So very stressful
At last the title checks out
Off to the gallows(?)
"Are the manacles really necessary?" Taim demanded. He had been complaining ever since they'd left the hospital, so much that Natael himself hadn't been able to complain. It was a tad frustrating – complaining was catharsis, to him – but he had to admit that he would have complained about the exact same things. Taim knew him so well. "He's unarmed and still in recovery. And…" He trailed off, looking down.
"And seared out," Natael finished for him. "I couldn't harm you even if I wanted to. I'm also too tired to try." He was well aware that he'd been…asleep, for lack of a better word, for the past week or so, but he still felt exhausted. He was also hungry. He could have used some wine. Ugh, and a change of clothes! He looked ridiculous in his borrowed hospital garments – a long tunic made of a sturdy, scratchy material, essentially a glorified potato sack, and trousers too large for him. No one had been able to provide a belt, so he had to hitch them up regularly if he didn't want to lose them and expose the lack of smallclothes underneath. His hair was greasy and tangled, he had a patchy beard…and he smelled. How humiliating!
Bao, on the other hand, was clean-shaven and dressed like a prince. Well, a king. Which he was, though perhaps not for much longer.
"We have orders," one of the Warders, Leonin, replied gruffly. His voice was pleasantly deep. He was a handsome man in his mid-forties, with silver bells in his braided black hair. He looked like an older version of Jahar Narishma. Natael was almost willing to forgive him for the manacles and everything else.
"Where are we going?" Taim enquired. "Who will be there? What-"
"Master Taim, all of your questions shall all be answered soon," said the Grey sister, who had introduced herself as Meidani Sedai. She had stopped walking, and she gestured for Leonin to keep everyone back as a gateway sprang open.
Natael hadn't even felt her embrace the Source. That was a jarring realisation: he would never be able to tell when there was a female channeler nearby, not until she revealed herself by visibly doing something with saidar. Now he had a better idea of how Aes Sedai felt in the presence of male channelers: they had to be wary at all times. And, of course, he also understood why regular people were uneasy around all channelers.
Meidani crossed the gateway first, and Leonin stayed back until the rest of them were on the other side. Natael looked for clues regarding their location, but all he could see was a large gate looming ahead.
"In other circumstances, I would have understood," Taim said, "but given our condition… Why here?" he asked Meidani.
The Grey began moving again when the gateway closed, and they followed. "It's neutral…and somewhat safer for you. Cadsuane Sedai considered a stedding, but the Ogier were reluctant to accommodate so many people. The First Counsel, however, agreed to her request immediately."
"Where are we?" Natael whispered to Taim.
"Far Madding. It's a place where-"
"I've heard of it," Natael said sharply. "I guess the Guardian proved useful after all," he added in the Old Tongue.
Bao nodded and replied in the same language. "After the Breaking, it's no wonder. Although Ishar Morrad never intended for it to be used for this purpose, to be sure. It was going to be a-"
Meidani turned around, hands on her hips. "Stop that!" Bao raised an eyebrow at her tone. He may be a former Chosen, but he was also royalty, now. "Use the Common Tongue. Speaking a language that they cannot understand will only exacerbate the jury and the public's suspicions that you are, deep down, still servants of the Shadow."
"Fair enough," Natael mumbled, though it was hardly his fault that the peasants of this Age were so desperately uneducated. Also, just because they spoke an archaic language meant that they served the Shadow. Back in the day, everyone used the "Old" Tongue, not only the Chosen.
"Who will be part of the jury?" Taim asked.
Meidani sighed as she started forward again, toward a long bridge. "Nation leaders, representatives of the various cultures and factions of the world, including the Seanchan, the Sea Folk, the Aiel… There's even a Mahdi present, I believe. And an Ogier. Cadsuane wants everyone to feel included in the decision."
A…seeker? Natael had no idea what a Mahdi was supposed to be but, more importantly: "I assume someone will represent the Asha'man, as well?"
"And the Sharans?" Bao added.
Meidani didn't respond.
"Will I be allowed to speak in Natael's defence?" Taim asked.
"Well, one must assume that there will be character witnesses," Bao remarked.
Meidani forged ahead, ignoring them. They walked to the end of the bridge in silence.
"Will Cadsuane Melaidhrin be our judge? It seems inappropriate," Bao said when they reached the inner city. Natael had forgotten how much he hated walking. His feet hurt already. How did normal people get anything done without gateways? The citizens of Far Madding were especially masochistic, in his opinion. "I do not know to which Ajah she belongs but, regardless, as a so-called Aes Sedai, she likely has a bias against male channelers."
"Which you're not," Meidani pointed out. Natael's heart sank in his chest at the uncalled-for reminder. "Also, the Amyrlin Seat is from all Ajahs, and yet of none. But, for your information, no, she won't rule the proceedings. The First Counsel will."
"Is that the woman who is in charge of this city?" Bao asked. "Because that would be an even worse option."
"Aleis Barsalla is perfectly impartial!" Meidani said.
"She lives in a city-state where the True Source cannot be accessed. She's obviously not fond of channelers in general. We are burned out, but we are accused of crimes that were allegedly perpetrated when we were still able to channel."
Meidani, once again, chose to remain silent. Weren't Greys supposed to be diplomats? Wasn't talking a major part of their jobs? Then again, the more an Aes Sedai talked, the more she had to watch what she was saying, since she couldn't lie. It must be exhausting. In any case, Natael hoped that she wouldn't be representing them. Actually… "Are you going to be our attorney?"
This time, the Aes Sedai glanced over her shoulder, frowning. "Your what?"
Great, that boded well. "Our…lawyer? Our legal counsel?"
"I do not know what that is. Now please stop talking, we're almost there."
Natael and Bao exchanged a look. The other man didn't seem particularly worried. "I was going to represent myself anyway," Bao whispered in the Old Tongue.
Natael trudged ahead, his shoulders hunched. "A judicious decision, it would seem."
They were surrounded.
In front of them sat at least thirty people, most of them nobles, judging by their attires. There were a few more men than women. Natael recognised among them Elayne Trakand, Lan Mandragoran, Dobraine Taborwin, the Wise One Sorilea, the Aiel clan leaders Rhuarc and Bael, as well as Perrin Aybara, whom he had encountered in the World of Dreams. Other faces he remembered from the signing of the Dragon's Peace, though he couldn't name them.
Behind them stood a throng of haphazard commoners, who had come to attend the Trial of the Forsaken (Natael had heard several people dub it so).
Bao and he were at the centre of it all, still shackled. No one had provided them with a chair. Taim had been ordered to stand with the commoners – an outrage, in Natael's opinion. Taim was still the leader of the Black Tower, until he officially stepped down and appointed a new one in his stead. He should be on the other side of the massive chamber, with the fancy-clothed fools.
Or better yet, at Natael's side. He was so worried about the trial that he had temporarily forgotten about being seared out, and the fact that it was mostly Taim's fault. He just hoped to survive this day, so that he could be appropriately bitter about it on the morrow. Until then, Taim's presence would have been a comfort.
"Silence!" a woman shouted, so loudly that Natael briefly believed her voice to be enhanced with saidar, somehow. It resonated throughout the hall. Natael pinpointed its source: an Aes Sedai who was possibly older than himself, with her grey hair in a bun and a face so severe that everyone immediately complied to her…request. Natael easily guessed that she was Cadsuane Melaidhrin, the new Amyrlin Seat. The rainbow shawl made it obvious. "We shall now begin. First Counsel Barsalla, the court is yours."
The First Counsel was a tall woman, with long, dark hair winged with white. She nodded to Cadsuane, then addressed the room. "We are gathered here today to sit in judgement of Master Jasin Natael, born Joar Addam Nessosin, and who named himself Asmodean after becoming a Dreadlord, a servant of the Shadow – one of the Forsaken, as is the common terminology."
"Actually, I didn't get to choose my own moniker, and I wasn't born with the cognomen," Natael corrected her. "I didn't pick the latter, either." A third name was given to you – awarded you, really – but you weren't allowed to choose it for yourself. Nessosin sounded too much like assassin but, at the time, he'd been too giddy and proud of himself to complain.
"You shall speak when spoken to," Barsalla barked. "The second offender was once Barid Bel Medar and is now known only as…Bao. He is the Forsaken Demandred."
"Former Forsaken," Bao stated.
Barsalla glared at him. "You shall also speak when spoken to, Master…Bao." She was really struggling with the three-letter name, uh? More likely, it was the lack of a second name that troubled her. Barsalla cleared her throat. "You both stand accused of the following crimes: assault, murder, torture-"
"Respectfully, First Counsel, these accusations are ludicrously vague," Bao noted. "Could you be more specific? Whom did I murder, and when?"
"Many people, on multiple occasions, I assume," Barsalla replied. There was already an edge of annoyance in her voice.
"You assume. I see. And what factual, concrete evidence do you have to support that I 'killed many people, on multiple occasions'?"
"There are numerous accounts of-"
"Accounts of direct eye witnesses? I would like to read them, and I think that this court should hear them. Otherwise, their judgement will be clouded by your assumptions."
Natael was staring at Bao. Peace, he was good at this! Praise the arrogant bastard. Then again, Barid Bel had pursued a career as a legal counsel for a few decades, before deciding on a different path, as many channelers did over the course of their long lives.
"You are one of the Forsaken," Barsalla insisted. "You have murdered servants of the Light in the Dark One's name. You have fed innocent children to Trollocs. You-"
"Prove it."
"It doesn't work like that! We know who you are. What you are. We know what you did!" Barsalla was losing her composure already. Good.
"Let us proceed logically to find out the truth," Bao went on. "When were these alleged crimes committed?"
"In the Age of Legends, of course. During the War of Power. And much more recently again, I would assume."
Didn't she realise that she had to stop using that word? Was it so easy to destabilise her?
Bao nodded thoughtfully. "Mm, another assumption. Interesting. As for what may or may not have occurred during what you refer to as the 'Age of Legends', I think that we can already dismiss whatever you believe I've done, which is not quite clear to me or anyone else, because of the statute of limitations. Surely there's prescription. And apropos the so-called Age of Legends, the name you gave it speaks for itself: all that you think you know of it are myths and legends, not facts."
Barsalla ignored that last part, though it was a wise commentary. "What do you mean, there's prescription?"
Natael shook his head. This wasn't a trial, because this wasn't a proper court. They were being judged by ignorant children.
Bao was likely thinking the same thing, but his face was a mask. He appeared outwardly collected and patient, not pedantic at all, which must require a tremendous effort. "We will undoubtedly obtain a dismissal of all charges pertaining to our native time period, considering that these crimes were allegedly committed three thousand years ago. Charges for murder can be dismissed if filed after more than fifty years, seventy-five at most, if I remember correctly. We are largely past it."
"There is no such thing!" Barsalla exclaimed. She glanced at Cadsuane, on the brink of panic now, but the Amyrlin continued to observe in silence.
Not so Her Grace, Elayne Trakand. "Will someone shut him up? He's on trial, he's not supposed to speak; he's supposed to listen and wait until we reach a verdict regarding his sentence."
Bao arched an eyebrow. "I am one of the defendants. My entire purpose here, today, is to defend myself, as the name indicates."
"Defendant? You're the accused!" Trakand protested.
Bao took a good look at the jury. "Have any of you ever participated in a real trial – not a mere sentencing? Have you, First Counsel? Because it seems to me that you know nothing of the proceedings. Or the proper legal terms, for that matter. We have a right to defend ourselves. We should have been allowed an attorney, as well, but, given the circumstances, I think we're better off without one. And you have a duty to prove us guilty. To prove it," he repeated. "With evidence. Witnesses. We also need the victims' names, precise dates. Otherwise it's all speculation and condemning someone to death on hearsay alone makes you the criminals in the room."
Silence followed that statement. Natael assumed that the peasants were trying to figure out the meaning of some of the bigger words, while the nobles were scandalised by Bao's speech. If none among the plaintiffs, preferably someone with half a brain, decided to intervene, Bao and Natael would be free to go in another minute.
Which, of course, would be ideal.
Alas, no such luck. The Amyrlin Seat whispered in the First Counsel's ear, and Barsalla stood gracelessly. "The jury would like to confer privately for a minute." Her unusually deep voice shook a little. "Court adjourned. Everyone out. Gaidin, please isolate the accused."
The commoners were herded out of the chamber by a small army of Warders, while five more escorted Bao and Natael to another room. Natael looked for Taim, but the man had already disappeared in the crowd. Or perhaps he had left earlier, of his own accord, abandoning Natael to his fate.
He leaned against a wall, feeling exhausted. The manacles were weighing heavily on his wrists, arms and shoulders, and it didn't help that he still had to hitch his trousers up every other minute.
One of the Gaidin lit up a pipe while they waited. Natael almost asked for a puff to soothe his nerves, but his breath was already foul; the tobacco would only make things worse. What if Taim wanted to kiss him after hearing the good news of Natael's release?
Well. That was an unlikely scenario, given that Taim had already departed and Natael was probably going to be sent to the gallows anyway. "I'm not sure what they expected," he remarked after a while. "That we would just…stand there in respectful silence until they decided whether to have us hanged, as Elayne suggested? Is that what you call justice in this Age?" he asked the smoking Warder.
"Way I see it," he rasped, "you're lucky they didn't have you executed without bothering with this sham. If 'twere up to me, I would have had the gallows ready as soon as the battle was over." Two of the other Warders nodded in agreement. "You're no longer useful and, if we're honest, everyone was rather hoping you'd die fighting, to avoid this...unpleasantness."
Natael glanced at Bao, but he didn't react to this heart-warming show of support. "Bao? What do you think? Are they going to have us executed without further ado, considering that you're spot-on about everything and there's nothing they can do about it?" Bao ignored him. Perhaps he was rehearsing his last words.
Of course, neither of them were innocent. The legends were greatly exaggerated, but there was some truth to them. They'd purposefully harmed others, certainly. In Natael's case, it was usually for personal gain, or to take out the competition, though he'd never actually killed or harmed anyone himself. He always ordered lowly minions to do the deed for him. Well, except in Lanfear's case, but that hardly counted. Not only was she already on death's doorstep at the time, she'd been given a new body mere weeks later. Her first, temporary demise had been nothing but a short vacation from life.
Natael had not even harmed his own, overbearing mother, as the rumours claimed… He'd severed her, sure, but that was quite tame, all things considered. The Myrddraal had done the real harm.
As for Bao, Natael was fairly certain that he'd only ever done violence on a battlefield, ergo in self-defence… And letting Trollocs feed on innocent children wasn't a crime, per se, was it? The Trollocs had done the killing and the eating, not Demandred himself.
Well, it was all a bit of a grey area.
In any case, Bao was right: these things had happened ages ago. Natael hadn't done anything of the sort since his awakening. He hadn't even conspired to kill al'Thor; all he'd tried to do was to take the key to the Choedan Khal (because Mierin wanted it). And nobody knew exactly what Bao had done in Shara… He had fomented a revolution, sure, but perhaps he'd done it peacefully, without bloodshed. His people seemed to like him well enough, so his rule wasn't too tyrannical.
And then they'd both forsaken the Shadow and aided the Light during the Last Battle. Surely their good deeds outbalanced the rest…?
In Natael's opinion, none of that really mattered, anyway. He felt that they'd been punished enough – Bao and he had lost their ability to channel. At this point, he might actually welcome death…especially if it turned out that he'd lost Taim, as well. Therefore, if the jury truly wanted to punish him, they ought to let him live out the remainder of his short mortal existence. Now that would be proper torture.
"I think they're going to have us executed," Bao said eventually.
Natael startled; he'd almost forgotten that he'd asked for Bao's opinion on the matter. "I was afraid you were going to say that. Next time, please sugar-coat your answer a little."
Bao sneered; a feral smirk distorted the lower half of his handsome face. "They're hypocrites, and they are well aware of it. The Gaidin is correct: this is a sham. They call it a trial, but it really is a mere sentencing. They didn't expect resistance. Violence, perhaps, but they didn't think we would defend ourselves so expertly." He was being uncharacteristically generous by using "we"; Natael had barely uttered a word. "And they made the dire mistake of making it a public display of so-called justice by inviting the masses, who witnessed the First Counsel's pathetic attempts at foiling my rational arguments. She made a fool of herself. Now their only option is to silence us, declare us guilty, and be done with it."
"And…we're going to let that happen?"
The smoking Warder eyed him stonily and casually touched the hilt of his sword, but he didn't say anything. He didn't need to.
"I mean… Violence is not the answer, of course… We're trying to prove that we're better than that, after all. But if you keep talking, they might actually begin to see the sense in what you're saying. And I have loads of arguments to add to what you already mentioned!" He counted off his fingers. "We have so much to offer, to contribute. We come from an Age which was ripe with wonders of Power-wrought technology. We could teach them to replicate these wonders." Well, Bao could teach them. Some of it. Though without being able to channel, it would be difficult, granted. "We can teach them to speak our language properly, with all its subtleties and various dialects, to decipher ancient texts and the like." That, Natael could actually do himself. He was a great teacher. "Historians will obviously want to drain all the knowledge out of us. What was our Age like? What did the people wear, what was fashionable? Was everything better back then?" The answer, oddly, was no. Everything was very different back then, but not necessarily better. "I can rewrite my entire repertoire, that the people of this new Age may hear what real music sounds like. And you can train them to become true Blademasters."
He glanced at the Warders, hoping to catch a gleam of interest in their eyes. They didn't look like they were even listening to him.
"And, last but not least, we're pretty much harmless now, since we're..." Ugh, he coudn't bear to say it again. He didn't want to even think about it, but it was a formidable argument in their favour.
"I was going to get to that," Bao said, his face softening. "But I don't think there will be an opportunity. They won't let us speak when we come back to the chamber. And I doubt that the commoners will be allowed to return, either. They'll be invited to witness our execution, though, you can count on that."
"Everyone enjoys a good public hanging," Natael whispered. "It'll be the icing on the cake after the celebrations of the Light's victory."
No! Don't be so defeatist. The noose isn't tied around your neck, yet. "Do you really believe that the Pattern, through Shendla, led you all this way just to be hanged like a common thief in the end? That cannot be your fate, Bao. You're destined for greater things, surely."
"I've done my fair share of great things. Perhaps I've run out of accomplishments."
Had Shendla and Mintel converted him to their strange religious views? Bao had always believed that he was the master of his own destiny, before – like most of the Chosen, Natael included. He hadn't joined the Shadow because some Dreamer told him to do it, leading him to think it would further his cause: to prove that he was superior to Lews Therin Telamon, that humanity was wrong to elect him as its saviour, and eventually kill the man. "Bao, you can't just accept that. I know I won't. I still have…plenty to live for." An outrageous lie...unless he could salvage his relationship with Taim. But that was one massive, implacable if.
If Bao gave up, Natael might as well surrender to the jury's decision without a protest. Nobody ever listened to him anyway.
"What would you have me do?" Bao demanded. "I could take care of these Gaidin…but to what end?"
The Warders' faces remained impassive, though the pipe smoker smirked.
"That's not what I meant!" Natael hastened to clarify. Also…could he really "take care" of them? He was restrained, unarmed, and there were five experienced swordsmen in the room…
It would be unwise to underestimate Bao, however, no matter the odds stacked against him.
"You need to convince the jury that we're more valuable alive than dead," Natael insisted. "We could…negotiate. Set terms and conditions for our probationary release, like al'Thor suggested. If they feel confident that we won't attempt to…I don't know, free the Great Lord, or whatever it is they think we might do-"
"He's the King of Shara, ain't he?" the smoking Warder said, pointing his pipe at Bao. "Do I really need to spell it out for you? We don't want one of the Forsaken at the head of a gigantic foreign nation. And you're in charge of the Black Tower, ain't you? You have an army of channelers at your back. Surely you understand why we're not particularly enthusiastic at the idea of letting you two roam free, even if you are somewhat less dangerous now that you're unable to channel. Your minds are still sharp, though, and that alone makes you forces to be reckoned with, if there's any truth to the stories."
It was good to know that they were still considered a threat, thanks to their superior intellect. It was comforting, in a way, though it didn't work in their favour in the present circumstances. Natael might stand a chance at pretending to be weak and utterly harmless – which he was – but there was no way that strategy would work for Bao. Even seared out, even restrained, he managed to command any room he walked into.
The door opened, causing Natael to startle. So soon? They weren't ready yet! They had no strategy!
A short, exhausted-looking young woman walked into the room. Her eyes widened when she noticed them. "Oh, I'm sorry, Gaidin. I thought this was… I was looking for the…" She sighed heavily. "Don't mind me."
"Hey, I know you," Natael said. "You're al'Thor's friend, you were in the Waste with us. The girl Amyrlin." So she wasn't dead.
She drew herself up, straightening her back, and eyed him sternly. "I am a woman, Master Natael, and I have a name. I'm Egwene Trakand."
Trakand? Like Elayne? Was she royalty, too? Since when? "Well…yes, obviously." She was just a child, to him. Most everyone was. "My apologies. Um, why aren't you the one judging us? Why do we have to deal with this Cadsuane…" Harpy. "…Sedai?" Egwene had no reason to like him, but at least she knew him. They'd spent a few weeks in the Aiel Waste. They'd even sung a song together, once. She had a lovely voice.
In theory, First Counsel Barsalla was the one overseeing the trial, but Cadsuane was evidently pulling the strings. Without much subtlety, either.
"Cadsuane Aes Sedai is the Amyrlin Seat," Egwene stated.
"Why? Were you deposed?" he asked bluntly.
"Blast, Natael, you are so unobservant! She has obviously suffered the same fate we did," Bao muttered. "She lost her Warder in the battle, too, who was also her husband, Gawyn Trakand, brother to the Queen of Andor, Elayne."
Natael turned to him, barely taking in the heap of information. "How do you know all this?"
"I was at the hospital when they brought him in. I listened to the trail of gossip that followed." He observed Egwene with keen eyes. "It is rumoured that you discovered a weave to counteract the effects of balefire. Did you?" He sounded…impressed. Coming from him, the very tone was a compliment.
Egwene nodded tiredly. "A nameless Dreadlord managed to steal your sa'angreal, the Sceptre, right out of Androl's hands. He used it to rain down balefire haphazardly on the battlefield, killing foes and allies alike. The earth itself began to fracture… He had to be stopped. I did what had to be done."
And like Bao, she had deliberately sacrificed her ability to channel to save the world. All the while being aware that her husband/Warder was dying. Bao was right to be impressed. It was a wonder that she'd survived.
It seemed a bit harsh and unfair that they'd removed her as Amyrlin despite her heroics. Then again, that was probably the fate that awaited Natael at the Black Tower. Provided that he didn't die before he could be replaced.
"My condolences," he whispered.
He meant it more for the loss of her ability to channel than that of her husband, but she didn't acknowledge his noble sentiment in any way. "I must go," she excused herself.
"Wait!" Natael exclaimed. Egwene arched an eyebrow. "I…I don't suppose you'd speak in my favour at the trial? I mean…in our favour?"
"Why on earth would she do that?" Bao enquired.
Blood and ashes, on whose side was he? "There has to be someone who is willing to-"
"Moiraine Aes Sedai has already spoken in your favour. She told everyone what she witnessed at Shayol Ghul, how Bao sacrificed himself to allow Rand to continue to fight long enough to properly seal the Dark One's prison. And she also spoke of the time you spent with Rand in the Waste and in Cairhien, Master Natael. She said you were an…adequate teacher, when Rand needed it most."
Moiraine had lied for him? That was quite touching. Well, it wasn't exactly a lie – she was an Aes Sedai, after all – but she had expertly manipulated the truth. Natael hadn't been able to teach much to al'Thor, shielded as he was back then. He had done his best under difficult circumstances, though. That had to count for something. "And…what did everyone have to say to that?"
Egwene shook her head. "A few are conflicted. But I'm afraid the general consensus is that you must answer for the crimes you committed before you decided to come back to the Light."
"But that was ages ago! All the people we harmed – allegedly – are long dead. I'm not that man anymore. Bao has changed, too. We're willing to fully cooperate and seek an arrangement that would suit-"
"I have little sway over the jury, Master Natael. I am merely an observer. I cannot help you. Excuse me, I really must be going." She closed the door behind her. Natael had hoped to hear fragments of conversation from the hall, given how everything echoed, but not a sound reached him. Had they somehow woven a ward against eavesdropping? It was impossible, with the Guardian…unless they'd found a parade against that, too.
What couldn't these people do? Counteracting the effects of balefire, Healing the madness in male channelers, Healing severing…
Perhaps there was hope for them, after all, despite what Flinn had told Taim.
The door soon opened again, and another Warder announced that they were to be taken back to the chamber. Natael didn't have much time to panic, but a few seconds were more than enough. What were they going to do? What was their strategy? Was there any chance of escape, if it came to that? Would he be allowed to change clothes before being led to the gallows?
Bao was right: the commoners were gone. The large chamber felt quite empty now, and eerily quiet. Natael looked everywhere for Taim, but he had either departed of his own volition or was forced to wait outside. Would Natael be allowed to say goodbye, at least? To even see him one last time?
"Master Natael, Master…Bao," the First Counsel intoned. "We have reached a decision."
"How could you have, already? You didn't even hear the rest of our arguments!" Natael protested. He would not die without putting up a fight. Well, a verbal one, at least. "You need us. We have so much to-"
"The rules have not changed, Master Natael. You will not speak out of turn," Barsalla remonstrated him.
"But it's not fair!"
"Be silent, you fool," Bao said in a low growl. "You don't even know what the verdict is."
Natael may not be a brilliant general, like Bao, or a noble, self-sacrificing hero – also like Bao – but he did have some hidden talents: he could read people's faces like an open book. Even Bao's…most of the time. There was no doubt in his mind about the verdict. Barsalla's face gave it away. The jury's solemnity gave it away.
"You are hereby found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. May the Light have mercy on your souls."
"GUILTY OF WHAT, BURN YOU?!" Natael shouted. He managed to take half a step forward before one of the Gaidin restrained him. Well, he was a singer; his voice carried easily. He didn't need to be too close, though he would have liked for some spittle to reach Barsalla's face. "Of saving the bloody world?!"
The First Counsel feigned to ignore him, though her mouth twitched in a grimace. "You will be taken outside and-"
She was interrupted by a sudden noise; people were coming back into the chamber, a low rumble of voices reverberating throughout the room. Was this a timing mishap? Were they supposed to witness the sentencing? Or would this mob be allowed to throw eggs or stones at Bao and Natael as they were marched off to the gallows?
Natael turned around, hoping to find-
Yes. Taim was there. In fact…he seemed to be leading this mob. He stood ahead of them, his back straight, wearing his best coat. These weren't the people who were here before, Natael noticed immediately. At Taim's side were Logain and Flinn. Behind them stood dozens of Asha'man and scores of Sharans, Shendla among them. She nodded to Bao, unsmiling, practically expressionless. Her eyes told another story, however, Natael could tell. They sparkled with fierceness. She was obviously angry that she and her people had been excluded from the trial. At Shendla's side was a heavily-tattooed man who wore his beard in two thick, knotted braids.
"What is the meaning of this?" Barsalla demanded. Her voice was strangled with outrage. "Gaidin, escort them outside this instant!"
While Natael didn't doubt the Warders' abilities, they were vastly outnumbered. Some of these people were channelers, and all of them were soldiers. The Warders hesitated, but Cadsuane ordered them to stand down. "What do you want, Master Taim? Speak up. Quickly."
"Every nation has a representative in the jury. The public was quite diverse, as well, before they were forced to step outside. Yet I couldn't help but notice that certain people weren't invited to witness the proceedings, Cadsuane Sedai. There was not a single Asha'man, and the Sharans were not even aware that their king was being put on trial." Oh. That explained Shendla's expression. How come no one had warned them? That was very underhanded.
"There was no time to get word to everyone, Master Taim," Cadsuane said tersely. "And this chamber, while quite large, simply cannot fit the entire world."
"I understand," Taim said. He spoke calmly, articulately and, like Shendla, his face was inscrutable. But his eyes… They were ablaze. Natael half-expected Cadsuane to burst into flames. "Well, it doesn't matter now. We're here, and ready to speak in defence of our respective leaders. Whom would you like to hear first?" He didn't wait for an answer. He half-turned and gestured toward the large man who stood beside Shendla. "Torn? Go on, say your piece. Don't be shy."
Torn snorted with laughter. "Me? Shy? Ha! I've certainly never been accused of that." He grew serious and glared at the jury. "You would deprive us of our king, eh? The first decent one in centuries, the one we chose? The one who freed us, and who treats us not only as humans, but as equals? I'm proud to call Bao a friend, despite his…controversial past." He was too fluent in the Common Tongue to be a true Sharan, Natael thought. Even Mintel had an accent. He must hail from somewhere west of the Waste. "I don't know how you people do things here but, where I come from, there's a saying: everyone deserves a second chance. Bao gave us, the Freed, the former slaves of Shara, a proper chance at life. It's only fair we gave him a chance to do better in this life than he did in the last. So far, he's been doing a pretty good job."
"I'm glad to hear that your lives have improved, Master…Torn," the First Counsel said – boy, she really struggled with foreign names, uh? – "but I'm afraid…Bao must still answer for the crimes he committed in the past. We-"
Torn didn't let her go further. "Do you have any idea what'll happen to us if you have Bao executed?" That was obviously a rhetorical question. No one knew anything about Shara, let alone had a clear idea of how its government and people functioned. "We'll be enslaved again. I think it's safe to say that things will be much, much worse for us than they used to be. They'll have to punish us for daring to rebel in the first place, see? They'll have to make sure it won't happen again. There'll be a purge, like as not. It'll be a proper massacre. Of course, no reason you should care about all that, here in your fancy castles. Slavery hasn't been a problem in the West in quite some time, if the stories are to be believed."
Natael smiled thinly as Barsalla squirmed in her seat. It was satisfying to see her so uncomfortable. What could she possibly say to this? No, indeed, we don't care about your plight. Not our problem.
"Surely Demandred isn't the answer to all of your troubles," Elayne Trakand said with more diplomacy than usual. "There has to be someone else who can-"
"Well, that's the thing, my fair lady," Torn said with a winning smile. "Shendla here, she has been trying to accomplish what Bao did for several decades now. She's on our side but, without him, she'll be on her own, to stand up against everyone else. Bao is our Wyld, yes? He's our saviour. That means something, to us. Even bloody Galbrait had to acknowledge that and, thanks to his official title, Bao and Shendla were able to keep her in check. Our female channelers…what is it they're called here? Aes Sedai?" Natael and Taim nodded at the same time, but Taim seemed too focused on Torn's speech to notice. "Yes, well, our Aes Sedai are in control of Shara, and everyone that lives in it. Their word is law, quite literally. Unfortunately, they were happy with our former way of life, and they cannot wait to return to it. They will do so at the first opportunity. If you hang Bao, they will find an opportunity before his body is cold, and we'll be right back where we started. Well, worse off, really."
"If we leave Demandred in charge of Shara," one of the noblemen in the jury said, "he will eventually invade the West. Don't be naïve, man. The Forsaken is using you. He's been manipulating you for months. He doesn't care about the likes of you. He needed an army, that's all."
"If he tries anything of the sort, you'll be within your rights to call on the Aiel to enforce the terms of the Dragon's Peace. Bao signed it, as you know," Natael reminded everyone. "Is al'Thor's treaty worth nothing to you, now that the poor lad is dead? Have you forgotten about it already? Bao is many things, but he is a man of his word. He'll honour the treaty. And if he doesn't…well, then you get to kill him. Lawfully, and for a good reason."
"No one has forgotten the treaty, let alone Rand," Elayne said sharply. "And what about you, Master Natael? Did you sign the Dragon's Peace? Did Taim?"
Natael glanced at Taim, but he had eyes only for Elayne. Perhaps he was remembering the first time he'd seen her, in all her glorious nakedness. "I'm afraid we were rudely interrupted by Sammael's army. We will sign it, if you wish, but I don't see the point. The Black Tower will henceforth be ruled by these two very capable men: Logain Ablar and Damer Flinn."
Flinn's mouth fell open. Logain glared at Taim, but his heart wasn't really in it. His tone remained neutral, as if he couldn't summon the energy to be angry, or even annoyed. He was quite dishevelled and looked absolutely exhausted. "Whose brilliant idea was this? Because it certainly wasn't mine."
"M'Hael, I thought you agreed that-" Flinn tried to protest.
"There's no other option," Taim spoke over him. "Natael and I are burned out. We do not belong at the Black Tower anymore. Channelers ought to be in charge, and I can't think of better candidates to replace us as co-leaders."
"The leadership of the so-called Black Tower is a problem for another day," Barsalla said.
"It will have to be dealt with, though," Elayne remarked. "Perhaps the Mother should appoint their new leader herself. Or since it's technically part of Andor, I could-"
Taim half-smiled at her, but there was something nasty about it, something bitter that was never there when the smile was directed at Natael. "Does that mean our future leaders will have a say in the election of the next Amyrlin?"
"Don't be daft," Elayne said. "Of course not. The affairs of the White Tower are none of yours."
"Then it makes sense that the Black Tower should manage itself without any intervention from you or your…sisters."
"The difference, I'm sure you understand, is that the Black Tower was corrupt from the very beginning. The Forsaken were always in control. It needs to be cleansed, so that it can-"
"The Forsaken were not in control!" Taim growled. "We kept the Tower to ourselves until the Last Battle, just like we planned. There were a few…hiccups, of course, but we never strayed from the path al'Thor intended for us, despite the Shadow's feeble attempts to take over."
Thankfully, Bao didn't contradict him. He could have easily doomed them, if only by recounting the failed ambush…hiccup. Was anyone yet aware of what had happened to Toveine and her party? They must have at least made enquiries by now.
Instead of tattling, Bao said: "This argument is ridiculous. The White Tower has always been corrupt. Ishamael created the Black Ajah eons ago, and Mesaana decided to infiltrate the White Tower soon after she was released from the Bore."
Oh, right, Mesaana… Whatever had happened to her?
Meh. On second thought, Natael didn't care.
Cadsuane raised a hand, to prevent anyone from replying and furthering the debate. "We're digressing. If you do not intend to return to the Black Tower, Master Taim, what is it that you plan to do?"
That caught him off-guard, Natael could tell. His eyes involuntarily shifted toward Natael, albeit briefly. "I plan to…live a simple life, I suppose. A quiet life."
"Where?" Perrin Aybara demanded. "I hope you have no intention of going back to Saldaea. You will not be welcome there."
"No, of course not. I thought…maybe Shara, where few people know who I am."
"Or don't care who you are, even if they do know," Torn added.
"Yes. But that'll depend on-"
"On what, Master Taim? On whether we spare Master Natael's life?" Cadsuane asked shrewdly. "Does your future involve him in any way? Can you not live without him, that you have assembled a small army to ensure his release?"
A blush crept on Taim's cheeks, but he didn't get flustered. "It's not fair, what you're doing. You know that al'Thor wouldn't approve. He was willing to pardon us – well, them – if they helped the Light in the Last Battle. He said so in front of several witnesses, most of whom are present now."
"That's irrelevant," one of the witnesses said. "Al'Thor is dead."
Elayne frowned. "Well, that doesn't mean that his words and intentions count for nothing. He did speak of pardon-"
Just as Natael's opinion of the Andoran Queen was beginning to improve, someone interrupted her. "What were you trying to imply, Mother?" Mother. While it was a silly title to begin with, it sounded even worse when applied to Cadsuane Melaidhrin. "Is Taim...indebted to Asmodean, somehow? Is he a Dreadlord, or not? It's still unclear to me-"
Another noble spoke up before Cadsuane or anyone else could answer. "I'm afraid it's much more sordid than that, Your Grace. There have been rumours… Vile rumours indeed. I dare not repeat them, for there are ladies present."
Elayne rolled her eyes. "Blood and flaming ashes, just say your piece, Roedran. We're not as delicate as you seem to believe. I promise I won't faint."
She cursed a lot, for a queen. The man she'd called Roedran appeared stunned that these expletives could be uttered by a young lady with such a pretty face. She wasn't just a pretty face, however, Natael realised now.
"I've heard these rumours as well, Your Majesty," another noble said. He looked embarrassed and stammered the following statement: "It is said…er, rumoured, that these two men…Mazrim Taim and…er, Asmodean… Well, I've heard that…they are…er, involved, Your Highness."
There was a short moment of silence. Natael tried to gauge Taim's reaction. His cheeks were crimson, but he looked more angry than ashamed.
Then, unexpectedly, Elayne Trakand made a noise that sounded suspiciously like laughter. "I'm sorry…" She made an attempt at controlling her mirth. To her credit, it took all of three seconds for her to succeed. "You thought that was going to shock me? I've known this for months, Mattin. I knew the moment I met them." She did? That was before Taim himself knew! "It's quite obvious. But I fail to see what this has to do with the trial…"
"Since they're on trial, we might as well judge them for all their crimes. Taim ought to be one of the accused, too, I've been saying so from the start."
"Crime? What crime?" Elayne looked confused, and Natael didn't think that she was playacting.
The nobleman was just as confused, apparently. "Are you saying… Is such a thing legal in Andor, Your Highness?"
"Why in the flaming Pit of Doom would it be illegal?"
"It is illegal in several nations," Meidani Sedai stated. "Murandy and Illian, as well as Tear and Amadicia."
"No surprises there," muttered the middle-aged woman with golden hair who sat beside Elayne. She had to be the Queen's mother, though Natael had heard that she was dead.
"And Altara," one of the younger lords present added. "Though not for much longer. It's a hypocritical, outdated law, and I plan to revise it."
"I strongly disagree," Roedran protested. "Even if we decide to commute Asmodean's death sentence, Taim and he ought to be flogged and branded for this grievous offence, at the very least!"
"When you said that the people of this Age were 'judgemental about that sort of things'," Bao admitted to Natael in a whisper, "I thought you were grossly exaggerating to present yourself as a martyr, as you usually do."
"Wish it were the case." Light, was he going to be flogged and branded and then hanged? He was a martyr!
"You forget one important thing," Elayne said in a cutting tone. "The Black Tower lies on Andoran soil, Roedran. Your laws do not apply there."
"Are they to be punished according to Andoran law, then? Because you advocated that we pardon them, which, I believe, is against every law known to man, considering the extent of their many crimes."
So Elayne truly was on their side? Perhaps there was hope yet. With a bit of luck, Natael would be executed, nothing more…
"The Lord Dragon did say that we would negotiate terms and conditions for their pardons after the Last Battle," Dobraine Taborwin reminded everyone. "And he never mentioned a punishment for this specific…crime, though he knew about it."
"He knew?!" Roedran sputtered. "And he allowed it to continue? If anything, that's a sign that he was not sane of mind, my lords and ladies. We ought to disregard whatever was said during the signing of-"
"Would you have me flogged and branded as well, Lord Roedran?" Dobraine asked quietly.
Roedran's mouth worked, but no sound came out. He wasn't the only one who was shocked. A low murmur rose from the jury, though the Asha'man remained silent. It was not surprising: they already knew about Taim and Natael. They were used to it. Torn was translating for his people, but there was no outcry from the Sharans, either. Bao had not lied: they didn't care about these things. If Taim and Natael could be exiled there…
Roedran was still struggling to form a response when Moiraine Sedai spoke up. "Would you have me and half of my sisters flogged, my lord? You are aware of the existence of 'pillow friends' within the White Tower, I presume? I trust that you understand that the term is a…polite euphemism."
"None of this is relevant to the matter at hand," Perrin Aybara cut the debate short. "But since Taim is here… He does have real crimes to answer for. As a False Dragon, he destroyed parts of Saldaea, and many innocents were killed or severely injured in the uprising."
"Taim is not on trial," Natael said. "And there was an Amnesty."
"That was not the purpose of Rand's Amnesty!" Aybara protested. "Taim wasn't absolved of his past crimes, he was merely allowed to live because Rand needed him…at the time."
"Enough with the hypocrisy!" one of the nobles said. "Let's hang all three of them and be done with this masquerade. We all knew where this was going; let's not delay the issue any longer. We all have better things to do."
"Haven't they been punished enough, Perrin?" Egwene Trakand asked her old friend. She was at the back of the jury, and Natael hadn't noticed her until she stood. "They have all redeemed themselves as best they could, Taim included, and they've paid a heavy price for their redemption. Master Torn is right: they deserve a second chance. As for Master Natael and Bao…I believe that we have much to learn from them. I know several Brown sisters who cannot wait to pick their brains…"
"I would like that, too," the only Ogier present said. His rumbling voice echoed loudly in the hall, but Natael had a feeling that he was speaking in as low a tone as he could manage. "My book-"
"If they'd destroyed the White Tower and murdered your sisters, would you still be willing to give them a pass?" a weary-looking young woman demanded. From her features, Natael guessed that she was Saldaean.
Egwene smiled sadly. "The Seanchan did that, yet here they are." She pointed to the shaved man who sat in one of the front seats, but he didn't react. "They will get away with what they did, to me and to others. We will have to learn to live together, to share the world. Rand sacrificed his life so that we could live, and he wanted the world to be at peace. The White Tower signed the Dragon's Peace, Faile. Most everyone here has signed it. Together, we can rebuild, and we can do better. The real enemy was and always will be the Shadow. We cannot fight amongst-"
"Well, I didn't sign anything. And what's your signature worth, anyway? You're the Amyrlin Seat no longer."
"Actually, I signed the treaty," Cadsuane Sedai said. "If we can persuade Master Taim and Master Natael to sign, as well, then they will have to-"
"Well, it really should be Logain and Damer," Taim interrupted her.
"Oh, I think not. You will remain at the Black Tower, Master Taim. You and Master Natael. I want you where I can keep an eye on you." Some of the nobles looked ready to complain, but she raised a hand and subdued them with that one, simple gesture. She was going to be a fearsome Amyrlin, that one. If he was truly allowed to live, Natael wasn't looking forward to dealing with her.
"And what about Demandred?" Yet another noble decided to say his piece. "Do you also intend to let him rule over Shara? With all due respect, Cadsuane Sedai, this is insane. Dragon's Peace or not, he will betray us, sooner or later."
"Bao will remain these people's Wyld, whatever that means, but he cannot be their king, I agree. We will form a diplomatic committee and negotiate with this Galbrait woman, that she may also sign al'Thor's treaty. For this to work, the Sharans must learn to be part of the world." She fixed her gaze on Torn. "Slavery will remain abolished in Shara, if I have a say in this. And I will have a say in this." She turned to the man who appeared to be the leader of Seanchan, or its representative, at least. "Once you have resolved your nation's many issues, Lord Galgan, I also expect you to do something about these damane. If you do not, you will have to answer to the rest of the world."
"I'm not the one on trial, Cadsuane Sedai," Galgan retorted. "Seanchan's affairs are none of yours. And by the way, I disagree with everything you just said. Your opinion is not this jury's final decision. We cannot allow these men to go free. They will wreak havoc and-"
"Your people have done exactly that, and worse, Lord Galgan," Egwene said. "You invaded us and enslaved our people, and I doubt that Semirhage's influence had anything to do with it. Yet we are prepared to give you a second chance, as well."
"The Forsaken do not deserve second chances! They are evil. Their souls are forfeit, rotten to the core. How dare you compare them to us? We will resolve our issues civilly. Can you really expect Demandred to do the same?"
"I have no issues to resolve with these people," Bao said. "My goal was always to unify Shara and open it up for trade, to unite the nations, to make the world a better place, ultimately."
"Lies! Your goal was to murder the Dragon Reborn so that the whole world could be swallowed up by the Blight! You wanted to rule us all!" Roedran spat.
Moiraine Sedai stood up, but even then she was barely taller than any of the seated nobles. Still, everyone fell silent and turned their eyes on her. "As I've said before, Bao had the means and opportunity to do what he wanted, but he chose to sacrifice his ability to channel for the greater good. He chose to set aside his centuries-old hatred of Lews Therin Telamon and come to Rand al'Thor's aid when he needed it most. In the end, he did the right thing: he chose to deny the Shadow and save the world."
Roedran stood, too, but, despite being two heads taller than Moiraine, she was still the centre of attention. "Your opinion isn't more important than anyone else's. Just because you were at Shayol Ghul-"
"And where were you during the battle, Lord Roedran?" Lan Mandragoran asked softly. His tone wasn't accusatory, nor even judgemental, but that put Roedran in his place regardless. He sat down again, his jaws clenched.
"What you say is partly true, Roedran," Bao admitted, which was probably a bad idea. Honesty was not always the best policy. "I believed that your decadent civilisation could benefit from me being in charge, because I knew that Lews Therin – al'Thor – was not up to the task. I was hoping to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Our Age, which you seem to think of so fondly, out of sheer ignorance, was on the brink of collapse even before we bore a hole in the Dark One's prison." There was a short pause. "I still believe that."
That generated another outcry; Natael couldn't make out the individual protests. Burn Bao! They were so close… Cadsuane was willing to give them a chance, Moiraine, Elayne, Egwene and Lan were on their side, and he was ruining it.
He spoke loudly so he could be overheard over the cacophony of outraged voices. "Bao has a lot to offer, my lords and ladies." They quieted down so that they could determine how angry they were going to be with what he had to say. "While it is obvious that he cannot be in charge of anything or anyone, not until he has gained your trust, he would make a fine adviser. To the Sharans, to all of you. He does have some good ideas… He should be part of the diplomatic committee."
Well, they were quite angry. Cadsuane let them ramble on for a minute while she considered Natael's words. Then she raised a hand again, and silence fell. "It's settled, then. Natael and Taim will remain at the Black Tower…as advisers to Asha'man Flinn and Ablar. A group of Aes Sedai will stay there to keep an eye on things, at least for a year. During that time, we will also devise the terms of an alliance between the two Towers." She turned to Bao. "You will help us negotiate with Galbrait, but you will also stay at the Black Tower. I want all three of you in the same place for the time being." She leaned forward. "One misstep, however, and you will be hanged. No trial. No discussion. You get a second chance, but there will not be a third."
"Cadsuane Sedai," Roedran said, "with all due respect, while your opinion and sage advice are greatly appreciated, the decision is not yours to make – not unilaterally. Why bother gather us all here if you were not going to listen to-"
The Amyrlin didn't even deign to look at him. "Democracy is a fine concept, Lord Roedran, but unless you are willing to spend the next ten years debating what we should do with them, until a unanimous decision can be made, it will be as I said."
"Is that how it's going to be, then? Are you now a tyrant, and self-declared ruler of all nations? Because I don't remember voting-"
Cadsuane rolled her eyes. "The White Tower has always been and always will be pulling the strings, whether you like it or not, Lord Roedran." Yes, subtlety was not her strong suit. "But have it your way. You want a vote? Very well. The majority wins. Who is in favour?"
There was some hesitation amongst the jury, though a few said "aye" without a pause, and others raised their hands immediately. Natael watched them anxiously, but after a painfully long minute, it was official: the majority was in favour of Cadsuane's plan. Possibly out of fear of the woman, but the result was the same. Natael made certain to note everyone who was willing to give them a chance, all potential allies in the future, which they would certainly need: Moiraine Sedai, Egwene Trakand, Lan Mandragoran, Elayne Trakand, all of the Aiel representatives (Natael assumed that they had gained enough ji with their redemptive acts to please them), the Ogier, an old man who was dressed in clashing colours, most of the Borderlanders, a lad who was probably the most beautiful human being to have ever lived, the young ruler of Altara, Dobraine Taborwin and a few he didn't know, but whose names and positions he would quickly learn.
Not so bad. He wouldn't lose faith in humanity just yet.
"I can't help but notice that no one seems interested in our opinion," Logain said.
Cadsuane arched an eyebrow. "Did you wish to see Master Natael hang, Sealbreaker?"
Sealbreaker? "Oh, no, I'm glad Nate won't die just yet. I do enjoy having him around to provide constant, copious whining and, occasionally, musical ambiance." Hmph. "The thing is, Taim never said anything about Damer and me being in charge of the Black Tower, and I'm quite sure I don't want that."
"I'm afraid we all must do things we're quite sure we don't want. In case it wasn't obvious, I didn't ask to be Amyrlin." Maybe she didn't want the position, but she was born to play the part. "Give it a year. You may resign then, if you still wish to."
Logain's tired face showed little expression, but he crossed his arms over in chest in silent protest. Taim whispered in his ear. Natael couldn't make out what he was saying, but Logain relaxed slightly. "Fine! A year. Starting now. Mark the date." He turned around and called to the assembled Asha'man. "Let's go! I want to feel the Source again." What a callous thing to say in Natael's presence!
Flinn shrugged and followed the men outside. Natael hoped that the two of them would make as fine a team as Taim and himself. Speaking of Taim, he still wouldn't meet Natael's eyes. He seemed to be waiting for Cadsuane to formally dismiss him.
"You may leave with the Asha'man, Master Taim. You as well, Master Natael. We will meet again, very soon. Please tell Asha'man Ablar that I will hold him personally responsible, should anything happen to you, or if you should…disappear. Master Bao, you are not allowed to return to Shara at the moment, not until we have spoken with Galbrait and come to an agreement. You will stay at the Black Tower until you are summoned. You will all be…escorted, wherever you go, until further notice." She glanced at a Warder, who nodded.
Bao disapproved of the word "summoned", just as Natael had thought, but he didn't comment on it. He bowed his head a fraction in acknowledgement, then walked over to Shendla to discuss privately before they had to leave.
Cadsuane stood. "Well, that's that. I'm sure we all have more important matters to attend to… I know I do." She didn't wait for a response from the jury as she made her way to the back door. She was trailed by several Aes Sedai who had not actively participated in the trial and their combined Warders. As soon as she was gone, the seated lords and ladies began to whisper amongst themselves.
They had to leave quickly and catch up with Logain, Natael realised, otherwise they would be stranded in Far Madding forever. He turned to talk to Taim…and found him gone. He approached the closest Warder, Leonin. "Um, where's Taim? He was there a moment ago!"
"Devon escorted him outside. Don't worry, Meidani Sedai will open a gateway for you, when you're ready to leave."
"Well, I am!" He had to talk to Taim. Even though he had been given a respite and wouldn't be hanged today, it felt urgent. And even though he had no idea what he was going to say to him. "Let's go now."
Leonin shook his head. "We have to wait for Bao. Meidani Sedai is not going to Travel back and forth for you."
Bao was deep in conversation with Shendla and Torn, of course. Natael couldn't blame him; there was much to be said. "What if I run to catch up to Devon and Taim?"
"Then I'll tackle you and sit on you until we're all ready to leave."
Mm…nah. He had been humiliated enough for one day. "Can you at least remove the manacles while we wait? Please? It's quite painful. And unnecessary."
The Gaidin shrugged. "Eh, I don't see why not. You're unlikely to outrun me even without 'em."
When it was done, Natael sat down on the floor and waited. There was nothing else for him to do, and perhaps he could come up with something of substance to say to Taim when they were reunited at last.