Mistborn #03 The Hero of Ages

connection here?
    The mists killed. Yet, these people went out in the mists. Why weren't the people terrified of them?
    This is not my problem, Sazed told himself. I need to remain focused. I've let my studies of the religions in my portfolio lapse. He was getting close to being finished, and that worried him. So far, every single religion had proven full of inconsistencies, contradictions, and logical flaws. He was growing more and more worried that, even among the hundreds of religions in his metalminds, he would never be able to find the truth.
    A wave from Breeze distracted him. So, Sazed stood—forcing himself not to show the despair he felt—and moved over to the table. The men there made room.
    "Thank you," Sazed said, sitting.
    "You forgot your cup, friend Terrisman," one of the men pointed out.
    "I apologize," Sazed said. "I have never been one fond of intoxicants. Please, do not take offense. Your thoughtful gift was nevertheless appreciated."
    "Does he always talk like that?" one of the men asked, looking at Breeze.
    "You've never known a Terrismen, have you?" asked another.
    Sazed flushed, to which Breeze chuckled, laying a hand on Sazed's shoulder. "All right, gentlemen. I've brought you the Terrisman, as requested. Go ahead, ask your questions."
    There were six local men at the table—all mine workers, from what Sazed could tell. One of the men leaned forward, hands clasped in front of him, knuckles scarred by rock. "Breeze here says a lot of things," the man said in a low voice. "But people like him always make promises. Quellion said a lot of the same things a year ago, when he was taking control after Straff Venture left."
    "Yes," Sazed. "I can understand your skepticism."
    "But," the man said, raising a hand. "Terrismen don't lie. They're good people. Everyone knows that—lords, skaa, thieves, and obligators."
    "So, we wanted to talk to you," another of the men said. "Maybe you're different; maybe you'll lie to us. But, better to hear it from a Terrisman than a Soother."
    Breeze blinked, revealing just a faint hint of surprise. Apparently, he hadn't realized they'd been aware of his abilities.
    "Ask your questions," Sazed said.
    "Why did you come to this city?" one of the men asked.
    "To take control of it," Sazed said.
    "Why do you care?" another asked. "Why does Venture's son even want Urteau?"
    "Two reasons," Sazed said. "First, because of the resources it offers. I cannot go into details, but suffice it to say that your city is very desirable for economic reasons. The second reason, however, is equally important. Lord Elend Venture is one of the best men I have ever known. He believes he can do better for this people than the current government."
    "That wouldn't be hard," one of the men grumbled.
    Another man shook his head. "What? You want to give the city back to the Ventures? One year, and you've forgotten the things that Straff used to do in this city?"
    "Elend Venture is not his father," Sazed said. "He is a man worthy of being followed."
    "And the Terris people?" one of the skaa asked. "Do they follow him?"
    "In a way," Sazed said. "Once, my people tried to rule themselves, as your people now do. However, they realized the advantages of an alliance. My people have moved to the Central Dominance, and they accept the protection of Elend Venture." Of course, Sazed thought, they'd rather follow me. If I would be their king.
    The table fell silent.
    "I don't know," one of the men said. "What business do we have even talking about this? I mean, Quellion is in charge, and these strangers don't have an army to take his throne away from him. What's the point?"
    "The Lord Ruler fell to us when we had no army," Breeze pointed out, "and Quellion himself seized the government from noble rule. Change can occur."
    "We're not trying to form an army or rebellion," Sazed quickly added. "We just want you to start . . . thinking. Talking with your friends. You are obviously influential men. Perhaps if Quellion hears of discontent among his people, he will begin to change his ways."
    "Maybe," one of the men said.
    "We don't need these outsiders," the other man repeated. "The Survivor of the Flames has come to deal with Quellion."
    Sazed blinked. Survivor of the Flames? He caught a sly smile on Breeze's lips—the Soother had apparently heard the term before, and now he appeared to be watching Sazed for a reaction.
    "The Survivor doesn't enter into this," one of the men said. "I can't believe we're even