The Well of Ascension
23
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Sazed revealing that King Lekal commands an army of twenty thousand koloss, a revelation that shocks Elend and the group. The koloss, known for their brutality and strength, pose a threat even greater than Straff’s fifty thousand soldiers. The scene is set in the palace kitchen, where the crew gathers for a late-night meal. The informal setting contrasts with the gravity of their discussion, as Elend, Vin, Breeze, Ham, Dockson, Clubs, and Spook listen intently to Sazed’s report. The atmosphere is tense, with each character reacting differently to the news, from Ham’s practical concerns to Spook’s distracted flirting.
Sazed, despite his travel-worn appearance, remains composed as he shares his doubts about King Lekal’s trustworthiness and stability. The group discusses the koloss’s unpredictable nature, recounting instances where the creatures turned on their allies, causing massive casualties. Breeze mentions Lord Cett’s failed attempt to control a koloss garrison, which resulted in significant losses. These anecdotes underscore the koloss’s danger and the near-impossibility of controlling them. Elend grapples with the implications of facing such a force, realizing the dire threat Lekal’s army poses to Luthadel.
The conversation shifts to logistics, with Clubs asking about the koloss army’s proximity and timeline. Sazed estimates that Lekal’s forces are likely a week away, though their exact intentions remain unclear. Ham speculates that Lekal may not have anticipated competing armies already besieging Luthadel. The group’s urgency is palpable as they weigh their limited options. Elend, still processing the information, struggles to formulate a plan, highlighting the precariousness of their situation and the overwhelming odds they face.
The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Elend questioning what actions they can take against such a formidable enemy. The unresolved tension leaves the reader anticipating the crew’s next move. The scene effectively combines character dynamics, world-building, and escalating stakes, setting the stage for the impending conflict. The koloss’s introduction as a third threat amplifies the pressure on Elend’s leadership and the crew’s resourcefulness, making it a pivotal moment in the narrative.
FAQs
1. What shocking revelation does Sazed bring to Elend and his council about King Lekal’s forces, and why is this particularly concerning?
Answer:
Sazed reveals that King Lekal claims to have twenty thousand koloss in his army, which shocks Elend and the group. This is particularly concerning because koloss are extremely dangerous creatures—previously under the Lord Ruler’s control—that went rogue after his death. The chapter notes that just five hundred koloss were able to kill two thousand human soldiers in Lord Cett’s forces, making Lekal’s twenty thousand koloss potentially more threatening than Straff’s fifty thousand human troops. The koloss’ unpredictable nature and superior combat abilities make them a grave military threat.2. How does the setting of this chapter’s meeting reflect the characters’ personalities and the story’s circumstances?
Answer:
The meeting takes place in the palace kitchen’s modest servant alcove rather than the grand dining hall, which reflects both practical considerations and character traits. Sazed insists on this location to avoid burdening servants with late-night preparations, showing his thoughtful nature. Elend’s willingness to meet here demonstrates his unpretentious leadership style. The informal setting also mirrors the dire circumstances—the group is dealing with urgent threats (multiple approaching armies) and can’t afford formalities. Spook’s casual food pilfering and flirting further emphasize the tense yet intimate atmosphere of this crisis meeting.3. What historical context about koloss behavior does Ham and Breeze provide, and why is this significant for Elend’s strategic planning?
Answer:
Ham and Breeze share that koloss garrisons went berserk after the Lord Ruler’s death, attacking indiscriminately. Ham mentions southern koloss destroying villages and cities, while Breeze recounts how Lord Cett’s attempt to recruit koloss backfired—they turned on his army, requiring massive casualties (2,000 men) to eliminate just 500 koloss. This history is crucial for Elend because it demonstrates that koloss are inherently unstable weapons; Jastes’ claim of controlling 20,000 koloss may be unreliable. The historical precedent suggests that even if Lekal’s koloss initially obey, they could turn on his forces or Luthadel unpredictably.4. Analyze how Sazed’s demeanor contrasts with the gravity of his message and the group’s reaction. What does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Despite delivering catastrophic news about an approaching koloss army, Sazed maintains his characteristic calmness—noted through descriptions of his “collectedness,” clean hands/face, and tidy appearance even after travel. This contrasts sharply with Elend’s internal shock (“Lord Ruler…”) and the group’s stunned silence. Sazed’s composure reveals his disciplined Terrisman upbringing and role as a steadying presence. His apology for criticizing Elend’s friend Jastes shows diplomacy, while admitting he can’t guess how Jastes controls koloss demonstrates intellectual honesty. These traits make him a reliable advisor during crises.5. What strategic dilemma does Elend face based on the chapter’s revelations, and what factors must he consider in responding?
Answer:
Elend faces a tripartite threat: Straff’s 50,000 troops outside Luthadel, an approaching koloss army of 20,000, and Cett’s forces (implied earlier). Key considerations include: 1) Koloss’ disproportionate deadliness (per Breeze’s account); 2) Uncertainty about Jastes’ control over koloss given their history of turning on handlers; 3) The unknown timeline (Sazed took a week, but Lekal’s march speed is unclear); 4) Potential alliances—whether to negotiate with Straff/Jastes or play them against each other. Elend must weigh military strategy against political consequences, as his Assembly expects transparency about dealings with Straff.
Quotes
1. ““KING LEKAL CLAIMED THAT HE had twenty thousand of the creatures in his army,” Sazed said quietly.”
This quote reveals the staggering threat posed by Jastes Lekal’s koloss army, which rivals Straff’s human forces in danger. It serves as the chapter’s inciting incident, forcing Elend and his crew to confront this new existential threat to Luthadel.
2. ““Five hundred koloss killed two thousand men,” Elend thought. “And the Jastes force contains twenty thousand of the beasts. Lord Ruler…””
This internal monologue demonstrates the terrifying combat effectiveness of koloss, putting the scale of Jastes’ army into horrifying perspective. The math implies Jastes’ force could theoretically defeat 80,000 human soldiers, making it the most dangerous threat they’ve faced.
3. ““I do apologize, Your Majesty,” Sazed said. “But I do not think that Lord Lekal is trustworthy. I realize that you were friends with him before the Collapse, but his current state seems somewhat… unstable.””
This quote highlights both Sazed’s diplomatic nature and the moral deterioration of former nobility like Jastes in the post-Collapse world. It suggests that old alliances may no longer hold weight in the new political landscape.
4. ““The same happened in the Northwest,” Breeze said. “Lord Cett’s lands were being flooded with refugees running from rogue koloss.””
This establishes the widespread chaos caused by koloss across the Final Empire, showing how the Lord Ruler’s death has unleashed these monstrous forces. It provides crucial world-building context about the state of the countryside beyond Luthadel.