Chapter 11: Fire and Fades.
Mat and Ruby soon took off down the street. Every now and then someone would see them and whisper something to a neighbors ear. They continued on their way, hopelessly lost, until they ran into Thom.
The gleeman had claimed that he was only stretching his legs, but it was obvious he was doing something Lan had specifically told them not to do. (Attract attention). Both had been telling him about each other's dreams. When Mat mentioned the name Ba'alzamon Thom rushed them into an alley. Ruby shivered as she remembered that that was the name the fire-eyed man gave her.
"Don't ever say that name where strangers can here, not even where a stranger might here." He spoke in a whisper; Ruby and Mat could barely hear him though they were straining their ears. "It is a dangerous name, even where the cotl are not wandering the streets."
Mat snorted and gave a smirk in Ruby's direction. "I could tell you about the cotl."
Thom ignored him, (as most did) "If only one of you had this dream...Tell me everything. Every detail."
So the two went into a spill on the names mentioned and Thom commented on how dangerous the names were. Mat wondered why EVERYTHING seemed dangerous these days.
"What about the Eye of the World, Thom? He said it would never serve us."
Thom seemed a bit less jumpy, now off the topic of evil dark lords. "The Eye of the World, a legend. At least it is supposed to be. Up in the border lands young men go hunting for it as much as young men hunt for the horn of Valere in Illian. Maybe a legend."
"What do we do Thom? Do we tell her, I don't want any more dreams like that. Maybe she could do something." Asked Mat dejectedly.
"Maybe we wouldn't like what she did." Replied Ruby coolly.
Thom was stroking his mustache, considering. "I say hold your peace. That way you can change your mind, if you have to, but once it's done, it's done. And your tied up worse than ever with...with her." Realization lit in his eyes as he straightened, "The other lad, you say he had the same dream? Does he have the sense to keep his mouth shut?"
"I think so, we were going back to the inn to warn him."
"Light send were not to late!" Thom abruptly turned and cleaved through the throng of people. Ruby instantly grabbed Mat's hand and started off following the older man. Both had to run to keep up with him.
"Mat," Ruby called breathlessly, "I didn't think someone his age could move that fast, for so long."
"Blood and ashes! We were near on the other side of Baerlon and now have to run all the way back? It seems everyone is going crazy."
"Maybe so, but look at it this way, we don't have people pointing at us and the whitecloaks can't jump out at us."
In no time at all, the trio was back at the front doors of the Stag and Lion. As they were about to enter Perrin came barreling out. He was trying to get on his cloak when he ran into Ruby knocking her to the floor.
"Bloody-! Perrin, what's got you in such a hurry?" Perrin lent a hand to help his friend up while blushing and muttering a sorry. Ruby was rubbing her sore butt that had the meeting with the ground.
"I came out to find you."
Mat made a waving motion with his hand. "Did you tell anyone about the dream? Say that you didn't."
"O-Kay, I didn't, I haven't even gotten out of bed until an hour ago. I've given myself a headache trying not to think about it much less talk about it." He paused and nodded his head in Thom's direction. "Why did you tell him?"
"We had to talk to somebody or go crazy!"
"I will explain it all later." Said Thom as he looked at the people passing in and out of the Stag and Lion.
Perrin thought for a moment before he began speaking again. "All right, you almost made forget why I was looking for you, not that I wish I could. Nynaeve is inside"
"Blood and Ashes! How could she? Moiraine... the Ferry..." Mat started off muttering to himself.
Perrin snorted. "You think a little thing like a sunken ferry could stop her?"
"I got across alright, makes sense she could too. But why is she here?"
"She came after us. She's with Mistress Alys right now, and it's cold enough to snow." Perrin said.
"Couldn't we just go somewhere else for a while?" Mat asked. "My da says, only a fool puts his hand in hornets nest until he absolutely has to."
"I agree with Mat. I think I'll stay out of there until it warms up a little. I'll be in the stables if you need me." So saying Ruby turned her heel in the direction of the horse smells. Mat quickly followed saying the wisdom and an Aes Sedai was the worst kind of nest there was. After a moment Perrin shuffled after them casting a look back to the inn. Thom walked in glad he had no business with the wisdom.
Ruby climbed up into the loft with Mat and Perrin. The hay was fresh and smelled nice. She studied the dust motes and lay on her back.
"You know, Nynaeve demanded to see you two in good health."
"Don't worry Perrin, I doubt anyone will look for us up here and beside, we can pretend you had to look for us. She really expected you to go out in a city you just arrived in a find us?"
Mat started piling hay to pass time. He began recounting the incident with the cotl. "It was hilarious Perrin, you should have been there."
"Mat you do know if they saw you we could have died, I may know how to use this," she patted her sword, "But I still am not sure I can, what if I make a mistake?"
"Good point. But it wasn't me who got in an argument with them."
Perrin's eyes grew wider at those words. "Ruby? You got into trouble with them? Lan said to not advertise ourselves to them specifically."
Ruby waved her arms in defense. "It's not like I went up and punched them or anything! They got their cloaks dirty and tried to take it out on little old me."
"Little? Ha! You're taller than most you know, if you want to be little try crouching down."
"What were you thinking anyway, doing that?"
"Not sure. I felt...funny. I think I may have had a fever, but it's gone now."
"Could it be an after affect of that, thing you do." "Perhaps, but I don't think so."
Perrin got out his ax and started cutting the straw into smaller and smaller pieces. Mat leaned back and tried to fall asleep. Ruby pulled an apple out of her pocket and threw it at Bella's stall. The horse jumped as the apple hit the ground. Bella then looked up at the hayloft and if it was possible, quirked an eyebrow.
At the sound of footsteps Ruby turned her attention to the stable doors where Min appeared. The other girl looked around, and by chance glanced up to see the red head. She made her way over and up the ladder, where she saw the other two of her query.
"You three, Mistress Moiraine is looking for you. When Perrin didn't return she assumed you all were lost and sent me out to find you. Lucky I thought to look here first, saved me bit of walking."
"Hello Min, I assume you already know Perrin and Mat?"
"Actually, no, we haven't been formerly introduced. Names Min."
"Perrin."
"Mat."
"Nice to meet you, as I was saying you're wanted. And I would go right quick if I were you."
"Thanks Min, I suppose we should get down soon." Said Perrin. He cringed at the thought of facing both Moiraine and the Wisdom.
They jumped down, carefully so as not to break anything. Min told them about what she saw in them, Perrin's wolf, Mat's Dagger, Ruby with a crystal sword. She said something about how they were all a part of something, even Nynaeve. All three were surprised that it was almost dusk.
Ruby asked if she could stay with Mat and Perrin in their room. They agreed having sympathy, after all sleeping in the same room with them she wasn't likely to get any sleep.
They entered the common room to find people dancing to Thom's flute. Ruby's eyes glowed as she took off her sword and jumped into the line for dancing. Perrin who left Mat to guard their things closely tailed her. "Hey! Remember I want a turn to!" He called.
Ruby felt like she was flying and kicked up her skirts. She hadn't danced so much before, or so fast. Perrin didn't often dance at the gatherings, but tonight he was. When she finally got to dance with him, since she was near same size, they did more complicated steps and even got a few applause when the song ended.
The two collapsed on the bench and Mat hopped up to join in for the next number. It was then she saw a man staring at her. He had the ugliest scar on his face, and he was just staring. It made her want to grab her blade and run him trough.
She jabbed Perrin in the side and made a sweeping motion with her arms. She placed a slightly more effort into her left hand. Perrin noticed this and glanced in that direction, he also saw the man.
"Perrin, that guy won't stop looking at me." Ruby whispered.
"I know him, I thought he saw staring at me during the dances."
"You think he's a darkfriend?"
"Maybe, should we tell Lan?"
"Don't think so, he might go all paranoid again."
They danced a while more and had a diner of stew and bread. Moiraine and Egwene went to bed early, Nynaeve made a point to stay behind and talked with the rest of the Emonds Fielders.
"Good Evening Wisdom." The three friends chorused.
"It's good to see you in such shape. I was afraid she would have you half starved or dead."
Mat spoke first. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you here?"
Nynaeve sniffed and sent a glare. "I came to take you back home."
"I would comeback in a heartbeat if these two weren't staying." Ruby grasped the boys' hands as the full look came on her.
"Really? All she said was that the dark one was after you. At least that's the jest of it. Half the time she told puzzles that could mean a dozen other things. The rest of the time she asked me questions."
"What did she ask?"
"Just wanted to know about you two," here she sipped some from her cup and motioned to Perrin and Mat. "Apparently, what I could find was she wanted to know if either of you were born outside Two Rivers."
Ruby's heart nearly skipped a beat. Then she remembered that the questions were directed toward her friends. She said, "What did you say Wisdom? And why did you come and not someone else?"
"I told her ALL of you were born in Two Rivers. I came because that Village council would have taken days to decide who to send. I took the problem to the Women's circle and they decided I should come."
"What did my father say?" Asked Mat.
"He wanted to mainly see you didn't try any of your tricks on outside folk and get your head thumped." She then turned and walked up the staircase to go to bed.
"Well, that explains some."
"Some?" Ruby snorted. "It doesn't explain why they didn't think I could get and take care of you." Mat laughed and fell out of his chair. Perrin had an amused look in his eyes. Ruby stood up smoothed her skirt, a instinctive female trait that in code meant, I am very angry with you and don't be surprised if you wake up to something unpleasant.
Mat got up, all-serious for once. "Did you see the man with the scar? He was staring at me."
The other two nodded just as Lan walked up. "I saw the man, according to Master Fitch he's a spy for the Whitecloaks. He's no worry to us." The three exchanged a look. Ruby's was more of surprise while Mat's and Perrins more horror. A Whitecloak spy. Could Bornhald want to get back at us that much?
"Were leaving early? Really early?"
"At first light." The Warden replied.
They all started for their rooms. Ruby felt awkward, how to explain she was going to move her things and sleep in the same room with two boys? She knew Egwene and Nynaeve would harp on her about it. Yes! Just wait till they fall asleep then go in.
"I'm going to get some milk."
Lan looked at her sharply. "There's something wrong tonight. Don't wander far. And remember, we leave weather your awake or not."
The rest went down the hall with Ruby staring after them. She stood alone. After a moment she went to the kitchen where a scullery maid poured her a mug of milk.
As she came out drinking, a dull black shape started toward her from the hall. The figure had pale hands that drew back the hood...to reveal a pasty, eyeless mans face. Ruby choked, and dropped the mug with a clatter.
"You are one of them girl." Its voice was soft, but had the effect of fingernails to a chalkboard.
Ruby backed up. She wanted to run, to scream. She couldn't move from the face, it was all she could do to back away. The fade glided closer, taking its time.
"Where are the others? I know they are here. Speak girl, and I will let you live."
Ruby's back hit wood and she stopped. He heart felt like it would stop from fear. Then she felt a new emotion, anger. She hated the fact this, thing, could make her afraid. She hated that it made her shake in her boots, literally. Ruby threw herself into that hate, at least she could think if she was mad, the fear wouldn't let her even do that.
The Myrddraal suddenly stopped. It had no eyes, but it could see, or sense what was happening. Before it a deep red outline appeared around the girl, she was shaking still, but not from fear. Something clicked in its head, knowledge of something older than the age of legends. It recognized the threat, and remembered the saying. 'Old shall come again, and new shall be.'
Ruby saw it draw its dark blade. Above a clatter of boots was heard and both heads whipped up. The fade turned back and sheathed the light- absorbing sword.
"You belong to the great lord of the dark." With that it seemingly disappeared into the shadow. With a quick flare Ruby's aura winked out and she leaned against the wall for support. Lan leaped down the stairs with sword in hand.
Ruby struggled to clear her thoughts. "Fade... It was..." then she remembered her sword. During the whole confrontation it was weighing at her side, but she wanted to beat it to death with her fists. Light, I AM crazy. "It went that way." She pointed down the hall.
The Warder nodded. "Yes, its fading: going. No time to pursue it now. Were leaving sheepherder." The others, Mat, Perrin, and Thom stumbled down the stairs saddlebags in hand. Mat had two bows under his arm, and tossed one down to Ruby.
Thom insisted that he road with them. He received no objections as they walked out to the stable. There they met the other girls. Master Fitch kept tiring to convince Moiraine to stay. Nynaeve handed Ruby her pack and nodded to her. Ruby gave a thanks, suspecting something deeper in the act.
The Wisdom of Emonds Field looked up at her. "Was there something down here? She said it was—"she stopped.
"A fade? Yes. It was in the hall with me, and then Lan came."
"Perhaps there is something after them. But I won't leave you with her sort."
"My thought exactly."
They set out for the gates at a brisk walk. The only sounds heard were the horse's own hooves or a dog barking. The way their went on without a hitch, as the streets were near deserted. When they arrived at the gates Lan paid the man gold to open them. Paid for the gates were to stay closed until sunup. Then the cotl rode up.
"What's this? Are these gates not ordered closed until sun rise?" Each member of the Whitecloaks had a hand on their sword. The watchmen stopped opening the gates halfway and seemed torn between finishing and stopping.
"This is none of your affair. The cotl hold no sway here. The Governor—"
"The cotl hold sway wherever men walk in the light. Only where shadow of the D.O. (Dark One, I am really lazy...) reigns are the Children denied, yes?" The speaker looked from the watchman to Lan. The Warder had not moved, he seemed at ease. When the Whitecloak spoke again it was suspiciously.
"What kind of people want to leave town walls in the night during times like these? With wolves stalking the darkness, and the D.O.'s handiwork seen flying over town?" He noticed the braided leather band that held Lan's hair back. "A northern, yes?"
Ruby thought, from what Mat and Perrin told her it sounded like the Whitecloak was describing a Draghkar. She thought she recognized the voice.
"Travelers," Lan replied. "Of no interest to you or yours."
"Every one is of interest to the cotl."
"Are you really after more trouble with the governor? He has limited your numbers in the town, even had you followed. What will you do when he discovers you're harassing honest citizens at his gates?" He turned to the watchmen. "Why have you stopped?"
The watchmen started, but stopped once again as the whitecloak spoke. "The Governor does not know what happens under his nose. There is evil he does not see, or smell. But the cotl see. The cotl smell evil." He sent his gaze over the people on horseback. "We smell it and root it out, wherever it is found."
Ruby tried to make herself smaller. She wanted to get moving. Perhaps if she got smaller they would not see her. The Whitecloak saw the movement and turned his attention to her.
"What have we here? Someone who does not wish to be seen? What do you(Ah!" The child of the Light threw back his hood to reveal Bornheld. Ruby swore to herself. Things just never got any better when you traveled with an Aes Sedai. "Clearly watchman, I have saved you from a great disaster. These are darkfriends you were about to help escape from the Light. You should be reported to your Governor for discipline, or perhaps given to the Questioners to discover your true intent this night." He paused to see the effect of the statement on the watchmen. "You would not wish that, no? Instead I will take these ruffians to our camp, that they may be questioned in the Light(instead of you, yes?"
When they first road up Moiraine had withdrawn to the shadows, now she walked out. "You will take me to your camp Whitecloak?" Her voice seemed to boom from all directions. The shadows swirled and clung to her like a second skin. "You will question me? You will bar my way?"
Ruby gasped, the other women had gotten taller, she was sure of it.
"Aes Sedai!" Bornheld shouted as he lunged forward, sword barred. "DIE!"
Ruby was surprised, but found her own hand on her hilt. She could care less if Moiraine was killed, but she herself would rather like to see the sunrise once more. Said Aes Sedai raised a carved staff to intercept the blow. A spray of sparks showered down. The end result was Bornheld sword bent at an angle on the ground.
"You dare attack me!" Moiraine now appeared as high as the tower wall. The shadow swarmed around her. In a private corner of Perrins brain, one that dismissed the unimportant thoughts, one thought passed through. Looking like that, with all the shadow, no wonder Aes Sedai are thought of as Darkfriends. This thought however was stopped and dismissed with Lan's call of "Go!"
Not needing telling twice, the Emonds fielders turned and steered their horses out the gate. They went fifty paces before Lan stopped them. He turned and they saw Moiraine stepping over the wall. When her feet touched ground she was her same small self again. The women hurried to her horse, Aldieb.
"You were taller than a giant," Egwene said breathlessly in awe. No one else spoke, though Mat and Perrin edged away from her.
They started down the road. Egwene kept trying to puzzle out Moiraine's answers to how she got to big. Nynaeve stayed close to Mat, Perrin, and Ruby. Thom was thinking his own private thoughts. Then Mat pointed out a light behind them.
"I warned him," Moiraine said, "but he would not take me seriously."
"The inn?" asked Perrin, "That's the stag and Lion? How can you be sure?"
"How far do you want to stretch coincidence?" Questioned Thom. "It could be the Governors house, but it isn't, and it isn't somebody's cook stove."
"Perhaps the light shines on us a little this night." Lan said sagely.
The two women from Emonds Field looked about ready to blow up in Lan's face at the comment, but just turned in a huff. Nynaeve was tugging her braid and Ruby was afraid it would fall out.
They moved down the road, riding hard until there were only a few hours to daybreak. Lan stopped them at what seemed like a random spot to rest. "One hour." He said as they made a hasty camp.
Mat asked in a whisper, "I wonder what Dav did with that badger." He hesitated then said, "I thought we were safe, Ruby. Not a sign of anything since the Taren, and there we were in a city with walls around us. I thought we were safe. And then that dream. And a Fade. Are we ever going to be safe again?"
Ruby tried to give her friend a reassuring smile. "Probably not. But we can only try to live right? To take it one day at a time, and rebuild what's been torn down. My father said that to me when Kari died. We can still stay together, and try."
They all glanced at where the Aes Sedai was sleeping. Perrin looked about to nod off. "She should of done something, but that won't answer anything. I think we better get some sleep."
A silent agreement was reached as they all rolled over to sleep. After a moment of moving around, Ruby got fed up and ripped out some roots that were sticking in her back. She then happily fell asleep.
End...
A/N
Well, as you may have already guessed. I plan to have Ruby go 'mad' a lot sooner than Rand.
I always thought that the Taint affected people in different ways. That's what is going to happen here. I made some plans and currently rereading some other chapters I've got written.
Omg- thanks. It makes me go on sugar highs when I read reviews like that.
Ranma41- Your still reading this? WoW. Thanks for sticking with me!
Magical-flying-dragon, Delphine Pryde, and all anonymous reviewers, I am very glad you all like the story so much. *bounces around room with history paper* Promise in three weeks more updates and they will come faster.
I really REALLY REALLY HATE the school system! They put the freaking history SYMESTER EXAM BEFORE WE EVEN FINNISH THE LAST TWO UNITS!!! Anyway, our wonderful teacher has informed my class of this and graciously given us things to cram with. After all, it doesn't matter if we understand it, as long as we know the facts. I may not be posting for a while, this is the reason. - BYE
Mat and Ruby soon took off down the street. Every now and then someone would see them and whisper something to a neighbors ear. They continued on their way, hopelessly lost, until they ran into Thom.
The gleeman had claimed that he was only stretching his legs, but it was obvious he was doing something Lan had specifically told them not to do. (Attract attention). Both had been telling him about each other's dreams. When Mat mentioned the name Ba'alzamon Thom rushed them into an alley. Ruby shivered as she remembered that that was the name the fire-eyed man gave her.
"Don't ever say that name where strangers can here, not even where a stranger might here." He spoke in a whisper; Ruby and Mat could barely hear him though they were straining their ears. "It is a dangerous name, even where the cotl are not wandering the streets."
Mat snorted and gave a smirk in Ruby's direction. "I could tell you about the cotl."
Thom ignored him, (as most did) "If only one of you had this dream...Tell me everything. Every detail."
So the two went into a spill on the names mentioned and Thom commented on how dangerous the names were. Mat wondered why EVERYTHING seemed dangerous these days.
"What about the Eye of the World, Thom? He said it would never serve us."
Thom seemed a bit less jumpy, now off the topic of evil dark lords. "The Eye of the World, a legend. At least it is supposed to be. Up in the border lands young men go hunting for it as much as young men hunt for the horn of Valere in Illian. Maybe a legend."
"What do we do Thom? Do we tell her, I don't want any more dreams like that. Maybe she could do something." Asked Mat dejectedly.
"Maybe we wouldn't like what she did." Replied Ruby coolly.
Thom was stroking his mustache, considering. "I say hold your peace. That way you can change your mind, if you have to, but once it's done, it's done. And your tied up worse than ever with...with her." Realization lit in his eyes as he straightened, "The other lad, you say he had the same dream? Does he have the sense to keep his mouth shut?"
"I think so, we were going back to the inn to warn him."
"Light send were not to late!" Thom abruptly turned and cleaved through the throng of people. Ruby instantly grabbed Mat's hand and started off following the older man. Both had to run to keep up with him.
"Mat," Ruby called breathlessly, "I didn't think someone his age could move that fast, for so long."
"Blood and ashes! We were near on the other side of Baerlon and now have to run all the way back? It seems everyone is going crazy."
"Maybe so, but look at it this way, we don't have people pointing at us and the whitecloaks can't jump out at us."
In no time at all, the trio was back at the front doors of the Stag and Lion. As they were about to enter Perrin came barreling out. He was trying to get on his cloak when he ran into Ruby knocking her to the floor.
"Bloody-! Perrin, what's got you in such a hurry?" Perrin lent a hand to help his friend up while blushing and muttering a sorry. Ruby was rubbing her sore butt that had the meeting with the ground.
"I came out to find you."
Mat made a waving motion with his hand. "Did you tell anyone about the dream? Say that you didn't."
"O-Kay, I didn't, I haven't even gotten out of bed until an hour ago. I've given myself a headache trying not to think about it much less talk about it." He paused and nodded his head in Thom's direction. "Why did you tell him?"
"We had to talk to somebody or go crazy!"
"I will explain it all later." Said Thom as he looked at the people passing in and out of the Stag and Lion.
Perrin thought for a moment before he began speaking again. "All right, you almost made forget why I was looking for you, not that I wish I could. Nynaeve is inside"
"Blood and Ashes! How could she? Moiraine... the Ferry..." Mat started off muttering to himself.
Perrin snorted. "You think a little thing like a sunken ferry could stop her?"
"I got across alright, makes sense she could too. But why is she here?"
"She came after us. She's with Mistress Alys right now, and it's cold enough to snow." Perrin said.
"Couldn't we just go somewhere else for a while?" Mat asked. "My da says, only a fool puts his hand in hornets nest until he absolutely has to."
"I agree with Mat. I think I'll stay out of there until it warms up a little. I'll be in the stables if you need me." So saying Ruby turned her heel in the direction of the horse smells. Mat quickly followed saying the wisdom and an Aes Sedai was the worst kind of nest there was. After a moment Perrin shuffled after them casting a look back to the inn. Thom walked in glad he had no business with the wisdom.
Ruby climbed up into the loft with Mat and Perrin. The hay was fresh and smelled nice. She studied the dust motes and lay on her back.
"You know, Nynaeve demanded to see you two in good health."
"Don't worry Perrin, I doubt anyone will look for us up here and beside, we can pretend you had to look for us. She really expected you to go out in a city you just arrived in a find us?"
Mat started piling hay to pass time. He began recounting the incident with the cotl. "It was hilarious Perrin, you should have been there."
"Mat you do know if they saw you we could have died, I may know how to use this," she patted her sword, "But I still am not sure I can, what if I make a mistake?"
"Good point. But it wasn't me who got in an argument with them."
Perrin's eyes grew wider at those words. "Ruby? You got into trouble with them? Lan said to not advertise ourselves to them specifically."
Ruby waved her arms in defense. "It's not like I went up and punched them or anything! They got their cloaks dirty and tried to take it out on little old me."
"Little? Ha! You're taller than most you know, if you want to be little try crouching down."
"What were you thinking anyway, doing that?"
"Not sure. I felt...funny. I think I may have had a fever, but it's gone now."
"Could it be an after affect of that, thing you do." "Perhaps, but I don't think so."
Perrin got out his ax and started cutting the straw into smaller and smaller pieces. Mat leaned back and tried to fall asleep. Ruby pulled an apple out of her pocket and threw it at Bella's stall. The horse jumped as the apple hit the ground. Bella then looked up at the hayloft and if it was possible, quirked an eyebrow.
At the sound of footsteps Ruby turned her attention to the stable doors where Min appeared. The other girl looked around, and by chance glanced up to see the red head. She made her way over and up the ladder, where she saw the other two of her query.
"You three, Mistress Moiraine is looking for you. When Perrin didn't return she assumed you all were lost and sent me out to find you. Lucky I thought to look here first, saved me bit of walking."
"Hello Min, I assume you already know Perrin and Mat?"
"Actually, no, we haven't been formerly introduced. Names Min."
"Perrin."
"Mat."
"Nice to meet you, as I was saying you're wanted. And I would go right quick if I were you."
"Thanks Min, I suppose we should get down soon." Said Perrin. He cringed at the thought of facing both Moiraine and the Wisdom.
They jumped down, carefully so as not to break anything. Min told them about what she saw in them, Perrin's wolf, Mat's Dagger, Ruby with a crystal sword. She said something about how they were all a part of something, even Nynaeve. All three were surprised that it was almost dusk.
Ruby asked if she could stay with Mat and Perrin in their room. They agreed having sympathy, after all sleeping in the same room with them she wasn't likely to get any sleep.
They entered the common room to find people dancing to Thom's flute. Ruby's eyes glowed as she took off her sword and jumped into the line for dancing. Perrin who left Mat to guard their things closely tailed her. "Hey! Remember I want a turn to!" He called.
Ruby felt like she was flying and kicked up her skirts. She hadn't danced so much before, or so fast. Perrin didn't often dance at the gatherings, but tonight he was. When she finally got to dance with him, since she was near same size, they did more complicated steps and even got a few applause when the song ended.
The two collapsed on the bench and Mat hopped up to join in for the next number. It was then she saw a man staring at her. He had the ugliest scar on his face, and he was just staring. It made her want to grab her blade and run him trough.
She jabbed Perrin in the side and made a sweeping motion with her arms. She placed a slightly more effort into her left hand. Perrin noticed this and glanced in that direction, he also saw the man.
"Perrin, that guy won't stop looking at me." Ruby whispered.
"I know him, I thought he saw staring at me during the dances."
"You think he's a darkfriend?"
"Maybe, should we tell Lan?"
"Don't think so, he might go all paranoid again."
They danced a while more and had a diner of stew and bread. Moiraine and Egwene went to bed early, Nynaeve made a point to stay behind and talked with the rest of the Emonds Fielders.
"Good Evening Wisdom." The three friends chorused.
"It's good to see you in such shape. I was afraid she would have you half starved or dead."
Mat spoke first. "If you don't mind my asking, why are you here?"
Nynaeve sniffed and sent a glare. "I came to take you back home."
"I would comeback in a heartbeat if these two weren't staying." Ruby grasped the boys' hands as the full look came on her.
"Really? All she said was that the dark one was after you. At least that's the jest of it. Half the time she told puzzles that could mean a dozen other things. The rest of the time she asked me questions."
"What did she ask?"
"Just wanted to know about you two," here she sipped some from her cup and motioned to Perrin and Mat. "Apparently, what I could find was she wanted to know if either of you were born outside Two Rivers."
Ruby's heart nearly skipped a beat. Then she remembered that the questions were directed toward her friends. She said, "What did you say Wisdom? And why did you come and not someone else?"
"I told her ALL of you were born in Two Rivers. I came because that Village council would have taken days to decide who to send. I took the problem to the Women's circle and they decided I should come."
"What did my father say?" Asked Mat.
"He wanted to mainly see you didn't try any of your tricks on outside folk and get your head thumped." She then turned and walked up the staircase to go to bed.
"Well, that explains some."
"Some?" Ruby snorted. "It doesn't explain why they didn't think I could get and take care of you." Mat laughed and fell out of his chair. Perrin had an amused look in his eyes. Ruby stood up smoothed her skirt, a instinctive female trait that in code meant, I am very angry with you and don't be surprised if you wake up to something unpleasant.
Mat got up, all-serious for once. "Did you see the man with the scar? He was staring at me."
The other two nodded just as Lan walked up. "I saw the man, according to Master Fitch he's a spy for the Whitecloaks. He's no worry to us." The three exchanged a look. Ruby's was more of surprise while Mat's and Perrins more horror. A Whitecloak spy. Could Bornhald want to get back at us that much?
"Were leaving early? Really early?"
"At first light." The Warden replied.
They all started for their rooms. Ruby felt awkward, how to explain she was going to move her things and sleep in the same room with two boys? She knew Egwene and Nynaeve would harp on her about it. Yes! Just wait till they fall asleep then go in.
"I'm going to get some milk."
Lan looked at her sharply. "There's something wrong tonight. Don't wander far. And remember, we leave weather your awake or not."
The rest went down the hall with Ruby staring after them. She stood alone. After a moment she went to the kitchen where a scullery maid poured her a mug of milk.
As she came out drinking, a dull black shape started toward her from the hall. The figure had pale hands that drew back the hood...to reveal a pasty, eyeless mans face. Ruby choked, and dropped the mug with a clatter.
"You are one of them girl." Its voice was soft, but had the effect of fingernails to a chalkboard.
Ruby backed up. She wanted to run, to scream. She couldn't move from the face, it was all she could do to back away. The fade glided closer, taking its time.
"Where are the others? I know they are here. Speak girl, and I will let you live."
Ruby's back hit wood and she stopped. He heart felt like it would stop from fear. Then she felt a new emotion, anger. She hated the fact this, thing, could make her afraid. She hated that it made her shake in her boots, literally. Ruby threw herself into that hate, at least she could think if she was mad, the fear wouldn't let her even do that.
The Myrddraal suddenly stopped. It had no eyes, but it could see, or sense what was happening. Before it a deep red outline appeared around the girl, she was shaking still, but not from fear. Something clicked in its head, knowledge of something older than the age of legends. It recognized the threat, and remembered the saying. 'Old shall come again, and new shall be.'
Ruby saw it draw its dark blade. Above a clatter of boots was heard and both heads whipped up. The fade turned back and sheathed the light- absorbing sword.
"You belong to the great lord of the dark." With that it seemingly disappeared into the shadow. With a quick flare Ruby's aura winked out and she leaned against the wall for support. Lan leaped down the stairs with sword in hand.
Ruby struggled to clear her thoughts. "Fade... It was..." then she remembered her sword. During the whole confrontation it was weighing at her side, but she wanted to beat it to death with her fists. Light, I AM crazy. "It went that way." She pointed down the hall.
The Warder nodded. "Yes, its fading: going. No time to pursue it now. Were leaving sheepherder." The others, Mat, Perrin, and Thom stumbled down the stairs saddlebags in hand. Mat had two bows under his arm, and tossed one down to Ruby.
Thom insisted that he road with them. He received no objections as they walked out to the stable. There they met the other girls. Master Fitch kept tiring to convince Moiraine to stay. Nynaeve handed Ruby her pack and nodded to her. Ruby gave a thanks, suspecting something deeper in the act.
The Wisdom of Emonds Field looked up at her. "Was there something down here? She said it was—"she stopped.
"A fade? Yes. It was in the hall with me, and then Lan came."
"Perhaps there is something after them. But I won't leave you with her sort."
"My thought exactly."
They set out for the gates at a brisk walk. The only sounds heard were the horse's own hooves or a dog barking. The way their went on without a hitch, as the streets were near deserted. When they arrived at the gates Lan paid the man gold to open them. Paid for the gates were to stay closed until sunup. Then the cotl rode up.
"What's this? Are these gates not ordered closed until sun rise?" Each member of the Whitecloaks had a hand on their sword. The watchmen stopped opening the gates halfway and seemed torn between finishing and stopping.
"This is none of your affair. The cotl hold no sway here. The Governor—"
"The cotl hold sway wherever men walk in the light. Only where shadow of the D.O. (Dark One, I am really lazy...) reigns are the Children denied, yes?" The speaker looked from the watchman to Lan. The Warder had not moved, he seemed at ease. When the Whitecloak spoke again it was suspiciously.
"What kind of people want to leave town walls in the night during times like these? With wolves stalking the darkness, and the D.O.'s handiwork seen flying over town?" He noticed the braided leather band that held Lan's hair back. "A northern, yes?"
Ruby thought, from what Mat and Perrin told her it sounded like the Whitecloak was describing a Draghkar. She thought she recognized the voice.
"Travelers," Lan replied. "Of no interest to you or yours."
"Every one is of interest to the cotl."
"Are you really after more trouble with the governor? He has limited your numbers in the town, even had you followed. What will you do when he discovers you're harassing honest citizens at his gates?" He turned to the watchmen. "Why have you stopped?"
The watchmen started, but stopped once again as the whitecloak spoke. "The Governor does not know what happens under his nose. There is evil he does not see, or smell. But the cotl see. The cotl smell evil." He sent his gaze over the people on horseback. "We smell it and root it out, wherever it is found."
Ruby tried to make herself smaller. She wanted to get moving. Perhaps if she got smaller they would not see her. The Whitecloak saw the movement and turned his attention to her.
"What have we here? Someone who does not wish to be seen? What do you(Ah!" The child of the Light threw back his hood to reveal Bornheld. Ruby swore to herself. Things just never got any better when you traveled with an Aes Sedai. "Clearly watchman, I have saved you from a great disaster. These are darkfriends you were about to help escape from the Light. You should be reported to your Governor for discipline, or perhaps given to the Questioners to discover your true intent this night." He paused to see the effect of the statement on the watchmen. "You would not wish that, no? Instead I will take these ruffians to our camp, that they may be questioned in the Light(instead of you, yes?"
When they first road up Moiraine had withdrawn to the shadows, now she walked out. "You will take me to your camp Whitecloak?" Her voice seemed to boom from all directions. The shadows swirled and clung to her like a second skin. "You will question me? You will bar my way?"
Ruby gasped, the other women had gotten taller, she was sure of it.
"Aes Sedai!" Bornheld shouted as he lunged forward, sword barred. "DIE!"
Ruby was surprised, but found her own hand on her hilt. She could care less if Moiraine was killed, but she herself would rather like to see the sunrise once more. Said Aes Sedai raised a carved staff to intercept the blow. A spray of sparks showered down. The end result was Bornheld sword bent at an angle on the ground.
"You dare attack me!" Moiraine now appeared as high as the tower wall. The shadow swarmed around her. In a private corner of Perrins brain, one that dismissed the unimportant thoughts, one thought passed through. Looking like that, with all the shadow, no wonder Aes Sedai are thought of as Darkfriends. This thought however was stopped and dismissed with Lan's call of "Go!"
Not needing telling twice, the Emonds fielders turned and steered their horses out the gate. They went fifty paces before Lan stopped them. He turned and they saw Moiraine stepping over the wall. When her feet touched ground she was her same small self again. The women hurried to her horse, Aldieb.
"You were taller than a giant," Egwene said breathlessly in awe. No one else spoke, though Mat and Perrin edged away from her.
They started down the road. Egwene kept trying to puzzle out Moiraine's answers to how she got to big. Nynaeve stayed close to Mat, Perrin, and Ruby. Thom was thinking his own private thoughts. Then Mat pointed out a light behind them.
"I warned him," Moiraine said, "but he would not take me seriously."
"The inn?" asked Perrin, "That's the stag and Lion? How can you be sure?"
"How far do you want to stretch coincidence?" Questioned Thom. "It could be the Governors house, but it isn't, and it isn't somebody's cook stove."
"Perhaps the light shines on us a little this night." Lan said sagely.
The two women from Emonds Field looked about ready to blow up in Lan's face at the comment, but just turned in a huff. Nynaeve was tugging her braid and Ruby was afraid it would fall out.
They moved down the road, riding hard until there were only a few hours to daybreak. Lan stopped them at what seemed like a random spot to rest. "One hour." He said as they made a hasty camp.
Mat asked in a whisper, "I wonder what Dav did with that badger." He hesitated then said, "I thought we were safe, Ruby. Not a sign of anything since the Taren, and there we were in a city with walls around us. I thought we were safe. And then that dream. And a Fade. Are we ever going to be safe again?"
Ruby tried to give her friend a reassuring smile. "Probably not. But we can only try to live right? To take it one day at a time, and rebuild what's been torn down. My father said that to me when Kari died. We can still stay together, and try."
They all glanced at where the Aes Sedai was sleeping. Perrin looked about to nod off. "She should of done something, but that won't answer anything. I think we better get some sleep."
A silent agreement was reached as they all rolled over to sleep. After a moment of moving around, Ruby got fed up and ripped out some roots that were sticking in her back. She then happily fell asleep.
End...
A/N
Well, as you may have already guessed. I plan to have Ruby go 'mad' a lot sooner than Rand.
I always thought that the Taint affected people in different ways. That's what is going to happen here. I made some plans and currently rereading some other chapters I've got written.
Omg- thanks. It makes me go on sugar highs when I read reviews like that.
Ranma41- Your still reading this? WoW. Thanks for sticking with me!
Magical-flying-dragon, Delphine Pryde, and all anonymous reviewers, I am very glad you all like the story so much. *bounces around room with history paper* Promise in three weeks more updates and they will come faster.
I really REALLY REALLY HATE the school system! They put the freaking history SYMESTER EXAM BEFORE WE EVEN FINNISH THE LAST TWO UNITS!!! Anyway, our wonderful teacher has informed my class of this and graciously given us things to cram with. After all, it doesn't matter if we understand it, as long as we know the facts. I may not be posting for a while, this is the reason. - BYE