7

An epigraph introduces Rashek, a respected young Terrisman whose charisma belies a deep hatred, observed by an unnamed diarist. In Luthadel, Marsh visits Kelsier’s lair after three years apart. He confronts Kelsier with the names of those Kelsier killed, arguing they were people, not just servants of the Empire. Marsh accuses Kelsier of hijacking the rebellion for profit and revenge; Kelsier insists the job isn’t about money.

The brothers trade hard truths about failure, loss, and their past. Kelsier asks Marsh to infiltrate the Steel Ministry to watch the Inquisitors. Despite cynicism, Marsh senses Kelsier’s sincerity and agrees to return and hear the “insane plan,” leaving the door open to help.

Kelsier detects Vin eavesdropping and invites her out into the night to begin training. He gives her a mistcloak and metal vials, explains clothing without metal, and reframes the mists as a Mistborn’s ally. He notes patrols avoid interfering with Mistborn, whose identities are guarded within the nobility.

Kelsier teaches Vin to burn pewter (strength, speed, toughness) and tin (enhanced senses), warning about consequences—exhaustion or overstimulation when metals run out or are flared. He introduces bronze (sensing Allomancy) and copper (hiding Allomancy and emotions, creating a coppercloud), tying it to Clubs’s role as Smoker.

Curious about the last metals, Vin experiments, accidentally Pulling a nail with iron before Kelsier deflects it. He explains iron Pulls and steel Pushes on metals, governed by weight and anchors. Demonstrating with a coin, Vin Pushes and is flung backward when the coin hits a wall, learning cause and effect.

At the city wall, Kelsier straps Vin with weights and sets an ingot as an anchor. Emphasizing control and consequences, he launches over the wall and urges Vin to follow. The chapter ends as Vin steels herself and performs her first powerful steelpush toward the top.