Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Elend Venture arrives at the threatened town of Vetitan, asserts himself as emperor, and takes command from the reluctant leader, Fatren. He trains the townsmen in anti-koloss tactics and insists on a preemptive strike while the koloss are distracted making camp. Fatren yields authority, and the townsfolk charge into battle.
Summary
Under a red sun and persistent ashfall, Fatren and his dispirited brother Druffel brace Vetitan for an impending koloss attack. A lone rider arrives, vaults the bulwark with Allomancy, and reveals himself as Elend Venture. He immediately assesses defenses, disarms Druffel effortlessly, and begins issuing orders with confident authority.
Elend explains koloss behavior and the need to hide civilians deep in the southern quarter to dilute any frenzy-driven slaughter. Though Fatren doubts Elend’s identity, Elend’s competence and presence sway the soldiers. He claims to have armies en route but refuses to wait, offering instruction on koloss weaknesses and coordinated group tactics.
Elend demands fealty as a nonnegotiable condition for aid, bluntly acknowledging temporary tyranny for survival’s sake. Fatren, recognizing the town’s peril, tacitly accepts. Elend drills captains on concentrating force, targeting legs of larger koloss, avoiding skin snags, and maintaining discipline rather than chasing looters into the city.
When scouts sight the koloss making camp, Elend orders an immediate offensive, arguing that waiting would hand the bulwark to taller, stronger foes once they frenzy. Despite confusion, his resolve settles the ranks. Drawing his sword, Elend sprints along the bulwark toward the camp; Fatren overcomes fear and follows, triggering the town’s full charge.
Who Appears
- Elend VentureMistborn emperor; asserts command, demands fealty, trains defenders, and orders a surprise assault on the koloss camp.
- FatrenDe facto leader of Vetitan; doubts yet yields to Elend, organizes troops, and joins the charge.
- DruffelFatren’s disheartened brother; initially confronts Elend, pessimistic about survival, reluctantly assists preparations.
- SevMessenger boy who first reports Elend’s approach to the bulwark.
- KolossApproaching horde; their camping presents the moment Elend exploits for a preemptive attack.