Chapter 4

Shende Hold

The Wise One's left eyebrow climbed up. "What do you mean by that?"

"I thought it obvious. What Dragon are you supposed to be the children of? Not Fafnir or Smaug, I would think. Alduin, perhaps, he's always liked to be served by humans." My plan was a little off, I knew. But it was a good excuse for why I would be interested in the Aiel, and if they thought there were more dragons out there, maybe I wouldn't appear so strange. Probably not.

"Where did you even hear those words? Who told you?"

"I recently had the opportunity to speak to Someshta," I told her truthfully. "Also known as the Green Man? Is it Shenlong? Fin Fang Foom?"

"Enough! We have never belonged to a creature such as you. Not now, not ever." Behind her, none of the Aiel had left though just about all of them had dropped their veils.

"I see. Would you like to? If you are not spoken for, I might be persuaded to sponsor you so that you can continue to call yourselves Children of the Dragon." I gave her a smile, only to realize that I was exposing many sharp, dagger-like teeth.

"Cease speaking of it. Too many ears can hear you." The Wise One didn't glance at our audience and kept her eyes firmly on me.

"Does that mean I have permission to enter the hold without you people wasting all your arrows on me?"

She studied me. "You would not fit even under our highest roof."

"That is where you are wrong."

Hiding one's greatness

Spears rattled, and bows creaked as they saw me change. A murmur rose, though the Wise One held her ground as she looked at my new form. I now appeared to be an Aiel, of average height and build, wearing a cadin'sor of the right cut to be a blacksmith of Shende Hold of the Jarra sept of the Chareen.

"You are not Aiel."

"What a," I swallow the rest of the reply with the damn impulse to show off my knowledge. "Yes. I can camouflage myself to fit in with a society. You will note that my speech has changed as well. This is … instinct. There is no insult intended."

I could change it so I would look Andoran again, but that felt difficult.

"We'll see. What is your name." She didn't ask; she demanded it.

"Shenron."

"I am Sorilea." And this time, it was me who couldn't hide my shock because I knew this one from the books. And I knew Sorilea would have noticed that, but she did not comment on it.

We walked into Shende Hold, while many of the Aiel returned to their own affairs, but at least thirty escorted us in, including the clan chief. The gorge bent to the left, and the settlement revealed itself when we rounded that bend.

Red chickens picked at the ground while people dressed in brown, gray, or the white of ga'shan tended the crops on terraces and rooftops hewn into the walls of the gorge. Or was it gai 'shain?

I recalled that the Aiel grew maize and tomatoes, but this was early in the growing season, so I couldn't tell what plants produced what.

I followed Sorilea up a path that wound its way along the left wall of the gorge, drawing some attention. It appeared most were getting ready for dinner, and the appetizing smell of a dozen dishes getting cooked wafted through the gorge.

We came up to one particular house, to stand before a woman with more red in her hair. She was dressed about the same as Sorilea, though with a few more necklaces of gold and ivory. "Wise One, is this the guest we had word of?"

"It is, Juraindha. I need to interrogate it where not too many young and foolish ears can catch its words."

Ah, this must be the Roofmistress. I had come prepared for this part, Farstrider's book had refreshed my memory on this Aiel custom. Stepping forward, I pulled out a silver bowl I'd made for the occasion that formed a near perfect half-sphere. All manner of birds decorated its surface, flying, running, and swimming clockwise along.

"Roofmistress, I ask leave to defend your roof and hold," I said.

She did not take the gift right away. "You have my leave," Juraindha said as she lifted the silver bowl out of my hand. "Water and shade will be provided to you."

"You are too kind." I followed Sorilea inside and sat on the floor opposite her. Rugs and a few cushions provided some comfort.

"You know our customs," the old Wise One remarked.

I moved my head in what wasn't quite a nod or a shake of my head. "I know some of your customs. Enough not to stand out too much. But approaching you like that wouldn't have given the right impression. You approach an enemy veiled, after all," I said with a smile.

"We will see if you have come to us without a veil." A few gai'shain came in with dinner for Sorilea and me. It was different fare, especially after having eaten only Andoran cuisine for a month or so. Shienaran food had been prepared a little differently, but the crops they used were much the same. Not so the Aiel.

We consumed our dinner in silence, though every time I turned my attention to Sorilea I found her green eyes – hard as emeralds – scrutinizing me. Outside, the hold was still, though I had no illusion my guards had truly left.

"We do not share that name with outsiders," Sorilea said at last. "And seeking the Green Man is a wetlander custom. No Aiel has gone over the Dragon Wall to find him."

"Someshta knew the name from the previous age. And I've noticed you have not answered my question. Could it be that this dragon is dead? That you are between dragons, as it were. Or was it the human Lews Therin they called the Dragon?"

Sorilea only nodded slightly. "You already knew. Your earlier guesses were a diversion. How much do you know of our history, Shenron?"

I should have figured I couldn't get my act past these people. I was not that good an actor. Well, it might have worked if it hadn't been fricking Sorilea I'd met. Perhaps honesty was the better policy. "More than an outsider does, or most Aiel. I know that what it means to be Aiel has been subject to change over the centuries."

"And you learned all this from the Green Man?"

"Mostly from books. But Someshta filled some gaps in my knowledge." I took a sip from my water. "As you may have guessed, I'm not from this world. I am almost certainly the only dragon here at the moment. Knowledge that is hidden here is easier to find elsewhere." Right, cards on the table. "Which brings me to my other question. Do you know what happens to the male channelers you send north?"

Sorilea blinked, but her expression didn't move a milimeter. Still, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to answer me. "They fight the Shadow and earn a good death."

"Yeah, no. The forces of Sightblinder capture them, then turn them to his side. You've been providing Grassburner with their dreadlords for … over a thousand years at least."

"If you read that in your books, then it cannot contain as much truth as you think. We are Aiel, we don't bow to Sightblinder. Not even those men cursed with the ability to channel."

"If they had a choice," I said. "But channelers are uniquely vulnerable. Get thirteen Myrddraal together and have thirteen channelers channel through them, and that group can scrape the soul out of a channeler. After that, they just substitute it with a little bit of the essence of Grassburner and they have a new servant. And as they're now protected from the taint, they can live for centuries."

Sorilea still maintained that same expression of slight disapproval of the entire world. No shock, no anger at my explanation. But she didn't resume her meal either. "This is the reason you came, then. To tell us this. Why?"

"Because I want to know what you will do. You've been told your ancient custom is in fact aiding Sightblinder, rather than spitting in its eye. Will you ignore this information? Hesitate and try to disprove my words? Or will you act and change, as your ancestors once had to?"

Sorilea stood up. "You will stay here. I will have more questions tomorrow."

"I will leave tomorrow," I told her back as she made to leave. "I do have other places to be."

She stopped and looked back at me. "You can leave when I say so."

"Not how this works," I said. I may have made an error in judgment.

VVVV

My claws scratched the warm stones I walked on. The people on the street moved out of the way as I passed through. I nodded at them as they bowed to me. The shadow of a dirigible glided over me as it made its way towards the skytower where another one prepared for take-off.

Looking over the skyline I took in the thousand windmills turning wind into power. This city knew no darkness nor ignorance. They were a shining beacon that drew trade from all across the world. It was only right its people thanked me for …

Something was not right.

The city was empty, there was nobody here. Nothing except for myself … and another.

This is not real. A dream.

My memory returned, and I knew where I was. The Aiel Waste, Shende Hold. I found myself in the Aiel hold, looking up a narrow strip of the night sky was visible. Still, this place felt empty. Almost empty.

I'm asleep. But not alone.

The houses pulled apart to form a set of stairs fit for my size and gait. I strode up them towards my guest. A Wise One, not Sorilea. Her dark hair had gray streaks in it and there were deep crow's feet around her eyes. "Entering the mind of a dragon is a dangerous thing to do. Have you learned anything else?"

"You are not surprised."

"Oh, no, I am. But I should have guessed that the Wise Ones would have one of their Dreamwalkers see what they can learn about me." I really should have. But I hadn't known what would happen if they did, not until now.

"Sorilea was right. You know more than you should for an outsider."

I grin and lower my head closer to her. "And you are surprised? Parents often know more than their children. And no, I will not stop mentioning that you call yourselves Children of the Dragon. It amuses me." Perhaps more than it should. Again I wonder just how much this form influences me. Or is it simply that I'm liberated to be more expressive?

I lie down, a comfortable chaise lounge rising up from the ground. Not to be rude, I offer my visitor a chair as well. "But if you wish to know more, have you thought to use this bold new tactic called asking?"

The Wise One gave my seat a look, then the one I'd provided her. She rearranged her brown shawl and remained standing. "Very well. What proof do you have of your claim, Shenron?"

"Proof? Well, you could go ask the Aes Sedai about the turning of channelers. It was done before in the War of Power. Or you could try and sneak a scout to the village that lies within sight of Shayol Ghul. The red veiled are a known sight there." I remembered that much from the books.

"The red veiled?"

"Yes." I gestured to her left and conjured an image. This was something of a leap, I've only read about them, but they should be dressed very similarly to the Aiel I'd seen today. And that is what appeared. An Aiel man, who hid his face behind a red veil.

"The turned Aiel channelers and their descendants. They wear that veil until it is time to kill. Then it comes off." The image did so, revealing teeth filed to points.

The Wise One recoiled. "They kill with their faces bare? And you dare call them Aiel?"

"They were Aiel. Now, they have been twisted by the Shadow." With an unnecessary wave of my hand, the image was dismissed.

She looked up at me. Her jaw set. "This is all, then? We are to break a tradition that has held for two thousand years on your word alone? And then what?"

I snorted. "As if the Aiel have never broken with tradition before." I pointed a claw at her. "You made this mess. Is it too much to ask that you clean it up? Or at least stop spilling more milk?"

Without another word, she was gone.

I let out a breath. That could perhaps have gone better, but the Aiel did not trust people that were not Aiel. I shook my head. In the morning, I would leave. If Sorilea had any more questions, I would answer them if I could, but leave I would.

For tonight though, I still had control of my own dream. I turned my gaze to the stars. This was my opportunity to experience soaring through space.

VVVV

Two Stone Dogs rose up from their squatting position when I stepped out of the room that morning. I blinked as I realized that I'd read that information from their clothes alone. A function of my current shape, my tie to the Word of Artifice, or both?

I gave them a nod. "I see you. I don't suppose I could get breakfast before I leave?"

"I see you, Shenron," the one to my right said. He had a scar across his left cheek that continued on the right side of his brow. "If you are hungry, breakfast will be brought to you."

"Thank you, but I like to stretch my legs and might as well get some food when I do."

"You're not leaving that room until the Wise One has given permission," the other Stone Dog said. He was taller, his eyes more blue than green.

"You can tell her where I went." I took one step and found his spear almost poking into my chest. I gave him a look. "You think that works better than mentioning Sorilea's wishes?"

I grabbed the spear, quick as a snake, and pulled the spear up. It scraped along my neck as I sawed it back and forth, a sound like steel scraping against steel ringing out. I gave the Stone Dog a grin and let go of his spear.

He pulled it back and retreated, inspecting his spear.

"If there are no other objections," I said, only to find a hand clasped on my right shoulder.

"The Wise One is not a woman to disobey or ignore, Shenron." The scarred man had stowed his spears and shield. He took hold of my lower arm with his other hand. "We will stop you with our bare hands if we must."

"Very well," I said. Then I took hold of him, slipping through his attempts to hold me without issue. Lifting him up, I jumped out to another level. "You can stay back and tell Sorilea your friend is keeping an eye on me!" I shouted to the other one.

I jumped from one roof to a terrace below, following my nose. The man I was carrying now held on tight. "Don't worry, I won't drop you." I jumped up a level again as I spotted the glow of a fire. The source of the light and the smells turned out to be some gai'shain frying what looked like tortillas in oil.

I let go of the Stone Dog, who landed neatly on his feet and didn't even stagger. "Have you had anything to eat yet?"

He looked back the way we'd come. His companion was several levels up and only now running down a winding path down to our level. "You could teach an Hama N'dore a thing or two, Shenron."

The name almost felt familiar. One of the Aiel warrior societies, but exactly what they did was beyond what my disguise would provide. "Thank you, but I can barely be considered a master of the lesser strife myself."

"Lesser strife?"

"Yes." They were pulling the probable tortillas out of the oil and started piling some fried beans as well as bits of cheese and tomato over them. "There is conflict woven into the very fabric of Creation. Tensions where opposites strive against each other. By meditating and studying, these a true martial art – a True Strife – can be learned. In turn, a lesser strife can be derived from that which can be taught to and by regular people, such as yourself."

I accepted one of the tortillas with a nod. Probably had another name since it was flat and fried, but I didn't care.

After another pause, my guard also picked up breakfast. "You claim that the way you jumped was something you learned instead of something you can do because of what you are?"

"Yes, though I learned it by meditating on my own nature rather than from a teacher. What I am, however, did make it easier to learn." I looked him up and down. "Given that Stone Dogs have rocks for bones, you'd have a better chance learning the Strife of the Broken Earth. And that's one I can't teach you." I took a good bite and I nodded my head in approval as the rich taste filled my mouth. "Wonderful," I told the gai'shain.

I started to walk down the path to the gorge's floor. "I am Harirn," my guard said. "Of the Jarra sept of the Chareen Aiel. You will need more than such tricks to defy the Wise Ones. Especially Sorilea."

"Luckily, I have lots of tricks. And it's best to start as you mean to go on. I'm here to give your Wise Ones some information. I am not under their authority, and if Sorilea or anybody else is under the illusion that I am, it's best to clear up that misunderstanding now."

Harirn shook his head. "You are either very brave or very foolish, Shenron."

"Oh no, I'm definitely foolish. I keep expecting people to be reasonable."

That got me a laugh from Harirn.

VVVV

Sorilea found me perhaps an hour later as I discussed the problems of making steel in the Aiel Waste. You couldn't make charcoal in this sort of environment, not enough wood. Harirn and the other Stone Dog, who had pointedly refused to name himself, kept their eyes on me but got a little more alert when Sorilea strode towards us.

"You were not given permission to leave," she said.

"And I believe I told you that's not how it works. But, how are you? I had an excellent sleep, partly thanks to the efforts of the Wise Ones, so thank you for that." I gave her a smile.

"You told Seana several things you did not mention to me. What else do you know that you shouldn't?" Her face was a dark brown, leather mask; the look in her eyes was hard and sharp enough to stab a crocodile.

"That's the wrong way to look at it. Really, nobody knows everything they should. Not me," I said, gesturing at myself before pointing at her. "Not you. So the worry isn't what others know that you don't want them to know. It's what you don't know that you really should. Such as the matter I have brought to your attention. And you are welcome."

"You have not answered my question."

I let out a breath. "I reject the very premise of the question. It's this secrecy that will break all too many of you." My teeth clicked, I shouldn't have said that. I shook my head. "If you have nothing else to say, I will take my leave. I guess we'll see if you'll actually act."

"I have not given you permission to leave," Sorilea said.

She made no gesture, but fifty Aiel appeared from around corners and through doorways leveling their arrows at me. I also felt the air still around me, and the smell of flowers filled my nose. Someone had caught me in threads of saidar. Couldn't be Sorilea, if memory served she was a very weak channeler.

"You still don't get it." I pulled on my power, molded it to my imagination, and pushed it out.

Undo the bowyer's work!

A pulse that did not stir the air raced out, and every bow within my sight fell apart. The layers of sinew, wood, and horn were no longer glued together, the string came undone and unwound into its separate strands.

Reveal your true glory!

I towered over the Aiel, the shackles of frozen air I ignored as I had Harirn's hands. "You have no more hope to hold me than you could the wind or the light of the sun. Until we meet again, Sorilea. And try to have some more patience for He Who Comes With the Dawn."

I launched myself into the sky. There wasn't enough space in the gorge to fully unfurl my wings, but my flight was powered by my will as much as my wings. And once I'd escaped the confines of Shende Hold I could spread my wings and gain speed.

Reflecting on these past few days, I wasn't sure I had accomplished anything. Nothing but pissing off the Wise Ones and maybe distracting them while they prepared the search for the Car'a'carn. Time would tell.

I turned my head west and raced the sun to the Spine of the World.