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regarding what they did to me. VenDell made offhanded comments—referring to me shooting Lessie as a ‘stunt.’ They used me. Lessie was only trying, in a broken way, to free me from them. Now they saunter back, no mention of what I lost, and expect me to just pick up and do their bidding again.” Poor Wax. That had busted... |
That kandra bloke stood on the other side. His suit now was an even lighter shade of tan. “You,” Wayne said, pointing. “We just got ridda you!” It had only been … what, two hours since he left? “Good afternoon, young lad,” the kandra said. “Are the adults home?” Darriance quite politely pushed Wayne aside and gestured ... |
I honor the First Contract, Lord Ladrian. Besides, the outside doesn’t suit me. There’s too much…” He waved his hands in front of him. “Too much what?” Wax asked, frowning. “Everything,” VenDell said—though Wayne didn’t miss that the rusting bunny glanced at him when he said it. Wayne shook his head, trying the liquor ... |
Oh, do hurry. I haven’t the time!” The boatman poled over. “Quickly now, quickly, my good man!” Wayne shouted. “Tell me. How much for the day?” “The day?” the boatman said. “Yes, yes,” Wayne said, hopping into the boat. “I have need of your services for the entire day.” Wayne settled himself without waiting for a respo... |
was nervous now. Tapping his foot, moving the pole more quickly, ignoring calls from colleagues they passed. Something was wrong. Like the scent of a meat pie left under the sofa for a few days. A whole day’s hiring? An outrageous sum? It might instead be a setup. Pretend to be a lord, then lure him into the slums to b... |
the twenty. “Can I just get some sauce for my chips?” “Sure, sure,” Wayne said, squeezing some sauce onto the pouches, beside the potatoes. “That’s a nice wallet. Whaddaya want for it?” The man hesitated, looking at his wallet. “I’ll give you this,” Wayne said, plucking the flower off his ear and holding it out with a ... |
baker had insisted on giving him into the urchins’ hands, then held up a finger as their jaws dropped. “You,” he said, “must earn this.” “How, sir?” “Take these,” he said, dropping the sacks. “Go give the stuff inside away.” “To who?” the girl asked. “Anyone who needs them,” Wayne said. “But see here, now. Don’t eat mo... |
“Fine enforcement officer,” the man said. “Spent most of my time inspecting kitchens before last month. This is a lot more productive, I’ll tell you. It—” “That’s great,” Wayne said. “Whaddaya want for the book?” The man regarded him. “It’s not for trade.” “I’ve got this here nice wallet,” Wayne said, holding it up, wa... |
walking up the path to her house. Wayne stumbled back. Perfect brown hair, pulled back to expose a gorgeous face, weathered from her time in the Roughs. A fantastic figure, round in all the right places. Tall. Taller than Wayne. So he had something to look up to. “Wayne! What were you doing at my door?” “I—” “Idiot,” s... |
“Wayne.” “I don’t mind none if she’s fat, Ranette. I likes a girl what has something to hold on to.” “Wayne.” He looked back at her, noting the storm in her expression. “Right,” he said. “Right. Okay. Yeah. I don’t suppose, when we’re lookin’ fondly on this conversationalizing and our memorable farewell, we could both ... |
“You’re insufferable,” she said, waving to her lady’s maid. “I can’t believe you risked being late for a little liquor.” “Wasn’t a little,” Wayne said. When the train arrived, he joined the others in climbing aboard—Steris and Wax had ordered an entire car set aside for the lot of them. Unfortunately, the last-minute h... |
side to get a better look out the window. No … the people were clumped together, listening to one of their number shout something Wax couldn’t hear. As he strained to read a sign one of the people carried, someone threw an egg and it splatted right beside his window. He pulled back. The train started up again, having w... |
pay for things like constables to police the docks and the maintenance of the railway lines.” “Technically that is correct,” Steris said. “But then all goods are also taxed when they enter Elendel using the very railway lines and rivers we maintain. Have you noticed that there are almost no railway lines traveling dire... |
have?” “Well, I have,” Steris said. “You did tell me to see to your house’s interests in voting at—” “Yes, I know,” Wax said, sighing. The train rocked on its tracks, rhythmic thumps sounding from below. Wax turned back to the window, but they weren’t passing a town at the moment, and everything was growing dark. No mi... |
their work,” she said. “I need to check it over—you can’t simply turn in someone else’s work without making certain the work was done properly. Besides, they’re off three clips in this quarter’s financials.” “Three clips?” Wax said. “Out of how much money?” “Five million.” “They’re off three hundredths of a boxing,” Wa... |
did?” “Yes. A trio of very nice young ladies; met them for tea, but they clammed up the moment they discovered who I was—they even got strangely protective, and wouldn’t give me any details either. I get the impression they thought I was cute. What about being a spinster could possibly be cute? Do you realize I’m almos... |
wanted to talk to me. Speak at me. Blather about how they knew what I was feeling. But you just let me weep. Which was what I needed more than anything. Thank you.” She met his eyes, then squeezed his hand. “What we are together,” Wax said to her, “and what we make of our future need not be spelled out by a piece of pa... |
genuinely curious. “That doesn’t interest you?” “Sure it does,” Wax said, smiling. “That’s part of the discovery, part of the search. Find who did it. Find the secrets, the answers.” There was, of course, another part—the part Miles had forced Wax to admit. There was a certain perverse anger that lawmen directed at tho... |
on the red skin. It looked like a childhood terror ripped right out of a nightmare. The bottom of the page had a caption. ReLuur’s sketch of the creature described on 8/7/342. Yesterday. The next page was an interview. VenDell: Describe to us again the thing you saw. ReLuur: The beast. VenDell: Yes, the beast. It guard... |
this drawing be of a new kind of Hemalurgic monster, like those Wax had encountered under Elendel? Designed by the Set, or perhaps the result of a failed experiment? Or was this instead related to the continually ephemeral Trell, the god with an unknown metal? She eventually put them aside and focused on her primary ta... |
“Does it ever bother you to be in his shadow, Wayne?” “Who? Wax? I mean, he’s been putting on weight, but he’s not that fat yet, is he?” He grinned, though that faded when she didn’t smile back. And, in an uncharacteristic moment of solemnity, he slid his boots off the table and rested one elbow on it instead, leaning ... |
“who thought it would be a good idea to take people huntin’. City folk, you know? Who ain’t never seen an animal larger than a rat what ate too much? Out in the Roughs, we got lions. Fierce things, with lotsa teeth an—” “I know what a lion is, Wayne.” “Right. Well, Chip—that’s his name—he got some broadsheets printed u... |
hired for them was two cars back, at the tail end of the train. She held tight to the sheets as she stepped onto the open-air platform between cars, wind whipping at her. A short railman stood here, and eyed her as she crossed to the next car. He didn’t say anything this time, though last time he’d tried to encourage h... |
He set down the page with some reluctance, taking the folder. “Be sure to look at the drawings of monsters,” Marasi said, yawning. “Oh, and this was in there.” She tossed him the pouch with the earring and walked back into the hallway. She walked toward her room, feeling the train slow once more. Another town? Or were ... |
took off forward, kicking their horses and chasing after the others, yelling, “Allomancer! Allomancer!” Blast, Wax thought, dropping one of the men as the other dodged his horse into a stand of trees. He was out of pistol range in a moment, and would soon catch his fellows. Wax dropped onto the platform and rushed down... |
against the back wall and using Allomancy on the tracks behind to sustain and increase the momentum. Ground passed behind in a blur, rows and rows of wooden ties, the steel rails with a continuous stream of metal lines that pointed toward Wax’s chest. He groaned, and moved so his back was toward the wall. Still, the Pu... |
forward. They fired again. He ducked back and watched the blue lines of bullets as they flew, taking chunks of wood paneling off the wall and splintering his doorframe. It didn’t appear that any of the bullets were aluminum. “Distraction?” Marasi asked. “Yes, please,” Wax said, increasing his weight and Pushing on the ... |
shrugged apologetically at its numerous holes. “If I find Wayne, I’ll send him to you,” he told her, reaching to his gunbelt for a metal vial. He came up with wet fingers, and his belt clinked with broken glass. Damn. The robber who’d slugged him had broken his vials. He hurriedly hopped over the space between cars, en... |
where his eyes immediately started burning. Men moved inside, wearing strange masks and working at a large safe in the center. Half a dozen dead guards lay strewn across the floor of the car. Wax started shooting, flooring several of the robbers, then Pushed himself out again, then upward as the others took cover and s... |
changed all of Wax’s assessments. Maybe this wasn’t about him. But why not simply stop the train and raid it in the wilderness? Too many questions, and no time to answer them. He had a bandit to kill. He’d have to jump out and surprise the brute, bring him down quick. If he was the Metalborn, surprise would be— Somethi... |
thought, nervously tapping one finger against the rifle barrel. Were they going to try to cross over onto the top of her car again? One of the holes in the ceiling still dripped blood from the previous attempt. To the side, Steris clicked her tongue disapprovingly at Drewton’s words. He hadn’t done his homework, which ... |
One of the first-class passengers claimed to have experience with a gun, and she handed him the rifle and set him watching to be certain no bandits returned. From there she went to the dining car, checking on the passengers, calming them. Gunshots came from farther up the train. Waxillium was doing his job. His effecti... |
Doors still rattled around him—he was a Coinshot, obviously, Pushing out with a bubble like the one Wax used. It even pressed a little on the metalminds Wax wore on his upper arms, which were resistant to Allomancy. This man could have ended the fight at any moment by grabbing a bit of metal and shooting it. He preferr... |
train. Wax didn’t care. He was after the gunbelt, which had fallen at the man’s feet. He snatched it with fingers still wet with blood. It held Ranette’s two cord devices, along with a single, glorious metal vial. Wax yanked it out, tucking the gunbelt into his waistband. However, the vial lurched in his fingers. He sn... |
the shotgun. Steris breathed in short, frantic gasps. She clung to him, blinked, then looked down at the river. “What is wrong with that gun!” she said. “It’s meant for me to shoot,” Wax said, “when my weight is increased to counteract the kick.” He looked up toward the disappearing train. It had crossed the river, but... |
my dear,” Wax said. “Not any longer. You just climbed on top of a moving train car and shot a bandit, rescuing your fiancé.” “It behooves a woman,” she said, “to show an interest in her husband’s hobbies. Though I suppose I should be outraged, as this is the second dunking you’ve given me in a very short period of time... |
them. Marasi did her best, settling them onto benches, checking to see if any more people were seriously wounded. She helped bandage a young man who had stood up to a bandit, and now bore a shot in the side as a result. He might make it. Passengers had seen Steris come through here. Marasi tried to contain her worry an... |
was pulling a gun on her, but that hadn’t been the case at all. The object had been far too small. She reached for her gun, and beside it on the floor she was surprised to find a small metal cube with bizarre symbols on it. Gunfire sounded ahead. Marasi tucked the curiosity away and shouldered her rifle, determined to ... |
off the train. Wax blinked in surprise. But that was indeed what they were doing—they tossed one of the bandits overboard. It was the man with the cane, who hit the water beside the train with a splash. A group of the others started to follow suit, leaping into the river. One spotted Wax, pointing. Six remaining bandit... |
next car. Blue lines let him see sources of metal even in the darkness. Wayne would be carrying metal vials and his bracers. Look for faint sources of metal, hidden behind something. Perhaps … perhaps they’d just knocked him out and stuffed him somewhere. “Um…” the constable said from behind. “I was wondering if any of... |
the limp?” “My lord?” “He seemed to be in charge of them,” Wax said. “A man in a fine suit who walked with a cane. About six feet tall, with a narrow face and dark hair. Who is he?” “I don’t know that one, my lord. Donny is the leader.” “Big guy?” Wax asked. “Neck like a stump?” “No, my lord. Donny is little and feisty... |
didn’t seem to have been harmed at all. In fact … Wax crouched down, Marasi’s light revealing what had been hidden to him by the overhang of the luggage compartment. MeLaan, shirt completely off, was in the compartment too. She sat up, entirely unashamed of her nudity. “We’ve stopped!” she said. “Are we there already?”... |
with him? He usually felt exhilarated after a fight. It’s the deaths, he thought. Only one passenger had died, an older man. But they’d lost half a dozen payroll guards, not to mention the many wounded. “One of the bandits,” he said to MeLaan, “he did something that dampened my Allomancy.” “A Leecher?” she asked. Wax s... |
once we’ve dealt with my uncle.” “And how’re we going to get to New Seran?” Wayne said. “Doesn’t look like our train will be leaving anytime soon.” “Freight train,” Wax said, checking the wall lists. “Coming through in an hour. They’re going to move our train onto the repair track, so we can flag that one down for a ri... |
else seems to get it immediately? They know what to do. They know what to say. But rusts, you have to work to untangle it all?” “That describes my entire life,” Steris said softly. He put his arm around her, and let her rest her head on his shoulder. “Well, that was how those parties were for me. Social situations were... |
the engine car. This was a newer machine, one of the oil-driven ones, with no need for a coal tender. Marasi stood near the front with the engineer, a tall fellow with bright eyes and forearms like pistons. That rumbling … Wax frowned, lowering his gun as Marasi glanced at him. The sky was bright blue; morning had arri... |
be rested and ready to go. “Shortcut?” he asked Marasi. “You realize I’m wearing a skirt.” “I do. What happened to that fancy new constable uniform with the trousers?” “Packed away. Not everyone likes wearing uniforms when we don’t have to, Waxillium.” “Well, you can wait and take the gondolas,” Wax said. “Think of me ... |
were the heights—she backed away from the cliff as soon as she was free. “Going to go get the others?” she asked. “Let’s find the hotel first,” Wax said, pointing the way toward a statue he’d spotted upon landing. He could still make out the green patina of the statue’s head over the tops of the nearby homes. He starte... |
Blossom Way,” the girl said, pointing with her chin and making the coins in his palm disappear. “Come on,” he said, interrupting Marasi as she started saying something. People did make way for him, which was convenient. He could have taken to the sky, but he found the mansion without difficulty, partially because of th... |
him because of any of that, are you? He beat you. In the Hundredlives case, Mister Suit got the best of you. Now you’re going to win the war where you lost the battle.” He stopped in place, turning on her. “How petty do you think I am?” “Considering what I just told you,” she said, “I’d say I consider you precisely tha... |
said, then dug in his duster’s pocket, pulling out the other shoe. “Speaking of that, Gin, will you swap me your hat for this one?” “Your shoe?” Aunt Gin asked, turning back toward him, then jumping as Wax forced open another window. “Sure,” Wayne said. “They’re both clothes, right?” “What would I do with a man’s shoe?... |
of shorts and a cloth wrapped around her chest. “I need to put on something appropriate for tonight. What do you think? Large breasts? Small breasts? Extra-large breasts?” Everybody in the room paused, then turned toward her. “What?” MeLaan said. “Picking a proper bust size is vital to a lady’s evening preparations!” S... |
a…” “A man?” MeLaan asked. “Yeah. It’ll look better when I’ve decided on the right body. Need to settle on a voice, too.” She looked around the room. “Um, is this a problem?” Everyone looked at Wayne for some reason. He thought for a moment, then shrugged. Maybe he should have given his shoes to her. “You don’t mind?” ... |
A line of carriages waited to pull through the coach portico and drop off their occupants. “You’re nervous,” Steris said, laying her hand on his arm. She wore white lace gloves, and her dress—which she’d fretted over for at least an hour—was one of the filmy and gauzy ones that the most fashionable ladies in Elendel we... |
and perhaps figure out what our targets are up to, and what their connection is to the Bands of Mourning.” “I’m not socially incompetent, Steris,” Wax said. “I can make small talk.” “I know that,” Steris said, “but I’d rather avoid an incident like the Cett party.…” “Which Cett party?” “The one where you head-butted so... |
“Damned if I know,” Wax said. “Shall we?” They proceeded down the row of waiting carriages, and though the line had sped up during their stroll, they still reached the front doors before they otherwise would have. Wax tipped his head toward a large woman who barely fit through the door of her carriage, then strode up t... |
point. The sport of it. Why else would they put so much valuable stuff together in one place? It was supposed to be a message, proof to the little people that some folks were so rich, they could use their money to build a house for their money and still have enough money left to fill that house. Robbing such a place wa... |
began. “I’m certain you can make time for the investment opportunity you will soon find present in—” “We’re from the Elendel Constabulary,” Marasi interrupted, taking out her engraved credential plate and holding it up. “Captain Marasi Colms. I’d like to look over some of your deposit records. Shouldn’t take but a few ... |
stalled like that, it was so their mates could have time to arrive and administer a proper beating. He bided his time playing with objects on the banker’s desk, trying to build a tower of them, but he kept his eyes on the door. If someone did arrive to attack them, he’d have to toss Marasi out the window to get away. A... |
the table, “and perhaps any jewelry or other personal effects buried with the bodies.” “Hey,” Wayne said. “I’m right dry in the throat, I am. That would sure hit me well, like a morning piss after a nine-pinter the night afore.” “That’s horrible!” the banker said. “Yes,” Marasi said, “but if you think about it, not too... |
adorned with golden chandeliers—though their candleholders glowed with electric lights. The ceiling wasn’t terribly high, but the walls were colorfully decorated with false archways that each held a mural. Classical pieces, like the Ascendant Warrior rising above a flock of ravens—the typical depiction of the Lord Rule... |
The coin certainly didn’t seem old. Was it new, or merely well-preserved? Rust and Ruin … how had this gotten into his pocket? The beggar tossed it to me, Wax thought. But where had he gotten it? Were there more of these in circulation? Troubled, he struck out to find Steris. As he walked, he passed Lady Kelesina, the ... |
Her expression grew distant. “In this case, it’s not that I’m boring, it’s more that … I’m off. I’ve learned to fake being normal, but lists of prepared comments and jokes can only take me so far. People can sense that I’m not being authentic—that I don’t like the things they like or think the way they do. Sometimes it... |
of his wine. “This is a party.” The others laughed. Again, Wax had no idea why. Damn, he thought, looking between them. I am rusty. He’d complained, dragged his feet, but he hadn’t expected to be this clumsy. Focus. Gave knew something about the Bands of Mourning, or at least ReLuur had thought he did. “Do you have any... |
tried him first,” Steris said. “Good practice. And we did learn something. The archaeology comment prodded too close to something he didn’t want to discuss. He turned to veiled insults to distract us.” Wax took a deep breath, shoving away his annoyance at this entire situation. “What now? Do we try another one?” “No,” ... |
Mistings are one in a thousand; most Ferrings even more unusual, and their bloodlines constrained. To arrive at any specific combination of two is highly improbable. You are one of only three Crashers ever born, Lord Waxillium.” “What, really?” “I cannot, of course, be one hundred percent certain of that figure. Infant... |
trying to breed Allomancers. A woman asking after the specifics of Allomantic powers couldn’t be a coincidence, could it? He did pass MeLaan. Square-chinned, standing over six feet tall, her masculine body bulged with muscles beneath her tuxedo, and she’d drawn a gaggle of interested young ladies. She winked at Wax as ... |
nodded. “I mean it,” Steris said, resting her hand on his. “Lord Waxillium, this is exactly what you’ve been doing for the last twenty years, in the Roughs.” “I could shoot people there, Steris.” “Could you really? Is that how you solved things? You couldn’t get answers, so you shot somebody?” “Well, I’d usually just p... |
up the path—she could see its lights creating a bubble of yellow in the mists. She stuck close to Wayne, not because she felt more comfortable having him beside her. “Our target is a man named Dechamp,” she said. “Should be the night gravekeeper, and one of those whose ledger entries show regular upticks in income. He’... |
knife in his hand and inspected Marasi with a critical eye. The sun had set completely, but with the light of the city diffusing through the mists, it could actually be brighter on a night like this than on one without any mist. “What?” Marasi said, uncomfortable. “You look too fancy,” Wayne said. Marasi glanced down a... |
Catacendre in the first place. So the question was probably moot. A greasy little man with a blond ponytail whistled to himself beside the hut, sharpening his shovel with a whetstone. Who sharpens a shovel? Marasi thought as Wayne presented himself, chest thrust out, improvised cane before him as if he were some grand ... |
goin’ to give you a clip for it.” “If that’s so, then why are you so keen for it?” “Sentimental value,” Wayne said. “It belonged to a friend, and it was really hard for him to part with it.” Marasi snorted in surprise at that one, drawing Dechamp’s attention. “Are you the friend?” “I don’t speak skaa,” she said in the ... |
“That there was weapons testing. Gotta make sure your knives is workin’.” “Indeed,” Wayne said. “Why, sometimes the sharp ends on mine need lotsa testin’. To make sure they don’t break down in the middle of a good killin’.” They shared a laugh, and Marasi shook her head. Wayne was in his element—he could talk about sta... |
he can be, Lord Waxillium.” One of the little octopuses seized a passing fish in its tentacles and dropped from the side of the tank, holding the squirming fish and pulling it up toward its beak. “They don’t feed them,” Devlin noted, “for a week or so before a party. They like the show they provide.” “Brutal,” Wax said... |
“No way of knowing,” Devlin said. “Some farmers have seen it. Claimed Allomancers were involved. News died before it got here. Quashed. Smothered. Everything’s been strange in New Seran lately. A murderer from the Roughs showing up, attacking the homes of rich Metalborn, then you come to a party…” “This project to the ... |
Shores,” he said, taking her hand and shaking it rather than kissing it. He might not be in the Roughs, but he didn’t intend to take his eyes off his enemy. “I hope you’ve been enjoying the party,” she said. “The main address is about a half hour away; you might find it of note. We’ve invited the mayor of Bilming himse... |
“I promised the next one already. Can I find you later, Lord Waxillium?” “Sure, sure,” he said, then gave her a nod as she withdrew. He stepped back to his table, watching her move pointedly through the crowd with frightened motions. “Was that Lady Kelesina?” Steris said, joining him, holding another cup of the sweeten... |
you spoke of the power of not caring about what others thought of you. Do you remember?” “Yes.” “Well, you see,” she said, opening her eyes and smiling, “I’m trying to practice that skill.” She proceeded to vomit all over the table. * * * The digging continued, and Marasi passed the time reading inscriptions on gravest... |
tease out secrets nobody else knew, and fight off armies of enraged koloss all on her own. Extraordinary in every way. It was probably a good thing, or the world wouldn’t have survived the War of Ash. But rusts … she left a hell of a reputation for the rest of them to try to live up to. Marasi turned from the statue an... |
poked at one of the holes in his shirt, wiggling it around to check that the wound had healed. With his other hand, he stuffed the last bite of sandwich into his mouth, then joined her in peeking up over the lip of the grave. Above, a lethargically moving bullet hit the invisible edge of Wayne’s speed bubble. In an eye... |
two shots toward the shadows. She ducked back down, uncertain what that was supposed to have accomplished. “You realize we’re now trapped and unarmed, Wayne.” “Yup,” he said. “But if those fellows are really bothered by my fearsome reputation…” “What?” Marasi asked, glancing toward him as he peeked over the edge. A few... |
had only drinks,” Wax said, “and few of those at that.” The cook relaxed visibly. She towed one of the maids away by the arm as soon as she saw that Wax had noticed her. He stood in the doorway of a guest chamber, and behind him Steris lay on the bed, eyes closed. The assistant steward—an aged Terriswoman in the proper... |
her under my uncle’s control.” Steris, still lying on the bed, squeezed his hand. “I’ll find her,” Wax said. “I’ll make it right. I ran to the Roughs, thinking I didn’t need any of them. But as the years pass, Steris, I find I want less and less to be alone. I can’t explain it, I guess. She’s my family. My only family.... |
himself. Harmony watched through those mists. Harmony the impotent, Harmony the meaningless. He set his jaw and turned away from the windows, leading Steris along a path in the indoor garden, which was set with small rocks and plants. From his maps, he guessed that Kelesina would be up on the second floor somewhere. As... |
It turned out that setting off dynamite in the middle of the city was a fine way to get the attention of the authorities. “They don’t know anything,” she said. “Hired muscle, paid and sent to do the hit. The ones who hired them mentioned your name, which turns out to have been a mistake.” “I’m famous,” Wayne said happi... |
crafted by an opportunist who had heard of his collection. By now, he had seen enough dead animals bleached white to spot a fake. He had stuffed this bird himself, prize of his collection, and set it looking over its shoulder with a small strip of rabbit skin in its beak. Such a magnificent creature. People always foun... |
on his floor. He was dreaming. It was a nightmare. It wasn’t possible.… Tap. Tap. Tap. He found his handkerchief finally and clutched it, his eyes squeezed shut. “Templeton.” The rasping voice drifted in through the window. Templeton turned slowly and faced the window. He opened his eyes. Death stood outside. Cloaked i... |
to take my feet off the furniture. Mixed with some real old-soundin’ tones, like a grandfather’s grandfather. And grindy, like a man what is choking to death.” “In fact,” Marasi said, “he’s quite articulate, and not at all ‘grindy.’ And the accent is strange—not like anything I’ve heard before.” Wayne grunted, taking o... |
of Elendel. It was the only major one in the Basin besides Elendel itself—and was an industrial powerhouse. If conflict did come, they’d be spearheading it. They’re spearheading it now, Wax realized as more words drifted up to him. He continued down the hallway, listening at the next set of doors. He was about to turn ... |
a distraction, it seemed. But the words left him with a deeper sense of worry. He’d chased half a dozen leads during the last year, anticipating that he was close on the heels of his uncle. How many of those had been plants? And how many of his other cases had been intentional distractions? And Ape Manton? Was he reall... |
see Wax pressed to the ceiling above her, Pushing against a coin she walked right over in her haste to knock on the door. Kelesina called for her to enter. “My lady,” the steward said in an urgent tone. “Burl sent me word while watching the party for Allomancers. He sensed someone using metals in this direction.” “Wher... |
robes, neck thick as a man’s thigh. Wax cursed, raising his gun, which the steward immediately slapped from his hand. His wrist screamed in pain and he winced, Pushing on the nails in the wall to throw himself in a roll across the floor away from the steward. He came up fishing in his pocket for coins, but the steward ... |
drove the others back, but notably, he couldn’t sense any metal on their bodies. Aluminum weapons. This was one of Suit’s kill squads, likely contacted and sent into action the moment Kelesina had telegraphed him. Wax burst out of the passageways into a room that he hoped would let him circle back toward the atrium. If... |
fired ineffectively, and Wax pressed his other hand against the man’s chest and Pushed on the coin there. Man and coin went flying back down the hallway toward his fellows, who leaped to the side. Wax was left with the aluminum gun, which he flipped in the air and caught, squeezing off four shots. The first pulled a li... |
held them in one hand, then launched off the coin below to shoot them toward the ceiling. He flung the bullets toward the skylights and Pushed them in a spray to weaken a window, then raised his arm—wrapped in his jacket—over his head and crashed them through the glass and out into the swirling mists. They landed on th... |
in place by Pushing against the tips of the two skyscrapers below. Without a third, he wasn’t certain how long he could balance, but for the moment they remained steady. “So beautiful…” Steris said, clinging to him. “Thank you again,” Wax said to her. “I still can’t believe you snuck a gun into the party.” “It’s only a... |
timetable seems to be more advanced than I’d thought.” “Cheery,” Wayne said. “So…” Wax sighed, then pulled out his billfold and tossed a note at Wayne. “You win.” “You had a bet?” Marasi demanded. “Friendly wager,” Wayne said, making the note disappear. “Can I bring these peanuts when we go?” “Go?” Marasi said, standin... |
his side, he turned a little metal spike over in his fingers. The earring VenDell had sent. It was nearly identical to the one he’d used to kill Lessie. Eventually, footsteps on pine needles signaled someone approaching. He pulled on his cigar, giving a warm glow to the mists and revealing MeLaan’s face. Her feminine o... |
you didn’t want to kill. But one thing you never did: You never betrayed a companion. Friends were too rare a privilege out in those wilds, where everything seemed to want you dead. By hiding the truth from him, Harmony had stabbed him square in the back. Wax could forgive a lot of things. He wasn’t sure this was one o... |
half sister end up on the adventure? Steris belonged in a sitting room with a cup of tea and a dry book about horticulture, not riding cross-country in a stagecoach toward a potential army of Allomancers. Yet here she was, snuggled up against Dawnshot himself. Marasi shook her head. She wasn’t envious of Steris, which ... |
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