Jo'hon gasped as a chalice of cold water was poured on his head. The water was soothing yet chilling at the same time. It gave him renewed energy and strength, despite the feeling of loss from his mother.
"You are washed clean, Of what sins you may have done, and sins done against you. You come to us washed clean, in mind and soul. The first arch was for what was. The second arch is for what is. Be steadfast. And return." The Mistress of Novices said clearly.
Jo'hon did not around, he didn't want to risk looking at an empty room because all the Aes Sedai had given up on him already. He stepped into the odd flickering Arch. Again, darkness submersed him. He was in the Second Arch, trying to complete the test which could possibly kill him.
Just as Jo'hon walked into the dreaded Arch, he heard a voice, sounding like a whisper, and sticking in his mind: "Twice more Jo'hon, into the fire, come back to us." Whoever had said that gave him enormous courage. He would have to thank the person. A silvery glow surrounded him. Then he realised he shouldn't speak about the Test of the Three Arches afterwards. The mist cleared away and Jo'hon ended up...exactly where he came in!
What was he doing back in the Tower? Why was everybody staring at him in disbelief!
"There must be something wrong with the Arches, for a male Channeler it might have broken the second time. I cannot see a glow anymore. It seems to be dormant." he saw the Amyrlin Seat say.
"Light! I thought he would make it, he sure does disappoint me." The Mistress of Novices replied, completely ignoring Jo'hon who was standing a few metres in front of him.
"Child," The Amyrlin said to Jo'hon "You have destroyed our most prized ter'angreal. We cannot expect this behaviour from a novice. Even worse, a male novice." She spoke the last words as if it was disgusting to speak the words.
"Therefore we have decided to cut you from the Power. We cannot risk the possibility of you or other Male Channelers to break the White Tower itself. After this, you shall be banished from Tar Valon with a signed order from both Mother and the Queen of Andor."
"Child, come here." he heard Mother say. his heart was ricketing. How could this happen? Where am I? This is so familiar but I don't recognise this.
Suddenly, a shiny, silvery gateway appeared. He knew he had to go in there, but he could not disrespect a woman who seemed to be in a position of extreme power, authority as well as other powers. There was a circle of women around him, someone grabbed his hand. They were going to still him! Jo'hon pushed the women aside, and jumped through the ring. What have I done? he thought to himself. I have disobeyed the Amyrlin, I shall die! Tears streaked his face as he sobbed quietly to himself when he emerged back into the real world. He then realised it was the Test. And the Test had played at his very fears of being banned from the Tower, and not being able to develop his talents in the One Power.
Jo'hon stumbled outside onto the stone floor, collapsing in the middle in front of several amazed Aes Sedai. He almost passed out, but knew he had to keep conscious for his third, and final test. I have completed the second Arch! Jo'hon thought triumphantly, even though his heart felt guilty at having to disobey the Amyrlin. Could they really have those thoughts about Male Channelers? Would they still me as soon as something went wrong?
He was worried. Extremely worried.