The Alloy of Law

More than three centuries later, Waxillium Ladrian, a frontier lawman, returns to Elendel to take over his family's house after his uncle's death. He's expected to marry Steris Harms for convenience, but a gang that robs train cargo and kidnaps women takes Steris. Wax, his friend Wayne and Steris's cousin Marasi go after them. The gang's leader is Miles, a former lawman who can heal from almost anything. In the final fight, Marasi traps the two men in a bubble that slows time, the constables arrive and Miles is arrested. Steris is rescued. Wax learns the man behind it all is his own uncle, Edwarn, alive and part of a secret society called the Set. With no proof, Wax swears he'll stop him.

1. Behind the scenesJust a writing exercise

   It started as a writing exercise to clear Sanderson's head while he worked on A Memory of Light for The Wheel of Time. It wasn't even meant to be published. It turned out better than he expected.

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2. Behind the scenesFrom short story to series

   The plan was a few short stories set between the two trilogies. It grew into a four-book series of its own, Era 2.

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3. ReferenceA gun named for Vin

   The new gun Ranette builds for Wax is called Vindication, after Vin. Elendel has monuments to Vin and Elend, and the city is named for him.

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4. SetupThe old man's book

   At the end, a mysterious old man gives Marasi a book for Wax. Remember both, the book and who handed it over.

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5. SetupSomeone above the villain

   The villain answers to something bigger, a secret society called the Set. It's the thread that ties all four Era 2 books together.

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