Chapter 17

The epigraph recounts Rashek’s brief tenure with Preservation’s power: in minutes that felt like hours, he learned from mistakes, progressed from crude planetary changes to crafting ashmounts and adaptive life. His mindset was protective and reactive, striving to fix the crises he created rather than restoring the world outright.

At dusk, Elend rides before his assembled army to conduct a planned mist inoculation. Knowing roughly one in fifty may die, he projects confidence, suppressing private doubts to steady the ranks. He frames the exposure as essential before marching on Fadrex, lest morning mists cripple them during battle.

Elend and General Demoux discuss faith. Demoux challenges Elend’s lukewarm belief, arguing that Kelsier became something greater at the Pits, a mantle beyond the man. Elend recognizes the deification but accepts that such belief strengthens morale when facing the mists and looming conflicts.

As the sun reddens and the mists rise, screams spread through the formation. Soldiers collapse sporadically, seizing on the ash-laden ground. Elend moves to ride the lines and Riot courage—but when he turns, Demoux is shaking, then topples from his saddle.

Kneeling in ash beside Demoux, Elend confronts the immediate human cost of his decision even as captains struggle to maintain order. The inoculation proceeds under falling ash, with mounting casualties and the shocking loss of Demoux from the line, underscoring both the peril and necessity of their strategy.