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of mine to arrive.” “Associates?” Sarene said. “Assassins,” Roial said. “Men I have hired out of Fjorden. Not all the people of that country are perfectly loyal to their god-some are sworn to gold instead.” “Where are they?” Sarene asked. “Staying in an inn not far away,” Roial said. “But,” Sarene said with confusion, ... |
“kill these traitors. Start with the dear princess. Let it be known that this is the punishment for all those who try to usurp the throne.” “No!” Shuden and Eondel yelled in unison. The soldiers started to move, and Sarene found herself behind a protective wall formed by Shuden, Eondel, and Lukel. Only Eondel was armed... |
and several of the liver spots on his scalp faded. Then the light fell away, the wound still belching blood with each futile pump of the duke's dying heart. Spirit cursed. “It's too weak.” he said, desperately beginning another Aon. “And I haven't studied the healing modifiers! I don't know how to target just one part ... |
with a respectful smile. Telrii's slaughter of Roial still bothered Hrathen. Murdering the duke without trial or incarceration would make the other nobles even more apprehensive.Hrathen rose. Perhaps it wasn't too late to convince Telrii to at least draft a warrant of execution. It would ease the aristocratic minds if ... |
the noonday sun. The merchant, showing both foresight and healthy paranoia following the massacre ten years before, had built his mansion more like a castle than a house. It was a compact square, with straight stone walls and narrow windows, and it even stood atop a hill. The roof had a pattern of stones running along ... |
“I'm not, you know.” “Not what?” “Your husband. At least, the relationship is disputable. The betrothal contract said our marriage would be binding if either of us died before the wedding. I didn't die-I went to Elantris. Though they're essentially the same thing, the contract's words were very specific.” Sarene looked... |
or two,” Raoden said. “They deserve to know the secret to their power.” Sarene smiled. “I always knew you would find the answer. Domi doesn't let your kind of dedication go wasted.” Raoden smiled. The night before, she had made him draw several dozen Aons to prove that they actually worked. Of course, they hadn't been ... |
cut on his cheek, and she gasped slightly. “I did this, didn't I?” Raoden nodded. “As I said-I had no idea how good of a fencer you are.” Sarene ran her finger down the wound. “It confused me terribly when I couldn't find the wound. Why does the illusion show your expressions, but nor a cut?” “It's complicated,” Raoden... |
be bodies on them. Raoden grew cold as he moved the disk along the line of corpses. The last two corpses in the row were familiar. Sarene gasped in horror as Eondel's and Telrii's dead faces came into focus. CHAPTER 56 “HE attacked late last night, my lady,” Ashe explained. The remaining members of their group-Kiin, Lu... |
chef, and in his place was a man who seemed more like a grizzled admiral from her father's navy. “Thank you, Kiin,” Raoden said. Her uncle nodded. The horsemen approached quickly, fanning out to surround Kiin's hilltop fortress. Noticing Raoden on the roof, one of the soldiers urged his horse a few steps closer. “We ha... |
had fallen. The patriarch gasped, dropping the crown as he stumbled away. Raoden looked back to the crowd, his stomach sick. He had been so close.... A voice came at his side. “Look at him, nobles of Arelon!” Sarene declared. “Look at the man who would have been your king. Look at his dark skin and his Elantrian face! ... |
the Dor the moment before my Aon fell, and it was coming from that priest.” He paused for a moment, grinding his teeth. “Can I borrow Ashe?” “Of course,” Sarene said, waving the Seon closer. “Ashe, would you deliver a message for me?” Raoden asked. “Of course, my lord,” the Seon said with a bob. “Find Galladon in New E... |
doctrine. The result was a fickle congregation, capable of returning to their old ways as quickly as they had left. It is this cursed deadline! Hrathen thought to himself as he strode down Kae's quickly darkening evening streets. Three months was not enough time to build a stable following. Ahead of him, Dilaf turned d... |
the man's thrust with inhuman speed, then impaling him on a wicked-looking sword. Raoden froze. He recognized this demon. Though its body was twisted like the rest, its face was familiar. It was Dilaf, the Fjordell priest. Dilaf smiled, eyeing Raoden. Raoden scrambled for one of the fallen soldiers' weapons, but he was... |
do. The carriage pulled to a sudden stop. Sarene frowned, opening her mouth to call out a question to the coachman. Then she paused. Now that the rumbling of the coach had ceased, she could hear something. Something that sounded faintly like ... screams. She smelled the smoke a second later. Sarene pulled back the carr... |
the newcomer bellowed louder. Dazed, Sarene pushed herself up, watching the shadowed forms. An approaching light soon unmasked them. The shirtless warrior was expected. The other was not. “Kiin?”Sarene asked. Her uncle held an enormous axe, large as a man's chest. He smashed it into the creature's back as it wiggled ac... |
to steal the throne of Teod from my father,” Sarene said, looking up into Kiin's eyes. “No,” Kiin said, turning away. “Dreok wanted what belonged to him. He tried to take back the throne that his younger brother, Eventeo, stole-stole right from under Dreok's nose while he foolishly wasted his life on pleasure trips.” D... |
said. “Reread that letter sometime. Wyrn didn't send you to Arelon to convert, he sent you to inform the people of their impending destruction. You were a distraction, something for people like Eventeo to focus their attention on while I prepared for the city's invasion. You did your job perfectly.” “Distraction . . . ... |
barely keep himself upright, let alone speak. The worst part was, he knew it would never improve. He could not heal-now that the dizziness had come upon him, it would never leave. “You realize that there is no dealing with him,” Kiin said quietly. They watched Dilaf and the staggering Raoden through one of Kiin's slitl... |
thought you had converted, Eventeo. No matter. Wake your soldiers and gather them on their ships. I will arrive in Teod one hour from now, and if they are not ready to present a formal surrender, I will kill the girl.” “Father no!” Sarene yelled. “He can't be trusted!” “Sarene?” Eventeo asked anxiously. “One hour, Even... |
near the center of the city, in a place that seems more cleanly.” “We found them, my gragdet.” the monk said. “Our men have already attacked.” “Ah, good,” Dilaf said with a hiss of pleasure. “Make certain you gather their bodies-Elantrians do not die as easily as normal men, and we do not want to let any of them escape... |
clothing and faces ragged. Soldiers kept a watchful eye on the captives-as if any of them had the courage or will left to try escaping. Most of the people didn't even look up as they were pushed through the streets. Kaise and Daorn clung to Lukel, wide-eyed and frightened. Lukel pitied them the most, for their youth. A... |
As Hrathen pulled himself to his feet, his eyes found those of the princess. Sarene's face was a tempest of hatred. She blamed him, of course. She didn't realize that, in a way, Hrathen was as much a prisoner as she. Dilaf stood at the edge of the roof, scanning the city. A fleet of ships was pulling into Teod's enormo... |
that Raoden would somehow make things better. This was the curse his friend had set upon him, the wicked seed of optimism that refused to be uprooted. Galladon still had hope, and he probably would until the moment he gave himself up to the pool. Silently, Galladon nodded to Karata, and they picked Raoden up, ready to ... |
ashamed. He searched around him, his eyes finding a table leg that one of the soldiers had dropped nearby. When the time came, Shuden would not fight alone. Raoden floated, senseless and unaware. Time meant nothing to him-he was time. It was his essence. Occasionally he would bob toward the surface of what he had once ... |
She will scream until Elantris is gone.” They reached the ledge, behind which lay the pool, and Galladon laid Raoden down. The prince slumped idly against the stone, his head hanging slightly over the side of the cliff, his unfocused eyes staring out over the city of Kae. Galladon leaned back against the rock face, nex... |
distance that you could have walked in fifteen minutes.” “Absolute obedience is required, Hrathen,” Dilaf whispered. “Occasional tests and examples bring loyalty from the rest.” Then, pausing, he looked out over the bay. The armada was docked, waiting as per Dilaf's order. Hrathen scanned the horizon, and he could see ... |
looking at the king. He was looking at Sarene, the blade of his knife pressed into her back. “You, Princess, are a disease,” Dilaf whispered in Sarene's ear, his voice barely audible to Hrathen. “Before you came to Kae, even the Arelenes hated Elantris. You are the reason they forgot that loathing. You associated with ... |
quickly than those of regular men. Their surprise bought Hrathen a few vital seconds. He brought his sword up, shoving Sarene toward an alleyway and backing up to block the entrance. The water held Raoden in a cool embrace. It was a thing alive: he could hear it calling in his mind. Come, it said, I give you release. I... |
door in the building next to them. Hrathen nodded, battering away another attack, then turned to run. Raoden burst from the water, gasping reflexively for breath. Galladon and Karata jumped back in surprise. Raoden felt the cool blue liquid streaming from his face. It wasn't water, but something else. Something thicker... |
kitchen at the back of the house. He began pulling off his armor, dropping its pieces to the floor. Though he gave no explanation. Sarene understood the action. The bloodred gyorn's armor was far too distinctive to be worth its protective value. As he worked, Sarene was surprised at the apparent weight of the metal. “Y... |
he could feel stubborn hope rising again. “Whatever it is, Karata, it is important. We must see that he finishes.” He ran after Raoden, following the prince along his path. After a few minutes, Karata pointed ahead of them. “There!” A squad of six Fjordell guards, probably searching the city for stragglers, walked alon... |
again. One square, four circles. Aon Rao. The Spirit of Elantris. Raoden stood in the torrent of light, his clothing fluttering in its unique power. He felt his strength return, his pains evaporate like unimportant memories, and his wounds heal. He didn't need to look to know that soft white hair had grown from his sca... |
the Aon for power. The king looked through the glowing symbol, his eyes raised in a challenge to the lone Derethi warrior. The monk cursed again, then slowly lowered his weapon. “Take your men, monk,” Raoden said. “Board those ships and go. Anything Derethi, man or vessel, that remains in my country after the next hour... |
themselves apart from the crowd by increasing their speed. “You didn't really answer my question before, priest.” Sarene whispered. “You have turned against your religion. Why?” Hrathen walked in silence for a moment. “I ... I don't know, woman. I have followed Shu-Dereth since I was a child-the structure and formality... |
She never would. A startled scream shocked Sarene back into the tangible world. People gathered around her, upset by the sight of a dying man in the street. Stunned, Sarene realized she had become the center of attention. She lifted her hand, pulled away as if to hide, but it was too late. Several bare-chested forms ap... |
the Dula began. “My lord Raoden!” a voice suddenly interrupted-a voice Raoden recognized. “Ashe?” he asked anxiously, seeking out the Seon. “Your Majesty!” Ashe said, zipping across the courtyard. “A Seon just spoke with me. The princess! She is in Teod, my lord. My kingdom is under attack as well!” “Teod?” Raoden aske... |
could be killed. You can't go into this blind. Kolo?” “It's the only way, Galladon,” Raoden said. “I have to at least try.” Galladon shook his head, laying a hand on Raoden's shoulder. “Sule, a meaningless attempt won't prove anything but your stupidity. Do you even know how far it is to Teod?” Raoden's hand fell slowl... |
up and grabbed the center of the trembling Aon, and his fingers latched on to it, as if it were solid. “Dos Domi, he prayed, if you have ever heard my prayers before, direct my path NOW. Then, hoping Ashe had the angle correct, he felt the Aon's power rush through and envelop his body. A moment later the world disappea... |
the far side of the docks, conversing with a couple of adjuncts. King Eventeo-Sarene's father. The king didn't see them, instead turning to walk in a rushed step down a side alley. “Father!” Sarene yelled out, but the distance was too far. Raoden could hear footsteps approaching. He spun, thrusting Sarene behind him, a... |
way left. One way to get vengeance on the Teoish princess and her Elantrians. One way to fulfill Wyrn's commands. One way to turn the tide of this battle. Dilaf scrambled away, stumbling slightly as a bolt of energy sprayed against his back. His bone wardings held, and he was left unharmed by the attack. When he had en... |
was a casual kick, and Raoden's already wounded ribs cracked further. He cried out and dropped to his knees. Dilaf laughed, tapping Raoden on the side of the face with the tip of his sword. “The Skaze are right, then. Elantrians are not indestructible.” Raoden didn't answer. “I will still win, Elantrian.” Dilaf said, h... |
wet with blood from a wound at his side. Only the bones in his arm had the strange twisted patterns. Why the partial transformation? Hrathen stood tall, ignoring Dilaf, though the monk began to swing at Hrathen's enhanced arm with his short sword. The blows bounced off, so Dilaf swung at Hrathen's side instead. The swo... |
than a gold one, but for some reason white seemed pale and lifeless when placed next to his silvery skin. “Well?” Raoden asked, holding his arms out to the sides. “You'll have to do,” she decided airily. He laughed, approaching and kissing her with a smile. “Shouldn't you be alone in the chapel, praying and preparing? ... |
some free time, Raoden planned to interrogate the other Elantrians in the hopes of discovering more about the Seons. It disturbed him that throughout his studies, readings, and learning, he had never discovered exactly how Seons were created-if, indeed, they were even creations of AonDor. That wasn't the only thing tha... |
him now, speaking with Shuden and Lukel, his skin glowing even in the sunlight. The priests who said the fall of Elantris had revealed its occupants' true selves had not known Raoden. This was the true him, the glowing beacon, the powerful source of pride and hope. No matter how metallically bright his skin became, it ... |
man buried within. Hrathen of Fjorden, high priest and holy gyorn of Shu-Dereth. They had left his funeral until the last. Sarene turned to address the crowd, Raoden at their front. “I will not speak long,” she said, “for though I had more contact with the man Hrathen than most of you, I did not know him. I always assu... |
of the city, and claims to have been a earl on the outside. He is rumored to be slightly insane. Aberteen: (F) A type of flower favored in Fjordell and northern Arelon. Ahan: (A) A Earl of Arelon. He is overweight, jovial, and prone to argument with Duke Roial. Alonoe: (A) A lake in the very center of Arelon. One of th... |
in Arelon. Dereth: (F) The founder of Shu-Dereth. He believed that all mankind must someday be united under the leadership of one nation. (See also DeHwo.) Derethi: (F) The Adjective for Shu-Dereth. Usually refers to the Derethi religion. Dieren: An Elantrian. Dii: (A) The Aon for 'Wood.' Dilaf: (F) A young Derethi pri... |
until, eventually, their collected pains drives them insane. Elao: (A) A maid in King Iadon's palace. Ene: (A) Aon for 'Wit.' Eno: (A) The Aon for 'Water.' Eoden: (A) A duke in Teod. Eoldess: (A) Duke Roial's deceased wife. Eondel: (A) A earl in Arelon. Eondel was a soldier before the Reod, and runs the most elite pers... |
people under Wyrn's control. Political unrest often follows in their wake, and where they are displeased Kings are often found assassinated. HaiKo: (J) A Jindoeese shrimp dish. Often cooked with crayfish from the Jindo marshes instead. Hama: (D) Grandmother Haona: (A) An Elantrian woman. Hoid: (A) A beggar in Kae Horen... |
Jeskeri Mysteries: (D) A descendant of the original Jesker religion, the Mysteries combine traditional Jesker beliefs with new tenants. While Jesker teaches one to bring oneself in harmony with the Dor, the Mysteries teach that the better way is to try and influence the Dor—or fate—in one's favor. Through secret rites ... |
Hraggish pork dish. Kie: (A) 1) The Aon for 'Circle.' 2) A plantation in the middle of Arelon. Kike: (S) A common fish found in the Sea of Fjorden. Kiin: King Eventeo of Teod's brother. Estranged from his brother for some unknown reason, Kiin now lives in Arelon with his wife Daora, his two children, Daorn and Kaise, a... |
their own conscience or will. Omi: (A) The Aon for 'Love.' Omin: (A) Head priest of Shu-Korath in Arelon. Opa: (A) 1) The Aon for 'Flower.' 2) Duke Roial's Seon. Opais: (A) Young daughter of a guard in Iadon's palace. Ope: (A) 1) The Aon for 'Nation.' OpeDal: (A) Sixth day of the week according to the Aonic calendar. O... |
have given themselves to the service of mankind. It is assumed that they were somehow constructed by the Elantrians, but no one knows how. There are only two ways a Seon can die. The first is if its master gets taken by the Shaod. It is unknown why this kills Seons—it did not kill them before the Reod. The other way a ... |
culture, and its naval prowess. Svordish: (S) A word for someone, or something, from Svorden. Svrakiss: (S) A Svordish concept integrated into the Derethi Religion. The Svrakiss are beings forbidden entrance to heaven. They are forced to wander the world, preying on the living. They are half-ghost, half-demon, in the D... |
PROLOGUE CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 CHAPTER 4 CHAPTER 5 CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 7 CHAPTER 8 CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 11 CHAPTER 12 CHAPTER 13 CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 15 CHAPTER 16 CHAPTER 17 CHAPTER 18 CHAPTER 19 CHAPTER 20 CHAPTER 21 CHAPTER 22 CHAPTER 23 CHAPTER 24 CHAPTER 25 CHAPTER 26 CHAPTER 27 CHAPTER 28 CHAPTER 29 C... |
inner workings of a young woman’s mind. The proofreading done by Chersti Stapely and Kayleena Richins was much appreciated. In addition, I’d like to acknowledge some of the very important people who work behind the scenes on the books that you buy. Irene Gallo, the art director at Tor, does a brilliant job—it’s because... |
I first inherited this land from my father, I had a few runaways—but I executed their families. The rest quickly lost heart. I’ve never understood men who have trouble with their skaa—I find the creatures easy to control, if you show a properly firm hand.” The obligator nodded, standing quietly in his gray robes. He se... |
lazy flakes of ash. Tresting had always been a country nobleman, living on his plantation, dreaming of perhaps moving into Luthadel itself. He had heard of the balls and the parties, the glamour and the intrigue, and it excited him to no end. I’ll have to celebrate tonight, he thought. There was that young girl in the ... |
the western horizon. He stood quietly for a long moment, alone in the empty fields. The day’s work was done; the skaa had been herded back to their hovels. Soon the mists would come. Eventually, Kelsier sighed, then turned to pick his way across the furrows and pathways, weaving between large heaps of ash. He avoided s... |
you want me to go, I’ll be off then.” He slung his pack up on his shoulder and nonchalantly pulled open the door. Thick mist immediately began to pour through the portal, drifting lazily across Kelsier’s body, pooling on the floor and creeping across the dirt like a hesitant animal. Several people gasped in horror, tho... |
Tepper,” he said. “Your worries are completely unfounded. Why, I have no intention of eating your food. I brought my own.” With that, Kelsier reached over and tossed his pack onto the earth before Tepper’s table. The loose bag slumped to the side, dumping an array of foods to the ground. Fine breads, fruits, and even a... |
Kelsier glanced back at Tepper. “So, Goodman Mennis, tell me something. Why do you let him lead?” Mennis shrugged. “When you get to be my age, you have to be very careful where you waste your energy. Some battles just aren’t worth fighting.” There was an implication in Mennis’s eyes; he was referring to things greater ... |
still barely understood. The tin flared to life within him, burning his stomach like the sensation of a hot drink swallowed too quickly. Allomantic power surged through his body, enhancing his senses. The room around him became crisp, the dull firepit flaring to near blinding brightness. He could feel the grain in the ... |
a random plantation, trying to protect a girl everyone else had given up for dead. How would Lord Tresting react? He was said to be particularly harsh with anyone who interrupted his nighttime enjoyments. If Kelsier had managed to disturb the master’s pleasures, Tresting might easily decide to punish the rest of his sk... |
“He killed them all.” Mennis turned. The speaker was Jess’s girl. She stood looking down at the fallen house, a satisfied expression on her youthful face. “They were dead when he brought me out,” she said. “All of them—the soldiers, the taskmasters, the lords . . . dead. Even Lord Tresting and his obligators. The maste... |
the bricks on the side of the safe house. From within it, a crewmember could watch the street for signs of danger. Vin wasn’t on duty; the watch-hole was simply one of the few places where she could find solitude. And Vin liked solitude. When you’re alone, no one can betray you. Reen’s words. Her brother had taught her... |
you?” Vin didn’t let hatred or rebellion show in her eyes. She simply looked down, giving Camon what he expected to see. There were other ways to be strong. That lesson she had learned on her own. Camon growled slightly, then raised his hand and backhanded her across the face. The force of the blow threw Vin back again... |
a large desk for Camon to sit behind, the walls decorated with cheap pieces of art. Two men stood beside the desk, dressed in formal stewards’ clothing; they would play the part of Camon’s manservants. “What is this ruckus?” a man asked, entering the room. He was tall, dressed in a simple gray shirt and a pair of slack... |
servants instead.” “What do you know?” Camon said, scowling at her. “Enough.” She immediately regretted the word; it sounded too rebellious. Camon raised a bejeweled hand, and Vin braced herself for another slap. She couldn’t afford to use up any more Luck. She had precious little remaining anyway. However, Camon didn’... |
little as possible.” And you were rightly apprehensive about being drawn into a Ministry stronghold, Vin thought. “I see,” Laird said. “Bad knees. An unfortunate attribute in a man who deals in transportation.” “I don’t have to go on the trips, Your Grace,” Camon said, bowing his head. “Just organize them.” Good, Vin t... |
matter. Once we have the Ministry contract to bring us stability, we can find other contracts to fill our coffers.” Laird looked thoughtful. It was a fabulous deal—one that might ordinarily have been suspicious. However, Camon’s presentation created the image of a house on the brink of financial collapse. The other cre... |
Every structure in Luthadel—virtually every structure Kelsier had ever seen—had been blackened to some degree. Even the city wall, upon which Kelsier now stood, was blackened by a patina of soot. Structures were generally darkest at the top, where the ash gathered, but rainwaters and evening condensations had carried t... |
keep off the ash. The clothing wasn’t rich, but it was aristocratic—indicative of the Luthadel middle class. Most men of noble birth weren’t wealthy enough to be considered part of a Great House—yet, in the Final Empire, nobility wasn’t just about money. It was about lineage and history; the Lord Ruler was immortal, an... |
take some getting used to.” Kelsier shrugged. “I don’t see why. You always work with Mistings.” “Yes, but this is different,” Dockson said. He held up a hand to forestall further argument. “No need, Kell. I’m not hedging—I just said it would take some getting used to.” “Fine. Who’s coming tonight?” “Well, Breeze and Ha... |
toward the twisted building at its center. Dockson stepped away from the wall. “We have a few hours before the meeting. There’s something I want to show you. I think there’s still time—if we hurry.” Kelsier turned with curious eyes. “Well, I was going to go and chastise my prude of a brother. But . . .” “This will be w... |
into his vest pocket and pulled out his golden pocket watch. He nodded to one of his companions, then he scanned the room, searching for . . . her. His eyes locked on Vin. “It’s time.” Vin frowned. Time for what? The Ministry’s Canton of Finance was an imposing structure—but, then, everything about the Steel Ministry t... |
“You’re betraying Theron,” Vin whispered. Camon nodded. “But, how? Why?” Theron’s plan was complex in execution, but simple in concept. Every year, the Ministry transferred its new acolyte obligators from a northern training facility south to Luthadel for final instruction. Theron had discovered, however, that those ac... |
robes, but he was very different from the stern, bureaucratic men Camon had dealt with before. This man was lean in a muscular way, and his clean-shaven, triangular head gave him an almost predatory look. “I was under the impression that I would be meeting with Prelan Laird,” Camon said, still not moving into the room.... |
maintain my house, then you have found yourself an enviable long-term contract.” “I see,” Arriev said lightly. “And why the Ministry? Why not make your deal with someone else? Surely there are other options for your boats—other groups who would jump at such rates.” Camon frowned. “This isn’t about money, Your Grace, it... |
growing too busy for the discussion of delicate matters. On the way out, he paused and told the obligator secretary in the corner that they needed to reschedule. Then the two crossed through the entry chamber—passing the overweight crewleader, who stood speaking with a scribe. Kelsier stepped out onto the street, pulle... |
build. As he turned, Kelsier was able to see that a thick metal spike had been pounded tip-first through each of the man’s eyes. With shafts as wide as an eye socket, the nail-like spikes were long enough that their sharp points jutted out about an inch from the back of the man’s clean-shaven skull. The flat spike ends... |
Let’s have a chase now, you and I, Kelsier thought. 3 CAMON COUNTED HIS COINS, DROPPING THE golden boxings one by one into the small chest on his table. He still looked a bit stunned, as well he should have. Three thousand boxings was a fabulous amount of money—far more than Camon would earn in even a very good year. H... |
to leave the lair. And I don’t want to be alone.” Ulef frowned. He leaned closer, a slight stink of ale on his breath. “What is this about, Vin?” he asked quietly. Vin paused. “I . . . think something might happen, Ulef,” she whispered. “Something with the obligators. I just don’t want to be in the lair right now.” Ule... |
her and him jobs on— Vin froze just inside the main room. Ulef wasn’t at the table where she had left him. Instead, he stood furtively near the front of the room. Near the bar. Near . . . Camon. “What is this!” Camon stood, his face red as sunlight. He pushed his stool out of the way, then lurched toward her, half drun... |
by the shoulder. He raised an arm—his meaty hand forming another fist, his muscles tensing, an angry bead of sweat slipping off his chin and hitting her on the cheek. A few feet away, the stairwell door shook, then burst open. Camon paused, arm upraised as he glared toward the door and whatever unfortunate crewmember h... |
her before. She paused beside the table, one hand on the wood, then slowly turned around. The newcomer still stood in the stairwell doorway. He studied her with a critical eye, then smiled in a disarming sort of way. What is going on? The newcomer finally stepped into the room. The rest of Camon’s crew remained sitting... |
What kind of person could so lightly claim to have “dealt” with an Inquisitor? Rumors said the creatures were immortal, that they could see a man’s soul, and that they were unmatched warriors. “I require payment for services rendered,” Kelsier said. Camon didn’t get up this time; he had fallen hard, and he was obviousl... |
“By the way, Milev,” Kelsier said idly. “When I say ‘private,’ I mean that I don’t want to be spied on by the four men watching us through peek-holes behind the far wall. Kindly take them up into the alley with you.” Milev paled. “Of course, Master Kelsier.” “Good. And, in the alleyway you’ll find the two dead Ministry... |
“Anything good?” Kelsier asked, turning. “What do you think?” Dockson asked. “Even among thieves, Camon isn’t exactly known for his refinement. I have socks worth more than this wine.” Kelsier sighed. “Give me a cup anyway.” Then he glanced back at Vin. “You want anything?” Vin didn’t respond. Kelsier smiled. “Don’t wo... |
opposite was true: Powerful, rich nobility congregated around the Lord Ruler. And, where power and riches existed, so did corruption—especially since the Lord Ruler tended to police his nobility far less than he did the skaa. It had to do, apparently, with his fondness for their ancestors. Either way, thieving crews li... |
catches your trail again, lass,” Dockson said quietly, sipping his wine. Vin paled. “You didn’t kill the Inquisitor?” Kelsier shook his head. “I just distracted him for a bit—which was quite dangerous enough, I might add. Don’t worry, many of the rumors about them aren’t true. Now that he’s lost your trail, he won’t be... |
golden hoard. A storage of power so incredible that it stretched her understanding. Always before, she had needed to be a scrimp with her Luck, holding it in reserve, using up morsels sparingly. Now she felt like a starving woman invited to a high nobleman’s feast. She sat, stunned, regarding the enormous wealth within... |
she reached over and took a healthy pull on her mug of ale. Kelsier smiled. “Most ranking obligators in the Ministry are high noblemen. Your father gave you a rare gift in that blood of yours.” “So . . . I’m one of these Mistings you mentioned?” Kelsier shook his head. “Actually, no. You see, this is what made you so i... |
even really been her friend? He’d certainly sold her out quickly enough. In addition, the crewmembers had taken Vin’s beating and sudden rescue in stride, never mentioning their betrayal or refusal to help her. They’d only done what was expected. “The Survivor hasn’t bothered himself with any jobs lately,” said Harmon,... |
betrayal? The most unsettling thing about Kelsier and Dockson had been their openness with her. They seemed willing to trust, even accept, Vin after a relatively short time. It couldn’t be genuine—no one could survive in the underworld following such tactics. Still, their friendliness was disconcerting. “Two years . . ... |
rational. It was said that Mistborn were heralds of the mists themselves, endowed with great powers by the Lord Ruler. Only high noblemen could be Mistborn; they were said to be a secret sect of assassins who served him, only going out at night. Reen had always taught her that they were a myth, and Vin had assumed he w... |
so use something to drink. . . .” “Let me get you something,” Vin said quickly, jumping to her feet. “How gracious of you,” the suited man said, choosing a chair next to the soldier. He sat with one leg crossed over the other, his dueling cane held to the side, tip against the floor, one hand resting on the top. Vin wa... |
drink where it was. Breeze sighed. He didn’t stand to go get the drink himself, however. Vin walked tentatively toward the two men’s table. She was accustomed to shadows and corners—close enough to eavesdrop, but far enough away to escape. Yet, she couldn’t hide from these men—not while the room was so empty. So, she c... |
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