2

Kelsier surveys ash-stained Luthadel, noting the Great Houses’ keeps and the Lord Ruler’s palace, Kredik Shaw. Dockson arrives; they banter about Tresting’s death and confirm a meeting to plan a new, unprecedented job. They discuss crew needs—Breeze, Ham, a Smoker (targeting Clubs), possibly a Tineye relative, Yeden as financier—and Marsh’s reluctance. Kelsier insists he can persuade Marsh.

Dockson leads Kelsier to the Canton of Finance to observe a girl. Inside, Vin, bruised and anxious, accompanies Camon—posing as Lord Jedue—into a lavish waiting room. Camon intends to betray Theron’s canal-robbery scheme by extracting an advance from the Ministry and disappearing, ruining Theron.

Called before High Prelan Arriev, Camon pleads for a contract. Sensing danger, Vin hesitates but then Soothes Arriev’s suspicion. Arriev grants a three-thousand-boxing advance and a contract. Camon files the paperwork, collects the chest of coins, and departs, apparently successful.

Kelsier and Dockson, having watched from the waiting room, confirm Vin is at least a Misting and likely unaware of her powers. As Camon exits, a Steel Inquisitor appears with Arriev and turns to follow Camon’s group. Kelsier deduces the Ministry detected Vin’s Soothing and has set a tail.

To prevent a massacre at Camon’s safe house and to secure Vin, Kelsier and Dockson split up. Dockson goes to eliminate the Ministry tails, while Kelsier drinks a vial of metals and burns them, yanking on the Inquisitor’s emotions to draw it away. The chase begins.