The Hero of Ages

Vin arrives at Luthadel, which is now mostly abandoned and burning. As she reaches Kredik Shaw, the once-imposing palace of the Lord Ruler, she senses the approach of multiple Inquisitors, including Marsh. Knowing she is outnumbered, she prepares for a fight, hoping that putting herself in danger will trigger the mists to help her as they have in the past.

Ruin appears, saying they already searched the palace for the atium, and she replies that she’ll never reveal where it is. Ruin orders the Inquisitors to kill her, and they demonstrate new abilities akin to Feruchemical powers that make them far more formidable than before. Despite her pleas, the mists again refuse to help her, and Vin is ultimately overwhelmed by Marsh. He methodically breaks her bones as a form of torture while waiting for her to reveal the atium’s location. Remembering how Kelsier treated Vin like a daughter, Marsh wrestles back enough control to notice Vin’s earring. Remembering Spook’s warning that even the smallest piece of metal can allow Ruin’s influence, Marsh rips the earring from her ear. In the absence of Ruin’s influence, the mists flood back to her.