Disclaimer: I do not own WoT (Wheel of Time), Aes Sedai, the White Tower, or anything else in Robert Jordan's books. Thanks for not suing *G*!
Note: I did not write this chapter; as in my other fic concerning Rayel Markhin the first post (and some of those to come) was written by Madeline Sedai at www.wheeloftimerp.com. Others may write future chapters also, and names will always be cited.
The Final Test (Attn:
Rayel!)
Madeline's slippers whispered against the smooth polished wood floor of the Library, seeming loud against the thick silence that filled the high ceiling rooms. Muffled whispered rose and fell as she passed down the long rows of shelves, and the air was filled with that familiar scent of oiled leather and aged parchment.
She smiled pleasantly as she noted the number of novices seated in study nooks, taking advantage of Study Day. It was a day given to the novices every few weeks, not exactly a free day, but with no lessons so that novices might catch up on missed chapters and essays. They were watched by the careful eyes of the Browns, noting any torn pages or spilled ink before it even happened.
It had been nearly two hours since Madeline had begun her search for Rayel Markhin, but with no set schedule, it could be difficult to find Accepted in midafternoon. She had finally been tipped by flame-haired Eldrina, who thought she had heard Rayel mention spending time in the Library. Rayel was one of the eldest Accepted, given more freedom than those younger than her, but expected to produce far more. Of course, those waiting below would wait as long as they needed to, but Madeline would prefer to see this done. As grand as it was to see one of her Accepted raised, after years of watching a slow transformation from child into woman, there was always that sense of unease. This Testing was far more dangerous than the one given to novices, and though rare, it was not unheard for an initiate to be lost to this final Test. A necessary risk, but one Madeline could never become easy with, no matter how many years she was Mistress of Novices.
She climbed the winding staircase up to the middle balconies, just below the study rooms set aside for lessons. Her lips curved in a smile as her gaze fell upon a young woman in the banded dress of Accepted, seated in a candle lit nook with a heavy book resting in her lap.
Rayel lifted her eyes, blinking in surprise at Madeline's silent approach, then she rose, dipping a graceful curtsy. Rayel already carried herself with the cool serenity of a Sister, so different than the naive child she had been when she first arrived many years ago. Her mouth opened in question, but before she could speak, Maddy lifted a hand.
"Rayel Markhin, Accepted of the White Tower, you are hereby summoned," Ask no questions, and delay not in your coming. It is time."
Without another word, Madeline turned and glided away. Rayel gave one final glance towards the class, then fell in step as Maddy led down the narrow staircase and out of the Library. The wave-like structure was set away from the main building of the White Tower, and they took a small open corridor that spanned the two.
After descending several floors, meeting fewer people as the further they went, Madeline took a side corridor that led to a dark wooden door, locked with an iron padlock. Maddy fished a key from her pocket, and the silence was sudden once the door swung shut behind them. There were dozens of passages like this, twisting, windowless corridors that cut into the deepest bowels of the Tower. They passed row upon row of locked doors once they reached the basements, and a thin layer of dust covered the stone floor.
Their journey ended as they drew up before a pair of white stone doors, polished to a dull gleam. The Great Serpent hung in the center, engraved centuries ago by a long dead hand. The door swung open at a touch, just so on the Serpent's eye.
They passed into a dimly lit chamber, the white walls rounded in a perfect circle. Seven torches burned, casting flickering shadows on the floor and walls. At the center of the room stood a single Arch. It stood about seven feet high, carved from a strange, inky brown wood. Twisting symbols traced its length, words in a tongue known by only a few.
The Amyrlin Seat drew up before them, resplendent in her striped stole. Deiree Sedai stood at her side, her blue stole hanging neatly on her shoulders. They were flanked by Zhareen and Briar Rose Sedai, in the yellow and green of their Ajahs. A faint hum quivered in the silence, emanating from the single Arch.
Madeline turned to Rayel.
"Accepted Rayel Markhin, today you will be tested for the shawl. You must pass through this ter'angreal, and if you come back to us, you will be known as Rayel Markhin Aes Sedai, you will don the shawl of whichever Ajah you choose. You will know danger in this Testing, and you must rely on your heart and wits to see that you remain calm and act wisely. If you fail, you will not survive. You must use all that you know of the One Power; all that you have learned in these years if you hope to return to us." She paused.
"You may not refuse this Test. If you do refuse, you will leave the Tower at once, and you will never be Aes Sedai. Knowing this, do you wish to continue?
Rayel nodded resolutely. "I will continue, if it pleases the Light."
Madeline turned to the row of Sisters watching them. Deiree stepped forward, holding her staff of the Keeper before her.
"Who comes before us?" she said in a clear voice.
"One who seeks to be Aes Sedai," Madeline replied. "She has been deemed worthy, and will stand to be Tested."
"Has she completed her training in full?"
"She has, and stands ready. She is ready in mind, body and spirit. She wields the One Power with skill, and she seeks to lend her strength to the White Tower."
Deiree turned to face Rayel, and tapped her staff on the floor.
"Do you seek to serve the Light, daughter? Do you seek to be Servant of All? Do you seek to be Aes Sedai?"
"I will serve, as it pleases the Light, Aes Sedai," Rayel replied.
Deiree nodded. "As one who serves the Light, you must be clad in the Light."
Rayel doffed her Accepted's dress and shift, folding them in a neat pile. Without another word, Madeline led her towards the Arch.
"May the Creator guide and protect you," Madeline said. "The way back will come but once. Remember your heart, remember your wits, and at all cost, be steadfast."
Rayel stepped forward into the Arch. The silver light flared into brightest white, and swallowed her. The Aes Sedai waited in silence, all eyes fixed on the single Arch.
