Disclaimers: I do not owe the Wheel of Time series, as simple as that. Now *points at the lawyers in front of me* GET AWAY FROM ME! *Does something unmentionable* That should teach them a lesson. *Puts away the baseball bat*
Author's Note: FINALLY!! After almost two months, I'm back in business, and it feels good! Big thanks to my beta Starlight for her wonderful work, and help to break my block! *sends big hugs*
Anyways, here's the long-awaited continuation of my story,
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Chapter 8: Part One - Tarmon Gai'don
Lan awoke abruptly, not understanding exactly why. His whole body was
tired, and he smiled when he remembered why. It had been a very
-passionate- night to Lan's opinion, exciting and wonderful.
And a damned good night to remember too. He chuckled to himself, his
eyelids almost closed. Then in a flash he opened them again, wide eyes
matching the feelings that flowed through him the moment his trained ears heard
the sound that had awoken him.
In the far distance, but still close enough, he heard the sharp tones of a horn
blowing repeatedly. The sound telling the armies to prepare for battle.
The first warning -or is it the second? How long have I slept?
Where is Nynaeve?
He turned over, and what met his eyes the second he had turned, surprised him
beyond anything.
Nynaeve was walking around the tent, gathering clothes and pieces of his armour,
laying it neatly together at the end of the bed. There were no hints of
sadness, neither on her face, nor through the bond. Lan looked at her in
awe.
She was dressed in a most peculiar outfit, not seen by any living person in a
century, except himself, but he had only seen it in old pictures from a
long-forgotten kingdom. It was a Malkieri battle suit, made for women.
He never knew that Nynaeve had had a dress like that.
The outfit looked a lot like something a Maiden would have worn, with tight
breeches and high-neck sweater -both in dark green- but over those garments, she
had an almost purple-red, sleeveless and embroidered tunic that reached to the
middle of her thighs, showing off her great legs. It was lined with broad
folds in light green, matching the belt around her waist that was tied at her
side, its ends falling down to her thigh. On her feet she wore knee-high
boots made of the same soft material the Aiel used, with laces on front, and her
hands were covered with light brown gloves. Even though you could not see
it, Lan knew it was a thin ring mail underneath all those clothes, and he was
sure it was made of cuendillar.
Lan was amazed how well Nynaeve fit the battle suit, and even more surprised
that she, by her own will, was wearing breeches, a garment she was trying to get
Min to quit wearing. He couldn't believe it. Nynaeve -his
Nynaeve! - was showing her legs for the entire world to see! The world
must be coming to an end.
Lan shook his head, still watching his wife as she picked up a comb and began to
do her hair in front if a mirror. He frowned when he saw her split her
long hair, and put it up in the traditional Malkieri battle fashion, two
delicate knots and many small braids hanging down from all over her head.
He hadn't expected that either, but then of course, it was a part of the female
battle suit.
Choosing to hold his mouth shut while Nynaeve did her hair, Lan got quietly out
of bed, and started dressing. His clothes smelt washed and clean, and even
a small amount of Nynaeve's flowery perfume. He inhaled her sweet scent at
the blazer before dropping it onto the bed.
As he put on his underwear, Lan suddenly began to wonder why Nynaeve seemed so
calm. He searched through the bundle of emotions that belonged to his wife,
expecting to find some hint of fear, but all he could find was calm and
determination.
"Nynaeve -" he started as he turned towards her, but she cut in before
he could finish his sentence.
"There is nothing wrong with me, Lan." She didn't turn away from
the mirror, but he could catch her look in the reflection. She didn't
appear sad either. "I'm fine, the babes is fine, and everything will
be fine. Just don't begin to fuss over me like some worried-to-death
husband because I don't feel sadness or fear of what lies ahead." She
continued to do her hair; she was almost finished.
Lan was speechless.
"Who are you, and what have you done with my wife?" the Malkieri asked
with a teasing smile. Nynaeve finished what she was doing and turned
slowly towards him. His eyes went big.
He had always said that Nynaeve was beautiful, but right now, she was radiant.
The battle suit fitted her perfectly, like it was natural to her, and her hair
was absolutely dazzling. But her face... There was just something about
it. He could suddenly see wisdom in her eyes that had not been there
before, and there was an air about her that told of maturity. He
discovered that she resembled more an Aes Sedai now, than ever before.
Like she had aged beyond her years over the night.
"What?" Nynaeve asked with a frown, breaking through his thoughts.
He just shook his head.
"You -you suddenly look like you have aged. But not in a bad way,"
he added quickly when he saw her raised eyebrows. "I mean that I now
see a woman aged in her mind, not her appearance."
At first, Lan thought the long silence meant that Nynaeve was mad at him for
saying at thing like that, but neither the bond nor her face showed anger.
But he didn't relax. Not until he suddenly saw her cheeks colour red.
He couldn't help it -he began to chuckle. Nynaeve didn't seem to hold her
mask any longer either, and grinned broadly before giggling quietly. She
stood up from the chair she had been using while doing her hair, and walked over
to him. His chuckling subsided, but he still wore the wide smile.
It is so strange to see the golden veins flowing through her every time she
looks at me now. Even though we passed the bond yesterday, it feels like
an eternity already, and I hope that we will survive to see it last for many
more eternities.
They closed in the last pace between them, and threw their arms around each
other in a gentle embrace. Lan was careful not to touch his wife's hair,
as he knew she would probably freak a little bit out. She tended to do
that often these days, but in the end, they would always have a good laugh about
it. She had a most wonderful laugh, clear and soft -it could easily
compete with the most beautiful songbird, in his opinion. She denied it of
course, every time he mentioned it, but he knew she appreciated his warm words.
He would always get a session of gentle kisses afterwards.
"What are you thinking?" Nynaeve asked from below his chin; she
rested her head at his chest. Her voice was calm, and her body wasn't
shivering. What have happened to make her so calm? Is it her
emotional mood swings that come due to the pregnancy? Or is there
something else?
"Lan?"
The Warder left his thoughts abruptly, and gazed down in Nynaeve's dark pools.
Love shone from her eyes, like it shone from the golden veins, and he was happy.
"Nothing in particular, my love," he answered, not wanting to lay
pressure on her. If he asked about her calmness, maybe she would break
down again, who knows? He didn't dare take that chance, not now, when the
battle was just hours or minutes away. But he could see that Nynaeve
didn't quite believe him.
"You're hiding something from me, Lan, what is it?" Her arms
disappeared from his waist, as she stepped back; he already missed her touch.
He sighed.
What should I tell her? The truth? Nah, I can't take that risk -maybe
she'll break down then, and not be able to fight. Perhaps... Yes, that I
can say -she won't be so suspicious then, and by the way, I have actually given
it some thought.
"I was thinking about how our life was going to be after the battle."
Nynaeve just stared at him at first, still not quite believing him, but then his
words sunk in, and she seemed to relax and returned to his embrace.
"I can't wait to get this over with and start a new life with you, and the
children," his wife murmured into his chest. "But I can't stop
worrying about whether or not we're going to survive this battle." He
was about to protest, but she cut in before he could utter a word. "I
know, Lan, I know. We must have our hopes up, and really believe we're
going to win Tarmon Gai'don, because if we don't, we're going to be a much
easier target for the Dark One." They locked eyes, Lan still amazed
by this woman who had changed so much during the night. Could it be their
night of passion? Or have the truth about the children and the prophecy
sunk in properly?
"Ever since I woke up this morning, I have wondered what may have happened
to make you so calm and fearless...?" He gave her a little smile,
which she returned.
"I am not fearless, Lan, but I may be calm. I have a task to do, and
must therefore remain calm and determined so I will not falter in my duty.
I will not let Rand down out there, that I can promise you!" Her arms
snuggled around his neck and she drew his face nearer hers. "And I
will not let you down, my love," she whispered. "I will survive
this, and so will you, and so will the babes."
Lan didn't hesitate to answer, even though Nynaeve's speech left him quite
silent and thoughtful. "I know we will, my love. My Mashiara."
His wife smiled, her lips just inches from his.
"I am not lost, Lan. I am here, now, with you." Then their
lips met in a love-driven kiss that none of them was willing to let go.
Their bodies clung to each other, and Lan took a tight hold of Nynaeve's small
body, lifting her several feet off the ground. Not until they had to step
back for a breath-out, did they let go. Around both of their bodies, the
golden veins shone so brightly it almost hurt their eyes.
Then suddenly they heard the horn blow again. It was the second warning.
Another one, and all armies had to be ready out on the battlefield.
An unspoken conversation, where Nynaeve and Lan just stared into each other's
eyes, then they split up, Lan going back to dressing -he had his armour left-
and Nynaeve helping him.
It was an old Malkieri suit, made on Nynaeve's instructions. He suddenly
understood why she had insisted on him wearing it. She wanted them to
match, like they were the last remainders of his old kingdom. A battle
lord and lady, fighting against the enemy that was threatening their country.
Lan felt pride towards his wife.
She is so brave. And so determined to do her duty. He smiled,
picking up the ring mail that belonged to his suit, and began putting it on.
The suit was almost identical to Nynaeve's, except he didn't wear a tunic, but a
purple-like shirt with short sleeves, and knee-long breeches that could easily
be mistaken for something an Athan'Miere wore, but it wasn't all that baggy -for
which he was grateful. His shirt and breeches were embroidered with small,
golden stitches, forming an elegant pattern across his body. He admitted
it -the outfit didn't make him look like a soldier, but that was the advantage
of the old battle suits.
Make the enemy believe you're not so dangerous, then prove the opposite.
That was the old saying; at least it was like that he remembered his
sword-teachers said it when he was brought up.
"You look just like you should -a king," Nynaeve said with pride
evident in her voice. He gazed down at himself, and then he smiled.
"And you look just like a queen, my dearest," Lan replied, locking
eyes with Nynaeve and taking a step towards her. "My queen."
His wife blushed openly, and stared down in the ground.
"I hope I will be," she answered, and looked up into his eyes.
Their arms somehow snuggled around each other again. "Someday."
They led their lips towards the other.
"Someday, you will be, Nynaeve, my love." Lips met,
passionately and wild, the emotions rolling back and forth their bond.
Just then, someone tumbled inside the tent. They broke apart quickly; Nynaeve
turning her head in a fashion that showed her power, just as she had last night
in Myrelle's tent. Lan missed her touch already, but he pushed his
thoughts and feelings aside, and turned his eyes towards the newcomer.
It was a messenger by the look of him, and he seemed more than a bit nervous.
Sweat was streaming down his face and he was constantly rubbing his hands, his
eyes flicking from Lan to Nynaeve and back again. He didn't seem to know
whom he was going to address, but in the end, he just saluted to Lan and bowed
to Nynaeve.
"I'm a messenger for the Lord Dragon Reborn. He request your presence
as soon as the Lord and Lady are ready." However nervous the man was
looking, his voice certainly didn't falter, to Lan's amusement. He kept
his face untouched by his reaction, and just turned to his wife. Nynaeve
was looking at the man with dignity and respect, not an angry look as other
royals or Aes Sedai would give.
"What is your name, messenger?" she asked after a little moment of
thinking.
The man was startled. The Lady was addressing him? Lan was shocked
himself too, but somehow, he didn't comment on it. He actually understood
what Nynaeve was doing, and therefore stayed at the sideline, just watching the
scene before him.
"My -my name, my Lady?" Nynaeve didn't answer, just gave the man a
smile. "It is Caden, son of Kay, my Lady." The messenger
-Caden- bowed again.
"And do you have a wife and children, Caden?" his wife continued.
Lan noted absently that her hand was resting briefly at her stomach. The
messenger nodded, looking calmer, by reasons unknown. Maybe it was the
memory of his family?
"A wife and son, my Lady. I -I miss them." The man looked
down at the ground.
Nynaeve smiled and took a step forward towards Caden. "Then I will
tell you this, Caden, son of Kay. Do not let your hopes down, not even in
the darkest moment of the coming battle, but believe that we are going to win
this war. If everyone believe, then victory will be ours, and you will get
home to your wife and son." She finished her speech, determination
hanging in the air. Caden looked at her in disbelief at first, then he
returned her smile, and bowed again.
"Then I will believe, and I will tell everyone I see to do so also.
Thank you, my Lady." With a last salute to Lan, Caden turned and left
the tent. Nynaeve stood staring at the tent wall until Lan came up behind
her and squeezed her shoulder lightly.
"I do believe, Nynaeve. I believe we're going to grow old together,
watch our children grow, and see our kingdom raise up from nothing.
And I certainly believe that I love you." Nynaeve had tears in her
eyes as he kissed her gently. Her arms snuck around his neck. She
pulled back for a second, gazed into his eyes, then said:
"And I love you too, Lan. More than anything."
******
The weak breeze rustled Rand's short hair, sending shivers down his back despite
the hot air. His eyes were concentrated on the large, dusted plain in
front of him. It was empty. Not a single enemy or ally. Just
the dark, burnt ground with holes and cracks that would be dangerous to the
horses and foot-soldiers, but they were all accounted for; Mat had conjured up a
strategy, and Rand trusted his friend to have made a good one too.
It was also as silent as in a grave. Even though horses and men were
settling into their position somewhere behind him, it was quiet.
Too quiet. The Seanchan spies said the enemy was moving. If
they were planning to use Gateways, as I'm sure they will, they would have been
here by now.
*Shut up, wool-head! Do you want to fight?* his little voice said
bitingly.
Rand bit back his answer. Of course he didn't want to fight! But it
was his destiny to confront the Dark One, and inconveniently, the Dark One
wanted that confrontation now. He could do nothing else but to do his duty.
And now Nynaeve, or Seryan as Lews Therin called her, is also a part of that
duty. Light! She shouldn't have to! Now that she's expecting
and all.
As if he had said a code word for Nynaeve to appear, she was there, right beside
him, not saying a word. At her left was Lan on his black warhorse, Mandarb.
He, like Rand, was looking over the plain, and from the little Rand could read
from his face, Lan was also a bit uneasy. Then Rand suddenly noticed their
outfits.
Nynaeve is wearing breeches!? She who is always berating Min on the
use of those? He was surprised, to say the least, and he gave himself
a couple of moments to study the suits closer. They must be Malkieri
battle suits, by the look of them. Wow, I never knew that Nynaeve had such
beautiful legs -wait, what am I saying? She is Nynaeve for Light's sake!
If she knew what you were thinking -which you shouldn't be thinking by the way-
she would kick you to the End of the World! Er... Not "kick" as
in "kick with her foot", but "kick" as in "use the
Power to kick"...Er...I think the best would be to just shut up, Rand.
He shook his head, and tore his gaze from the earlier Wisdom's legs, hoping that
neither Nynaeve nor Lan had noticed him.
"Why are they not here already?" muttered Nynaeve below her breath,
oblivious to Rand's sudden nervousness. She hadn't noticed him, and
neither had Lan -he hoped. Rand decided to just look in front of him, and
try to think of something else than Nynaeve's beautif- stop it right there,
Rand! Light, you have three wonderful and radiant women that love you -and
you love in return- and two children -don't you think you should stop these
horrendous thoughts of yours about the wife of the Aan'Allein?
"Rand?" someone asked at his right. He turned in a daze, not
noticing Lan's darting eyes from the deep-in-thought Nynaeve and him.
Min was watching him from where she stood on the ground; her eyes were filled
with passion, and he saw the golden veins pulsate in a slow and calm rhythm.
He smiled. He loved her so much, just as much as he loved Aviendha and
Elayne.
"Yes?" he replied, his voice a bit stern. He couldn't get rid of
the uneasy feeling caused by the enemy's non-presence. But Min, however,
just waved away the sternness in his voice, and spoke unaffectedly
"Her life guard is here," she gestured to a flock of soldiers and Aes
Sedai that stood some paces away, all mounted. Rand nodded in approval,
and giving Min an encouraging smile, turned back to Nynaeve. He made sure
his eyes didn't fell down to the Yellow's legs again, but instead locked eyes
with her.
"What am I supposed to do with a life guard?" Nynaeve asked through
half-gritted teeth. "Am I not positioned here beside you, Rand?"
He could see her anger was building up, and decided to get this over with before
all hell broke loose. He took a deep breath.
"I gave it some thoughts yesterday, Nynaeve, and have come to the decision
that you will still fight, but from a distance." The Aes Sedai opened
her mouth to say something, but Rand spoke before her. "You will be
safer there, and so will the children. And it will make it harder for the
Father of Lies to fight you, as you are farther away. It will be a battle
where we fight from two holds, Nynaeve, and I have a strong feeling we will
succeed that way."
Nynaeve was quiet for a few moments after he had finished his speech, which she
spent either looking at Lan, the ground, or Rand. In the end, she let go
of a deep breath, and they locked eyes. He could see the determination in
her eyes, and felt that he knew the answer already before she had uttered it.
"Fine, I will go there. Now, before the enemy decides to show up."
With those last words, Nynaeve turned her mount, and began to ride back to the
assembled Aes Sedai and soldiers. Rand saw Lan turn Mandarb, and chose not
to watch the scene that was going to enfold.
*****
"What do you think you're doing?" Nynaeve asked as Lan rode up beside
her.
"Following you," he replied simply, eyes watching her casually.
She stopped, and turned so her mount blocked his way. "No, you're
not." Her eyes was glaring dangerously at him. "You are
leading Rand's life guard, Lan. You cannot go with me."
"I will ask him to spare me, so that I can protect you." He
tried to move past her, but she just moved her horse in the way again.
"Nynaeve, please -"
"No, Lan. You're place is here, mine is wherever Rand has planned
for me to be. There is no discussion." And her eyes and
feelings through the bond certainly confirmed that. Lan realised he was
defeated; they were in public, where Nynaeve was higher ranking than him, and
their wedding vows said she would then decide what was to be done. His
opinion didn't matter.
"As you command, Aes Sedai." His voice was unaffected by his
feelings, but she would know he was hurt. He was her Warder and husband
-in both positions it was his duty to protect her from dangers. And if he
were going to be somewhere else than her, he wouldn't be able to do that.
If she died because of lacking protection, he would kill himself.
Nynaeve watched him with sad eyes. He could almost feel her having bad
conscious about this.
"Lan," she began, and moved so the mounts touched flanks.
"I am sorry. But we all have our duties, and yours is with
Rand." He was about to protest, but she raised a hand to silence him.
"Yes, I know that you duty also lies with me -and the children- but you
can't leave Rand. He needs you. You are his teacher, his guidance,
his idol -I can tell." Nynaeve smiled, and he saw the love flashing
through her eyes, like the golden veins was pulsating in tact with her
heartbeats. "Please stay with him, for me, for children."
Her eyes were pleading, and Lan could not resist them. He found himself
giving in, and returned her smile.
"Then I will stay with him." Nynaeve let out a relieved
breath. "And I will stay alive, my love. For you, and the
children." She smiled again.
"And I promise you, that I will do everything in my power to survive
whatever is going to come." Lan couldn't stand it any longer, and
pulled her body to his in a fierce, yet passionate kiss. Her arms clung to
his back as if her life depended on it, and they stayed that way until they
heard a horn blow again.
It was the third warning.
With a last kiss, Nynaeve looked at him, mouthing, "I love you",
before riding towards her assigned life guard.
She truly looks like a Malkieri in that dress.
And with that, Lan returned to Rand's side, his eyes fixed on the plain in
front. Neither of them said a word; it was a quiet understanding between
them.
Not far after the horn had rung its third warning, did a small area far away
draw the attention to the armies. Dark creatures were running through a
large, horizontal opening in the air. Quickly, several Gateways appeared
all over the plain, and Trollocs, Myrddraals and Darkfriends slowly filled the
open ground.
Tarmon Gai'don -The Last Battle- was about to begin.
******
"Ethena, wake up, you silly girl! We are at war here, or have you
forgotten?!"
She hated that name, just as much as she hated the golden braids hanging down
from her head. But still, she smiled to the person speaking to her -an Aes
Sedai called Aela, of the Green Ajah -with her precious three little Warders
flanking her and nobody else.
"I have not forgotten, Aela Sedai. My mind was just elsewhere."
Concentrated on a certain someone. At this, her anger flared inside
her body.
She gave the Aes Sedai another weak smile. Aela chose not to reply, and
just snorted loudly. That's when they heard the first battle cries.
Finally. Soon, that little damned witch is going to pay dearly for what
she did to me.
Ethena grinned, and stroked the little figurine around her neck.
Dearly, indeed.
*****
Nynaeve tried to ignore the first sounds of battle as the group was riding up
the hill towards their chosen position. She failed miserably, and stopped
her horse abruptly, causing the ones behind her to come with muffled protests.
The armies were advancing at each other; she could see Mat's strategies take
place, and most of them were succeeding, yet some was failing. Her eyes
darted everywhere on the search for Lan, and Rand, of course. It didn't
take her long. All she had to do was to find the centre of the battle, and
there they were, fighting for their lives. But there was no sign of the
Dark One.
"Nynaeve Sedai, we must move on." She tore her gaze from her
husband's moving body, and turned to the person speaking to her.
It was a soldier, one of Mat's men, by the look of him. She nodded slowly,
her mind still on the image of Lan.
"Yes, carry on. The Sightburner can be here any moment!"
Remember, Nynaeve: calm, determination, and duty.
She rode up the hill, her eyes flicking back and forth the slope in front of her
and the battle.
Calm.
Her life guard followed her steps just a few paces behind her, but Nynaeve did
not notice -she was too occupied by her thoughts.
Determination.
She stopped at the top of the hill, and dismounted, making herself less visible
from the plain.
Duty.
Staring at the battlefield below her, she took hold of the Power.
*****
Lan ran through the enemies, dancing his elegant sword dance, slashing,
twisting, cutting, and killing Trollocs and Fades. He was one with the
sword, one with the burning flame inside the void. He was a deadly weapon,
all of him. If his sword did not kill an enemy, his hands, arms or feet
would.
But not even when he was in full concentration, inside the void, could he
forget about Nynaeve. It was totally quiet and calm where she was, and he
could sense she had not yet gone into battling, but she was holding on to the
Power. He also sensed her feelings. Calm and determination, love for
him, and above all that, the sense of duty.
He was consumed by concentration, continuing his dangerous dance, scattering
enemies and breaking the lines so Rand was protected. Lan could sense the
male side of the Source being used around him. Rand was sending fireballs,
fire daggers, hurricanes, all sorts of weavings that could hurt, kill or confuse
the Trollocs and Fades. He was beginning to sweat, but still he kept his
calm.
This battle wills most likely last forever if the Dark One doesn't decides
to show up soon. At least for a very long time, so use your strength
wisely, just as Girean taught you.
As Lan swept forward, advancing on two Trollocs and cutting their heads off
before continuing to his next victims, he heard the loud bang of lightening
hitting ground just a few feet away. Sensing Nynaeve's sudden panic, he
knew that it was one of hers. She was finally beginning to fight, and he
sent encouraging feelings through the bond, telling her he was all right.
At once, she calmed again, and he felt her building up several more attacks.
Not long after, a group of ten-fifteen Trollocs was blasted off to eternity,
their muffled screams reminding him too much of a wounded animal. But then
again, that was what they were. Animals. Dark creatures.
Created only for the purpose of wielding a blade. To kill. And if
they were dark animals, then by right, all followers of the Light had a reason
of slaughter them like animals.
Two soldiers fighting not far from him was hit by a giant fireball, but Lan
didn't notice it before he stepped over their burned bodies. The stench of
burnt flesh reached his nose, but his face remained emotionless.
They are just two out of many who will die today, but they will be honoured
none the less. And just as much as one of higher rank.
And with that, he fought on.
*****
Screams of pain. Animal howls. Nynaeve did not longer care that
she was actually killing someone, no, something. Trollocs and Fades could
not be called someone, as they were not human. Their actions since the
Winter Night back in Emond's Field, to present, were unforgivable, and inhuman.
She weaved a hurricane of fire daggers and sent it towards three-four
Trollocs that was under the lead of a Fade, going to advance at Rand's Life
Guard. They never knew what hit them before they lay dead on the ground,
the Fade's corpse still twisting, and blood covering the dark sand.
If only that blasted Father of Lies could come soon, then we could end this
battle, so Lan and me can settle down at last! She could feel her
anger rising, and it affected her attacks in a more furious way.
She decided to lay low for a while, and motioned her "Life Guard" to
keep quiet. Her eyes studied the battleground. Nynaeve had never
been a master in battle strategies and all things that went with a battle, but
still she could notice the advances and offensives of both armies.
In the far south, Aiel was roaming the plain, fighting and holding their ground,
backed up by Wise Ones. Trollocs were attacking them fiercely and in large
numbers, but still they did not seem to falter, it even looked like they were
building up their strength rather than loosing it. She smiled triumphantly
for her fellow allies. The Trollocs were on the offensive.
Not far from where the Aiel fought, were the soldiers, cavalries, and archers.
They were divided up in troops, arranged by country, and sent different ways
across the plain. Their swords, lances and arrows were sharp, yet they
were falling back, very slowly.
Nynaeve turned her gaze towards the southeast of the plain, to where the Aes
Sedai held their grounds. She could see that they were waiting for their
cue, the cue that would send them into battle. And that cue was when the
Dark One arrived, and that he had not done. But when he did, the Aes Sedai
would scatter into groups, and each group would go and help one troop in the
attacks. The Dark One's presence would give new strength to his minions.
And that is when my help is needed too. Her eyes drifted back to
wherever the bond told her Lan was, searching for his fighting, living body, but
they did, however, not get that far.
Suddenly a scream -a woman's- rang through the air like an arrow of ice through
her heart. It was full of pain, and so helpless! Then more followed,
both men's and women's.
Nynaeve turned quickly to the source of the screams, only to find herself the
aim of a Power-brought attack of fireballs. She gave a yelp, and threw
herself behind a rock, one fireball burning off a part of her tunic. The
smell of burnt garment was awful, and she felt like throwing up. But she
could not allow herself to think that far, and jumped away from her spot.
A lightening bolt hit the place where she had stood just seconds before.
Light! Of all enemies, why a Black Sister? Or is it a Forsaken?
She dared herself to look up quickly from her hiding spot behind another rock
before rolling over to another place. Her speed to dodge the attacks
maimed at her and still manage to breathe afterwards amazed her, but only for a
second. She had seen who was her opponent, and her mind burned with hate.
Moghedien.
She had recognized her, despite the golden braids and the strange accent.
Yes, she had heard that woman Aela's reprimands to the younger girl Ethena, and
what the Forsaken had answered.
Okay, Lan's fine, Nynaeve. Just a couple of bruises and small cuts, but
otherwise he is just fine... SO GET YOUR BOTTOM OUT OF HERE AND FIGHT!
At that, several fire daggers came rushing towards her from above, and Nynaeve
dodged them narrowly as she jumped right out on the open ground. Her eyes
were fixed at the Forsaken almost immediately, and she had already begun weaving
a counter-attack before her mind could register it.
A lightening bolt would suit her right, as she favours the shadows before
the light...
She gave herself a winning smile. This would be easy. The Forsaken
had not yet realised she was no longer in cover, and she had the opportunity to
take Moghedien by surprise.
But faith didn't want that.
Just as the lightening bolt was well under way, Moghedien wove a Gateway, and
disappeared through it, yet left it open.
So she wants to play cat and mouse, and let me be the cat. Well,
don't let us deny her wishes then!
With that, Nynaeve rushed forward, checking the bond to ensure that Lan was
still alive and searching the battleground for any signs of the Dark One. Seeing
none, she walked to the Gateway, at first feeling fear of going through, but
then her little voice urged her on, and without a second glance back to the
plain below -which would have let her seen a group of Fades moving towards a man
clad in green and purple- Nynaeve stepped through the opening.
At once, the Gateway snapped shut behind her, almost cutting off her foot, and
at the same time, something suddenly disappeared inside her head. Already
before she knew what had happened, she heard her own voice call out in a
high-pitched scream:
"Noooo!"
The bundle of emotions at the back of her head that belonged to her beloved
husband and Warder was gone.
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Author's Note: Ah, another chapter finished... Can't tell you guys how great it is to finally have broken that writer's block! ^_^ Well, again, I'm really, REALLY, sorry that it took so long for me to write this, but now that you have finally read through it, please REVIEW! I need them for my muse (yes, I actually have one -who would have thought of that?) *grin*
The next part of chapter 8 will come as soon as I'm finished, and my beta has done her work at it.
Oh, and one last word: REVIEW!!! :)