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Breeze said. “You’re not like most crumbs. Of course, I’d like you a great deal more if you’d go fetch me that glass of wine. . . .” Vin ignored him, glancing at Ham. “Crumb?” “That’s what some of the more self-important members of our society call lesser thieves,” Ham said. “They call you crumbs, since you tend to be ... |
the same table. “Are we to receive any explanation for your tardiness?” “Dockson and I were visiting my brother,” Kelsier explained, walking toward the front of the lair. He turned and leaned back against the bar, scanning the room. When Kelsier’s eyes fell on Vin, he winked. “Your brother?” Ham said. “Is Marsh coming ... |
rebellion, courtesy of its leader, Yeden, has hired us for something very specific.” “What?” Ham asked. “Robbery? Assassination?” “A little of both,” Kelsier said, “and, at the same time, neither one. Gentlemen, this isn’t going to be a regular job. It’s going to be different from anything any crew has ever tried to pu... |
thief,” Yeden said. “Well, you’ve already paid us,” Kelsier said. “So it’s a little late to back out now. But, we’ll get you that army, Yeden. The men in this room are the most capable, most clever, and most skilled Allomancers in the city. You’ll see.” The room grew quiet again. Vin sat at her table, watching the inte... |
It was incredibly rare, supposedly used only by noblemen. Ham was smiling. “Well, now,” he said slowly, “that’s almost a big enough prize to be tempting.” “That atium stockpile is supposed to be enormous,” Kelsier said. “The Lord Ruler sells the metal only in small bits, charging outrageous sums to the nobility. He has... |
“If he marches those creatures on his own capital city, the destruction it would cause could be even more dangerous than financial instability. In the chaos, the provincial noblemen will rebel and set themselves up as kings, and the Lord Ruler won’t have the troops to bring them into line. Yeden’s rebels will be able t... |
many pieces gains momentum, the Steel Ministry crushes it. That’s not the way to defeat the Final Empire, gentlemen. But, a small team—specialized and highly skilled—has a hope. We can work without great risk of exposure. We know how to avoid the Steel Ministry’s tendrils. We understand how the high nobility thinks, an... |
just shook his head. “I don’t work that way, Yeden. I invited Clubs to a meeting where I outlined a dangerous plan—one some people might even call stupid. I’m not going to have him assassinated because he decided it was too dangerous. If you do things like that, pretty soon nobody will come listen to your plans in the ... |
off Breeze’s hand, and Ham laughed. Vin, however, sat quietly, considering the implications of what Kelsier had said. The part about stealing the atium reserves was tempting, but seizing the city to do it? Were these men really that reckless? Kelsier pulled a chair over to the table for himself and sat down on it the w... |
however, unknown to most. One far more powerful, even, than the other ten.” Breeze frowned skeptically. Yeden, however, appeared intrigued. “And, this metal can somehow kill the Lord Ruler?” Kelsier nodded. “It’s his weakness. The Steel Ministry wants you to believe that he’s immortal, but even he can be killed—by an A... |
serious about the plan? Or is this still a show for my sake? The two men seemed so competent. Yet, overthrowing the Final Empire? They’d sooner stop the mists from flowing or the sun from rising. “When do your other friends get here?” Dockson asked. “A couple days,” Kelsier said. “We’ll need to have another Smoker by t... |
be sure,” he said. “Never can trust yourself when a Soother is around—especially one like him.” “You’re a Smoker, Clubs,” Kelsier said. “He couldn’t do much to you, not if you didn’t want him to.” Clubs shrugged. “I don’t like Soothers. It’s not just Allomancy—men like that . . . well, you can’t trust that you aren’t b... |
the fog, every thoroughfare becoming a lonely, dangerous alleyway. Even noblemen and thieves were apprehensive about going out at night—it took a strong heart to brave the foreboding, misty silence. The dark city at night was a place for the desperate and the foolhardy; it was a land of swirling mystery and strange cre... |
join Dockson and Vin. They carried no lights; ambient starlight diffused by the mists was enough to see by in most cases. Kelsier took off his jacket and vest, handing them to Dockson, then he untucked his shirt, letting the long garment hang loose. The fabric was dark enough that it wouldn’t give him away in the night... |
luck.” Beside him, the girl Vin was watching Kelsier’s preparations with intense curiosity. She was a quiet, small thing, but she hid an intensity that he found impressive. She was paranoid, true, but not timid. You’ll get your chance, kid, he thought. Just not tonight. “Well,” he said, pulling a coin from his pouch an... |
something, it’s like you’re throwing your weight against it, the old lunatic had said. And you can’t change how much you weigh—you’re an Allomancer, not some northern mystic. Don’t Pull on something that weighs less than you unless you want it to come flying at you, and don’t Push on something heavier than you unless y... |
Mistborn could fly, but that was a wistful exaggeration. Pulling and Pushing against metals usually felt less like flying than it did like falling—only in the wrong direction. An Allomancer had to Pull hard in order to get the proper momentum, and this sent him hurtling toward his anchor at daunting speeds. Kelsier sho... |
this evening was to steal some atium, the tenth and most powerful of the generally known Allomantic metals. His other purpose, however, was to cause a commotion. He found the balcony with ease. Wide and broad, it was probably a sitting balcony, used to entertain small groups. It was quiet at the moment, however—empty s... |
harder. The lock snapped, and the panel swung open, revealing a small safe embedded in the wall. Kelsier smiled. It looked small enough for a pewter-enhanced man to carry, assuming he could get it out of the wall. He jumped up, Ironpulling against the safe, and landed with his feet against the wall, one foot on either ... |
to the ground. Hazekillers weren’t Allomancers, but they were trained to fight Mistings and Mistborn. There wouldn’t be a single bit of metal on their bodies, and they would be ready for his tricks. Kelsier stepped back, stretching and smiling. The eight men fanned into the study, moving with quiet precision. This shou... |
pouch into the man’s shield. Then he Pushed on the coins inside. The hazekiller cried out, the force of the intense Steelpush throwing him backward. Kelsier flared his steel, Pushing so hard that he tossed himself backward as well—away from the pair of men who tried to attack him. Kelsier and his enemy flew away from e... |
Pulled sharply on the ingot behind him, bringing it toward his own back at a deadly speed. He twisted at the last moment, using his momentum to spin the hazekiller around—right into the ingot’s path. The man dropped. Kelsier flared pewter, steadying himself against attacks. Sure enough, a cane smashed against his shoul... |
he fell, and reached out to Pull firmly on the fallen safe. He jerked in midair, swinging down toward the side of the building as if tied to the safe by a tether. He felt the safe slide forward, grinding against the floor of the conservatory as Kelsier’s weight pulled against it. He slammed against the side of the buil... |
wrong. It wasn’t that she was waking up in an unfamiliar place—traveling with Reen had accustomed her to a nomadic lifestyle. It took her a moment to realize the source of her discomfort. The room was empty. Not only was it empty, it was open. Uncrowded. And it was . . . comfortable. She lay on an actual mattress, rais... |
joining the underground? He is a Misting, Vin thought. Kelsier and Dockson called him a “Smoker.” She would probably have to figure out what that meant on her own; experience told her that a powerful man like Kelsier would withhold knowledge from her as long as he could, stringing her along with occasional tidbits. His... |
out on the streets. No ash in the corners, she thought, eyeing the floor. The room is kept swept. She’d never lived in such a place before. It was almost like living in some nobleman’s house. She glanced back at the kitchen women. They wore simple dresses of white and gray, with scarves around the tops of their heads a... |
few doors from her room. The scent of steamed barley enticed her. Vin eyed the kitchen. Ham had gone in and taken food. Was she allowed to do the same? Trying to look confident, Vin strode into the kitchen. A pile of baywraps sat on a platter, probably to be delivered to the apprentices as they worked. Vin picked up tw... |
in his chair without resting against its back, as if he disapproved of its plushness. His face was darkened with soot, as Vin expected of a skaa worker. There were two empty chairs. Kelsier noticed Vin standing by the doorway, and gave her one of his inviting smiles. “Well, there she is. Come in.” Vin scanned the room.... |
certain nobody else takes the opportunity to slip into the treasury.” Kelsier nodded, writing Atium: Secure Treasury on the board. “We will need to find a way to gather Yeden’s troops,” Breeze added. “We’ll have to be quiet, but quick, and train them somewhere that the Lord Ruler won’t find them.” “We also might want t... |
it can be done,” Kelsier said. “Let’s start by talking about how to break the city. What can we do that would be so threatening that it would throw the nobility into chaos, maybe even get the palace guard out into the city, exposing them to our troops? Something that would distract the Ministry, and the Lord Ruler hims... |
has flair—and I do like the idea of having the noblemen kill each other.” “You always like it better when someone else does the work, Breeze,” Ham noted. “My dear friend,” Breeze replied, “the entire point of life is to find ways to get others to do your work for you. Don’t you know anything about basic economics?” Ham... |
enough to take on the Garrison inside its fortifications? We might as well give up now, if that’s our plan.” The group fell silent. Vin squirmed in her chair, looking over each man in turn. Breeze’s words had a profound effect. Ham opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again, sitting back to reconsider. “All right,... |
we’ll never pull this off.” He paused, then eyed Vin. “What do you think, Vin? Any suggestions?” She froze. Camon had never asked her opinion. What did Kelsier want from her? She pulled back into her chair slightly as she realized that the other members of the crew had turned, looking at her. “I . . .” Vin said slowly.... |
the Lord Ruler would have to respond quickly. The Garrison would be the only force in striking distance.” Kelsier smiled, eyes alight. “And it wouldn’t take much of an army to threaten the Pits, either. A thousand men could do it. We send them to attack, then when the Garrison leaves, we march our second, larger force ... |
less than a year. It would certainly be a challenge.” Kelsier chuckled. “From you, that’s as good as a yes. Start in Luthadel, then move to the surrounding cities. We need people who are close enough to gather at the caves.” Breeze nodded. “We’ll also need weapons and supplies,” Ham said. “And we’ll need to train the m... |
prudent to keep Renoux’s activities a bit removed from the Lord Ruler.” Vin cocked her head. Fellise was a small, suburb-style city an hour outside of Luthadel; she and Reen had worked there before moving into the capital city. How had Kelsier recruited this Lord Renoux? Had he bribed the man, or was it some sort of sc... |
end to it, friend,” Breeze said with a helpful voice. “Don’t be afraid of offending us. I, for one, look favorably upon free money.” Vin saw Yeden pale slightly. In Vin’s estimation, he was fortunate that Kelsier hadn’t simply taken his money and stabbed him in the chest. But, she was becoming increasingly convinced th... |
be easy,” Breeze said. “We just bring up your impostor and send him into the parties.” Kelsier shook his head. “Unfortunately, Lord Renoux himself won’t be able to come to Luthadel.” Yeden frowned. “Why not? Won’t your impostor hold up to close scrutiny?” “Oh, he looks just like Lord Renoux,” Kelsier said. “Exactly lik... |
place when I was young.” Kelsier glanced at Dockson, who shook his head. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Kell.” “Agreed.” Kelsier turned to Vin, then smiled. “I guess that leaves you. How good are you at imitating a noblewoman?” Vin paled slightly. “My brother gave me a few lessons. But, I’ve never actually tried to. ... |
on those Inquisitors?” Kelsier smiled. “We’ll let my brother deal with them.” “Like hell you will,” a new voice said from the back of the room. Vin jumped to her feet, spinning and glancing toward the room’s shadowed doorway. A man stood there. Tall and broad-shouldered, he had a statuesque rigidity. He wore modest clo... |
listening to your lectures, I’ve finally decided to do something worthwhile with my talents. Now that you’re here to help, I’m sure—” “I’m not here to help,” Marsh interrupted. “Then why did you come?” “To ask you a question.” Marsh stepped forward, stopping right in front of Kelsier. They were about the same height, b... |
keep an eye on those Inquisitors.” Marsh turned. “You actually expect me to help you?” Kelsier nodded. “That’s why you came here, no matter what you say. You once told me that you thought I could do great things if I ever applied myself to a worthy goal. Well, that’s what I’m doing now—and you’re going to help.” “It’s ... |
door. Kelsier lounged against the doorframe, backlit by the hallway’s single lantern. The tall man raised an eyebrow at her disheveled state. “Yes?” Vin asked, trying to sound drowsy. “So, what do you think of Marsh?” “I don’t know,” Vin said, “I didn’t see much of him before he kicked us out.” Kelsier smiled. “You’re ... |
ribbons were sewn together at the top, allowing her to pull it tight by the mantle if she wished. She felt . . . enveloped. Protected. “How does it feel?” Kelsier asked. “Good,” Vin said simply. Kelsier nodded, pulling out several glass vials. He handed two to her. “Drink one; keep the other in case you need it. I’ll s... |
be worried about soldiers?” Vin asked quietly. Her crews always had to be careful of nighttime Garrison patrols. Kelsier shook his head. “Even if we were careless enough to be spotted, no imperial patrol would dare bother Mistborn. They’d see our cloaks and pretend not to see us. Remember, nearly all Mistborn are membe... |
resist fatigue and pain. You’ll react more quickly when you’re burning it, and your body will be tougher.” Vin flexed experimentally. Her muscles didn’t seem any bigger, yet she could feel their strength. It wasn’t just in her muscles, however—it was everything about her. Her bones, her flesh, her skin. She reached out... |
exposed. “Now,” Kelsier said, “you should be able to notice a kind of pairing between your reserves of metal.” “Like the two emotion metals,” Vin said. “Exactly. Find the metal linked to pewter.” “I see it,” Vin said. “There are two metals for every power,” Kelsier said. “One Pushes, one Pulls—the second is usually an ... |
like small, dark mountains in the distance, and could see specks of light from windows, like pin-pricked holes in the night. And above . . . she saw lights in the sky. She stopped, gazing up with wonder. They were faint, blurred to even her tin-enhanced eyes, but she could just barely make them out. Hundreds of them. T... |
companion to bronze. When you burn copper, it hides your use of powers from other Allomancers. You can try burning it now, if you want, though you won’t sense much.” Vin did so. The only change was a feeling of slight vibration within her. “Copper is a vital metal to learn,” Kelsier said. “It will hide you from Inquisi... |
the quiet streets, Vin reached tentatively inside. She eyed Kelsier, then carefully burned that unknown metal. Again, the lines sprang up around her, pointing in seemingly random directions. The lines moved with her. One end of each thread stayed stuck to her chest, while the other end remained attached to a given plac... |
city wall looming above them. “What are we doing here?” “We’re going to practice Ironpulling and Steelpushing,” Kelsier said. “But first, some basics.” He pulled something out of his belt—a clip, the smallest denomination of coin. He held it up before her, standing to the side. “Burn steel, the opposite of the metal yo... |
never really even used Allomancy before this evening!” “Yes, but you’re such a quick learner,” Kelsier said, pulling something out from beneath his cloak. It appeared to be a belt. “Here, put this on. It’s got metal weights strapped to it. If something goes wrong, I’ll probably be able to catch you.” “Probably?” Vin as... |
said. “I hope you aren’t afraid of heights, Vin,” Kelsier said. “That’s quite a disadvantage for a Mistborn.” “I’m . . . not . . . afraid . . . of . . . heights,” Vin said through gritted teeth. “But I’m also not accustomed to hanging in the air a hundred feet above the bloody street!” Kelsier chuckled, but Vin felt a ... |
back down toward the ground. Mind muddled by terror, she reflexively reached out and Pulled against the ingot, trying to yank herself toward it. And, of course, it obediently shot up toward her. I’m dead. Then her body lurched, pulled upward by the belt. Her descent slowed until she was drifting quietly through the air... |
heaps of ash that had been carted out of the city. Most of the time, however, ash was thrown into the River Channerel, which passed through the city. Water broke it down eventually—or, at least, that was what Vin assumed. Otherwise the entire continent would have been buried long ago. Vin stayed close to Kelsier as the... |
Vin squinted in the darkness. “I can’t see it,” she said, searching the mists for a shadowed figure. “There,” Kelsier said, pointing toward a squat hill. Vin frowned, imagining a creature crouching atop the hill, watching her as she looked for it. Then the hill moved. Vin jumped slightly. The dark mound—perhaps ten fee... |
“If they can split up a . . . body and put the pieces where they want?” “Intelligent?” Kelsier asked. “No, not one this young. More instinctual than intelligent.” Vin shivered again. “Do people know about these things? I mean, other than the legends?” “What do you mean by ‘people’?” Kelsier asked. “A lot of Allomancers... |
of my people?” “None,” Vin said. “But I know that the high nobility prefer Terrismen stewards and attendants.” “Indeed they do, child,” Sazed said. He turned to Kelsier. “We should go, Master Kelsier. It is late, and we are still an hour away from Fellise.” Fellise, Vin thought. So, we’re going to see the impostor Lord... |
you didn’t tell me about. Back in our meeting on the first day, you said there were ten.” Kelsier nodded, leaning forward. “There are. But I didn’t leave the last two out because I wanted to keep things from you. They’re just . . . difficult to get used to. It will be easier if you practice with the basic metals first.... |
don’t have to,” Kelsier said. “We just have to get Yeden an army, then seize the palace.” “The Lord Ruler will stop you,” Vin said. “You can’t beat him—he’s immortal.” “We have the Eleventh Metal,” Kelsier said. “We’ll find a way to kill him.” “The Ministry is too powerful. They’ll find your army and destroy it.” Kelsi... |
at the end of the night. Some of the metals we use can be poisonous if digested; it’s best not to sleep with them in your stomach.” “All right,” Vin said. “Also,” Kelsier said, “never try to burn a metal that isn’t one of the ten. I warned you that impure metals and alloys can make you sick. Well, if you try to burn a ... |
“My cleaning crews are quite proficient—give us a bit more time, and the manor will be so grand that I wouldn’t hesitate to host the Lord Ruler himself.” Kelsier chuckled. “Wouldn’t that be an odd dinner party.” He stepped back, gesturing toward Vin. “This is the young lady I spoke of.” Renoux studied her, and Vin glan... |
that she deserved to be part of his secret confidences. Reen’s laughter in the back of her mind discredited those thoughts, and she sat, annoyed at both herself and Kelsier, feeling ashamed, but not exactly certain why. Renoux’s servants brought her a platter of fruits and breads. They set up a small stand beside her c... |
he sat with a stiff posture, there was still something . . . relaxed about him. It was as if he were as comfortable when sitting properly as other people were when lounging. That’s how they’re supposed to be. The perfect serving men, completely loyal to the Final Empire. “Is something troubling you, Mistress Vin?” Saze... |
.” Kelsier frowned. “Besides,” Renoux added. “There is another issue. If I were to name a young, unmarried girl as my heir, hers would instantly become one of the most sought-after hands in Luthadel. It would be very difficult for her to spy if she were to receive that much attention.” Vin flushed at the thought. Surpr... |
could offer the young lady some aid,” Sazed said. “Good,” Kelsier said, popping one last cake in his mouth, then rising. “I’m glad that’s settled, because I’m starting to feel tired—and poor Vin looks like she’s about to nod off in the middle of her fruit plate.” “I’m fine,” Vin said immediately, the assertion weakened... |
ONE PART TWO REBELS BENEATHA SKY OF ASH 9 VIN PUSHED AGAINST THE COIN and threw herself up into the mist. She flew away from earth and stone, soaring through the dark currents of the sky, wind fluttering her cloak. This is freedom, she thought, breathing deeply of the cool, damp air. She closed her eyes, feeling the pa... |
and she shot away into the night before gravity could reclaim her. Vin flew through the mists, eyes straining to keep track of her quarry. He shot a couple of coins back at her, but she Pushed them away with a dismissive thought. A hazy blue line fell downward—a dropped coin—and her opponent moved to the side again. Vi... |
as she threw the entire force of her strength at the coin. There was a moment of silence. Then Vin lurched backward, the tree cracking with a loud snap in the night air. Vin hit the ground in a tumble, splinters of wood scattering around her. Even tin and pewter weren’t enough to keep her mind clear as she rolled acros... |
her pouch by steel-line to the upper branches of a tree. She Pulled it slightly, tugging it down into her hand, then made her way back out to the street. Kelsier probably would have left the pouch behind—the two dozen or so clips it contained wouldn’t have been worth his time. However, for most of her life Vin had scro... |
tabs on them. Sazed looked over as Vin entered. “Ah, Mistress Vin. Your return is quite timely.” He gestured to his companion. “This is Cosahn.” Cosahn studied Vin with a businesslike air. Vin longed to return to the mists, where people couldn’t look at her like that. “It is long enough now, I think,” Sazed said. “Prob... |
a time. “The Nelazan believed that there was beauty in darkness, and that the daylight was more profane. They saw the stars as the Thousand Eyes of Trell watching them. The sun was the single, jealous eye of Trell’s brother, Nalt. Since Nalt only had one eye, he made it blaze brightly to outshine his brother. The Nelaz... |
certainly was taking her time—when Reen had cut Vin’s hair, he had been finished after just a few quick hacks. “Shall we go over your lessons while we wait, Mistress Vin?” Sazed asked. Vin eyed the Terrisman, and he smiled just slightly. He knew that he had her captive; she couldn’t hide, or even sit at the window, sta... |
Vin said, holding out her hand. Cosahn handed her one. Vin held it up, and what she saw gave her pause. She looked . . . like a girl. Cosahn had done a remarkable job of evening out the hair, and she had managed to get rid of the snags. Vin had always found that if her hair got too long, it had a tendency to stand up. ... |
noble guests. However, we won’t really be able to tell if she can do this until we put her alone in a party full of aristocrats.” “I wish she could practice some more,” Kelsier said with a shake of his head. “But every week we spend preparing increases the chances that the Ministry will discover our budding army in the... |
smiled, resting a thankful hand on Sazed’s shoulder. “I feel pity for the man who gets in your way.” Sazed bowed his head humbly. He looked innocuous, but Kelsier knew the strength that Sazed hid. Few men, Allomancers or not, would fare well in a fight with a Keeper whose anger had been roused. That was probably why th... |
by the nobility. Some local lords—probably the owners of the mills and forges in the area—paid the kitchen owner to provide food for the local skaa. The workers would be given meal tokens for their time, and would be allowed a short break at midday to go eat. The central kitchen would allow the smaller businesses to av... |
“Well,” Breeze said, “let us begin, then. First, you must understand that Soothing is about more than just Allomancy. It’s about the delicate and noble art of manipulation.” “Noble indeed,” Vin said. “Ah, you sound like one of them,” Breeze said. “Them who?” “Them everyone else,” Breeze said. “You saw how that skaa gen... |
state to your advantage. That, my dear, is the challenge in what we do! It is difficult, but for those who can do it well . . .” The door opened, and the sullen skaa man returned, bearing an entire bottle of wine. He put it and a cup on the table before Breeze, then went over to stand on the other side of the room, bes... |
of Infinity—not omniscient or omnipresent, but an independent section of a consciousness that is.” Ham sighed. “I thought you didn’t want to be involved.” “Just making certain everyone has their facts correct,” Breeze said lightly. “Anyway,” Ham said. “God is the creator of all things, right? He is the force that dicta... |
before them. Was he using Allomancy, perhaps? Yet, even with her copper on, she felt a . . . presence from him. Once the room fell quiet, Kelsier began to speak. “You’ve probably all heard of me, by now,” he said. “And, you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t at least a little bit sympathetic to my cause.” Beside Vin, Bree... |
you. I’ve not come to beg—we’ve had enough of that in our lives. I simply ask you to think. Where would you rather your energy be spent? On forging the Lord Ruler’s weapons? Or, on something more valuable?” He’s not mentioning our troops, Vin thought. Or even what those who join with him are going to do. He doesn’t wan... |
outside seemed to react exactly according to Breeze’s mumbled instructions. Yeden, too, showed effects of the Soothing: He grew more comfortable, his voice more confident, as he spoke. Curious, Vin let her copper drop again. She concentrated, seeing if she could sense Breeze’s touch on her emotions; she would be includ... |
we need more meetings?” Ham asked. “That’s going to be tough—we have to be very careful with these things, so only those who can be reasonably trusted are invited.” Breeze sat for a moment. Finally, he downed the rest of his wine. “I don’t know—but we’ll have to think of something. For now, let’s return to the shop. I ... |
of his training. “Master Kelsier,” Sazed said with a bow. Kelsier nodded, and Sazed stepped up beside him, looking toward the imperial palace. “Ah,” he said to himself, as if understanding Kelsier’s thoughts. Kelsier smiled. Sazed had been a valuable find indeed. Keepers were necessarily secretive, for the Lord Ruler h... |
theology simplistic.” “You’re getting to know me too well,” Kelsier said, still regarding the city. “In the end, after kingdoms and armies had fallen, the religions were still fighting, weren’t they?” “Indeed,” Sazed said. “Some of the more resilient religions lasted all the way until the fifth century.” “What made the... |
going to fall short.” “Dox?” Kelsier asked. “Can we get more meetings?” “Probably,” Dockson said from his seat beside a table stacked with ledgers. “Are you sure you want to take that risk, Kelsier?” Yeden asked. His attitude had improved during the last few weeks—especially once Kelsier’s recruits had begun to file in... |
to do, it will be much more difficult to . . . resist him.” He didn’t say “kill,” Vin thought. They don’t think that Kelsier can do it. Kelsier just smiled. “Don’t worry about the Lord Ruler—I’ve got things under control. In fact, I intend to pay the Lord Ruler a personal visit sometime during the next few days.” “Visi... |
sadness she felt at the sight. Of course, he had always been angry when—as a child—she’d cried as they left one town for another, not wanting to leave the people she’d grown to know, no matter how cruel or indifferent they were. Apparently, she hadn’t quite gotten over that weakness. She stepped into the room, not shed... |
He had betrayed her in the end, but for a time he had almost been a friend. “So,” she said quietly, “the Inquisitor still has my scent?” Kelsier nodded, standing. “Then this is my fault,” Vin said. “Ulef and the others . . .” “It was Camon’s fault,” Kelsier said firmly. “He’s the one who tried to scam an obligator.” He... |
the long corridor-like chamber that had been her crew’s sleeping quarters. Vin poked her head inside, expecting to find a scene similar to the one in the common room. Instead, there was only a single corpse tied to a chair. In the weak light she could barely make out that his eyes had been gouged out. Kelsier stood qui... |
the streets—though each group did its best to ignore the other. Patience. Speed doesn’t matter. If they know about him, he’s already dead. Kelsier entered a large crossroad square. Four wells sat in its corners, and a massive copper fountain—its green skin caked and blackened by soot—dominated the square’s center. The ... |
to his left. Taking a breath, he flared pewter and ducked inside. The thin, dark alley was clogged with refuse and ash. No one waited for him—at least, no one living. Camon, crewleader turned beggar, hung quietly from a rope tied far above. His corpse spun leisurely in the breeze, ash falling lightly around it. He hadn... |
reserved for the most reprehensible of sinners: people who misuse Allomancy.” Vin frowned. “Camon was an Allomancer?” Kelsier shook his head. “He must have admitted to something heinous during his torture.” Kelsier glanced at Vin. “He must have known what you were, Vin. He used you intentionally.” She paled slightly. “... |
He had given her the gift of Allomancy, and he depended on her. Perhaps it was her duty to the others. In order to survive, crews needed each person to do their separate job. Reen’s training told her that these men were fools, but she was tempted, enticed, by the possibility that Kelsier and the others offered. In the ... |
their information from servants, but most aristocrats are not fools. Important meetings go on where no servant can overhear them.” “And you expect me to be able to get into such meetings?” “Perhaps,” Kelsier said. “Perhaps not. Either way, I’ve learned that it’s always useful to have someone infiltrate the nobility. Yo... |
jumped out of the carriage door, disappearing into the dark mists. Vin was unprepared for how bright Keep Venture would be in the darkness. The massive building was enveloped in an aura of misty light. As the carriage approached, Vin could see that eight enormous lights blazed along the outside of the rectangular build... |
mists themselves. She couldn’t remember names, customs, anything. She stopped just inside the foyer, and an imperious-looking nobleman in a black suit turned to regard her. Vin froze. The man looked her over with a dismissive glance, then turned away. She distinctly heard the word “Renoux” whispered, and she glanced ap... |
“You won’t need to mingle during this visit, I think. Just be seen.” Vin nodded gratefully. “The solitary table will mark you as single,” Sazed warned. “Eat slowly—once your meal is through, men will come to ask you to dance.” “You didn’t teach me to dance!” Vin said in an urgent whisper. “There wasn’t time, Mistress,”... |
and found herself a little bit transfixed by the backlit scenes. What was it? she wondered. The Deepness? Why depict it so formlessly—why not show what it really was? She’d never really wondered about the Deepness before, but Sazed’s lessons left her wondering. Her instincts whispered scam. The Lord Ruler had invented ... |
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