Okay, hope I didn't scare away anyone with the last chapter. But here's the next chapter, and I come bringing good news! I know how I want the story to end! (and yes, it is a bit of a happy ending...maybe bittersweet...not sure yet...need to write it first...) Hope you guys enjoy.
Oh yeah! I only have one more test then I'm done for the semester! Cheer me on!
Own nothing I do not.
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass...
What was, what will be, and what is, may still yet fall under the Shadow...
Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...
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"What do you mean you can't find Rand?" Daniel yelled at the Wise Ones.
"He was taken Dad," Kira said. "I tried to stop them, but they went through a gateway," she added.
"It appears that the attack five days ago was specifically engineered for his capture," Sorilea said.
"If the Dark One has Rand, then they'll try and force him to join them. Or they'll kill him," Moiraine said. "We must find out where he was taken."
"Safest place to take the Dragon without anyone following would probably be Shayol Ghul in the Blight," a young dark haired man dressed all in black said. On the collar of his black coat was one pin: a silver sword. Daniel had decided to follow in Rand al'Thor's footsteps and had the Asha'man dress all in black. Initiates had no pins; those who had the silver sword pin were far enough in their training to help others and were known as Soldiers; those who wore both the silver sword pin and the gold dragon pin were full fledged Asha'man and helped in the training of new recruits.
Daniel was also dressed all in black, the two pins on his collar. "You're probably right Kael," Daniel said. "But we can't get there. Not safely and not without starting the Last Battle."
"If Rand O'Neill is in the Sightblinder's grasp, then all could be lost," Aviendha said. "He must be found."
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Rand weakly lifted his head and watched Sam come over to him. She violently tilted his head back as he only stayed in a kneeling position from the chains. "You have been brave boy, but that alone can't save you. Just swear allegiance to me."
"Never…compromise…not even…in the…face of…death…" he whispered hoarsely. "Might…as well…kill…me…"
Sam shook her head. "I don't want to hurt you boy. Just give up and except my offer," she persuaded.
"Bite…me," he spat.
Sam sighed and held out her left hand, the jewel on the hand device glowing. Rand winced painfully as the beam of energy tore into his brain. She stopped and looked at him, a smile on her face.
"The pain will ease if you accept my offer."
Rand clenched his fists, his nails digging into his skin. He slowly and painfully pulled himself shakily to his feet and stood glowering at Sam. "Burn…in…hell!" he roared, finally having enough of the torture. He summoned every ounce of strength he had and broke through the shield Lanfear had around him. He used saidin to break through the chains and hurl Sam away at the same time.
He opened a gateway and stumbled through, closing the gateway as he fell to the ground. He tried to inch his way forward but cried out in pain. He lowered his head and began sobbing quietly, wanting nothing more than to just give up. When footsteps reached his ears he tried to lift his head, but a warm hand rested on the back of his head.
"Easy," he heard a familiar voice say. "By the Light you're a mess. How you got into the Tower I don't know but I'll get a Yellow sister to tend to you."
"No!" Rand pleaded. "No…other…Aes Sedai…please…"
"All right," the voice said. "Rest. I'll Heal your wounds as best I can. Just rest." Rand nodded weakly and fell into darkness.
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Sam watched the slaughtered Trollocs fall to the ground and glared at the Forsaken that were kneeling before her. She paced around, rage in her face and eyes. "The Dragon was here, within our grasp, and he slips away!" She stopped in front of Lanfear and glared at her. "You assured me that he could not break through the shield yet he did! I should kill you now!"
"Forgive me Mistress," Lanfear said.
"Forgive you? Not likely. You have one chance to find him and bring him back before me, alive. He's been injured greatly so he'll attempt to seek out aid. Find him!"
"Great Mistress, if he finds his way to the White Tower or back to the Aiel, he will be protected and nearly impossible to get to," Lanfear said.
Sam sat down on her throne and looked at her. "Then, for your own hope of survival, I suggest you find a way." Lanfear and the other Forsaken bowed, backing out of the cavern slowly.
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Rand weakly opened his eyes, his back in agony. He took in a sharp breath as something cool was placed on his back. He slowly released it as the fires dulled. He saw Kira's face on level with his and she carefully wiped his brow.
"I hope you will forgive me, but I sent for my mother and sister. They are excellent healers and have tended to your wounds over the last three hours since they arrived," she said.
"Why are you…doing this…for me?" Rand asked.
"Because helping people is the right thing to do, whether you know them or not," Kira answered. She set a small bowl of meat broth down on the table and lifted a spoon carefully to his mouth. Rand carefully and awkwardly sipped at the liquid, having some difficulties with how his head was positioned.
Rand felt a tear slide down his face as Kira tended to him; she didn't even recognize who he was. "How…does my back…look?" he asked.
"You have more blood on your skin than in it," he heard Janet say. "We're going to try and clean most of it off before we begin tending to your back. The burns on your face weren't that severe, but there will be a decent about of scarring on them."
"This'll probably hurt like hell," Cassie said.
"I have…become accustomed…to pain…" Rand said. He closed his eyes and several moments later felt wet gauze cloths rubbing gently at his back. In spite of how careful Janet and Cassie were being the fire in his back flared up and he couldn't help but cry out in pain.
"How can people be so cruel?" Cassie asked, wiping away some dried blood from his shoulder. She frowned when the red on the area she had been cleaning began to glitter in the light. She quickly but carefully rubbed away some more dried blood. "Holy hell," she exclaimed.
"What is it?" Kira asked, looking at her.
Cassie merely opened and closed her mouth, pointing at the area of the back she had cleaned. "Oh my god," Janet breathed. "Kira, go and get your father now!" Kira nodded and ran out of the room. Janet knelt down in front of Rand and gently held his face. "It's all right now Rand. You're safe. You're safe…"
Yay! Rand's safe! And just so you know, the line where Rand says "Never compromise, not even in the face of death" is from a graphic novel/comic call The Watchmen. It's an...interesting story that I had to read for an Honors class. Oh well. Review please!