CHAPTER 1: A GATHERING OF CROWNS

As the Wheel of Time spins memories become legends, legends become myth and even long after the myths have been forgotten the age that had given it birth returns. And in one such age known as the Fourth Age, an age long passed, an age yet to come, the sun soared high above the clouds. Its light shone across the world in all its magnificent glory. From the deserts in the east to the wetlands in the west, From the Spine of the World to the Aryth Ocean its radiant light was observed. Rhuidean, Tear, Caemlyn, Cairhien, Illian and the Borderlands; all their inhabitants witnessed this beauty every day. Not even the White Tower of Tar Varlon would dispute this fact.

This was not where the story began. In the Wheel of Time there were no beginnings or endings. But this was a beginning.

The citizens of the White City continued with their lives peacefully as if half a decade ago the world had not almost come to an end. And from the room at the top of the White Tower the Amyrlin Seat, highest of all Aes Sedai, watched them. How peaceful things were these days, it made everyone forget the heavy price they had paid for this peace and the fact that another threat loomed on the horizon.

The Amyrlin Seat turned away from the window with a frown. Those Seanchan dogs. Whatever they were scheming could not be good for the rest of them. If she had been Amyrlin Seat when they had first appeared on this continent she would have marshalled all the nations to destroy them, leave nothing of them to make sure the Raven never rose again. But alas she could not wage war on them, all because of that thrice burned fool Rand al'Thor. He just had to force them all into that uneasy peace treaty known as the Dragon's Peace. If she ever found him she would flog his bottom until he could no longer sit.

But she had been searching for him for five years now and there was no sign of him anywhere. At first she had tried to scare Elayne and her Aiel friend into revealing his location. Elayne had simply woven her answer around the question by saying al'Thor was dead to the world (but clearly not dead to her), and Aviendha had straight out told her that she felt no obligation to tell her anything. She had considered going to the Farshaw girl but she was now aligned with the Seanchan so it was unwise, especially when you consider how high in the Empire she was ranked.

She took a seat at her desk just as her Keeper of Secrets Saerin Asnobar walked in. She knelt as the Amyrlin offered her hand, and kissed the ring that told her station.

"It is time to go Mother," the Saerin said. "Everyone's arrival has been confirmed."

"Then make preparations. In five minutes I want us entering the border of Far Madding."

Only after the door closed behind her Keeper did Cadsuane Melaidrin sigh. She had never wanted this post and yet she had allowed herself to be forced into it. They clearly ignored the fact that her time had almost run out and still made her do this. Her entire purpose had been to find the Dragon Reborn and train him ("How well that worked out," she muttered sarcastically). She had not even intended to survive Tarmon Gai'don. Now she was stuck training these stubborn girls while Rand al'Thor had the time of his life Light-Knows-Where. She had to attend a meeting set up by Seanchan to discuss a problem that could apparently affect them all. An obvious set up if she had ever seen one.

She sighed again as she stood up to leave her office. Outside in the corridors everyone stopped what they were doing and greeted with curtsies. She nodded in their direction and kept on walking. By now Saerin was at her side as a Keeper should.

When they got to the courtyard she felt like strangling someone, or at least padding someone's bottom. The greetings and curtsies from the novice, Accepted and even the Sisters was just too much for her. Not that she couldn't handle it, she was confident there was no other Sister who could handle the Aes Sedai like she could, arrogantly so. But these days everything felt arduous. Her time was near. She had already crossed the three hundred year mark which was the maximum life-span of an Aes Sedai.

Saerin's Warder, an Asha'man named Fanshir, was waiting for them along with their horses. Behind him stood Pevara and Androl, the pair looking as ready as ever. The last person Cadsuane decided to bring was Alivia, much to the protests of many. But Alivia was the one person in her little entourage she would not leave behind. As a former damane there was no one in the White Tower who knew more about the Seanchan than she did. Despite the fact that some of the Sisters still did not trust her, claiming she was spy for the Seanchan she was reluctant to agree. If only they looked closely they would notice the hatred in her eyes every time the Seanchans were mentioned within her earshot.

"Mother," the four figures greeted, each kneeling and kissing the ring she offered. When they were done they all mounted their horses and entered a Gateway created by Androl. It took them only a while to get to the field of Maredo, just outside the influence of the Guardian, or that was what Androl claimed. She wouldn't know about it because the radius in which saidin was cancelled out was longer than that of saidar. The Illian Gate was within sight though, just on the other side of the Ikane Bridge at the centre of the lake. A few minutes of riding saw across the bridge and at the gate, where the guards graciously let them inside without stopping them. It was obvious from the way they looked at her they everyone in the city had heard of the meeting that would shortly be taking place in the Hall of Counsels. All the rulers of the land would be in attendance, a feat not seen since the Last Battle.

When they entered the city Cadsuane noticed Pevara and Saerin flinch. One did not need to wonder why there has never been an Aes Sedai adviser to the Counsels. None of them felt comfortable being cut from the True Source. Even when not drawing on the Power it felt good to be assured of its presence. All those who could channel felt vulnerable in the absence of the True Source. That was why, as was the case when always visiting her hometown, she wore her Well. Today more than any other day she had incentive to bring it along. She expected treachery from the Aes Sedai slavers.

The streets of the city were livelier than usual with a crowd gathered in the main street to watch them. They murmured as her entourage passed by, whispering to each other about what they thought was the reason for this meeting. She heard the silliest assumptions from a royal merging between Andor and the Seanchans to the return of the Dark One. She nearly rolled her eyes at the first declaration. A merging between Andor and Seanchan, was their five year old prince of Andor going to marry the four year old princess of Seanchan?

No one had really been told what this meeting was about except that involved everyone in the world. The world was apparently facing impending doom. She had mauled it over for hours and she could not imagine anything that could cause the destruction of the world. The Dark One was imprisoned in his prison of Shayol Ghul for eternity and Choedan Kal had been destroyed. There was nothing else that could threaten the world like those two, unless the Seanchan are taken into account. She knew without a doubt that sooner or later the little Raven Queen will dishonour the Dragon's Peace and strike at them when everyone's guard was down. But while everyone thought the danger to be over she kept her eyes open, waiting for the moment they attacked so she could destroy them.

Near the Counsel Plaza she began to look around, watching for signs of danger. She caught a glimpse of a woman beating a man with a belt while the man apologised on his knees. He probably deserved. Men were useless unless they were listening to a woman. Her greatest wish is that all men were raised in a society like Far Madding, where women ruled their men with an iron hand.

Near the Counsel Plaza she spotted two pre-teenage girls pointing at her with looks of excitement. They exchanged animated whispers and as with all foolish girls their whispers carried across the entire street.

"Look," one of them said eagerly. "That's the Amyrlin Seat, the most powerful woman in the world. One day I am going to be Amyrlin Seat."

"I want to be Amyrlin Seat too," the other girl said. "If I become Amyrlin Seat I will have many beautiful boys asking for my hand..."

Her eyes travelled to the roofs of the buildings and all the open windows. Nothing seemed out of place. She turned to her entourage and saw that Androl and Fanshir were both surveying the crowd, doing what she was doing. Al'Thor had been smart to force the Asha'man to learn not only how to use the Power but also how to fight. In the her first days as Amyrlin she had considered having the sisters learn how to handle swords as well but she had quickly relented. It was ungraceful for a lady to wield a weapon longer than a dagger.

Bonding with Asha'man was now the very popular among the sisters. Having a man trained in both the sword and the Power was better than a dozen Warders. However, the problem was that men were stronger than women in the power. She had refused to accept it when the girl Nynaeve had mentioned it but after visiting the Black Tower two years back and witnessing all their feats she had grudgingly accepted it. The problem with bonding to an Asha'man was that they could not be controlled if they were stronger in the Power and considering that men were generally stronger it was unwise to bond a Warder who would not obey you. Although there were some who had adopted the double bond of Androl and Pevara. As advantageous as it was to have a connection so deep Cadsuane had no intention to Share her thoughts and secrets with anyone, especially a man.

The Plaza was crowded by escort groups from all over. Far Dareis Mai of the Aiel, Deathwatch Guard of the Seanchan and the Royal Guard of Andor just to name a few. They brought their entire armies! She exclaimed non-verbally. Bringing a hundred men escort was being over cautious. She was not amused that Stepaneos still harboured fears of being kidnapped, but she was surprised his entire bodyguard had even been allowed inside the walls of the city.

The path to the Hall of Counsels was cleared as everyone made way for them. She stopped observing them and set her eyes on the entrance to the building. The guards at the entrance gave her a short bow as she dismounted and gave her reigns to the Fanshir. The Saerin, Pevara, Alivia and Androl were going to enter with her and Androl was only entering because he was Logain's right hand man. The Counsel had decided that every ruler was allowed only two escorts into the building. She had decided to ignore the conditions of squabbling girls. She needed all three Aes Sedai's unique perspectives.

One of the Counsels, Sybaine, was waiting for them with a false smile. It seems she still harboured resentment towards her for what she did five years ago. Cadsuane knew for a fact that her presence, though tolerated, was unwelcome. The Counsel of Thirteen was known to hold a grudge for a long time. Cadsuane kept her face unresponsive but inside she frowned. If these girls heard about half the things that unruly boy had put her through they would be thanking her for taking him away from them.

Sybaine shot her three companions a spiteful look but it quickly morphed to her false smile as lead them quietly to the meeting hall. It looked like a theatre and was twenty-five spans in diameter with tables and chairs placed in four rows around the hall and at the centre of the room was a single podium. Every ruler was really present, even the Aiel chiefs and the Wise Ones. It seems everyone was curious about what would prompt the most likely nation to break the Dragon's Peace to call a summit.

Her seat near the centre which served her just well. She could observe all the other attendants from where she was. She took her seat and was followed by Saerin and Pevara, who sat on her sides. She looked around and watching them all. Most of them she hardly spared a glance but few she actually stopped and acknowledged. Elayne sat to tables to her right along with the old queen Morgase and Dyelin, Lan Mandrogoran sat on Elayne's left with Nynaeve and someone she couldn't tell from her angle, Sorilea sat three seats behind her with Aviendha and Amys on her sides and eleven Aiel chiefs occupying the tables around them, Rodel Ituralde sat on the other side of the hall in the second row from the centre. She skimmed over Stapaneos, Darlin, Alliandre and Berelain to Queen Faile and her husband Perrin, his golden eyes observing everyone in the room. Her attention came to rest on Fortuona and her escort, the foolhardy boy Matrim Cauthon and the foolhardy girl Elmindreda Farshaw who set right across her.

The little Raven Queen's expression was blank, if not for the fact that she ruled a nation of slavers she would have made a great Aes Sedai. She kept looking at everyone as if they were below her, her eyes scanning the faces of everyone, as if looking for a weakness to exploit. She looked so confident and proud in her seat, as if she did not need anyone's help. That was obviously not the case or she would never have called this meeting.

The Cauthon boy's arms were bandaged heavily and when he moved them his expression gave away nothing but he knew that he was in pain. Wherever he had acquired such grievous wounds she could only imagine. From what she heard about the boy he was unruly and disrespectful, more so than al'Thor, with a hatred towards Aes Sedai and all things Power related. That was probably why he still had wounds, he had refused healing. Or maybe it had not been offered. From what she heard the damane were only taught how to destroy, not how to mend. Real Savagery.

Narvais Maslin, who she had heard became First Counsel after she forced Aleis to release al'Thor, stood up from where she sat to address them all. While she did so Cadsuane noticed that all the Counsels were present. She was not amused. Such a manoeuvre would not sit lightly with any of the rulers present.

"Now that everyone has gathered it is time to begin this meeting," she said. "Empress Fortuona Athaem Devi Paendrag please take the stand."

Cadsuane leaned back in her chair and watched the girl descend to the podium in interest. The girl was finally going to tell them why they had all been called here.

Tension... confusion... uneasiness...

So much apprehension in the room. Why Faile had decided to come here he had no idea. It was not like they were under any obligation to attend this meeting, whatever it was for. She had decided otherwise, her reasoning being that Seanchan were enemies and they should learn everything about them because it was inevitable that they would one day be fighting on opposing sides of the battlefield. Have you ever heard the phrase keep your friends close and your enemies closer? In order to learn more about our enemy we should observe them whenever we can. And so he found himself accompanying her to Far Madding.

So far it had not been the waste of time he had originally expected. He got to meet many of his old friends and comrades who he had not spoken to in many. When they had arrived they had encountered the Elayne and Aviendha just outside the Plaza. They had offered their greetings and exchanged a few words and greetings before they each went their merry way. On the way to the Hall of Counsels they were joined by Rodel Iturade and Stapaneous, who they exchanged tales about their nations economic states. Stepaneous hardly gave them a chance to input their comments and he was quite glad when their guide took ushered them into the meeting hall and they were separated from the man. Then came the rest of them, one after another. When Mat and Min entered his heart leaped for joy and he tried to leave his table to exchange tales of the old days with him but his wife stopped him, telling him he should not get close to the enemy.

Perrin sighed as he sat next to her. What is wrong with this woman, he asked himself. In fact what was wrong with women in general? Keep your enemies close, she says one moment. Don't get close to the enemy, she says another. They had been married for five years and he still could not understand her. How did women make sense of everything they said when their statements contradict each other? And also, does she regard Mat and Min as enemies just because they are now associated with the Seanchan? That was ridiculous. It was not like those two would condone their empress if she declares war on all the nations this side of the Aryth Ocean.

More old comrades arrived soon after. He nodded to Berelain and her husband Galad, ignoring sharp look from his wife. She smelled displeased at the fact that he had acknowledged the woman who less than a decade ago she was so adamant in separating the two of them. Lan and Nynaeve were accompanied by Moiraine. Since Saldaea and Malkier were the best of allies, their arrival got a more positive reaction from Faile. Perrin smiled at them as they took their seats. He smelled no hostility between Moiraine and Nynaeve. Over the years their relationship has improved, though on some occasions when they visited Saldaea he still caught Nynaeve tugging hard on her braid and from the smell of her she was wishing it was the Cairhienin's neck.

Logain entered with Narishma and both looked like they wanted to be anywhere but this meeting. They both smelled of annoyance, like it was all a waste of time. He gave them each a nod of acknowledgement. This meeting probably did not warrant such a turnout. What could be so serious that the all the leaders on this side of the Ocean were required to attend?

The last to arrive was the Amyrlin Seat Cadsuane. No one was particularly surprised when she brought three escorts instead of two. The woman always did things on her own terms. She was bored and a little curious about what the meeting would be all about. She mostly smelled of distrust and sharp the look she shot the Seanchans (Are Mat and Min Seanchans? a small part of himself asked non-verbal) told him that she was expecting treachery from them. Her Keeper of Secrets observed Fortuona, she was curious about something. The second companion Pevara seemed distracted. Her feelings jumped from anger to confusion to amusement and then adoration. Her emotions shifted almost as much as Androl's, who had arrived with her and had joined Logain. The two seemed to be conversing mentally, but could Aes Sedai do that? Since when?

The last of Cadsuane's entourage was the easiest to read. Although her face remained as passive as her fellow Sisters her emotions were heavy and he could smell them clearly. Anger, hatred and murderous intent, all directed to the Seanchan ruler. When they sat down he saw Cadsuane grab the woman's hand under the table, trying to calm her. The Seanchans must have caused her a great deal of suffering. Considering she was Seanchan and can channel, she must have been a damane.

When everyone was settled the First Counsel of Far Madding stood up and, without greeting any of them, called the Seanchan empress to the podium. Perrin's eyes darted to her as she slowly got to her feet. She hardly seemed to be taller on her feet than she was when she was sitting. The woman was short, probably shorter than Moiraine. He regarded it as a feat.

As she slowly walked to the centre he smelled something he had never smelled from her on the handful of occasions they had met. Although her outer shell displayed the usual arrogant composure inside she was nervous and little frightened. Perrin immediately lost his blasé expression. For someone who could put up with Mat's antics for as long as she did and even tie him down in marriage to be shaken by anything. Something serious must have happened indeed.

His eyes went to Min. She was worried about their situation. Something else caught his eye though and he narrowed them on her. It had been five years since he had last seen her and she looked exactly the same as she did back then. He knew that five years was a relatively short time for anyone to chance much but he could have sworn she hadn't aged a day since then. Scent gradually changes with age, but hers was still the same as back then. Aes Sedai voodoo, he decided as his eyes turned to Mat.

He almost jumped out of his chair and rushed him when his gaze fell upon him. How had he not noticed it before? He was so preoccupied with the moods of everyone that he had simply skimmed over his friend to observe everyone else. What in Shayol Ghul happened to him? His arms and neck were covered in bandages and the way they were wrapped Perrin assumed his chest was bandaged as well. What had had done that to him? Surely it could not be the Seanchan empress. Whatever the Faile thought of her she could not be so twisted that she would harm he own husband that gravely.

But Mat was no masochist. If he were harmed in anyway by Fortuona he would have left her, he thought with a little bit of doubt. Mat was unpredictable; you never knew what he would do next. Besides he too smelled of worry and it seemed to be for his wife. Both Mat and his wife were extremely proud and from what he had gathered from their actions this summit was a call to aid them. They would never do it unless the situation was severe. Mat wouldn't even accept healing if his life was on the line.

Whatever the Seanchan empress had come to talk about, he now believed that it was something that could seriously impact the lives of everyone in this room.

-end-

Honestly I'd originally planned on finishing this chapter with the conclusion of the meeting but then would just be too many words so I figured I'd move it to the next one. I'll be posting it as soon as I can.