They did the impossible, overthrowing the divine creature whose monstrous rule lasted a thousand years. Now Vin, the street urchin who has evolved into the most powerful Mistborn in the realm, and Elend Venture, the idealistic young noble who loves her, must build a healthy new society on the ashes of an empire. They haven't even had time to start when three different armies attack. As the siege tightens, an ancient legend seems to offer a ray of hope. But even if it truly exists, no one knows where to find the Well of Ascension or what kind of power it offers. Perhaps the death of the Lord Ruler was the easy part. Surviving the aftermath of his fall will be the real challenge.