The Well of Ascension
9
by Sanderson, BrandonThe chapter opens with Sazed reflecting on the changes in Marsh, his former colleague turned Steel Inquisitor. Marsh’s demeanor has grown colder and more distant since his transformation, his steel-pierced eyes unnerving most who encounter him. Despite this, Sazed has made an effort to maintain their friendship, bonding over shared scholarly interests. However, he remains uncertain whether Marsh truly values their connection, especially given the Inquisitor’s abrupt manner and vague motivations for seeking Sazed’s company on their journey.
Marsh abruptly insists that Sazed should return to Luthadel, arguing that the events unfolding there are of greater importance than Sazed’s current mission to preserve knowledge among rural communities. Sazed counters that the Keepers’ duty lies in safeguarding history, not involving themselves in political conflicts. He reflects on the transient nature of empires and wars, believing that long-term preservation of culture outweighs immediate crises. Yet, Marsh’s ominous warnings hint at a larger, unseen threat brewing in the Central Dominance.
The conversation turns personal as Marsh challenges Sazed’s neglect of his friends in Luthadel, particularly Vin. Sazed acknowledges his unfulfilled promise to protect her, though he rationalizes that her mastery of Allomancy makes her less vulnerable. Still, he recognizes her need for emotional support given the immense burdens she carries. Despite sending aid, Sazed feels torn between his obligations as a Keeper and his loyalty to those he cares about in the capital.
Ultimately, Sazed concedes—without verbal agreement—that Marsh is right. He silently resolves to return to Luthadel after their current task, acknowledging that the city’s fate may determine the future of the entire former Final Empire. The chapter closes with Sazed following Marsh in contemplative silence, grappling with the tension between his scholarly ideals and the pressing demands of a world in turmoil.
FAQs
1. How has Marsh changed since becoming an Inquisitor, and how does Sazed perceive these changes?
Answer:
Marsh has become noticeably harder and more intense since his transformation into an Inquisitor. Sazed observes that Marsh often seems distracted, staring at things unseen, and communicates in blunt, terse language. While Marsh was always straightforward, his demeanor now carries an unsettling edge. Sazed notes the irony of Marsh’s old nickname, “Ironeyes,” which became literal after his transformation. Despite others’ discomfort around Marsh, Sazed makes an effort to maintain their friendship, bonding over shared scholarly interests in history and religion.2. What internal conflict does Sazed face regarding his duties as a Keeper versus his personal obligations?
Answer:
Sazed struggles between his duty as a Keeper to preserve knowledge for all people across the Final Empire and his personal commitment to protect Vin and assist in Luthadel’s political struggles. While he believes Keepers should remain neutral in politics, he acknowledges that the events in Luthadel could shape the empire’s future. Marsh challenges Sazed’s prioritization, arguing that Luthadel’s affairs are too critical to ignore. Sazed ultimately concedes, recognizing that his friends and the larger stakes may require his return, despite his initial resistance.3. How does Marsh attempt to persuade Sazed to return to Luthadel, and what underlying concerns does he raise?
Answer:
Marsh employs direct, uncompromising arguments to convince Sazed. He asserts that Luthadel’s events are more consequential than Sazed’s current mission, claiming that peasants will forget Sazed’s efforts, while history will remember Luthadel’s outcomes. Marsh also appeals to Sazed’s loyalty to his friends, implying that Vin and others need his support beyond physical protection. His urgency suggests deeper, unspoken threats in Luthadel, hinting that Sazed’s scholarly duties pale in comparison to the imminent dangers facing the Central Dominance.4. What does this chapter reveal about the evolving relationship between Sazed and Marsh?
Answer:
The chapter highlights a complex dynamic between the two men. Despite Marsh’s intimidating transformation, Sazed deliberately maintains their friendship, valuing their shared intellectual pursuits. Marsh, in turn, seems to trust Sazed enough to seek his help and challenge his decisions. Their interactions show a blend of mutual respect and tension—Marsh’s authoritarian tone contrasts with Sazed’s thoughtful resistance, yet Sazed ultimately yields to Marsh’s perspective. This suggests Marsh holds significant influence over Sazed, even as Sazed critically evaluates their relationship.5. How does Sazed’s view of Vin’s needs reflect his understanding of protection and responsibility?
Answer:
Sazed recognizes that protection extends beyond Allomantic defense; Vin requires emotional support and guidance to bear her immense burdens. His vow to Kelsier evolves from safeguarding her physically to providing stability and wisdom. This reflects his nuanced understanding of responsibility—he knows Vin’s strength as a Mistborn but worries about her psychological and emotional strain. His decision to eventually return to Luthadel underscores this, as he prioritizes her holistic well-being over rigid adherence to Keeper neutrality.
Quotes
1. “Marsh had changed. There was something … harder about the former Seeker. Something in the way he always seemed to be staring at things Sazed couldn’t see, something in his blunt responses and terse language.”
This opening quote establishes Marsh’s transformation into an Inquisitor, highlighting both his physical and psychological changes. It sets the tone for their strained relationship and foreshadows the tension between Marsh’s new perspective and Sazed’s more compassionate nature.
2. “Wars and kingdoms may seem important now, but even the Final Empire proved mortal. Now that it has fallen, the Keepers have no business being involved in politics.”
This quote captures Sazed’s philosophical conflict about his role as a Keeper. It reveals his belief in the transience of political power versus the enduring importance of preserving knowledge, while also hinting at his internal doubts about whether this stance is justified.
3. “She needs little protection now. She’s grown more adept at Allomancy than even Kelsier was. And yet, Sazed knew that there were modes of protection that didn’t relate to fighting.”
This insight shows Sazed’s nuanced understanding of Vin’s needs beyond physical protection. It demonstrates his wisdom about emotional support being just as crucial as martial skill, especially for someone bearing heavy responsibilities.
4. “The things happening in Luthadel are too important to ignore…You will return to Luthadel once we are finished here.”
Marsh’s blunt declaration represents the chapter’s central conflict - Sazed’s duty to wander versus the urgent needs in Luthadel. This prophetic statement foreshadows Sazed’s inevitable return while highlighting Marsh’s unsettling certainty about future events.