The Well of Ascension
19
by Sanderson, BrandonSazed, a scholar and keeper of metalminds, exhausts his final steelmind—a bracelet that stored speed—after using it to cover six weeks’ worth of travel in just six days. He discards the now-useless bracelet, reflecting on the trade-off between haste and conservation. His journey brings him near Luthadel, where the landscape shifts to the familiar white aspens of the Central Dominance. Though lighter from shedding less valuable metalminds, he remains burdened by the weight of his remaining reserves and the urgency of his mission.
As Sazed follows the central canal toward Luthadel, he notices an alarming sight: dozens of smoke trails from an army camped ahead. With his steelminds depleted, evading scouts would be difficult, but his scholarly curiosity drives him to investigate. He climbs a tree using an ironmind to lighten his body and taps a tinmind to enhance his vision, seeking details about the force blocking his path.
To his shock, the army is not human but composed of deep blue figures—creatures organized primitively around massive cooking fires. The absence of tents, horses, or proper military structure suggests a foreign and possibly supernatural threat. Sazed’s discovery raises urgent questions about the nature of these beings and their intentions toward Luthadel, compelling him to gather more information despite the danger.
The chapter ends on a tense note as Sazed grapples with the implications of this unknown force so close to the city. His dual roles as scholar and protector clash, forcing him to weigh the risks of further reconnaissance against the need to warn Vin and others. The eerie, ash-laden setting underscores the looming threat, leaving readers anticipating the consequences of his next move.
FAQs
1. What metalmind did Sazed use to enhance his climbing ability, and how does this reflect his strategic approach to challenges?
Answer:
Sazed used an ironmind to decrease his weight and enhance his climbing ability. This demonstrates his strategic approach of carefully selecting which metalminds to use based on situational needs. By filling an ironmind (which stores physical weight) rather than using his depleted steelminds (which store speed), he adapts to his current limitations while still accomplishing his goal of scouting the army. This shows his practical mindset as a Feruchemist—conserving resources when possible while still finding creative solutions.2. What shocking discovery does Sazed make when observing the army near Luthadel, and why is this significant to the story’s development?
Answer:
Sazed discovers the army isn’t composed of humans but of mysterious blue figures with primitive organization—no tents, vehicles, or horses. This is significant because it introduces a new, non-human threat to Luthadel, raising stakes and expanding the story’s worldbuilding. The unnatural nature of these beings (emphasized by their color and lack of conventional military structure) suggests a supernatural or otherworldly force, foreshadowing larger conflicts beyond the political struggles of human factions.3. Analyze how Sazed’s decision to discard some metalminds reflects his character priorities and the chapter’s themes.
Answer:
Sazed’s choice to discard less valuable metalminds illustrates his pragmatic prioritization of efficiency over sentimentality. Though each metalmind represents significant time investment (e.g., five months for the steel bracelet), he willingly abandons them when they no longer serve his urgent mission. This echoes the chapter’s themes of sacrifice and adaptation in crisis—Sazed values actionable knowledge (scouting the army) over accumulated resources. His scholarly curiosity also shines through, as he risks approaching the army primarily to gather information for Vin and Luthadel’s defense.4. How does the author use environmental details to create tension in Sazed’s approach toward the unknown army?
Answer:
The author builds tension through ominous environmental cues: the empty canal (highlighting abnormal travel conditions), falling ash (a recurring symbol of decay), and the army’s smoke trails visible from afar. The aspens’ description as “bones” and “scarred” creates an unsettling atmosphere, while Sazed’s awareness of his depleted steelminds and vulnerability to scouts raises stakes. These details collectively establish a sense of looming danger before the blue creatures are even revealed, making the eventual discovery more impactful.5. Evaluate Sazed’s emotional response to depleting his steelmind reserves. What does this reveal about his growth since the village massacre?
Answer:
While Sazed initially laments losing five months of stored speed (“my body moving as if impeded by thick molasses”), he rationalizes the expenditure as necessary for reaching Luthadel quickly. This shows growth from his earlier guilt over the village deaths—he now accepts strategic sacrifices without excessive remorse. However, his lingering reflection on the effort behind each metalmind reveals his disciplined nature. The balance between pragmatism and mindfulness distinguishes him as both a scholar and a warrior.
Quotes
1. “Five months of storing, of spending every fifth day drained of speed, my body moving as if impeded by a thick molasses. And now it’s all gone.”
This quote highlights the sacrifice and effort Sazed put into filling his steelmind, only to expend it all in a short burst of travel. It underscores the value he places on his mission to reach Luthadel quickly.
2. “According to his cartography coppermind, Luthadel was now a little over a week away. Sazed felt good about the expenditure. Perhaps he’d overreacted to the deaths he’d found in the little southern village. Perhaps there was no need for him to hurry. But, he’d created the steelmind to be used.”
This passage reveals Sazed’s internal conflict about his urgency and the practical use of his resources. It shows his disciplined mindset and the weight he gives to his responsibilities.
3. “No, solitary travelers were rare. Armies were far more common—and, judging from the several dozen trails of smoke he saw rising ahead of him, he had run afoul of one. It stood directly between him and Luthadel.”
This quote marks a turning point in the chapter, as Sazed realizes the new obstacle in his path. It sets up the tension and foreshadows the unexpected discovery he is about to make.
4. “He was right about it being an army. He was wrong about it being made up of men.”
This stark realization is a pivotal moment in the chapter, revealing the shocking truth about the army’s composition. It leaves the reader with a sense of mystery and impending danger.
5. “By the forgotten gods … Sazed whispered, so shocked that he nearly lost his grip.”
This quote captures Sazed’s profound shock and disbelief at what he sees, emphasizing the gravity of his discovery. It serves as a powerful cliffhanger, leaving the reader eager to learn more.