The Sunlit Man
by Brandon Sanderson
Contents
391
Overview
The Cinder King parades his victory at Union, holding Elegy and Rebeke while preparing to let Beacon’s survivors die to the advancing sun. Elegy secretly resists, feigning obedience, as Rebeke boldly claims leadership to bargain for lives. The Cinder King refuses. At the last moment, Nomad bursts from the sun, signaling a rescue.
Summary
Elegy accompanies the Cinder King over Union as he surveys Beacon’s shattered people below. She pretends to be fully controlled after he theatrically “binds” her, hiding a sliver of sunheart Zellion gave her. The Charred deliver Rebeke, the only Beaconite besides Elegy they recovered.
The Cinder King exults in power, declaring the survivors will fuel his conquests and serve as a warning to crush rebellion. Rebeke pleads, then abruptly shifts tactics, claiming she has secretly led Beacon while the three elders were decoys. She offers public submission to magnify his legend, or—failing that—urges him to kill her before her people.
Enticed yet wary of ceding control, the Cinder King refuses, ordering Rebeke to watch Beacon die and planning to make her Charred. When Rebeke lunges, a Charred restrains her. Below, the survivors huddle together, choosing to face the advancing day as one rather than scatter.
As the killing light rolls in, fire ripples across sky and land. At the brink, a blazing figure rips free of the inferno, trailing smoke and flame, a sigil of wings and a downward point flaring behind him. Rebeke recognizes the arrival: “It’s him.”
Who Appears
- ElegyCharred who secretly resists the Cinder King; feigns obedience and witnesses Rebeke’s courage.
- The Cinder KingAntagonist ruler; plans to let the sun kill Beacon, revels in dominance, rejects Rebeke’s bargain.
- RebekeBeacon survivor; claims leadership to bargain for her people, then resists capture, inspiring Elegy.
- Nomad (Zellion)Protagonist; erupts from the sun at the last moment, signaling a rescue attempt.