Cael could only stare in awe as he was led deeper through the Old Wood. It had only taken another hour, as best as he could estimate without the sun, to reach this 'Coven'. An entire town was buried within the woods, stone buildings twisting up from the ground in impossible shapes, seeming to have grown along with and through the trees. The structures were obviously wrought with the Power. Stone did not grow in such a way, even in the Old Wood. Odd blue orbs glowed all throughout the town, cutting the perpetual twilight that reigned beneath the trees. Paths wound everywhere as well, also somehow seeming to simply be natural, no seams or cobblestones breaking the natural flow of smooth rock. People bustled around everywhere, men included, running errands and doing chores. The witches were easy to pick out as they strolled about. Not only did they wear fine garments, cut in a variety of fashions and colors, but the people made way and bowed whenever one passed.
"Dismount here. Your horses will be tended to." The woman in the red instructed. Cael nodded to his men, and then obeyed himself. They did not want to start any trouble here, in the heart of the Old Wood. Cael made sure to pet his mount's neck and place the reins directly into the hands of a lad who had come over, eyes wide with curiosity. He and a couple others were gathering them up, likely to take to their stable. Had Cael not placed the reins there, his trained warhorse would have likely begun to bite and buck.
"Your men are to stay behind as well. The Hall need not see you all. Do not fear, you will not be harmed while meeting with the Sitters."
Cael could see the lie, or rather the half truth, in her eyes. If they did not deem his reason valuable, they would kill them all once the meeting was done. Even still, he turned to Captain Sarast and gave the order. Their steel could not protect him here. A conversation passed between the Captain and the Prince, the only medium being a long stare. Sarast was not happy sending his Prince in unprotected, but knew better than to argue here. He also knew it wouldn't be much protection, and could only nod in the end. From here on out, Cael was on his own.
The Aes Sedai smiled.