Chapter 40

Elend briefs his commanders—Ham, Cett, Noorden, and Demoux—on Inquisitor creation theories, noting that ordinary men gain new Allomancy through spikes. Cett demands relevance, prompting Elend to broaden the scope: the mist-sickness numbers are too precise to be natural, implying an intelligent orchestrator.

Through Noorden’s rumors and Ham’s observations, they conclude Inquisitors are forged by combining powers via Hemalurgy. Vin confirms a parallel: koloss are made from humans with smaller spikes, explaining their need to “replenish” from villages. The group identifies Hemalurgy as a third metallic art that transfers power by killing, and Elend argues koloss, kandra, and Inquisitors share design and exploitable mental weaknesses.

Elend orders Noorden to analyze koloss movements for nonrandom patterns and warns the camp to avoid further costly mistakes. Afterward, Demoux reports distrust of the “mistfallen” who were sick longer; Elend, balancing cohesion and readiness, creates a separate company of mistfallen for upcoming operations.

A ragged messenger, Conrad from Luthadel, arrives. Instead of supplies, he brings word of riots and requests for aid; other messengers vanished, and he survived only by distracting pursuing koloss. Elend is angered but contains it, then debriefs Conrad later.

That night, Elend tells Vin the consistent attacks and disruptions reveal a guiding enemy trying to pull them from Fadrex. Aware that Ruin may overhear, they silently resolve to remain and secure the storage cavern’s secrets—possibly the atium—despite Luthadel’s unrest.

Alone, Vin reflects that politics and war may be insufficient as the world dies. She again reaches for the mists’ power that once fueled her against the Lord Ruler, senses restrained strength, but cannot access it. With foreboding, she returns to the tent.