Chapter 66

An epigraph notes that Steel Inquisitors, bearing many spikes, are almost wholly dominated by Ruin, and only an exceptionally strong will could resist even slightly.

On the ash-choked plains, Sazed rides TenSoon, who has consumed a hog and a horse to craft a stronger equine body. Sazed uses stored wakefulness to endure the nonstop journey and reflects on his crisis of faith, deciding the Terris teachings on the Hero of Ages may hold truth he must uncover from the kandra First Generation.

As they run, TenSoon explains kandra origins: mistwraiths made from transformed Feruchemists who, when granted two Hemalurgic spikes—their Blessing—awaken as kandra. With only two spikes, kandra possess greater independence than koloss or Inquisitors and are less driven by Ruin’s impulses. TenSoon’s Blessing and bodycrafting grant him endurance beyond a normal horse.

TenSoon insists that their timing is critical: the Hero of Ages will come to the Homeland with Allomancers, and the kandra must be ready to perform a difficult, necessary act that they will resist. He asks Sazed to persuade the kandra of the danger and the need for this choice.

They arrive at a concealed entrance near the Pits of Hathsin, which TenSoon identifies as the kandra Homeland. TenSoon departs on other duties, and Sazed descends alone through ash into a dim cavern, enhancing his sight from a tinmind. He encounters two translucent, unclothed kandra guards with carved stone bones.

Relying on the knowledge that kandra cannot kill humans, Sazed identifies himself as a Terris Keeper seeking the First Generation and implies he could reveal their location if refused. After conferring, the guards agree to bring him inside.