Egwene nearly burst into laughter! Rand al'Thor awaiting her permission to do anything was a joke. Surely Rhuarc had delivered the message in a suitably edited form! Suppressing her mirth she spoke "Rhuarc, please, rise. Are you certain that was the message? It doesn't sound very much like the Rand I remember!" As he rose, Rhuarc's lipped curled in a small grin, "Those were his words, Mother. He told me they were sure to grab your attention. The Car'a'cairn has little time for humour these days. It is good to see him smile." With a nod over his shoulder he indicated the direction he had came from. "They are coming now. All the Wise Ones and their apprentices are with him. So are those men in black coats." The tone of his voice as he spoke of the Asha'man revealed his feelings of them. "He waits for your answer, Mother." "Will you ask him to join us, Rhuarc? We could use all the help we can get at this point." With a nod of his head he turned and was lopping away. Gesturing to the nearest warder, she asked him to send word to Lord Gareth. As he maneuvered his horse out of the crowd she turned to seek out Suiane. The sisters present had begun to gather in small groups to discuss this sudden added firepower. From the rapid exchanges overheard as she passed the main topic of these discussions were the men who could channel. Suiane caught her attention after a few moments. They drew off to one side, but were followed by a troubled Sheriam. Grasping at Egwene sleeve, holding tight to the fabric, she began "Mother, please reconsider this. You cannot condone the use of those men in our fight. They cannot be encouraged, we should be doing our best to stop this madness, not encouraging it!" Her grip on the Amyrlin getting stronger in her desperation. "That is enough, Sheriam." Said Egwene sharply. She pulled her arm from the grasp of her keeper, using enough force to tear the heavy garment she wore to stave of the cold. "We were getting out of our depth and acting out of desperation. We need the extra force that these men can provide, and even if I did send them away, how in all creation did you plan on stopping them! Rand has come to our aid and we would be fools to throw it back in his face. Regardless of his methods we need his help! Can you deny it? Have you kept some startlingly brilliant plan up your sleeve that can solve all our troubles? Do you plan on opening a gateway into Elaida's study and solving all our problems yourself?" Throughout Egwene's tirade, Sheriam had visibly wilted. Suitably meek, she answered, "I am sorry Mother" gathering her cloak around herself "I don't enjoy the thought of standing along side those men. It goes against everything we have based our lives on." She glanced up to meet Egwene stern gaze unhappily, "I do see that you are right. I am sorry." "I understand that this makes you uncomfortable Sheriam. Please, make sure that Rand is brought directly here." "As you wish, Mother." She moved of wringing her hands together, showing her anxiousness for all to see. Suiane threw a look of disgust over her shoulder towards the retreating woman. "She is getting on my nerves! She has known of your plan for the last month but every day she's been getting twitchier. It's like she expects us to fail! I will admit to being slightly nervous, but that is because we will be fighting against our own, not because we might." "Fail, Suiane? I do not intend to let that happen. This is more important than one woman's fears." Egwene smoothed the torn sleeve of her gown. "No matter. We will continue, and I don't expect this to be the last damage I'll take today." "They'll have to get through me first" came a reply from behind them. Rand had come through the crowd leading his horse as well as the rest of his companions to where Egwene and Suiane stood. They both spun around at the sound of his voice. He stopped in front of the pair, and handing his reins to Min, he dropped to one knee, his left hand on the hilt of his sword, his right fist pressed to the earth and bowed his head. "As you have summoned me, Mother, so have I come. I stand ready." There was a sudden bark of laughter, and all the surrounding faces whipped around to find its source. Suiane coloured to the tips of her ears and explained, "That was the greeting I received from him the first time we met. I see you still consort with the Gaidin, young man." Glancing over Rand crouching figure she eyed Lan amongst those paying homage to the Amyrlin. "We have come to help your fight, Mother." He said as he moved gracefully from his knees. "Some of whom will come as a shock to you." Egwene nodded her head towards him in a show of respect, which caused many of the sisters present to blanche. "Your presence and you aid are both gratefully received, Lord Dragon" As she spoke a smile of amusement crossed her lips, which was echoed by Rand's own. He stepped forward to encase her in his arms, both of them relived to find each other still friends. As she stood back from Rand's hug, her smile took in his companions. "Now who is it that I am to be surprised with" A figure towards the rear of the group moved forward passed Lan and Nyneave, then passed Min, and finally Rand himself before curtsying once more. "I am, Mother." Said Moiraine. Twin gasps escaped from Egwene and Suiane. Moiraine rose and smiled at them both. "Much has changed I see. It is good to see you both." Suiane managed to speak at last, "Your face!" A distant horn blow carried over the fields to them, echoed closely by another and then a third. Egwene's expression hardened at the sound. "Explanations will have to wait. We have engaged the Tower's forces."