Mistborn #01 The Final Empire

leader. I have confidence in his ability to train you even further in the ways of soldiers.”
    He began to Riot Bilg and his companions, enflaming their emotions, counting on the fact that they’d be feeling disagreeable.
    “It is a great task I ask of you,” Kelsier said, not looking at Bilg. “Those skaa outside of Luthadel—indeed, most skaa everywhere—have no idea what you are about to do for them. They aren’t aware of the training you endure or the battles you prepare to fight. However, they will reap the rewards. Someday, they will call you heroes.”
    He Rioted Bilg’s emotions even harder.
    “The Garrison of Luthadel is strong,” Kelsier said, “but we can defeat it—especially if we take the city walls quickly. Do not forget why you came here. This isn’t simply about learning to swing a sword or wear a helm. This is about a revolution such as the world has never seen—it is about taking the government for ourselves, about ousting the Lord Ruler. Do not lose sight of your goal.”
    Kelsier paused. From the corner of his eye, he could see dark expressions from the men at Bilg’s table. Finally, in the silence, Kelsier heard a muttered comment from the table—carried by cavern acoustics to many ears.
    Kelsier frowned, turning toward Bilg. The entire cavern seemed to grow even more still. “Did you say something?” Kelsier asked. Now, the moment of decision. Will he resist, or will he be cowed?
    Bilg looked back. Kelsier hit the man with a flared Riot. His reward came as Bilg stood from his table, face red.
    “Yes, sir ,” the brawny man snapped. “I did say something. I said that some of us haven’t lost sight of our ‘goal.’ We think about it every day.”
    “And why is that?” Kelsier asked. Rumbling whispers began to sound at the back of the cavern as soldiers passed the news to those too far away to hear.
    Bilg took a deep breath. “Because, sir , we think that this is suicide you’re sending us to. The Final Empire’s armies are bigger than just one garrison. It won’t matter if we take the walls—we’ll get slaughtered eventually anyway. You don’t overthrow an empire with a couple thousand soldiers.”
    Perfect , Kelsier thought. I’m sorry, Bilg. But someone needed to say it, and it certainly couldn’t be me.
    “I see we have a disagreement,” Kelsier said loudly. “ I believe in these men, and in their purpose.”
    “I believe that you are a deluded fool,” Bilg bellowed. “And I was a bigger fool for coming to these bloody caves. If you’re so certain about our chances, then why can’t anyone leave? We’re trapped here until you send us to die!”
    “You insult me,” Kelsier snapped. “You know very well why men aren’t allowed to leave. Why do you want to go, soldier? Are you that eager to sell out your companions to the Lord Ruler? A few quick boxings in exchange for four thousand lives?”
    Bilg’s face grew redder. “I would never do such a thing, but I’m certainly not going to let you send me to my death, either! This army is a waste.”
    “You speak treason,” Kelsier said. He turned, scanning the crowd. “It is not fitting for a general to fight a man beneath his command. Is there a soldier here who is willing to defend the honor of this rebellion?”
    Immediately, a couple dozen men stood up. Kelsier noticed one in particular. He was smaller than the rest, but he had the simple earnestness that Kelsier had noticed earlier. “Captain Demoux.”
    Immediately, the young captain jumped forward.
    Kelsier reached over, grabbing his own sword and tossing it down to the man. “You can use a sword, lad?”
    “Yes, sir!”
    “Someone fetch a weapon for Bilg and a pair of studded vests.” Kelsier turned toward Bilg. “Noblemen have a tradition. When two men have a dispute, they settle it with a duel. Defeat my champion, and you are free to leave.”
    “And if he defeats me?” Bilg asked.
    “Then you’ll be dead,” Kelsier said.
    “I’m dead if I stay,” Bilg said, accepting a sword from a nearby soldier. “I accept the terms.”
    Kelsier nodded, waving for some men to pull aside tables and make an open space before the high table. Men began to stand, crowding around to watch the contest.
    “Kell, what are you doing!” Ham hissed at his side.
    “Something that needs to be done.”
    “Needs to be . . . Kelsier, that boy is no match for Bilg! I trust Demoux—that’s why I promoted him—but he’s not that great a warrior.