of his self.}}

Elend stands in the mists, worrying about Vin, but also having faith in her ability to take care of herself. Lord Cett tells Elend that the siege isn't working, and that they should attack Fadrex then return to Luthadel. They are interrupted by a disturbance and Elend leaves to investigate and it turns out to be a brawl between mistfallen and other soldiers which Elend helps break up. Elend orders Demoux to march with the mistfallen back to Luthadel to assist Penrod. Elend goes to Noorden's tent to change his battle tactics against Yomen.

Elend stands in the mists, worrying about Vin, but also having faith in her ability to take care of herself. Lord Cett tells Elend that the siege isn't working, and that they should attack Fadrex then return to Luthadel. They are interrupted by a disturbance and Elend leaves to investigate and it turns out to be a brawl between mistfallen and other soldiers which Elend helps break up. Elend orders Demoux to march with the mistfallen back to Luthadel to assist Penrod. Elend goes to Noorden's tent to change his battle tactics against Yomen.

He was also able to affect and control far more people than before. Where he had once influenced only a few select individuals, he could now direct entire koloss armies.}}

He was also able to affect and control far more people than before. Where he had once influenced only a few select individuals, he could now direct entire koloss armies.}}

Vin ruminates on all the knowledge she has about Ruin to try to figure out how to defeat it. Having no light, it takes her some time to explore the cavern. She finds the metal plate and reads it by touch. The Lord Ruler wrote that Ruin had spoken in his mind, that he tried to be a good ruler, and that he cared despite the fact that if anyone read these words that meant he was dead, and that he hid Ruin's body well and that Ruin is not omnipotent.

Vin ruminates on all the knowledge she has about Ruin to try to figure out how to defeat it. Having no light, it takes her some time to explore the cavern. She finds the metal plate and reads it by touch. The Lord Ruler wrote that Ruin had spoken in his mind, that he tried to be a good ruler, and that he cared despite the fact that if anyone read these words that meant he was dead, and that he hid Ruin's body well and that Ruin is not omnipotent.

Thus, Ruin needed a much more indirect way to achieve his purpose. He needed someone he hadn't tainted too much, but someone he could lead by the nose, carefully manipulating.}}

Thus, Ruin needed a much more indirect way to achieve his purpose. He needed someone he hadn't tainted too much, but someone he could lead by the nose, carefully manipulating.}}

Sazed researches how to refill the canals with water, withdrawing a book on engineering from his copperminds. Sazed speaks in detail to Breeze about how canals work, which pleases Breeze since Sazed is showing interest in his scholarship again. Breeze tells Sazed to be himself and do what makes him happy. Breeze also expresses confidence in Spook's leadership though Sazed has reservations about him. Spook joins them and states that it feels wrong that Quellion hasn't attacked them. He says that Quellion came to power by getting people to go into the mists and declaring all who lived were pure, and by killing nobles in the name of the Survivor, though Quellion concealed the facts that no nobles died in the mists. Sazed says he is ready to start construction of the structures to redirect water to the canals. Goradel shows up to say Beldre has appeared asking to speak with Spook.

Sazed researches how to refill the canals with water, withdrawing a book on engineering from his copperminds. Sazed speaks in detail to Breeze about how canals work, which pleases Breeze since Sazed is showing interest in his scholarship again. Breeze tells Sazed to be himself and do what makes him happy. Breeze also expresses confidence in Spook's leadership though Sazed has reservations about him. Spook joins them and states that it feels wrong that Quellion hasn't attacked them. He says that Quellion came to power by getting people to go into the mists and declaring all who lived were pure, and by killing nobles in the name of the Survivor, though Quellion concealed the facts that no nobles died in the mists. Sazed says he is ready to start construction of the structures to redirect water to the canals. Goradel shows up to say Beldre has appeared asking to speak with Spook.

On the time scale of gods and their power, this very tricky timing was as precise as an expert cut performed by the most talented of surgeons.}}

On the time scale of gods and their power, this very tricky timing was as precise as an expert cut performed by the most talented of surgeons.}}

Vin uses her last allomantic vial and exits through the cave door past several men, using a steel push to try to escape using the ceiling trapdoor but she fails because the trapdoor has weights on top to keep it from opening. The first man who entered, dressed as a noble, is Telden Hasting, and he tells her that she will be freed from the cavern if she agrees to drink drugged wine. Vin tries to bluff Telden but he doesn't fall for it, so she takes the wine and falls unconscious.

Vin uses her last allomantic vial and exits through the cave door past several men, using a steel push to try to escape using the ceiling trapdoor but she fails because the trapdoor has weights on top to keep it from opening. The first man who entered, dressed as a noble, is Telden Hasting, and he tells her that she will be freed from the cavern if she agrees to drink drugged wine. Vin tries to bluff Telden but he doesn't fall for it, so she takes the wine and falls unconscious.

To achieve such things, he apparently began with people who already had a tenuous grip on reality. Their insanity made them more open to his touch, and he could use them to spike more stable people. Either way, it's impressive how many important people Ruin managed to spike. King Penrod, ruling Luthadel at the time, is a very good example of this.}}

To achieve such things, he apparently began with people who already had a tenuous grip on reality. Their insanity made them more open to his touch, and he could use them to spike more stable people. Either way, it's impressive how many important people Ruin managed to spike. King Penrod, ruling Luthadel at the time, is a very good example of this.}}

Elend uses steelpushes to travel toward an area where a koloss army was sighted. He locates the army attacking a village and starts fighting and killing koloss. After a while, he uses a duralumin pull to successfully control the army. Then he returns to his camp.

Elend uses steelpushes to travel toward an area where a koloss army was sighted. He locates the army attacking a village and starts fighting and killing koloss. After a while, he uses a duralumin pull to successfully control the army. Then he returns to his camp.

In the end, the entire system fell apart. Ash fell so steadily that it smothered and killed, and the world's plant life died off. The microbes had no chance of keeping up, for they needed time and nutrients to reproduce.}}

In the end, the entire system fell apart. Ash fell so steadily that it smothered and killed, and the world's plant life died off. The microbes had no chance of keeping up, for they needed time and nutrients to reproduce.}}

TenSoon goes to Luthadel to find Vin, but finds instead an overcrowded ash-filled city. He proceeds to Keep Venture to eavesdrop on a couple of guards but doesn't learn anything about Vin's whereabouts. He thinks of a new plan however, going to where OreSeur buried Kelsier's bones and absorbing them as a new disguise.

TenSoon goes to Luthadel to find Vin, but finds instead an overcrowded ash-filled city. He proceeds to Keep Venture to eavesdrop on a couple of guards but doesn't learn anything about Vin's whereabouts. He thinks of a new plan however, going to where OreSeur buried Kelsier's bones and absorbing them as a new disguise.

Ruin, of course, eventually acquired the ability to end the world and gain the satisfaction he wanted. But, then, that wasn't originally part of the bargain.}}

Ruin, of course, eventually acquired the ability to end the world and gain the satisfaction he wanted. But, then, that wasn't originally part of the bargain.}}

Spook talks with Beldre, who tells him that she is half-skaa and that she was going to be executed but was saved when the Final Empire was overthrown. Beldre says that Spook is like Quellion but he denies this. Spook speaks of his life in Kelsier's crew and of Sazed and Breeze allowing him to give orders even though he feels like he isn't really in charge. He speaks of Vin and Elend, and promises to try to save the city and not harm Quellion, then leaves to go out to the city.

Spook talks with Beldre, who tells him that she is half-skaa and that she was going to be executed but was saved when the Final Empire was overthrown. Beldre says that Spook is like Quellion but he denies this. Spook speaks of his life in Kelsier's crew and of Sazed and Breeze allowing him to give orders even though he feels like he isn't really in charge. He speaks of Vin and Elend, and promises to try to save the city and not harm Quellion, then leaves to go out to the city.

And Preservation eventually broke it.}}

And Preservation eventually broke it.}}

Vin awakes in chains, and with no metals in her stomach to burn. Yomen describes all the precautions that are in effect to keep Vin from escaping. Yomen took Vin's earring to examine it, and it confuses him, since it is made of silver and bronze, a combination of little use to an allomancer. He allows her to take the earring and she does, putting it back in place. One of Elend's soldiers is escorted in to ask Vin a question to verify that she is still alive and not a kandra impostor. Yomen says that she was captured to be executed for the murder of the Lord Ruler, though he will allow her to speak in her own defense. Ruin whispers to her to kill Yomen.

Vin awakes in chains, and with no metals in her stomach to burn. Yomen describes all the precautions that are in effect to keep Vin from escaping. Yomen took Vin's earring to examine it, and it confuses him, since it is made of silver and bronze, a combination of little use to an allomancer. He allows her to take the earring and she does, putting it back in place. One of Elend's soldiers is escorted in to ask Vin a question to verify that she is still alive and not a kandra impostor. Yomen says that she was captured to be executed for the murder of the Lord Ruler, though he will allow her to speak in her own defense. Ruin whispers to her to kill Yomen.

These two minds were, of course, independent of the raw force of their powers. Actually, I am uncertain of how thoughts and personalities came to be attached to the powers in the first place—but I believe they were not there originally. For both powers could be detached from the minds that ruled them.}}

These two minds were, of course, independent of the raw force of their powers. Actually, I am uncertain of how thoughts and personalities came to be attached to the powers in the first place—but I believe they were not there originally. For both powers could be detached from the minds that ruled them.}}

Elend walks back to the camp at Fadrex accompanied by his new army of thirty thousand koloss. He feels heavily burdened by the hardships of his job and kneels down in the ash, ready to give up. The mist figure appears, kneeling next to him. It points to the northeast when Elend asks what it wants him to do, but Elend says he is confused. Elend manages to communicate with it using yes or no questions, with the figure waving its arms for yes, so that Ruin can't change its message, and Elend asks questions about the figure, the mists, the ashfalls and Ruin. The figure indicates that it doesn't want him to attack Fadrex, and that the mists are not killing people, and points at Elend's metal vial, then vanishes after saying that they maybe can survive. The encounter revigorates Elend though he isn't sure why.

Elend walks back to the camp at Fadrex accompanied by his new army of thirty thousand koloss. He feels heavily burdened by the hardships of his job and kneels down in the ash, ready to give up. The mist figure appears, kneeling next to him. It points to the northeast when Elend asks what it wants him to do, but Elend says he is confused. Elend manages to communicate with it using yes or no questions, with the figure waving its arms for yes, so that Ruin can't change its message, and Elend asks questions about the figure, the mists, the ashfalls and Ruin. The figure indicates that it doesn't want him to attack Fadrex, and that the mists are not killing people, and points at Elend's metal vial, then vanishes after saying that they maybe can survive. The encounter revigorates Elend though he isn't sure why.

As it was, the corpse was left alone to be buried in ash. The world was dying. Its gods had to die with it.}}

As it was, the corpse was left alone to be buried in ash. The world was dying. Its gods had to die with it.}}

Spook works on a plan for Quellion to reveal his allomantic ability. He discusses the plan with Beldre, who asks to be allowed to write a letter to Quellion to convince him to not oppose Spook, and he gives permission. Goradel summons Spook to alert him that the Citizen's soldiers left the Canton building. Spook sends scouts to investigate where the soldiers went to.

Spook works on a plan for Quellion to reveal his allomantic ability. He discusses the plan with Beldre, who asks to be allowed to write a letter to Quellion to convince him to not oppose Spook, and he gives permission. Goradel summons Spook to alert him that the Citizen's soldiers left the Canton building. Spook sends scouts to investigate where the soldiers went to.

There is more to this. Much more that even I do not yet comprehend.}}

There is more to this. Much more that even I do not yet comprehend.}}

Ruin's voice gives Vin insights about the creature. She thinks that it acts similar to emotional allomancy. She realizes that she can still communicate with the thousand koloss but can't communicate intelligent thoughts to them and can't think of any other valuable way to use them.

Ruin's voice gives Vin insights about the creature. She thinks that it acts similar to emotional allomancy. She realizes that she can still communicate with the thousand koloss but can't communicate intelligent thoughts to them and can't think of any other valuable way to use them.

Or, at least, keep him from destroying things too quickly. Once his mind was "freed" from its prison the destruction accelerated quickly.}}

Or, at least, keep him from destroying things too quickly. Once his mind was "freed" from its prison the destruction accelerated quickly.}}

Sazed instructs Spook on how to activate the water flow mechanism to divert the water back to the canals and verifies that they will be clear of people. Beldre pleas for more time for Quellion, but Spook declines, as Beldre's letter to Quellion was met with a cold response.

Sazed instructs Spook on how to activate the water flow mechanism to divert the water back to the canals and verifies that they will be clear of people. Beldre pleas for more time for Quellion, but Spook declines, as Beldre's letter to Quellion was met with a cold response.

Of course, there was another part for him to play. Granted, not large, but still important, all things considered.}}

Of course, there was another part for him to play. Granted, not large, but still important, all things considered.}}

TenSoon reaches Urteau, and finds that the city has a great number of burned buildings, though the canals are again flowing. He finds Elend's soldiers guarding a ministry building and wanting to save time, tells them he is a messenger from Elend and wants to speak to the city leaders. He finds Breeze in charge, who thinks he is OreSeur, but TenSoon corrects him. They both go to Sazed to discuss the situation. Sazed explains that Vin is at Fadrex City, and TenSoon is upset since that is a great distance from Urteau. Sazed asks why TenSoon wants to see Vin, and he replies that it has to do with the Hero of Ages and the end of the world. TenSoon is puzzled by the lack of reaction on Sazed's part.

TenSoon reaches Urteau, and finds that the city has a great number of burned buildings, though the canals are again flowing. He finds Elend's soldiers guarding a ministry building and wanting to save time, tells them he is a messenger from Elend and wants to speak to the city leaders. He finds Breeze in charge, who thinks he is OreSeur, but TenSoon corrects him. They both go to Sazed to discuss the situation. Sazed explains that Vin is at Fadrex City, and TenSoon is upset since that is a great distance from Urteau. Sazed asks why TenSoon wants to see Vin, and he replies that it has to do with the Hero of Ages and the end of the world. TenSoon is puzzled by the lack of reaction on Sazed's part.

I wonder what he thought when those creations repeatedly failed him.}}

I wonder what he thought when those creations repeatedly failed him.}}

Vin mock attempts to escape from her confinement, attacking guards as they retrieve her to bring her to Yomen. She downs four of them, but there are twenty at least, and they easily foil her. She is brought to Yomen, and after being shackled to a bench, secretly rubs some grease from her food on her hands and wrists. She is able to escape her shackles and throws silver screws at the guards to distract them but she is unable to grab Yomen since he is burning atium. He has her sit back down, unshackled. She says he is a mistborn but he denies this and tells her it is time to make a decision about her execution. Some other obligators join Yomen and Yomen questions why Vin's army is there, and she tells of needing the supplies and of Cett wanting to reclaim his kingdom. Ruin walks around Yomen proclaiming him a disappointment. Yomen asks Vin about her role in the Church of the Survivor. Yomen questions faith in an unseen god and Vin replies that is what Yomen is doing, but he denies the Lord Ruler is gone. Yomen asks her to tell about her slaying the Lord Ruler and she gives all the details save about her drawing from the mists. Yomen states that this is all a ploy by the Lord Ruler. Vin replies that she isn't the Survivor's Heir, but rather the Lord Ruler's, and that he isn't returning.

Vin mock attempts to escape from her confinement, attacking guards as they retrieve her to bring her to Yomen. She downs four of them, but there are twenty at least, and they easily foil her. She is brought to Yomen, and after being shackled to a bench, secretly rubs some grease from her food on her hands and wrists. She is able to escape her shackles and throws silver screws at the guards to distract them but she is unable to grab Yomen since he is burning atium. He has her sit back down, unshackled. She says he is a mistborn but he denies this and tells her it is time to make a decision about her execution. Some other obligators join Yomen and Yomen questions why Vin's army is there, and she tells of needing the supplies and of Cett wanting to reclaim his kingdom. Ruin walks around Yomen proclaiming him a disappointment. Yomen asks Vin about her role in the Church of the Survivor. Yomen questions faith in an unseen god and Vin replies that is what Yomen is doing, but he denies the Lord Ruler is gone. Yomen asks her to tell about her slaying the Lord Ruler and she gives all the details save about her drawing from the mists. Yomen states that this is all a ploy by the Lord Ruler. Vin replies that she isn't the Survivor's Heir, but rather the Lord Ruler's, and that he isn't returning.

True, the mists did also cause some deaths in those who went out in them, but the number killed was not a large enough percentage of the population to be a threat to our survival as a species. The ash, that was our real problem. The smoke filling the atmosphere, the black flakes covering up everything beneath, the eruptions of the volcanic ashmounts . . . Those were what would kill the world.}}

True, the mists did also cause some deaths in those who went out in them, but the number killed was not a large enough percentage of the population to be a threat to our survival as a species. The ash, that was our real problem. The smoke filling the atmosphere, the black flakes covering up everything beneath, the eruptions of the volcanic ashmounts . . . Those were what would kill the world.}}

Elend arrives at his camp with his group of koloss. Elend tells Hammond that Vin is still alive, since her bonded koloss haven't lost control. Hammond says that scouts from the Central Dominance say that Luthadel and many villages are in very bad shape, and that some cities have been destroyed by earthquakes and lava. Elend orders Hammond to plan a surprise attack for the morning with the koloss leading the way.

Elend arrives at his camp with his group of koloss. Elend tells Hammond that Vin is still alive, since her bonded koloss haven't lost control. Hammond says that scouts from the Central Dominance say that Luthadel and many villages are in very bad shape, and that some cities have been destroyed by earthquakes and lava. Elend orders Hammond to plan a surprise attack for the morning with the koloss leading the way.

The power in these few beads was so concentrated that it could last through ten centuries of breeding and inheritance.}}

The power in these few beads was so concentrated that it could last through ten centuries of breeding and inheritance.}}

Spook is alive but unconscious, badly burned and slowly recovering in a hospital, as Sazed watches on. He gave pewter to Spook but this does not speed up his healing. Beldre is there also and she speaks of how Spook got her brother to act as he did in the past, and that he will survive and that he is a hero to the city.

Spook is alive but unconscious, badly burned and slowly recovering in a hospital, as Sazed watches on. He gave pewter to Spook but this does not speed up his healing. Beldre is there also and she speaks of how Spook got her brother to act as he did in the past, and that he will survive and that he is a hero to the city.

Ruin did actually manage to get a spike into Yomen, once. Yomen, however, removed the spike before Ruin got a firm grip on him. It was much easier for Ruin to get a hold on people who were passionate and impulsive than it was for him to hold on to people who were logical and prone to working through their actions in their minds.}}

Ruin did actually manage to get a spike into Yomen, once. Yomen, however, removed the spike before Ruin got a firm grip on him. It was much easier for Ruin to get a hold on people who were passionate and impulsive than it was for him to hold on to people who were logical and prone to working through their actions in their minds.}}

Ruin gloats to Vin about his pending victory. Vin listens to his ramblings, looking for clues to defeat him.

Ruin gloats to Vin about his pending victory. Vin listens to his ramblings, looking for clues to defeat him.

He tried to spike Yomen, failed, and by that time, Elend's army had arrived. So, he used a different pawn to investigate the cache for him and discover if the atium really was there or not. He didn't commit too many resources to the city at first, fearing a deception on the Lord Ruler's part. Like him, I still wonder if the caches were, in part, intended for just that purpose—to distract Ruin and keep him occupied.}}

He tried to spike Yomen, failed, and by that time, Elend's army had arrived. So, he used a different pawn to investigate the cache for him and discover if the atium really was there or not. He didn't commit too many resources to the city at first, fearing a deception on the Lord Ruler's part. Like him, I still wonder if the caches were, in part, intended for just that purpose—to distract Ruin and keep him occupied.}}

=== Chapter 65 ===

=== Chapter 65 ===

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I think, over the years, Ruin would subtly twist him and make him do terrible things to his own people. But at the beginning, I suspect his decision against them was motivated more by logic than emotion. He was about to unveil a grand power in the Mistborn.

I think, over the years, Ruin would subtly twist him and make him do terrible things to his own people. But at the beginning, I suspect his decision against them was motivated more by logic than emotion. He was about to unveil a grand power in the Mistborn.

He could have, I suppose, kept Allomancy secret and used Feruchemists as his primary warriors and assassins. However, I think he was wise to choose as he did. Feruchemists, by the nature of their powers, have a tendency toward scholarship. With their incredible memories, they would have been very difficult to control over the centuries. Indeed, they were difficult to control, even when he suppressed them. Allomancy not only provided a spectacular new ability without that drawback, it offered a mystical power he could use to bribe kings to his side.}}

He could have, I suppose, kept Allomancy secret and used Feruchemists as his primary warriors and assassins. However, I think he was wise to choose as he did. Feruchemists, by the nature of their powers, have a tendency toward scholarship. With their incredible memories, they would have been very difficult to control over the centuries. Indeed, they were difficult to control, even when he suppressed them. Allomancy not only provided a spectacular new ability without that drawback, it offered a mystical power he could use to bribe kings to his side.}}

Elend asks Hammond if attacking the city with his koloss is the right thing to do, and Hammond replies that it isn't. Elend orders the camp packed up, and for them to return to Luthadel.

Elend asks Hammond if attacking the city with his koloss is the right thing to do, and Hammond replies that it isn't. Elend orders the camp packed up, and for them to return to Luthadel.

Yes, it would have taken a man of supreme will to resist Ruin even slightly while bearing the spikes of an Inquisitor.}}

Yes, it would have taken a man of supreme will to resist Ruin even slightly while bearing the spikes of an Inquisitor.}}

Sazed rides TenSoon, who has taken the form of a very muscular horse, to the kandra homeland. TenSoon tells about the creation and abilities of kandra, and about other creatures of Ruin. TenSoon tells Sazed that Vin will lead an army of allomancers to the homeland, and that Sazed is to convince the First Generation how dire the situation is, since they have a task to do. They arrive at their destination, which turns out to be a cave complex at the Pits of Hathsin, where the homeland is located. TenSoon leaves and Sazed enters the kandra tunnel complex, and encounters a couple of kandra guards, who escort him forward.

Sazed rides TenSoon, who has taken the form of a very muscular horse, to the kandra homeland. TenSoon tells about the creation and abilities of kandra, and about other creatures of Ruin. TenSoon tells Sazed that Vin will lead an army of allomancers to the homeland, and that Sazed is to convince the First Generation how dire the situation is, since they have a task to do. They arrive at their destination, which turns out to be a cave complex at the Pits of Hathsin, where the homeland is located. TenSoon leaves and Sazed enters the kandra tunnel complex, and encounters a couple of kandra guards, who escort him forward.

Four spikes also made them easier for Allomancers to control. In our time, it required a duralumin Push to take control of a kandra. Koloss, however, could be taken by a determined regular Push, particularly when they were afraid.}}

Four spikes also made them easier for Allomancers to control. In our time, it required a duralumin Push to take control of a kandra. Koloss, however, could be taken by a determined regular Push, particularly when they were afraid.}}

Elend and Vin and Yomen watch from inside Fadrex as an enormous army of koloss gathers outside. A gigantic earthquake hits, doing great damage to the city. Vin is again unable to use the mists, and she is wearing her earring. She ponders trying to bluff Ruin, and how to make the mists help her again. She tells Elend that she has to get the atium cache and bring it there, and leaves for Luthadel, hoping to make Ruin tip his hand.

Elend and Vin and Yomen watch from inside Fadrex as an enormous army of koloss gathers outside. A gigantic earthquake hits, doing great damage to the city. Vin is again unable to use the mists, and she is wearing her earring. She ponders trying to bluff Ruin, and how to make the mists help her again. She tells Elend that she has to get the atium cache and bring it there, and leaves for Luthadel, hoping to make Ruin tip his hand.

This oversight cost him much, but gained the world so much more.}}

This oversight cost him much, but gained the world so much more.}}

Sazed is escorted through the kandra tunnels, and notices the kandra displaying fear toward him. He inquires about the status of the First Contract, now that the Lord Ruler is dead, but the kandra who answers doesn't know. He is led to the Trustwarren, and proclaims himself the Announcer, and that he is Terris as are the kandra, and that he discovered the Hero and has watched her and tells them the end is here. He is given a table to write at, and a crowd of kandra gathers, but they are only the Second Generation.

Sazed is escorted through the kandra tunnels, and notices the kandra displaying fear toward him. He inquires about the status of the First Contract, now that the Lord Ruler is dead, but the kandra who answers doesn't know. He is led to the Trustwarren, and proclaims himself the Announcer, and that he is Terris as are the kandra, and that he discovered the Hero and has watched her and tells them the end is here. He is given a table to write at, and a crowd of kandra gathers, but they are only the Second Generation.

And who decided to use the neutral pronoun, so that we wouldn't know if the Hero was a woman or a man?}}

And who decided to use the neutral pronoun, so that we wouldn't know if the Hero was a woman or a man?}}

=== Chapter 70 ===

=== Chapter 70 ===

The point, however, is that people with unstable personalities were more susceptible to Ruin's influence, even if they didn't have a spike in them. That, indeed, is likely how Zane got his spike.}}

The point, however, is that people with unstable personalities were more susceptible to Ruin's influence, even if they didn't have a spike in them. That, indeed, is likely how Zane got his spike.}}

Elend and Yomen tour the city of Fadrex. Elend lectures Yomen on the fact that leading soldiers is about more than tactical knowledge and that emotion and courage are important. They travel to the infirmary in the Canton building. A boy with a case of mistsickness is brought in. Elend asks Yomen if he knew anything about the mistsickness and mentions the statistical anomaly, which Yomen didn't know about but which he doesn't seem excited about, since he says that sixteen is a sacred number in the Lord Ruler's religious doctrine. Yomen states there must be sixteen allomantic metals, including two undiscovered ones, to fit in with the pattern of sixteen. Elend watches the boy in pain and realizes that his experience is similar to the beatings used to snap allomancers. He goes to the infirmary to find someone who is mistfallen and has him drink an allomantic vial. After a few moments, the soldier feels odd, and Elend tells him to burn his metal, and Elend senses an allomantic pulse. He explains the mists were snapping allomancers, not harming them. Ruin sends his koloss to attack. Elend has Yomen gather every bit of physical allomancy powder he can find and have the mistfallen inbibe it since they will be able to burn it allomantically to fight the koloss.

Elend and Yomen tour the city of Fadrex. Elend lectures Yomen on the fact that leading soldiers is about more than tactical knowledge and that emotion and courage are important. They travel to the infirmary in the Canton building. A boy with a case of mistsickness is brought in. Elend asks Yomen if he knew anything about the mistsickness and mentions the statistical anomaly, which Yomen didn't know about but which he doesn't seem excited about, since he says that sixteen is a sacred number in the Lord Ruler's religious doctrine. Yomen states there must be sixteen allomantic metals, including two undiscovered ones, to fit in with the pattern of sixteen. Elend watches the boy in pain and realizes that his experience is similar to the beatings used to snap allomancers. He goes to the infirmary to find someone who is mistfallen and has him drink an allomantic vial. After a few moments, the soldier feels odd, and Elend tells him to burn his metal, and Elend senses an allomantic pulse. He explains the mists were snapping allomancers, not harming them. Ruin sends his koloss to attack. Elend has Yomen gather every bit of physical allomancy powder he can find and have the mistfallen inbibe it since they will be able to burn it allomantically to fight the koloss.

As for the other aspects of the number . . . well, even I am still investigating that. Suffice it to say that it has great ramifications regarding how the world, and the universe itself, works.}}

As for the other aspects of the number . . . well, even I am still investigating that. Suffice it to say that it has great ramifications regarding how the world, and the universe itself, works.}}

TenSoon finds a large river of lava blocking his path to Fadrex, and feels despair that he won't be able to reach his destination in time due to the required detour.

TenSoon finds a large river of lava blocking his path to Fadrex, and feels despair that he won't be able to reach his destination in time due to the required detour.

Of course, this did give us a slight advantage, at the end. Ruin had a lot of trouble giving duralumin to his Inquisitors, since they'd need an Allomancer who could burn it to kill before they could use it. And, since none of the duralumin Mistings in the world knew about their power, they didn't burn it and reveal themselves to Ruin. That left most Inquisitors without the power of duralumin, save in a few important cases—such as Marsh—where they got it from a Mistborn. This was usually considered a waste, for if one killed a Mistborn with Hemalurgy, one could draw out only one of their sixteen powers and lost the rest. Ruin considered it much better to try to subvert them and gain access to all of their power.}}

Of course, this did give us a slight advantage, at the end. Ruin had a lot of trouble giving duralumin to his Inquisitors, since they'd need an Allomancer who could burn it to kill before they could use it. And, since none of the duralumin Mistings in the world knew about their power, they didn't burn it and reveal themselves to Ruin. That left most Inquisitors without the power of duralumin, save in a few important cases—such as Marsh—where they got it from a Mistborn. This was usually considered a waste, for if one killed a Mistborn with Hemalurgy, one could draw out only one of their sixteen powers and lost the rest. Ruin considered it much better to try to subvert them and gain access to all of their power.}}

Vin reaches Luthadel, sensing that a dozen mistborn are chasing her. She goes to Kredik Shaw, and Ruin questions her, saying his minions already search the Lord Ruler's palace for the atium. Vin says she will never reveal the location of the atium cache, and Ruin orders his Inquisitors, thirteen in all, to attack her as Marsh watches. She sees one of them use feruchemical speed from extra spikes that it has. She fights well but is eventually overpowered, and pleads for the mists to aid her in her moment of desperation but nothing happens. Marsh tortures her, breaking her arms and one of her legs, telling her to reveal the location of the atium.

Vin reaches Luthadel, sensing that a dozen mistborn are chasing her. She goes to Kredik Shaw, and Ruin questions her, saying his minions already search the Lord Ruler's palace for the atium. Vin says she will never reveal the location of the atium cache, and Ruin orders his Inquisitors, thirteen in all, to attack her as Marsh watches. She sees one of them use feruchemical speed from extra spikes that it has. She fights well but is eventually overpowered, and pleads for the mists to aid her in her moment of desperation but nothing happens. Marsh tortures her, breaking her arms and one of her legs, telling her to reveal the location of the atium.

There is at least one other case of a person who could pierce copperclouds. In her case, however, the situation was slightly different. She was a Mistborn from birth, and her sister was the Seeker. The death of that sister–and subsequent inheritance of power via the Hemalurgic spike used to kill that sister–left her twice as good at burning bronze as a typical Mistborn. And that let her see through the copperclouds of lesser Allomancers.}}

There is at least one other case of a person who could pierce copperclouds. In her case, however, the situation was slightly different. She was a Mistborn from birth, and her sister was the Seeker. The death of that sister–and subsequent inheritance of power via the Hemalurgic spike used to kill that sister–left her twice as good at burning bronze as a typical Mistborn. And that let her see through the copperclouds of lesser Allomancers.}}

TenSoon senses a change in the mists, and notices that instead of swirling chaotically, they seem to be all flowing toward Luthadel. He feels invigorated by this and heads toward the capital.

TenSoon senses a change in the mists, and notices that instead of swirling chaotically, they seem to be all flowing toward Luthadel. He feels invigorated by this and heads toward the capital.

There were other reasons, of course. But even Ruin didn't know them.}}