Rand blinked in disbelief. He had remembered the Black Tower as a shabby group of huts, but now a huge, power-wrought wall encircled the camp. Mazrim Taim had a similar experience--not because of the condition of the Tower, but because of the sensation he felt while going through the wall. Before, it had been like walking through a sewer, but now, it felt like walking through the sun.
"Your men have been working well, Taim," Rand said once they had passed through the wall.
"It's hardly work, my Lord Dragon. The work was done designing the scaffolds for the wall, which took myself and 3 Asha'man over a week to do. Now, even the Soldiers can help with the construction; all they have to do is channel in the wall." Taim, if it was possible for him, looked proudly on it.
"Enough about this wall," Rand started flatly. "I came here to do several things. I will be making a speech--" He jumped back as another Asha'man almost ran into him; both Taim and him were Cloaked with the Power. After straightening his coat, he continued, "So I will require a stadium capable of holding every single man in the Tower."
Taim shrugged. "That can be arranged. Expect something within…I'd say 3 hours."
"First, though, you will need to recognize me. I have the Mask of Mirrors…" The area around Rand shimmered, and he was replaced by another person.
Taim scanned him, nodded, and walked away. Rand's stomach growled. Light, I'm hungry!
A too-familiar voice popped in his head. We all are hungry…
***
Narishma practiced his shielding techniques doggedly. Flinn almost fell over with laughter when he told him about his Aes Sedai 'mission', but he merely shrugged when he was told about Rand's decision. "We can handle it. Besides, I'm ready to go back to the Tower."
Narishma shrugged and continued his exercises. "There! Could you tell it was me?" A shielded Flinn nodded. Narishma clenched his fist in frustration.
"I think that it's impossible, Narishma. Why does it matter that much?"
Narishma shook his head. "It's got to seem to him that he falters and can't get a hold on saidin. It's got to be his fault that Min gets 'killed'."
A corner of Flinn's lip twitched. "Ok, now. I remember just now that the traitor, Corlan Dashiva, could channel and not be recognized. How did he do it?"
Narishma threw up his hands. "For all we know, he could be a Forsaken!" Once he had calmed down, he said, "Well, I wonder if we could link up, Flinn? Maybe an Aes Sedai could--"
Flinn cut him off by shaking his head softly. "Absolutely not! With that much of the Power being used, someone in the Black Tower could feel it. Do you think that the Lord Dragon, stronger than any in the Tower, wouldn't get suspicious over that?"
Narishma sighed. "I guess you're right, Flinn."
A couple minutes later, Taim's voice filled the whole Tower. "All Tower personnel, report to the Traitor's Tree immediately." Flinn shuddered involuntarily at the thought of the Tree.
Narishma shrugged wearily. "Guess we'd better go."
***
Rand was close to bursting with rage. "Why in the name of the Light did you put this stadium next to this Tree?" he managed to get out.
Taim merely shrugged. "I figured that it would--"
"I don't care what you figured, Taim. How am I supposed to get a message across to hundreds of men shaking with fear?" he snarled.
At Rand's murderous stare, he took his seat. Once the auditorium was filled, Rand used the customary Air-and-Fire voice amplifier. He cleared his throat and began.
"At a point no less than one week ago, a new future was given to all men who could channel. I have come here, in light of the new future, to set a new, equally promising agenda. First of all," he created an image of the Traitor's tree to the side of him, "all men that are willing to fight and die for me and for the Light should be rewarded, not threatened. This…abomination must go with the taint." The vision of the tree suddenly burst into flame. Rand listened for anything out of the crowd, but there was only silence. He continued, "Secondly, all recruitment efforts will change in attitude. No man will be forced to come to the Tower--moreover, any man who wishes to leave the Tower can do so at their leisure." Rand winced outwardly at that. It had to be done sometime. Rand finished his speech before Lews Therin could get a word in. "Lastly, as soon as the wall surrounding this encampment is finished, you will begin a new construction project--apartments for every member of the Tower. I have spoken--carry out my orders." Sweat rolled down Rand's back as he made his way to the exit of the auditorium. He noticed Taim giving him an equally murderous glare. He shook his head and laughed silently to himself. As soon as he exited the building, he Traveled back the Sun Throne.
He missed the explosion of cheers coming out of the building.
***
Cadusane massaged her eyes with her hands. Verin had told her about Rand's speech. Light, that boy has done exactly the wrong thing! Now the whole Tower will be loyal to him!
"Verin, get me Nynaeve. There's going to be a little change in plans."
"As you wish," Verin said. Within minutes, Nynaeve entered the room and Cadusane had regained her composure.
"About our plan…we've got to break Rand's bond with Min permanently. That ought to…" Cadusane cut herself off, as if on second thought.
Nynaeve shook her head wearily. "What's gotten in to you, Cadusane? I can understand the temporary, but now…do you just want to hurt Rand? That won't accomplish any goal."
Cadusane's eyes blazed. "You will not patronize me, child! Will you continue with the plan, or not? I could easily find someone else to fill your position."
Nynaeve shrugged resignedly. "I guess I'll have to. Do you know how to sever a bond permanently?"
There is more than one way, Cadusane thought to herself. "It just came to me last night." She began showing Nynaeve the weaves.
***
Someone is plotting against you, Lews Therin said, matter-of factly.
Rand rolled his eyes. There is always someone plotting. You, of all people, should know that.
Lews Therin cackled. Me, or you? Not much difference, is there?
Rand shook his head, forcing Lews Therin out. There's a difference. He added, a touch hopefully, there's got to be.