Thanks to everyone who's read this far :).
Rana and Moiraine walked back into the inn together, and Rana couldn't help but notice that the others were gone, probably preparing to leave. She followed Moiraine as the Aes Sedai headed to the room she had been staying in "You know I don't know how you did." she remarked, "No one should have been able to get here that fast.. not to mention fighting those Trollocs like you did after." then she gave Rana a sidelong glance, "And Lan told me that you didn't seem surprised when he spoke to you earlier.
"I wasn't." Rana admitted, watching Moiraine gather up her things. "I was expecting it."
"And why was that?"
"I'll answer that question when you tell me this. What did you come here for." Rana met her gaze, a determined look on her face, and Moiraine smiled slightly and quicly changed into a dark grey dress designed for riding, the only ornamentation she wore now was her ring.
"I was right, you would certainly make a good noble. You have the backbone to stand up for yourself... and you're a good speaker. I will not push... though I expect I shall find out on my own soon enough..." she shook her head "At least one of you seems to understand the seriousness of the situation. Your friends have a agreed to come but I don't think they yet grasp what is to come. And you're capable enough with the blade. Lan was most impressed, he said you probably killed at least ten of them before one even managed to touch you.
Rana reached up and touched the bandages gently, "I barely felt it." she admitted. "I only allowed myself to think about the fact that if I did not keep fighting more people would die."
"You may well be right about that... I certainly would have struggled with healing people if you hadn't stepped up when you did."
Rana blushed, "I'm just glad that father taught me how to use a sword despite what others said about it."
"I expect many people are now." Moiraine laid a hand on her shoulder, "I believe I have packed all that I need." and Rana took the bag from her, slinging it over her good shoulder. "I suppose we should head down to the stables now."
Moiraine nodded "I believe so, the longer we tarry the more chance that the Trollocs will catch up." and with that they headed down to the stables together, and when they arrived Moiraine strode into the room.
"Are we ready to depart?"
"The horses are ready, and we have enough provisions to reach Baerlon with some to spare. I suggest we leave as soon as possible."
Rana gave Mat and Perrin a reassuring grin at their worried looks, though it didn't reach her eyes, "I suppose this is goodbye to Emond's Field then." she strode towards the others only to jump when familiar voice declalared.
"Not without me." and Egwene slipped into the stable, a shawl wrapped bundle in her arms.
Lan's sword had come half out of it's sheath, and when he saw who it was he shoved the blade back, his eyes suddenly flat.
Perrin and Mat instantly started babbling that they hadn't told Egwene about leaving, though Moiraine ignored them, eyeing Egwene thoughtfully and tapping her lips.The hood of Egwene's dark brown cloak was pulled up, but not enough to hide the defiant way she faced Moiraine. "I have everything I need here. Including food. And I will not be left behind. I'll probably never get another chance to see the world outside the Two Rivers."
"This isn't a picnic trip into the Waterwood, Egwene," Mat growled. He stepped back when she looked at him from under lowered brows.
"Thank you, Mat. I wouldn't have known. If you think you three are the only ones who want to see what's outside? I've dreamed about it as long as you have, and I don't intend to miss this chance."
Rana shook her head, "Egwene this isn't a game, or a grand adventure! You think any of us wanted to leave like this." she shook her head, "Of course not! The Trollocs are after m-us." she shook her head, "It's dangerous in a way you don't seem to understand!"
"Rana don't talk nonsense! Why would the Trollocs be after you, after any of you?"
"It's true." Perrin stated quickly, and Matt nodded in agreement.
Moiraine opened her mouth to speak but Rana spoke first, glaring at Egwene. "You weren't there! You didn't fight them. They targeted us Egwene! Because of m-" she shook her head quickly, cutting herself off, "Because of things outside of our control."
"Enough." Moiraine gave Rana yet another curious look before turning to Egwene, "Did anyone else see you? Has anyone else realised what we are doing?"
"No, after last night all they can think about it rebuilding, and what to do if it happens again." Egwene answered swiftly, avoiding Rana's gaze.
"Very well." Moiraine stated after a moment, "You may come with us."
A startled expression darted across Lan's face. It was gone in an instant, leaving him outwardly calm, but furious words erupted from him. "No, Moiraine!"
"It is part of the Pattern, now, Lan."
"It is ridiculous!" he retorted. "There's no reason for her to come along, and every reason for her not to."
"There is a reason for it," Moiraine said calmly. "A part of the Pattern, Lan." The Warder's stony face showed nothing but he nodded slowly.
"Egwene." Rana's voice was pleading now. "You cannot come.. if anything were to happen to you-"
"Oh do stop it! If anything was to happen to me it would be my own fault Rana al'Thor. You know I don't understand why all of a sudden you feel so responsible for this mess." and Rana glared fiercely.
"Light burn you then." she stormed over to one of the horses and leapt astride it, realising absently that she had chosen Cloud, the most spirited of the horses, but she leaned in close and whispered to him soothingly before she set off, "I shall meet you all outside of the village, I shall be careful not to be spotted." she needed the time alone anyway, to clear her head.
She headed to the North edge of the village, gripping the reins tightly and taking a deep breath as she let the cool air sooth the flush of her cheeks. How could Egwene be so foolish? Choosing to come with them as though it was just some exciting adventure. And how dare she say that. Egwene understood nothing.
It was Rana's fault. If her father was right and she was the Dragon Reborn then they were hunting her even if they did not realise it was her who they should be hunting, not Mat and Perrin.
When she reached the outskirts of he village she stopped, waiting for them and taking a deep breath. She would have to reveal herself to Moiraine eventually. It was impossible to his the maelstrom of emotions she felt, but if Moiraine knew then perhaps it would ease her mind, to be able to discuss it with her. And yet... though she had more trust for her than Mat and Perrin likely did, she did not trust her enough yet. But soon perhaps.
It was not long before she could hear the others approaching and she turned to look behind them, raising an eyebrow when she saw the gleeman with them, and she noted that Egwene had found Bela and was perched on her back. That was rather reassuring.
She glanced between Moiraine and Thom, she was fairly certain that was the gleemans name, and Moiraine nodded to her, "He is coming with us it seems. The Pattern weaves as it will." she gave Rana a level look, "And you should not have rushed off like that."
"I can look after myself well enough to be alone for a few minutes Moiraine, and I was not seen." she shifted slightly on Clouds back before spurring him into motion, riding between Moiraine and Lan in silence, unwilling to fall back and have to deal with the worried looks her boys would give her, or the annoyed look Egwene was sure to send her way.
And because she didn't want to have to put up with Moiraine and Lan's inevitable questioning she looked to the sky. She was the only one who did so, which is why she was the one who saw the black shape flying slowly across the silvery ball of the moon. She let out a startled yelp, and Lan had to reach out and catch her arm to prevent her from falling off Cloud.
"What is it?" he asked swiftly, looking up to the sky. She told him quickly and he shook his head, a scowl on his lips "Draghkar..." he looked towards Moiraine, who nodded.
"Yes, it is too much to hope otherwise... and if there is a Draghkar then they will soon know where we are, if they do not already. We must move more quickly than we can cross country. We may still reach Taren Ferry ahead of the Myrddral that undoubtedly commands the Trollocs. We can cross much more easily than they shall."
"A Draghkar?" Egwene asked from behind Rana, "What is it?"
It was Thom Merrilin who answered her hoarsely. "In the war that ended the Age of Legends, worse than Trollocs and Halfmen were created."
Moiraine's head jerked toward him as he spoke. Not even the dark could hide the sharpness of her look.
Before anyone could ask the gleeman for more, Lan began giving directions. "We take to the North Road, now. For your lives, follow my lead, keep up and keep together."
He wheeled his horse about, and the others galloped wordlessly after him.