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"Well, yes," Elend said "But, while there aren't a lot of books on warfare, there are a lot about politics Breeze, you said the other day that being the weakest party in a three-way staleives us power"

"Exactly," Breeze said "We can tip the battle for either of the two larger sides"

"Yes," Elend said, opening a book "Now that there are three parties involved, it's not warfare--it's politics This is just like a contest between houses And in house politicking, even the most powerful houses can't stand without allies The s when considered as a group

"We're like one of those s to have to get our eneet about us--or, at least, make them think us inconsequential If they both assume that they have the better of us--that they can use us to defeat the other army, then turn on us at their leisure--then they'll leave us alone and concentrate on each other"

Ha both sides, Elend It's a dangerous position to put ourselves in"

Breeze nodded "We'd have to switch our allegiance to whichever side see at each other And there's no guarantee that the winner between the tould be weakened enough for us to defeat"

"Not to mention our food problems," Dockson said "What you propose would take tie, our supplies dwindling It's autuht now Winter will soon be upon us"

"It will be tough," Elend agreed "And risky But, I think we can do it We make them both think we're allied with theainst one another, and ear away at their supplies andthe arh for us to beat"

Breeze looked thoughtful "It has style," he admitted "And, it does kind of sound fun"

Dockson s soed "Manipulation works so well on a personal level, I don't see why it wouldn't be an equally viable national policy"

"That's actually how overn sure somebody else does all the work?"

"Uh, the plan?" Elend asked

"I don't know, El," Ha back on topic "It sounds like one of Kell's plans--foolhardy, brave, and a little insane" He sounded as if he were surprised to hear Elend propose such a measure

I can be as foolhardy as any nantly, then paused Did he really want to follow that line of thought?

"We could get ourselves into some serious trouble," Dockson said "If either side decides it's tired of our games"

"They'll destroy us," Elend said "Butwell, gentleamblers You can't tell me that this plan doesn't appeal to youbefore Lord Cett"

Ha the idea Dockson rolled his eyes, but see simply out of habit

No, they didn't want to take the safe way out These were the ed the Lord Ruler,noblemen In some ways, they were very careful; they could be precise in their attention to detail, cautious in covering their tracks and protecting their interests But when it ca

No, not willing Eager

Great, Elend thought I've filledmasochists Even worse, I've decided to join them But, what else could he do?

"We could at least consider it," Breeze said "It does sound exciting"

"Now, see, I didn't suggest this because it was exciting, Breeze," Elend said "I spentto plan hoould make a better city of Luthadel once I beca to throay those drean of opposition"

"What about the Assembly?" Ham said

"That's the best part," Elend said "They voted intwo days back They can't open the city gates to any invader until I meet with my father in parlay"

The crew sat quietly for a fewhis head "I really don't know, El It sounds appealing We actually discussed a fewfor you But"

"But what?" Elend asked

"A plan like this depends a lot on you,his wine "You'd have to be the one to s--the one to persuade them both that we're on their side No offense, but you're new to sca plan that puts a newcomer in as the linchpin member of the team"

"I can do this," Elend said "Really"

Haeneral shrugged "If the kid wants to try it, then let hiree As long as you're up to this, El"

"I think I a his nervousness "I just knoe can't give up, not easily Maybe this won't work--ed, we'll just end up giving away the city anyway However, that gives us a couple ofcould happen It's worth the risk to wait, rather than fold Wait, and plan"

"All right, then," Dockson said "Give us some time to coain in a few days to talk about specifics"

"All right," Elend said "Sounds good Now, if we can move on to other matters, I'd like to mention--"

A knock came at the door At Elend's call, Captain De a little eize, butI think we caught so"