Chapter 70

In the epigraph, the narrator explains that Quellion spiked himself with bronze, becoming a Seeker and enabling his reign in Urteau. Ruin exploited unstable personalities—even unspiked ones—suggesting this is how Zane received his spike and how Ruin nudged Quellion’s fanaticism.

In Fadrex, Elend and Yomen tour the city’s defenses and wounded under an uneasy truce, compelled by the growing koloss army outside. Yomen argues logistics and sanitation, while Elend emphasizes morale and visible leadership, demonstrating by personally engaging soldiers and citizens.

At Yomen’s converted infirmary, Elend grapples with guilt over having relied on koloss that Ruin could reclaim. A woman arrives with her convulsing child, and Yomen criticizes her for hiding him from the mists. Discussing mistsickness, Elend notes it strikes exactly sixteen percent; Yomen cites sixteen as a sacred number and asserts there must be sixteen Allomantic metals.

The number triggers Elend’s realization: the mists were Snapping people, not killing them. He tests a wounded soldier who had fallen to the mists by giving him metals; under Elend’s prompting, the soldier begins burning a metal, confirming newfound Allomantic ability.

As this discovery lands, a messenger reports the koloss assault has begun. Elend concludes Ruin is attacking quickly to prevent mass empowerment and orders Yomen to gather and distribute powdered metals—pewter, tin, iron, and steel—to everyone struck by the mists. He vows to take the front lines, believing the city’s unexpected Allomancers can turn the tide.