Yana, Vlad and the strange man made it successfully into the forest on the eastern edge of the village. A rich canopy of tree extended far above their heads capped with untouched snow. The floor, however, was in the majority unaffected by winter's mark. The party slowed to a gentle walk.
Vlad glanced across at the strange boy, no man, seated behind Lady Yana. He sat confidently as though used to the saddle. Subconsciously Vlad sat a little straighter imitating the man's position. Vlad's eyes narrowed as he saw the lad's arms around the Lady's waist. The man noticed his gaze and grinned over at him, his brown eyes twinkling. Vlad turned his hazel eyes away to look in front. The group continued in silence until Lady Yana drew rein in a small clearing.
"We'll camp here tonight," she stated. "Vlad can you get the fire wood?"
"Are you sure?" he whispered back glancing meaningfully at the man who had settled on a fallen tree trunk.
"I'll be quite alright," she said reassuringly. Vlad hesitated before slinking off into the wood.
XXXXXX
Mat watched the woman he knew as Wisdom of his village unsaddle her horse, all the while talking to it softly to the animal. She had not changed in appearance except her hair was slightly shorter but he wanted to see if she had changed in temper. Standing he crossed over to her.
"What are you telling him?" he asked reaching out to stroke the beast's half white, half black muzzle.
"I am telling him he is free to kick you," she answered off hand. "He doesn't like you." Matt quickly withdrew his hand. He changed the subject.
"Found another male to do your bidding?" he mused, referring to Vlad. Immediately he saw her eyes flash and knew he had achieved his goal of hitting a chord. She whirled round.
"You act as though you know me, stranger. If you do, you should know I need no man to protect me. You are only avoiding a demonstration of it because of this." Her hand shot out and seized the fox medallion that hung around his neck, pulling it down so that they were eye to eye. He felt something tickle his chin and he knew it was Nynaeve's belt knife. "And don't think that will stop me cutting your throat," she whispered menacingly. Roughly she pushed him away and sheathed her knife.
"I am no stranger Nynaeve," he declared growing concerned. Nynaeve glanced up at her name. Mat stepped closer. "Don't you remember me, Wisdom of my village?" They gazed at each other, their eyes deep and dark, so alike in colour. Something dawned on her face.
"Your face and name pull on the strings of my heart and memory yet I cannot place you Matrim Cauthon."
"We can fix that," Mat said. "Return to Andor with me."
"No," she said simply. "Only Mogheidan can release the memories she imprisoned."
"But Lan is in Caemlyn," Mat reasoned, hoping that this would entice her.
"They escaped," she whispered her eyes filled with tears. For a second she looked truly happy but then it was taken over by grim resolution. "It makes no difference. I cannot come." She tried to turn away but Mat gripped her arm.
"No you will listen to me," he ordered. "You will return with me even if I have to tie you up in a sack." Nynaeve gaped at him open mouthed.
"Take your hands off her!" Vlad yelled bursting from the trees, his sword ready. Mat let go and stepped back his hands raised.
"I should just open a gateway and shove you through," Nynaeve said an evil glint in her eye as she frowned at him. At that moment Mat thought her capable of anything.
"Nynaeve if you refuse to come to Caemlyn," he leaned past the extended sword. "Then I insist on staying. You left Emond's Field for us. I will not leave you now."
Mat watched her gaze soften, an expression he did not associate with her but the more he thought the more it seemed to fit.
"Alright," she said in a near whisper. "You can stay." She turned away, a shocked look n her face because she had believed him so easily
Vlad lowered his sword. "I'm watching you fox," the ex-jailer threatened, keeping his voice low so as not to allow Nynaeve to hear.
"You better watch out for yourself," Mat muttered back grinning. "You'll be for it when her husband turns up."
He aimed to walk off but stopped.
"Nynaeve," he called. Nynaeve turned round as something thunked into the tree beside her. Instantly her head flashed to a carnival, red hair and declaration of undying love. She saw buried in the tree her belt knife. She hid a smile as she retrieved it. A distant part of her brain told her Mat had not changed.
XXXXX (LATER THAT NIGHT)
"This report just came in from south Kandor. Two of our Aes Sedai in Dalet village found a women meeting Nynaeve's description. They are certain it's her after she fought them off along with knocking five guards unconscious and nearly killing another." Elayne read to Egwene and Lan.
"When was this?" Lan asked immediately.
"Three days ago."
"Make ready my horse," Lan ordered. "I leave at first light." He told the women.
"But Lan…" Egwene began.
"No I have kept my promise. Now it is time to keep yours."