Lazaruss : " The final chapter I'll manage to post before the new book comes out. Enjoy. "
Chapter 1.c ; Surprises
Egwene watched Rand calmly until the Gateway completely winked out and than gazed across the room at the remaining Sitters. Though they did not show it, they were unsettled, especially Lelaine who appeared openly shaken. And for once Romanda didn't seem smug at seeing her that way – the danger was far too obvious to her as well. In a while, a week or less, all of their secrets could spill out and that wasn't even the worst of it. They had to make their decision soon before his ta'veren whirlpool shakes the already wounded Tower to peaces. If only she could talk to him again before that… No, it was too risky. Better to let him collect what senses he had.
But at the same time, they could not allow him to run loose and unchecked again – a point to which all were agreeable – which also had to be something he would concede to willingly. They could not afford him to refuse their judgment. Returning the Lurel Crown to king Mattin Stepaneos and releasing the captured sisters was all well and fine, but that still left him to go about spreading chaos and his Black Tower to run wild…
And than, just like that, Egwene had a thought. It was a wild idea but it offered the solution to deal with him and his Asha'man both. Of course, the problem was that some of his men were already sharing a bond with Aes Sedai on both ends, but she believed she could find the logic to go around that. After all if the majority should accept her proposal, more, if he should accept it, the rest would have to follow, bond or no. And it would set the grounds for a new better and stronger alliance with the Black Tower and men who could channel. She would have smiled if she were alone ; here though, she kept it on the inside. After all, if the Aes Sedai concede to it, why not the Asha'man ? But it could not be voiced just yet. If he was right – and she found herself believing him somehow – Cadsuane Sedai was about to arrive, and they would have to have a nice long talk with her before they actually stand for such a proposal. She would have to wait on her exposition a bit longer. Also she had to hope that the Oath Rod would work on a man.
Once they were back in the garden the Dragon Reborn sat down on one of the stone benches, studying the marble fountain, much like he had before he was summoned, and beyond that, he made no move. Even his face appeared like it belonged on a statue. He was at ease, lunging there as if relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. A rabid lion in the wild might have seemed that way to a casual observer right before it would spring. When Doesine had found him up there she had nearly swallowed her tongue upon recognizing him. Well, done was done. He dropped into their hands so unexpectedly, and the biggest problem now was deciding what to do with him. The task of puzzling that out was not something she wanted to tangle herself in, yet compared to her current predicament it seemed like a walk in the garden.
His side drew her eyes again. She was not the one guiding the link right now – Seaine was – but it circled between them every hour for safety, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was some other way to use the link to heal that double wound in his side. It had failed before but she was not the one to give up that easily. Or maybe she was just trying to… pass the time, to keep her mind off the fact that the Dragon Reborn was sitting not ten feet from her. The sky was already dark purple and stars were dotting the clear blue overhead which meant that it had been almost twelve hours since they found him. Merely twelve hours and already he managed to shake the White Tower. Even now she could feel the strain needed to hold on to saidar and anticipate the difficulty channeling would eventually bring… How could he have possibly known those things he dealt them out ? There were no books beyond those in the Tower who held any record of the Breaking, and none anywhere that even hinted at what he retold just a few minutes ago. If he was mad… He seemed perfectly sane at a glance but Light, who could know for certain before it was too late ?
And why was he so calm ? Was he thinking to catch them off guard, trying to lull them into false sense of security so he could strike ? There were seven of them linked, but Light what if it wasn't enough ? What if he was stronger than they had assumed ? What if… ? She didn't need to look to see Seaine's frown as her disapproval was felt clearly through the link. Linked together they shared each individual feeling passing between them freely and each could taste her fear like her own. But she was not the only one. Every once in a while that same creeping feeling rippled from a new source before it was stumper down. Hard. Strong emotions didn't do well with holding saidar especially now.
" You don't trust me yet. " He spoke softly and Doesine's heart jump so strongly she thought it must have bounced her off the ground. Perhaps they should call a few more Aes Sedai into the circle. Just a few more. Except… they couldn't. Seven altogether was as many as they could spare to watch over him – all other Sitters had to gather in the Hall, and there was no bringing anyone else into this. Oh, Leane was still there, somewhere out of sight waiting to be called but she was not a part of the link – she was too week for that. As they could not allow her to just roam the Tower, it was her job to tend to him, to bring him meals, fulfill his requests and carry messages back and forth between them and the Hall. Even so, she was not a Sitter, and her contact with him was most limited.
" No. " Seaine spoke more calmly than she felt – the link spoke of her unease. " We can't even be sure that the taint is gone. For all we know, you might be… " She stopped herself, firmly shutting her lips. The incident with Lelaine came back into view. " … wrong. " She finished awkwardly.
For a while longer he remained silent and than decided to startle them again. " Nynaeva al'Mera. " He spoke and they stared at him. " She linked with me to cleanse saidin. Her half of the Choden Kal was destroyed in the process but I've managed to complete the work none the less. You should make sure that she gets the respect she's due. "
This time none of them responded. Doesine wouldn't even dare to open her mouth – who knew what might come out with him there. A flock of birds suddenly appeared just above the fountain's spray forming a perfect circle for a few seconds before dispersing. Anything at all might pop out. For a while longer he remained still studying the fountain and than he sighed. " It will be a while yet before your replacements arrive and time drags on slowly in silence. "
The link spoke clearly of their unease. After a few moments a touch of red passed over his cheeks. Anger ? Or amusement ? It was hard to tell for it was swiftly gone. " Did you know. " He said, still not sparing them a glance. " that when you Travel, you do not need to waste time in learning a place at all. And I'm not talking about skimming. " This time a hint of a grin slipped and was gone just as quickly. So it was amusement after all. " The trick is to make the trip by using two gateways. The first you use to Travel just a short distance, say a few feet, and that is sufficient to know the area well enough for the second gateway to wherever. "
Several of them widened their eyes quite openly – the simplicity of that was so obvious and so useful that the sheer possibility… Doesine collected herself. Why was he telling them this ? As if reading her mind, he answered her mental question. " The Atha'an Miere are great bargainers, so I have learned. And are as touchy about their honor as… " Before he finished that sentence though, he shook his head and finally shot them with a penetrating gaze. " Are you prone to bargains, Aes Sedai ?" That was directed at Seaine.
The woman was hesitant before speaking. " What did you have in mind ?" and he mercifully averted his eyes. That stare of his was… uncomfortable. It had such intensity Doesine felt as if he was using it to drill into their sculls. At least they had maintained their own composure making it into an even contest. Light, a staring contest with the Dragon Reborn. Light !
Obviously pleased with the response he got he spoke as if to himself. " If we were to make a bargain about questions and answers, perhaps, something to pass the time… Something along the lines of honesty and openness and no evasion, and of course the respect of each other's secrets… Or we could just remain here sitting in silence for a few more hours. "
Before Doesine collected herself completely, Seaine spoke. " Did you mean all those things you said in the Hall ?"
He looked at them then and again Doesine wished he hadn't. " I hate you. I hate how poorly you've endured the turnings of the Wheel. I hate almost everything about you, from your frozen glass faces to your inflated arrogance ; but yes, I meant every word I've said since waking. I am not a slave to hatred and anger any longer. " His gaze shifted away and Doesine barely suppressed a sigh. " That's two answers on my part, Aes Sedai. Do we have a deal ?"
" It would not be a fair deal. " She spoke back clearly regretting the opportunity. Anger was spicing up the air but if he had shaken her, she was hiding it well. " You know how ta'veren affect people. Who knows what we might say before it's too late. No, Master al'Thor ; your bargain is… " Abruptly she stopped because he was laughing. Indignation soaked throughout their link like vinegar. He was laughing so richly and so loudly he almost doubled over. Doesine actually considered gagging him with a flow of air – first he berated them like that and now this ? She would have very well done so, had she been melding the flows.
" Aes Sedai, " He spoke, wheezing. " say nothing, stand still, or stand on your head, this close to me the ripples will catch up to you. And besides, what makes you think I am not affected by it ? Just because I'm the origin doesn't mean I'm immune to it. I recall a time when Merana actually chastised me over some trifle matter. And it was after she gave her oath ! Light, but she was furious. " He stifled a giggle and regained his composure in an eye-blink – those changes occurred instantly and too frequently for Doesine's liking. " Whatever you do, try, or refuse, " He resumed in a serious tone. " things will happen due to my presence. All you can do is try to gain the most of it. "
The nerve of him flinging the sisters he captured into their faces like that ! For a moment anger was shared throughout the link, but as it subsided they began to realize the truth of his words. Light Doesine thought I'm actually starting to believe he did cleanse the Source. There were a thousand questions they could ask him and if he was willing to respond… That choice however, didn't belong to her alone. For a while longer Seaine considered in silence and then began to converse silently with the others conferring with them about his proposal. As the one to meld the flows she was the current leader but everyone had to give their vote for it. Doesine's vote was for, and she doubted that any of them gave a different response – all things considered this was a good turn of events and could turn out right if they steer it right. A big 'if'.
Finally, after that pointless formality, Seaine addressed him. " So long as you follow your own rules Master al'Thor. " She spoke calmly. " It is your turn to ask, then. What would you have… us talk about ?"
No wonder that she was uneasy about the last bit. The Tower had many secrets and if he should manage to pry even one loose, they would be at fault, their hides peeled and stretched out on the sun to dry. An inappropriate way to greet the return of sunlight. But how could they ask him to share his secrets if they'd withhold theirs' ? Ominous questions they ask him would surely be followed by ominous questions of his own. Doesine made a mental sigh ; There was nothing to it but to be mindful of what they ask. And especially mindful of what they answer. Perhaps between the seven of them, they could pull enough wit together to keep their hides intact and actually learn something useful in the process.
As it appeared, he was still full of surprises, for of all the questions he could have picked, the first was :" What are your names ?"
Of all the things he could have asked, he wanted to know their names ? Blinking away the confusion, Seaine gave her name first and then the others – Doesine followed, then Faiselle a Green, Ferane a White, Janya and Juilaine of the Brown, and Magla a Yellow. He took all of their names in as if memorizing them with special care and then asked " And what about the young Domani sister that hangs at the back and waits to be called ?"
" That is Leane Sharif. " Seaine replied to which he only nodded. Did he know what that meant ?
He sighed. " You should not keep her separate like that. "
" She has her duties, Master al'Thor as do we all. " Seaine responded with a touch of irritation to which he only shrugged. Doesine certainly hoped that she would not let it flare up. She herself couldn't wait for Janya to take guidance of the link from her. She was much more… levelheaded. " How can you be sure that you are correct about saidar ?" She asked as her next question.
" Because it has happened before. " He replied. " In Ebou Dar. " At once he grew sad. It was impossible to tell most of the time, but that was clearly sorrow on his face. " So many people died that day to slow the Seanchan down. It didn't do god though. Not in the end. " He looked back at them, sorrow dispersing before the intensity of his blue eyes. " It was the spot from which the endless summer was averted. " Only once he was sure that they understood did he resume studying the fountain again – light, but those eyes never even flickered in any direction. He wasn't even blinking that Doesine could tell. " What kind of a person are you, Seaine ?"
Confusion passed through their link again. There seemed to be a good deal of that floating through it lately. " What ?" She asked clearly straining to keep her face smooth.
" That is my question. " He spoke calmly. " What are you like ? What are you fond of ? What do you dislike ? Do you have any family ? Tell me about yourself. "
It took her a little while, but Seaine started talking. She talked about what she liked to read, about how she liked to pass the time, what she resented doing and all manner of insignificant things which didn't seem to have any actual importance. Even so, he listened attentively. He even gave a short laugh at one point stating that he was reminded of something funny and that they would have to be Aiel to understand.
From there the conversation resumed on like that ; they asked him about the important matters like the captured sisters and his Asha'man and the Forsaken, and he in turn merely wanted to know about each of them. Each replied in turn for herself even though they weren't melding the flows which certainly placed Seaine's teeth on edge. Somehow he noticed and even offered her a peace of advice about looking up a certain book on self control she might find useful. When she accused him of playing a game with them, all he did was smile.
" It would be a very pointless game, if so. " He said.
The things he talked of were all stated calmly much like their own answers were, but in comparison, they were amazing. Occasionally, an emotion would brush his features and dissolve just as quickly but most of the time he was cool, composed and at ease as if he had no care in the world. Peace and calmness seemed to radiate off him. At one time one Ferrane even risked trying to provoke him by criticizing his reasoning and pulling everything he told them thus far into one big pile of foolishness. Doesine wasn't the only one who wanted to strangle her for even thinking of trying something like that, but as for him, he just patiently waited until she was done and gave her a dry response :" And what do you really think about it ?" Ferrane remained silent for the rest of the time.
But the things he told them of were remarkable ; The number of the Forsaken he'd disposed off was staggering. Just how strong was he ? Did they really need full thirteen to hold him ? Their unease relented once he told them that Moiraine also killed Lanfear on the Cairhien's docks. He also claimed that all of the Forsake he didn't kill by balefire – he actually knew how to make balefire ! The Light help them ! – were resurrected by the Dark One and that Ishmael still lived which they found hard to believe. Or maybe they didn't want to believe. Doesine and Magla were of course mostly concerned with the double wound in his side and its origin. Unfortunately, once he found out that they'd tried to heal it while he slept, he gave them a most unsettling glare saying that they'd never know how lucky they were and that they should never try that again. He would speak no more of the matter after that. Afterwards he spoke of what he had suffered at the hands of Elaida's embassy in startling detail, still maintaining that same casual tone, never flinching nor faltering. He did not swallow or shift on his seat or gave any hint of reluctance to go over the topic and though revulsion soaked through the link, at the end he simply stated that it all worked out for the best. What was it with Two River's people ; Did torture make an active part of their children's up bringing ? Did they have yearly contests in pain endurance ?
And at the same time, while he spoke of betrayal and lies and horrors, they spoke of things like birth places and childhood friends and lovers, both past and present. It was more than odd. More than once he had stated that it was important to him though for what he didn't say. The only relevant questions he asked were about the Seanchan attack and about Egwene becoming Amyrlin – the second produced a hint of satisfaction, again just for an instant. He didn't seem all too interested in the Black Ajah ether although they had brushed that topic more than once – according to him, Elza Penfell had been Semirhage's disciple all along which was yet another horror to add to the list. Another of his more ominous questions he'd directed at each of them in turn was an event they had come to regret ; there were many things an Aes Sedai had to do or thought she had because she couldn't see a better way and it has lead to harming some to preserve many or pay the price to ensure the success of their schemes. None of them was quite eager to talk about that, but they'd managed to bring themselves to it, if only concerning things which were general knowledge by now.
But the thing was that through that conversation, they were starting to understand what kind of a man the Dragon Reborn truly was. Everything he's been through, everything he had faced and suffered, the degradation of his soul, the madness and pain, it was all one long dagger-paved path he had to pass in order to learn something. He spoke of that too, emphasizing when each new stage occurred, naming the stages Stone, Iron and Cuendillar of all things. When he said that a few days ago he would have killed them on the spot, Juilaine actually paled and fear spiked up in their link once again threatening to upset the delicate balance. Fortunately they'd avoided doing anything drastic for a tiny sparrow suddenly landed onto his shoulder and in a few hops made its way to his palm where it settled onto the heron brand and even began chipping away. To him it was perfectly natural, though he had to toss the bird back into the air to make it leave. Doesine had never seen anything like it, and somehow that helped restore calmness within the link.
And for all that time, all he wanted from them were childhood memories, memorable occasions, lessons learned and moments in their lives both happy and sad. Their past actions and regrets, their hopes for the future, and their current desires. For some reason it proved difficult for them to talk about these things ; perhaps it was the fact that as Aes Sedai they had cut themselves off from that life so they could serve the Tower. Or perhaps it was a sense of him guiding them someplace, maneuvering them into a position in some convoluted game only he understood. It certainly was a most unnerving thought. Yet even so, their duty had passed swiftly. Midnight chime resonated on the nightly wind and they saw the light of a Gateway slowly coming into existence. It was time for another selected seven to take over instead of them. As they were getting up to leave, Ferrane finally spoke :
" Master al'Thor ?" He looked at her calmly. " Your choice of questions ; It was… different from what we've expected. Instead of asking about the important issues you've focused on irrelevant topics. Why ? You could have at least asked the questions. "
Sighing heavily he looked back to the fountain. In that dark clothing he seemed almost a part of the night even with the torches. The next seven Sitters were already there watching the exchange with obvious interest. " I am satisfied with the answers I've got. " He spoke finally. " Good night to you all. "
Ferrane opened her mouth again but closed it swiftly and following the rest of them back into the Hall's chambers. There would be no sleep tonight for any of them.
Lazaruss : " I don't think I'll manage to post another chapter before book 13 comes out. I hope at least some of you have found my work appropriate.
One last bit of info I've puzzled out :
1. When Moghodien came out of the vacuole in book 7, Shaidar Haran had her close her eyes and walk. When she opened them Moridin was there, and he had the mindtrap instead of Shaidar Haran.
2. First Moridin was spying on Sammael in book 7 when he and Graendal met with Sevanna, than Shaidar Haran when Sammael scattered the Shaido all over the map, then Morudin again, following him and Rand into Shadar Logoth itself.
3. Mesaana was punished by Shaidar Haran in the White Tower, and later Moridin teased her about it.
4. In book 8 Moridin is playing a board game with himself, even though it takes two players.
5. Shaidar Haran is bound to Shadar Logoth and can't spend too long away from it. Moridin is almost always in Shayol Ghool.
6 The True Power is too dangerous to be wielded by even Forsaken like Ishmael - ergo to wield it safely one must undergo a certain transformation.
I think that they are one and the same, that he can shift from one form to another like Isaam and that each form has its own distinct advantages. The appearance of Shaidar Haran to somehow rival the Nae'bliss title is too convenient. "