Lazaruss : "I know, I know, I was wrong about Taim. I have rectified my last chapter accordingly. I'll conclude the introduction with a little bit from Elayne. (Jordan would have probably delayed a bit, but I hope you won't mind. )"
Prologue 1.e ; Peaces
Riding a snow-white mare with gilded bridle and saddle, Elayne led her grand procession along the main road of the village which grew at the eastern part of the Black Tower. The people she passed by were all commoners, and yet seemed to ignore the fact that their neighbors were in fact hundreds of men who could channel. Even now, men worked their parcels of land and women tended the house chores with laughing children playing in between all in the looming shadow of Taim's palace. And around them, a huge wall of pitch black stone cut them off from the rest of Andor. Her heart ached with worry for those poor people, who were still her subjects even here. She no longer believed it could be a cover or that these people were intimidated somehow into putting on a good face for her guards but still it felt… wrong. How long before something terrible happens ?
" You should not be out here in your condition. " Birgitte murmured with her concern filling the bond. " You should know by now how dangerous this place is. "
Elayne forced down a flare of frustration ; how many times did she have to repeat Min's viewing to this woman ? She was safe, until her babies were born which… Gingerly she felt at her stomach where a peculiar sensation had just occurred, like a small shifting on the inside. It would not be much longer. She wished she could send for Rand somehow. He deserved to be by her side when the babies were born. Despite herself, she sighed. You should not let worrying about what you cannot do distract you from what you can do. Lini had always said. And that was pretty much why she was here now. The source was exceptionally difficult to reach these days but today was a merciful exception. And it seemed that her moods were more stabile so she could not afford to miss this chance. Sidar filled her even now in a moderate amount, not enough to tire her self but enough to hold on to it… And her emotions.
" Did either of you feel anything ?" She asked ignoring Birgitte's frustrated grunt. She was the queen of Andor now at last, and as such she had to be presentable, so today she was in her most ceremonial gown of green satin with lions woven of golden threads. The Rose Crown glistened above her forehead, decorated by her golden locks and Avienda's dagger ter'angreal stood at her belt. Well, burn me if I'll just spend my time cooped up in that palace. She thought. As a Queen, her safety was of utmost importance, but she saw no way around this, short of coming here herself. No one else could be trusted with this ; she had to choose, so that it be her mistake, if it proves as such. It was that important. A pity Birgitte didn't share that conviction. Her fat golden bride hung across her left shoulder and today she was in a white blouse with her baggy golden trousers. Her silvery quiver hung at her thigh, and her bow stood looped over her shoulder, casually to every eye. The bond spoke a different tale altogether. At least her head was somewhat more clear today.
" I thought I did for a moment only, but I could have imagined it. " Alise murmured riding close behind Elayne. The queen's escort also had to appear presentable, so the Kin too wore only their finest garb. Today Alise wore a plain white dress with plenty of lace and an intricate belt of golden rings. She looked very proper and pretty, though the neck was a bit lower than was usual in Caemlyn. With the Kin finally out of danger, she and Sumeko were able to accompany Elayne today on this little exploit for which she was very grateful. Sumeko was riding a brown and gray dun who seemed unusually nervous as a contrast to Sumeko's outward calm. She was in gilded skirts of blue and green silk and her hair was adorned with a silvery net with tiny emeralds.
With Elayne being the only Aes Sedai left in Andor, she was glad to have the Kin with her. Well, Duhara was still in Caemlyn, but Elayne would not tolerate that woman's presence just yet. At least she was able to put the nuisance she posed out of her mind. With her finally gaining the Lion Throne and Egwene managing to reunite the Tower under her, Duhara was welcomed to bite her elbow while she waited for Elayne to allow her the entry to the palace. And she had no intention of letting the woman know about Egwene's triumph ; news of that would reach her soon enough. She only wished she could be present to see the woman's face once it finally did.
" I too thought I've felt something. " Sumeko spoke quietly. " If they knew we were coming, they would have shielded them… Though I don't see how that one was able to 'brush' the source, if that was that case. "
Elayne nodded. She no longer doubted that Taim was keeping women who could channel prisoners, but who ? Aes Sedai most likely. Sent by Elaida ? It seemed possible, but it didn't explain why they were keeping them in the first place, and why they weren't shielding them. How were the Asha'man hiding them from sight, without shielding them from the source ? Were they… cooperating somehow ? She didn't want to consider the possibility but Taim did escape from the Red sister's hold under mysterious circumstances… Birgitte was right ; this place was dangerous, but this was precisely why she had to come here herself. She was also as safe as she could be back at the palace. There were ten kinswomen with her and a number of the lion guard, not to mention Birgitte's bodyguards. And Min's viewing.
The first of the Black coated men began to appear, most of them without the golden dragon on their collar, all saluting as they watched her pass. Some were smiling, but most wore blank and unreadable faces, all from different nations, all of a different age and all with swords on their belts. Most were young, just boys not short of her own age and for some reason, that made her somehow sad. Perhaps her moods were acting up again. Rather than putting them out of her mind, she continued to acknowledge them by giving thin smiles and sometimes a curt nod or two, but nothing more than replying their civility. Now more than ever she had to be the queen in their eyes and they also had to be her subjects in hers. One of the young ones would serve well for what she had in mind, but first she had to see whether any choice would be presented.
And she would not have to wait much longer. Taim had apparently decided to come out and greet her. Two rows of his men, all wearing the dragon, stood in a formation on the approach to his palace entrance. The building was fashioned very strangely, entirely out of white marble, but not the style she had seen before. Some claimed it resembled Saldean architecture which made sense considering Taim's origins. The man himself walked out to greet them, never changing a line on his hard face. Dark and reserved, Taim was the embodiment of stark strict discipline and a calculated mind. And he had made no effort to hide his disliking to her on previous occasions. She would need all her wits in dealings with him.
Stopping her procession not short of him, she dismounted and found to her surprise that the man had knelt down before her. " The Asha'man welcome the Queen of Andor to their midst. " He spoke formally. " Elayne Trakand, By the Grace of the Light, Defender of the Realm, Protector of the People. We congratulate you on your magnificent victory against Arymila's forces. Asha'man ; Salute !" The two rows of men to his sides, struck fists at hearts in military unison.
The others had dismounted by then and began to flock to her side, Birgitte closest with the Kinswomen not far behind. It was time to do what she came to do. " I thank you Master Taim. I fear that rebuilding Andor requires my attention and I can't stay for long. I have come seeking the assistance of one of your men about a small matter of research. If you could spare one of them for a few hours at most, I would be very grateful. " She did not like asking anything from this man, but it could not be helped. The Light send that she never finds herself in that situation again.
Standing back up and crossing his arms on his chest, Taim briefly considered her words as those dragons on his sleeves glittered in the sun. Yes, hostility was still there, though well hidden. " With all due respect, the Asha'man and those still in training are sorely needed where the Lord Dragon commands. Each of us is here to prepare, train and be at his disposal at all times, not stand as test subjects for the Aes Sedai. Saidin had been cleansed and there is no more reason for any… special treatments. "
Elayne nodded slowly waiting for him to finish. It had come to her notice that he was trying not to look at her too directly and for some reason seemed to be frowning whenever he did. Whatever the reason, this had to be handled delicately. " I seem to have misspoke myself. " Saidin clean ? It seemed too impossible to be believed but she had heard the rumor before. " The research I was referring to was my study of angreal, sa'angreal, and ter'angreal. I believe that a man who can channel would be of great assistance in my efforts. I won't ask for a full Asha'man, because I know how much Rand needs them. " And because she didn't trust the men who had spent too long in the Black Tower already. Rand's warning not to trust them was at the front of her mind. " But a Soldier, or a Dedicated perhaps would be most appreciated. "
Again he considered for a few moments before replying. " To study the artifacts of power, one needs to have them at hand. And roomer has it that Your Majesty has some of those in the palace. Perhaps one of my men could be spared to assist Your Majesty if he would be compensated for his time accordingly. Of course, we all know how important such artifacts are to Aes Sedai, but as Your Majesty had suggested, some of those are quite useless to a woman. "
And there it was. She had expected his greed to come to the surface, but if she was correct, she had a chance of turning it around to her favor. A big if, that. " You are asking much for a very small assistance. I've had a good fortune to uncover some misplaced items, true, but I fear most of them would be very useless to you. " And that was also true according to Avienda. " Some of those remain a mystery to us and might not even be related to the One Power. Others might prove to be fatal and dangerous. Perhaps you would be more comfortable with a different manner of compensation ? I will promise to share whatever we discover with your man. And if you agree, I will grant him access to the storeroom of the mentioned artifacts during my further studies. Any help on his part in puzzling out their secrets would be welcomed. "
Again Taim considered for a time, but she still had the impression that he was trying to avoid looking at her. She knew that such an artifact given to any of his men would swiftly end up in his possession, but she hoped that he would be satisfied with at least learning what exactly was in her collection. And adding that small access into the mix should be enough to drive it home. For now at least. Finally he answered. " Before the sun sets, his training must resume. We cannot afford longer delays. And one more thing ; an Asha'man must accompany him at all times, for his own safety as well as for Your Majesty's. Half-trained channelers can be… dangerous if unsupervised. "
And you would also have a loyal set of eyes to spy with special notice. She noted, but she didn't dare waste more time here. The Source was in her grasp at last, yet with her pregnancy she could never be certain how long it would stay that way. Ever since she had puzzled out those missing peaces she had been trying to grasp the source in vane and only this morning did she succeed. That was four days ago. She had to make due with what she had and do her best. " I will allow them both access to the storeroom, but only the one assisting me will be allowed to handle the artifacts. His escort will have to stand out of the way, during that time. "
A half-smile flashed across his face and was gone. " Than we have an arrangement. " He spoke. " I shall select the appropriate pair for Your Majesty. "
" With your permission, Master Taim, " She spoke. " it would be much better if you would summon them before us so that I could chose the one to assist me to my own preference. "
Taim's lips thinned a bit but he did not hesitate. " As Your Majesty desires, but I shall chose the Asha'man to accompany him ; Different students have different teachers that are best suited for their needs and safety. "
" Of course. " Elayne nodded, though she knew well what he had in mind. Should today prove to be a mistake on her reasoning she was resigned to allow them limited access to her artifacts, with a strong guard to make sure none of them slips anything in his pocket. But if she was correct and her test today was successful, that priceless collection will swiftly lose much of its value.
As Taim's palace stood in the center of the compound, it separated the village from the barracks and training grounds where men had their lessons in control of saidin, and it was from that direction that they began to flock, a variety of men in black coats. It didn't take long ; in just a few minutes, a number of them without the golden dragon on their collars already stood in a line stretching before her and more was still on the way. Taim waited with his arms crossed, seemingly uninterested in her or the gathering men but even so she could see thoughts working furiously behind that frown of his. Was he already regretting their bargain ? " Alise, " She whispered where he couldn't overhear. " When I start to chose, you give me a little nudge when Taim seams displeased. Well, more than he already is. "
" That won't be easy to spot, but I'll try. " Alise murmured back.
By now the number of Soldiers and Dedicated was over thirty which was enough for her to start, and for the rest of the Kinswomen to link together in a circle just for precaution. Casually with Birgitte, Alise and Taim himself close behind, she started to pace in front of the men, inspecting each of them in turn. They were of every age, from those even younger than her to the ones with but a few gray hairs left on their heads, and of every nation from here to the Aryth Ocean. Some were bruised, or covered in cuts and scratches or had other sort of injuries, but each one was well disciplined ; it was obvious from the way they stood, like soldiers looking straight ahead. Some of their injuries were quite bad in appearance. Were they not treating those wounds here ?
She had known her choice would be difficult. A Dedicated seemed like a more experienced assistant, but also as someone she couldn't trust very far, both because of Taim and the taint on saidin, while a Soldier was more like a beginner, fumbling to do the simplest things with the Power, but also more malleable in other matters. And on top of that, she had to take the risk and choose someone who wasn't under Taim's thumb. The man was still frowning seemingly looking at nothing in particular. Even though his eyes followed her, he seemed lost in thought and not paying attention. Was that the trap he had for her ? Were they all blindly loyal to him ? No. It did no good to second guess herself. She just had to trust in her intuition.
Half way through she stopped to examine a red haired broad-shouldered man with a slight swelling on the right side of his jaw and Alise touched her arm. She herself noticed no change in Taim's posture but she trusted Alice's judgment. This appeared to be the right one. She was about to open her mouth and ask his name, when she spotted a young Dedicated not short of her own age just arriving and taking his place in the line. He was tall and of medium build with straight brown hair and eyes, but what had caught her attention was his unusually long shaggy beard which reminded her of something she had seen long ago. Years ago in the Stone of Tear, Perrin wore a beard like that, always chasing after that girl Faile and sniffing at Tairen nobles uncomfortably. Without hesitating, she stepped closer to him inspecting him in detail. " What is your name Dedicated ?" She asked him.
He licked his lips before he answered. " Kannly… Dedicated Kannly al'Farrel, My Queen. Kann, they call me... ah… My Queen. " His eyes shifted to her and stood there. So, he was from Andor and he wasn't as hard as the rest of them. A village lad by his appearance, and one not afraid to meet the eyes of queens. But Alise didn't touch her arm this time which meant that he was the wrong choice. And yet… Something about him separated him from the rest of the men lined up before her. She considered that ; should she go back to her previous choice or should she look on. Perhaps in a moment or two someone else would come that would suit her needs better…
" Master Taim, I have made my choice. " She spoke looking at Kannly. In the end it wasn't Taim's choice or Alise's, but hers and she hoped she had made it right.
" As you command. " Taim bowed deeply concealing his expression and giving no outward sign, yet even so she was somehow certain he did not approve. And that lifted her spirits. As he straightened again he addressed the boy. " With your permission, I must go and prepare the boy's escort. Kannly, you and Asha'man Fengar shall accompany Her Majesty Elayne Trakand back to the royal place where you'll help her out with some channeling. You're a long way from your daa's farm so mind your manners and watch what you say. Remember that you bear the reputation of the Black Tower with you, so don't embarrass us. Dismissed !"
" M'hael !" They all saluted, fist on heart as Taim stalked off towards the two rows of Asha'man in front of his palace, probably to get that Fengar he mentioned. All the rest slowly started back towards the training grounds, except for Kannly who remained next to her, still standing out straight and disciplined.
" You can be at ease, Master Kannly. " She said to him. " I will not be offended by your origins or your manners, I promise you. " A portion of his tension seemed to fade which was good. " Do you as well claim that saidin has been cleansed ?"
" I do, My Queen. " He spoke instantly. " I can still remember what it was like before and I can only thank the Light it's no longer like that. "
She tried not to frown. What could have cleansed the three-thousand-years tainted saidin ? " My research might require for the two of us to link. Do you know how to do that ?"
" Yes, My Queen. " He spoke and than hesitated. " That is, I have never done it, myself, but I have… been thought by those who have. It seams simple enough. "
Birgitte's anger filled the bond. She would have cursed out loud had Elayne not faced her directly. " You should bring our horses Birgitte. " As the woman walked away Elayne had to agree with her assessment. Some Aes Sedai were indeed prisoners of the Asha'men, else no one here would know how to link. And it seemed they were still alive. But that was a matter for another time. At least they were in no immediate danger.
Just as Birgitte brought their horses, a gruff old Asha'man with iron-gray hair that reached his shoulders and a scar over his face marched to them and knelt down before her. " Asha'man Fengar Maeldon, Your Majesty. I am to accompany you and keep an eye on Dedicated Kannly. "
" Stand Master Fengar. " She spoke getting to her mare. Despite his years, he had no problem getting back up, which was odd for such an aged fellow. His eyes were deep set and intent and very pale for some reason. He didn't appear to be blind, though. " Let us not delay. I'll try to keep this brief. " Taim was there to see them go, asking her to stay and accept his hospitality, yet making no effort beyond the necessary formality. She waited just long enough for horses to be brought for the two of them before she and the others mounted. Well, these days, she had some difficulty mounting a horse but she'd managed it with proper smoothness. And as they all started back towards the traveling ground, she indulged in a satisfied smile. It was soon to tell yet, but Taim could have no idea just how strongly the Black Tower would bond itself to her by this bargain. Now if she could only free those Aes Sedai he was hiding…
Lazaruss :"I hope that satisfies. And i assume you all know which way I'm heading. "