Chapter Four: The Attack
Alessia was already out and about finishing her work early for the day. It was Bel Tine. She had made two extra lanterns for the Sedai and her warder. She grabbed the extra lanterns and made her way to the tavern. Wondering if the two had already woken up. To her surprise, they had not left. She knocked gently on the door with a weak smile. The door was opened as she was greeted by Lan.
"Lady Alessia." He spoke while giving her a bow.
"Just Alessia please." She spoke with a soft smile.
"What do I owe this pleasure?" He asked as Moiraine stepped into view.
"Your lanterns. I hope you join us tonight." She spoke while handing the two new lanterns to Lan who nodded his head lightly. "Let me know if you need anything else." Alessia spoke with another bow before taking her leave. She saw Egwene and smiled.
"Breakfast ready?" She asked as Egwene nodded her head.
"Come. I was about to bring fresh bread to my father." Egwene spoke. Alessia followed her friend outside as the morning sun was almost made to midday.
"Too early for breakfast?" Egwene asked as her father chuckled lightly.
"Never too early for your ma's bread." He spoke. They all sat down and began to eat. Alessia's eyes caught another blue pair. Moiraine had left the tavern with Lan close by.
"I finished my work early today." Alessia spoke as the man smiled at her.
"Good. Get some training in." He spoke. Alessia had picked up sword fighting a while back. She wanted to learn the art of it. She was good. None of the men could keep up with her. It was how she liked it.
"The Queen should knight you. Bring honor to the Two Rivers." They would say to her. However, it would be Tarabon and not the Two Rivers since she wasn't from here.
"Alright, I am going to take my daily walk before then." She spoke. She bowed to Egwene and her father before taking her leave. Not knowing she was being followed.
She was humming softly while walking down the pathway into the woods. She stopped and turned to look over her shoulder.
"May I ask where the Wisdom is?" Moiraine asked as Alessia nodded her head.
"She's in the sacred pool in that cave." Alessia pointed. It was an area where people would go for cleansing. Alessia however stayed away from it. She didn't believe in that.
"Thank you dear." The woman in blue spoke with a smile. Alessia nodded her head before taking her leave from the forest. She followed the path back near the village. She stopped in the field. The flowers were not in bloom right now. She took a stance and pulled out her sword. She slowly went through the movements she was taught.
"Not bad." Lan's voice spoke. Alessia turned to look at him. He had his sword drawn.
"Care for a sparring match?" He asked as she nodded her head. He went first. Lifting his sword and swinging it downwards hard. Alessia easily blocked it. Turning on her tiptoes rather fast and swung her blade to hit his back. He blocked it with ease. It was as if they were dancing while sparring. She could finally feel the sweat break. Lan was really good. Being a warder to an Aes Sedai, he had to be. She was no match compared to him. She had called for yield while holding her knees to catch her breath.
"You are good. Good enough to be a warder if you weren't a channeler." Lan smiled at her.
"I cannot channel. I also thought women shouldn't become warders." She replied as Moiraine had come into sight.
"A woman being a warder is extremely rare. Not common. To channel. You can. I've seen it." Moiraine replied. Alessia frowned. It was a painful memory she had.
"Then why can't I channel?" Alessia asked as she put her sword up. Tying it on the belt she wore. She stood where she was as the woman in blue walked up to her. Cupping her cheek with one hand and the other on her forehead.
"You are blocked from the One's Power. Your power is still there. We can reverse the block at the Tower. Come with me tonight." Moiraine spoke as Alessia took a step back.
"I cannot leave the people who took me in." She replied with a frown.
"I know you, Alessia. Do you feel like you belong here?" Moiraine asked her. Alessia was silent for a while. She was deep in thought at the question the Sedai asked her. She shook her head. She never felt like she did or anywhere else. Moiraine then pulled out a book. A book she thought she had lost. Gasping as she grabbed it.
"I thought I lost this!" Alessia spoke. It was the history of the White Tower. She gave Moiraine a hug. Feeling the hug returned but tightly this time. It was a moment before the blue Aes Sedai had let her go. Alessia fought back the tears and took a deep breath. She then nodded her head.
"I shall ready the horses. But, can we at least stay for the lanterns?" Alessia asked. Seeing a soft smile upon the older woman's face as she nodded. She turned to take her leave. Leading back to the village. They were silent. Alessia could feel the tension in the air from the villagers. They still did not trust Moiraine. Not that she didn't blame them. She heard several stories told when she was younger. The further away from the Tower, the worse the rumors had gotten. Being over a month's travel from the Tower, the stories were bad. Alessia of course did not believe them. She, after all, grew up with two Aes Sedai. In a way, they both had saved her. One from loneliness, one from the attack that night.
She reached the tavern and began to pack her things. It was a small bag of what she had. Tucking the book she had gotten back into the pack. Looking around the room and sighed lightly. Sitting on the bed as memories began to come back to her when she first came here. The pranks she had done with the boys. The scolding she did with Egwene and Nynaeve. Then she would get scolded by Egwene's mother, Marin. She smiled softly as the woman had cared for her. Touching her red pendant while smiling. She had kept it all these years. It reminded her of someone dear to her. The necklace was still in perfect condition. She had finished packing her sack as set it aside by the door. She would come back for it later or maybe she should bring it with her to put it on the horse just in case they had to leave at a moment's notice. Deciding the best of it, she grabbed her sack to pack on her horse. Alessia then walked back outside. Seeing Rand, Perrin, and Mat all sitting at the table. She went over and joined them.
"What happened between you and Egwene?" Mat had asked.
"What?" Perrin asked. The poor boy had no clue on what was going on. Alessia on the other hand knew. Egwene was going to take up the offer from Nynaeve. To train to become a Wisdom. Which meant she couldn't be with anyone. To take a husband or start a family. She remembered late nights of Egwene telling her over candlelight how she wanted to help the village. How she loved to learn from Wisdom. The knowledge she would receive. Egwene did however possess the power to listen to the wind and predict the weather.
"What happened with you and Egwene?" Perrin asked. Alessia only kept her mouth closed while looking around. Moiraine was walking around the village. It seemed like she was getting provisions for the journey. Alessia stood up.
"Where are you going?" Mat asked. Alessia only rolled her eyes.
"Probably to freshen herself up for you." Perrin laughed. She sighed.
"I'm leaving." Alessia spoke.
"Sure. You always say that." Rand laughed. She shook her head and left for the stables.
"Hello Spot." Alessia smiled while petting the nose of her horse. He was pure black with a white circle on his chest. He was the fastest horse in the village. It was a gift to her from the village for joining the Women's Circle. She however was the only one who was able to tame him. Hearing him snicker at her.
"Here boy." She held up an apple for him to eat. "Ugh. You slobber everywhere." She flicked her hand to get the saliva off of her. Chuckling lightly as she brushed his mane. Once done, she checked his hooves. Making sure they were ready for a long journey. She left over to the feeding bin and grabbed the sacks. Seeing the two new horses, she smiled. She placed the feeding sacks around them. Giving them oats and new hay to build up their strengths. She gave one to Spot as well. Once they were distracted, Alessia started to saddle them up. Making sure everything was fitted snuggly. Checking Moiraine's and Lan's horses' hooves as well. She smiled as her job was now done. She went to double check her pack.
"By the light." She sighed. She forgot her brush. Walking out of the stables as she made her way back to the tavern. Up to her former bedroom. Seeing the brush on the small table with a mirror. There were red strings by her brush. Sitting down as she took out her braid. Slowly putting her hair up halfway as she intertwined the red strings into her hair. Her hair fell past her waist. Not sure if it would grow any longer. It was after all getting harder to tend to. She twisted and turned the new braids around in her hair like Musin had taught her all those years ago. Smiling at her work before grabbing the rest of her long black hair and putting it into a low pony. Once done, she had turned to leave the tavern one last time only to be stopped by Marin.
"I know you are leaving." Marin spoke as Alessia frowned and nodded her head.
"I am. I am sorry." Alessia spoke softly.
"Don't be. I knew one day you would leave. I knew an Aes Sedai would show up someday and convince you to leave." Marin added while pulling out what seemed to be a full coin purse.
"I cannot accept that." Alessia spoke as the coin purse was placed into her hands.
"You can because it is yours." Marin spoke. She gave a confused look. "A courier from a few years back brought this. He told me of your past. You are a Lady of a powerful house. This is part of your fortune." She added. Alessia nodded her head lightly. She opened the purse and gave some of it to Marin.
"For all your troubles when you took me in." She spoke softly only to receive a chuckle.
"My dear, I took you in because I wanted to. I saw a lost child who had lost everything." Marin spoke. Alessia gave the woman a bow before tucking the heavy coin purse under the belt she wore. Taking her final leave from the tavern.
The sun was now setting in the sky. It was almost time. Alessia could feel her heart race at this. She was debating if she should say her goodbyes or just cut ties and leave? She saw Egwene and walked over to her.
"Alessia! Almost time!" Her friend smiled as she nodded.
"I need to talk to you." She spoke. "Privately." She added as Mat was staring at her. Egwene had led the way towards the other side of the stables.
"What is it?" Egwene asked. Alessia took a deep breath before sighing.
"I am leaving." She spoke softly.
"What do you mean?" Egwene frowned.
"After the lanterns. I am leaving. I am not staying here." Alessia spoke. Knowing her friend was going to be upset. To her surprise, she was not.
"I figured you would some day. I just didn't think you would be leaving with her." Egwene spoke while nodding towards somewhere. Alessia followed the line of sight. It was on the top floor of the tavern. Moiraine was watching them.
"Just be with the light. Be safe. I know you felt like you never belonged here." Egwene added. Alessia couldn't help but give Egwene a hug.
"You're my best friend. I'll write letters! I'm going to miss you." Alessia spoke as she received a hug back.
"Come! Let us enjoy Bel Tine!" Egwene spoke. Alessia nodded and as her friend led the way back into the village. Some people were already eating. Alessia took a spot next to Egwene and her family. Eating dinner with them one last time.
"So, you're leaving huh?" Egwene's father asked as he smacked Alessia's shoulder. Feeling the force of his strength pushed her forward. She chuckled and nodded her head lightly.
"Promise you will stay safe and stay in the light?" Marin asked. Alessia nodded her head as she began to eat. They were eating deer tonight. The village was blessed with deer tonight from the hunters. It was good food. Knowing she had better enjoyed it while it lasted. Who knows what food they would have on the road. Taking a mental note to buy some food before she left for the road. Put some of that money to good use.
"One hour!" Nynaeve shouted as the villagers cheered. Alessia took this opportunity to stock up on some food. She walked over to the small market they had. She managed to grab a decent amount of food in another sack. Some herbs packed just in case. She went back to the stables and packed her food onto Spot. Her horse. Pulling out her long red cloak she was given and put it on. Grabbing her lantern as well. She turned to face Lan who was smiling.
"Come. Moiraine is waiting." He spoke and led the way. They went down a different pathway than the rest of the villagers. She smiled when she saw the woman in blue.
"I've seen that cloak before. Where did you get it?" The older woman asked.
"It was given to me when I was younger. Before I came here." Alessia replied. She handed Moiraine a match for her candle inside the lantern.
Night had fallen as the villagers were heard, laughing, crying and some were silent. Bel Tine was the time to remember and celebrate those who came before us. She watched the blue ajah place her lantern onto the water as it floated down the stream on its wood piece. Alessia lit hers and placed it upon the piece of wood she had gotten. She knelt down and closed her eyes. Saying a prayer for her father. Opening her eyes and she placed the lantern onto the water. She stood back up and backed away from the water. Feeling her eyes sting with tears. Forcing them back, she sniffled. Feeling something gentle, grab her hand and intertwine their fingers. She looked over and saw the ring she knew well. She squeezed Moiraine's hand gently before leaning against the older woman.
"It's alright to cry." She spoke softly. Alessia chuckled lightly and nodded. The woman was not wrong. It had been years since her father's death. His murder. She took a deep breath. Silence had fallen between them. Alessia took comfort in the Aes Sedai's presence and closeness. Hearing footsteps not long after, she turned. Her hand is still being held. They were watching the river full of lanterns fill the dark area with light. Hearing footsteps from across the water, Alessia's eyes caught Egwene's. Her friend stared at them for a good minute. There was a hint of small judgment in her friend's eyes before leaving.
"We need to leave now. Trollocs have been spotted." Lan's voice spoke. Alessia's eyes went wide.
"What do you mean?" Alessia asked.
"I assume you know what a Trolloc is?" Lan asked as she nodded her head.
"Only from stories when I was younger. If what you say is true, we cannot leave the village defenseless Moiraine Sedai!" Alessia frowned. Squeezing Moiraine's hand. The woman looked between her and then to Lan.
"Do you know which one it is?" Lan asked Moiraine. Alessia could see the seriousness in the woman's eyes.
"No." She spoke. She walked past Lan, pulled Alessia along the way. Seeing their horses at the pathway they had taken. Alessia removed her hand from the older woman's. Seeing the protest in the eyes before she mounted her horse. Hearing the screaming now. Alessia felt her heart drop.
"We have to help them! We cannot leave them!" Alessia nearly cried. She could see the conflict in Moiraine's eyes. "Stories were told here. That a single Aes Sedai can turn the tide of a battle. Show them that." Alessia spoke. Her voice was firm and strong. Moiraine then nodded her head as she kicked her horse's side and led the way back to the village. Alessia and Lan were not far behind.
She gasped at the sight of the village. They dismounted their horses at a safe distance. Alessia pulled out her sword and followed Moiraine and Lan to the center of the village. The Trollocs were everywhere! They were exactly how they were described to her when she was younger. Tall monstrous looking creatures. She took a deep breath and readied herself. Watching Moiraine move fluidly with her body as white streams of the One's Power surround her. Alessia was watching in awe at the woman. Her heart was pounding at the sight as goosebumps rose upon her arms. She had never seen an Aes Sedai in action and she was standing next to one! Hearing a loud roar, Alessia turned on her feet and swung her sword. Making contact with the Trollocs neck. She pulled back and felt it slice its neck. Watching it fall down to its knees and then backwards. 'My first kill.' She thought with a frown. She turned in time to see Moiraine raising hundreds of small sized rocks from the ground. Instinctively she knelt down. Feeling the rocks found past her. Watching several Trollocs fall because of it. Then fire balls were thrown. Several more had fallen. Alessia watched in amazement before turning and side stepping around Moiraine and Lan. Protecting the blue ajah from any attacks. Screams filled in the night's air. Alessia turned heels and ran. Looking for her friend. She found Egwene who was crying. Covered in blood. Alessia knelt down next to her.
"What happened?" She asked. Holding Egwene's shoulder tightly. She heard screams as some villagers were being dragged across the ground. Others were hit and knocked down. Some were being eaten alive. Alessia groaned at the sight. Covering her mouth as a cry escaped her lips. Mat was screaming for his sisters.
"Nynaeve! It took her! She's gone!" Egwene shouted through her sobs. Alessia looked around the area. The Wisdom was nowhere in sight. She pulled her friend into a hug. Hearing thunder roar as lightning flashed. Blinding the village as it struck the ground. Killing the remaining Trollocs. The screaming had died down. Alessia stood up and saw more Trollocs were standing in a line. Alessia's eyes went wide.
"There are too many of them." She heard Lan's voice. Moiraine was in Lan's arms. Seeing a dagger in her shoulder. Alessia frowned and ran over to her. Gently grabbing the dagger.
"On three." Alessia spoke as Moiraine nodded. "One!" Alessia spoke while pulling the dagger out. Hearing a grunt as Moiraine glared at her.
"Better than to expect it!" Alessia spoke. She stepped as Moiraine stood up. Moving her arms in circles. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck stand. Looking behind her as the white streams of One's Power flow through the tavern. She slowly moved backwards. Taking cover as the large bricks of the tavern were flung at the last of the Trollocs.
Smoke was rising. The tree in the center of the village was burnt to a crisp. Ashes from burned wooden houses or wagons that were left too close. Blood stained the ground. The smell of blood would linger for several days, if not weeks. Alessia was helping grab any wounded and brought them outside to the center on wooden pallets. She frowned. Several had lost their lives from the night. The sun was hiding behind the clouds. Giving no warmth from the sun. Alessia felt her heart ache at the sight. It felt like this was the first of many battles that were to come. Alessia had quickly grabbed a bucket to get water from the river. She came back as many people took from the bucket. She grabbed a cup and dumped it into the bucket. Giving water to those who had dried throats from the fire and smoke. She could hear the crunching sound of footsteps. She turned to see Rand looking around with a sad look on his face. She stood up and eyed him. Seeing his father upon the horse. She dashed over to take a look at his father.
"Place him here." She spoke. "I'll grab Moiraine Sedai." Alessia spoke.
"Egwene." Marin spoke. Seeing her friend stand up and run over to Rand. Helping him with his father. Alessia stopped and saw Moiraine looking around. She gently touched Moiraine's shoulder as the woman in blue looked into her eyes.
"It's Rand's father." Alessia spoke lightly.
"Lead the way dear." She nodded and turned her heels to lead back towards the center of the village. She stepped aside to give space.
"Trolloc poison." Moiraine spoke while she knelt down. Moving the shoulder part of the tunic to the side to get a better look at it. Alessia could smell the flesh from where she stood. Covering her nose with her wrist. The Trollocs did smell awful. Watching Moiraine struggle as she pulled a small stream of white from her chest. Moving her hand over the wound. Watching it slowly stitch itself back up. She smiled at Rand who was hugging his father now. Alessia was even more amazed at this woman.
"Look." Lan spoke. Alessia followed his line of sight and frowned. She saw in the distance, several flickering lights of torches. Battle cries from more Trollocs.
"What is that?" Egwene had asked.
"More Trollocs. At least three hundred." Lan replied. Alessia felt her heart sink. Why were they coming here?
"We need to leave." Moiraine spoke. She stood back up and began to walk away. Alessia was on her tail.
"You come here and the next day later they come." Rand spoke. As if he was accusing her of the attack. Alessia glared at Rand for this.
"They come here for the same reason as I did." Moiraine spoke. "We need to leave and you five are coming with me." Moiraine spoke. Not asking for permission from them.
"We can't just leave!" Egwene shouted.
"They will follow you. If you stay, they will attack again. Leave and you will save the village." Moiraine spoke.
"Why?" Rand asked.
"Because of the Dragon Reborn. One of you five is the Dragon Reborn and I must take you to the Tower." The woman in blue added. Alessia's eyes went wide. She had heard about the Dragon Reborn before! When she was younger from her father. He had thought she was asleep and once more from Moiraine when she eavesdropped in the library.
"So, it's true then?" Alessia asked. Moiraine nodded her head.
"You already knew that, didn't you?" The Sedai asked as Alessia nodded her head. She frowned.
"You're lying." Rand spoke.
"An Aes Sedai cannot lie, Rand. It's an oath they had sworn to." Alessia spoke.
"We must leave at once!" Moiraine spoke. With that, she left. To gather more horses for them. Alessia mounted Spot again and patted his neck. Making sure he was calm. She looked around and saw the villagers gathering around Egwene, Rand, Mat, and Perrin. Alessia had already said her goodbyes to them. She kicked Spot's side gently. He began moving slowly after Moiraine and Lan. They were then followed by the others. As they made their way down the pathway that led out of the Two Rivers. Towards Tar Valon. The city with the White Tower. Here, Alessia had hoped Moiraine was right. That the Trollocs would follow them away from the village. These people had already seen enough. Alessia knew in her heart that this would not be the last fight she would be in. Knowing the future was unknown and held much more in store for them. Her eyes caught Moiraine's. Watching the Aes Sedai take the lead. To where they needed to go now.