Prologue

Marsh, a Steel Inquisitor for three years, attempts to end his life by removing his linchpin spike, but his mind is seized by an external force. Under that influence, his perception sharpens through the spikes in his eyes, outlining metals and companions—other Inquisitors—in blue lines.

A Terris Keeper lies bound on a specialized table, positioned atop another body to facilitate a Hemalurgic transfer. The captive pleads, denying further knowledge of the Synod, while Marsh toys with a brass spike and savors the man’s fear under the force’s control.

Marsh briefly regains himself, recognizing the atrocity of killing a lifelong servant of others and trying again to reach the spike in his back. However, the controlling entity overwhelms him, needing Inquisitors as its hands. It has been freed but remains constrained by an opposing power spread like a shield over the land.

Identifying itself as Ruin—the being released from the Well of Ascension—it seeks something more to become complete. Yielding to Ruin’s will, Marsh positions the spike over the Keeper’s heart to drive it through into the Inquisitor beneath, embracing the brutality of Hemalurgy as he raises the mallet and begins to strike.