Contents
Chapter 11
Overview
TenSoon stands before the kandra for judgment. He admits killing OreSeur but argues he served the higher First Contract, declaring Vin the kandra’s new Mother and revealing their vulnerability to Allomancers. The First Generation remains silent, and the Seconds postpone sentencing for a month, leaving TenSoon’s plea unresolved.
Summary
An epigraph explains the kandra First Contract, codified by the Lord Ruler, including reverence for elders, legal rights, creation provisions, absolute loyalty, and a disturbing clause mandating potential mass suicide.
In the Trustwarren, KanPaar opens TenSoon’s judgment by fixating on TenSoon’s killing of OreSeur. TenSoon argues the Contract forbids killing humans, not kandra, and explains Zane ordered the act while TenSoon served Straff Venture’s house. Seconds decry the precedent of kandra impersonating kandra.
Pressed on why he later aided Vin against Zane, TenSoon recounts Zane’s atium-fueled dominance and admits he revealed the kandra Secret—that Allomancers can seize them through their Flaw—so Vin could use him to defeat Zane. He insists he didn’t break Contract, but rather obeyed a higher duty.
TenSoon declares the First Contract still binds the kandra through succession: with the Lord Ruler dead, Vin—his slayer—has effectively become their Mother. He urges that the times portend Ruin and possibly the Resolution, arguing the kandra must serve Vin and acknowledge her right to know their Secret.
The chamber falls silent; the First Generation offers no response. KanPaar, speaking for the Seconds, announces that the Firsts have ignored TenSoon’s plea. The Seconds assume authority, declare TenSoon guilty by his own admissions, and set sentencing for one month, leaving TenSoon uncertain whether his words will spur his people to action.
Who Appears
- TenSoonThird Generation kandra on trial; admits killing OreSeur, reveals the Secret, and claims service to Vin under the First Contract.
- KanPaarSecond Generation leader prosecuting TenSoon; frames him as traitor and announces delayed sentencing.
- First GenerationSilent kandra elders observing from alcoves; offer no response, leaving judgment to the Seconds.
- Second GenerationRuling kandra cohort in the chamber; condemn TenSoon and schedule sentencing in one month.
- HunFoorA Second who slips while defending their cohort’s past decisions, revealing internal discomfort.