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The Well of Ascension, Page 25

Brandon Sanderson

Page 25

  "Well, yes," Elend said. "But, while there arent a lot of books on warfare, there are a lot about politics. Breeze, you said the other day that being the weakest party in a three-way stalemate gives us power. "

  "Exactly," Breeze said. "We can tip the battle for either of the two larger sides. "

  "Yes," Elend said, opening a book. "Now that there are three parties involved, its not warfare—its politics. This is just like a contest between houses. And in house politicking, even the most powerful houses cant stand without allies. The small houses are weak individually, but they are strong when considered as a group.

  "Were like one of those small houses. If we want to make any gains, were going to have to get our enemies to forget about us—or, at least, make them think us inconsequential. If they both assume that they have the better of us—that they can use us to defeat the other army, then turn on us at their leisure—then theyll leave us alone and concentrate on each other. "

  Ham rubbed his chin. "Youre talking about playing both sides, Elend. Its a dangerous position to put ourselves in. "

  Breeze nodded. "Wed have to switch our allegiance to whichever side seems weaker at the moment, keep them snapping at each other. And theres no guarantee that the winner between the two would be weakened enough for us to defeat. "

  "Not to mention our food problems," Dockson said. "What you propose would take time, Your Majesty. Time during which wed be under siege, our supplies dwindling. Its autumn right now. Winter will soon be upon us. "

  "It will be tough," Elend agreed. "And risky. But, I think we can do it. We make them both think were allied with them, but we hold back our support. We encourage them against one another, and we wear away at their supplies and morale, pushing them into a conflict. When the dust settles, the surviving army might just be weak enough for us to beat. "

  Breeze looked thoughtful. "It has style," he admitted. "And, it does kind of sound fun. "

  Dockson smiled. "You only say that because it involves making someone else do our work for us. "

  Breeze shrugged. "Manipulation works so well on a personal level, I dont see why it wouldnt be an equally viable national policy. "

  "Thats actually how most rulership works," Ham mused. "What is a government but an institutionalized method of making sure somebody else does all the work?"

  "Uh, the plan?" Elend asked.

  "I dont know, El," Ham said, getting back on topic. "It sounds like one of Kells plans—foolhardy, brave, and a little insane. " He sounded as if he were surprised to hear Elend propose such a measure.

  I can be as foolhardy as any man, Elend thought indignantly, then paused. Did he really want to follow that line of thought?

  "We could get ourselves into some serious trouble," Dockson said. "If either side decides its tired of our games. . . "

  "Theyll destroy us," Elend said. "But. . . well, gentlemen, youre gamblers. You cant tell me that this plan doesnt appeal to you more than simply bowing before Lord Cett. "

  Ham shared a look with Breeze, and they seemed to be considering the idea. Dockson rolled his eyes, but seemed like he was objecting simply out of habit.

  No, they didnt want to take the safe way out. These were the men who had challenged the Lord Ruler, men who had made their livelihood scamming noblemen. In some ways, they were very careful; they could be precise in their attention to detail, cautious in covering their tracks and protecting their interests. But when it came time to gamble for the big prize, they were often willing.

  No, not willing. Eager.

  Great, Elend thought. Ive filled my inner council with a bunch of thrill-seeking masochists. Even worse, Ive decided to join them. But, what else could he do?

  "We could at least consider it," Breeze said. "It does sound exciting. "

  "Now, see, I didnt suggest this because it was exciting, Breeze," Elend said. "I spent my youth trying to plan how I would make a better city of Luthadel once I became leader of my house. Im not going to throw away those dreams at the first sign of opposition. "

  "What about the Assembly?" Ham said.

  "Thats the best part," Elend said. "They voted in my proposal at the meeting two days back. They cant open the city gates to any invader until I meet with my father in parlay. "

  The crew sat quietly for a few moments. Finally, Ham turned to Elend, shaking his head. "I really dont know, El. It sounds appealing. We actually discussed a few more daring plans like this while we were waiting for you. But. . . "

  "But what?" Elend asked.

  "A plan like this depends a lot on you, my dear man," Breeze said, sipping his wine. "Youd have to be the one to meet with the kings—the one to persuade them both that were on their side. No offense, but youre new to scamming. Its difficult to agree to a daring plan that puts a newcomer in as the linchpin member of the team. "

  "I can do this," Elend said. "Really. "

  Ham glanced at Breeze, then both glanced at Clubs. The gnarled general shrugged. "If the kid wants to try it, then let him. "

  Ham sighed, then looked back. "I guess I agree. As long as youre up to this, El. "

  "I think I am," Elend said, covering his nervousness. "I just know we cant give up, not easily. Maybe this wont work—maybe, after a couple months of being besieged, well just end up giving away the city anyway. However, that gives us a couple of months during which something could happen. Its worth the risk to wait, rather than fold. Wait, and plan. "

  "All right, then," Dockson said. "Give us some time to come up with some ideas and options, Your Majesty. Well meet again in a few days to talk about specifics. "

  "All right," Elend said. "Sounds good. Now, if we can move on to other matters, Id like to mention—"

  A knock came at the door. At Elends call, Captain Demoux pushed open the door, looking a little embarrassed. "Your Majesty?" he said. "I apologize, but. . . I think we caught someone listening in on your meeting. "

  "What?" Elend said. "Who?"

  Demoux turned to the side, waving in a pair of his guards. The woman they led into the room was vaguely familiar to Elend. Tall, like most Terris, she wore a bright-colored, but utilitarian, dress. Her ears were stretched downward, the lobes elongated to accommodate numerous earrings.

  "I recognize you," Elend said. "From the Assembly hall a few days ago. You were watching me. "

  The woman didnt answer. She looked over the rooms occupants, standing stiffly—even haughtily—despite her bound wrists. Elend had never actually met a Terriswoman before; hed only met stewards, eunuchs trained from birth to work as manservants. For some reason, Elend had expected a Terriswoman to seem a bit more servile.

  "She was hiding in the next room over," Demoux said. "Im sorry, Your Majesty. I dont know how she got past us. We found her listening against the wall, though I doubt she heard anything. I mean, those walls are made of stone. "

  Elend met the womans eyes. Older—perhaps fifty—she wasnt beautiful, but neither was she homely. She was sturdy, with a straightforward, rectangular face. Her stare was calm and firm, and it made Elend uncomfortable to hold it for long.

  "So, what did you expect to overhear, woman?" Elend asked.

  The Terriswoman ignored the comment. She turned to the others, and spoke in a lightly accented voice. "I would speak with the king alone. The rest of you are excused. "

  Ham smiled. "Well, at least shes got nerve. "

  Dockson addressed the Terriswoman. "What makes you think that we would leave our king alone with you?"

  "His Majesty and I have things to discuss," the woman said in a businesslike manner, as if oblivious of—or unconcerned about—her status as a prisoner. "You neednt be worried about his safety; Im certain that the young Mistborn hiding outside the window will be more than enough to deal with me. "

  Elend glanced to the side, toward the small ventilation window beside the more massive stained-glass one
. How would the Terriswoman have known that Vin was watching? Her ears would have to be extraordinarily keen. Keen enough, perhaps, to listen in on the meeting through a stone wall?

  Elend turned back to the newcomer. "Youre a Keeper. "

  She nodded.

  "Did Sazed send you?"

  "It is because of him that I am here," she said. "But I was not sent. "

  "Ham, its all right," Elend said slowly. "You can go. "

  "Are you sure?" Ham asked, frowning.

  "Leave me bound, if you wish," the woman said.

  If she really is a Feruchemist, that wont be much of a hindrance, Elend thought. Of course, if she really is a Feruchemist—a Keeper, like Sazed—I shouldnt have anything to fear from her. Theoretically.

  The others shuffled from the room, their postures indicating what they thought of Elends decision. Though they were no longer thieves by profession, Elend suspected that they—like Vin—would always bear the effects of their upbringing.

  "Well be just outside, El," Ham—the last one out—said, then pulled the door shut.

  And yet, any who know me will realize that there was no chance I would give up so easily. Once I find something to investigate, I become dogged in my pursuit.

  14

  THE TERRISWOMAN SNAPPED HER BONDS, and the ropes dropped to the floor.

  "Uh, Vin?" Elend said, beginning to wonder about the logic of meeting with this woman. "Perhaps its time you came in. "

  "Shes not actually there," the Terriswoman said offhandedly, walking forward. "She left a few minutes ago to do her rounds. That is why I let myself be caught. "

  "Um, I see," Elend said. "Ill be calling for the guards now. "

  "Dont be a fool," the Terriswoman said. "If I wanted to kill you, I could do it before the others got back in. Now be quiet for a moment. "

  Elend stood uncomfortably as the tall woman walked around the table in a slow circle, studying him as a merchant might inspect a piece of furniture up for auction. Finally she stopped, placing her hands on her hips.

  "Stand up straight," she commanded.

  "Excuse me?"

  "Youre slouching," the woman said. "A king must maintain an air of dignity at all times, even when with his friends. "

  Elend frowned. "Now, while I appreciate advice, I dont—"

  "No," the woman said. "Dont hedge. Command. "

  "Excuse me?" Elend said again.

  The woman stepped forward, placing a hand on his shoulder and pressing his back firmly to improve his posture. She stepped back, then nodded slightly to herself.

  "Now, see," Elend said. "I dont—"

  "No," the woman interrupted. "You must be stronger in the way that you speak. Presentation—words, actions, postures—will determine how people judge you and react to you. If you start every sentence with softness and uncertainty, you will seem soft and uncertain. Be forceful!"