The Alloy of Law

The next morning, Marasi Colms approaches Ladrian Mansion. She notes the city law requiring that ornamental trees provide food, a practice believed to maintain the land’s fertility. She has heard stories of Wax’s legendary bravery for years, and she is intimidated to be in his house alone. The butler, Tillaume, admits her to the study, where she finds Wax analyzing an alloy from a Vanisher’s aluminum gun. He notes that both the gun and the bullets are made from alloy he’s never seen before.

Marasi informs Wax that Lord Harms has agreed to fund Steris’s rescue. They discuss the assault and conclude that the Vanishers must have a wealthy backer. Wax shows Marasi his genealogical research, revealing that all the kidnapped women share Allomantic bloodlines tracing back to the Lord Mistborn.

Marasi realizes that the kidnappers’ motive is to breed powerful Allomancers, not to recruit. Wax agrees, confirming Steris’s value as a target. He mentions that he has already sent his deputy, Wayne, to gather more information.

Meanwhile, Wayne arrives at the Fourth Octant Constabulary precinct, disguised as a constable from another octant. He intimidates the precinct’s leader, Captain Brettin, into letting him interrogate two captured Vanishers.