Chapter Five: Shadowed City
They had been riding for several hours already. Alessia could feel her horse already getting tired. The gravel and rocks beneath the horses' hooves must have made their hooves sore. Feeling the wind whip her hair as they rode on. A large river to their right. Lan grunted to make his horse run faster. Alessia frowned at the poor creature.
"Time?" Moiraine had asked Lan. Alessia frowned at this.
"Not enough." Lan replied.
"We need to move faster." Moiraine added. Alessia nodded her head in agreement. Everyone shouting in unison to make their horses move. Hearing the splash against the horses legs as they ran across the river. Taking a diagonal path. Alessia turned to look behind them. The Trollocs were not far behind.
"Hurry!" She shouted. Hearing Spot grunt as he moved faster. Night had fallen. If they didn't find safety soon, the horses would faint. She felt her heart racing while hearing the Trollocs roar in the distance. There was no way in Light that they would win this fight against them. The Tower was several hundreds of miles away. Alessia just wanted to survive the night and hoped the horses would get rest soon.
"There." Alessia pointed. There was a house coming up. It was the crossing they had reached.
"The village is not far now." Someone spoke. It was dark and she could only recognize the voices of her friends.
"Would it not be good to get behind some walls?" Rand asked.
"Walls won't keep the Trollocs out." Moiraine answered. She was not wrong. They would just smash right through anything. "They only thing they fear is deep water." The woman in blue added.
"No wonder they smell like piss." Mat added. Alessia for once, agreed with him.
"I don't think even soap could save them from the smell." She added. Hearing a small chuckle from someone before she pulled her reins a little. Making Spot stop as they approached a man. Hearing the man speak as Moiraine was waiting for his answer.
"You are not the type of woman who hears no often?" The man asked. Alessia rolled her eyes at his question. The Aes Sedai were not in fact especially if it meant in a hurry.
"No I am not." Moiraine replied. Seeing Lan had him some money. It was a good amount. Alessia took this opportunity and grabbed their horses reins and pulled them to lead them over to the ferry they would be taking. Rand and Perrin followed. Then the others did. The ferryman was abroad as well.
"My son will be here any minute now!" The man protested. It was a slow crossing. The Trollocs had caught up. Stopping at the edge of the water. Alessia was growing at the sight. Watching some of them fall into the water before drawing. They roared and shouted in protest. Then it showed up. A rider in all black. Its horse had a skull helmet on it. She could feel the hate coming from it. It looked so calm. They had reached the other side as the horses moved off the platform. Then an ear splitting screeching. Alessia turned quickly and saw the Fade's mouth open. She could not see that well in the dark. It riled up the Trollocs as they began screeching as well.
"What are they?" The man shouted while moving away from the Sedai.
"Servants of the dark." Moiraine spoke.
"Fades can make Trollocs do most things. Except for crossing waters." Alessia replied. She had remembered Liandrin telling her that story. She received looks from her friends before turning her attention back to Moiraine.
"We'll take you to safety in the town over." The Sedai spoke. They argued. Moiraine started weaving slowly. Alessia watched the woman in awe. Lan had cut the line. Watching the platform turn in the swirling of the water.
"People were right about you, Aes Sedai! You are all monsters!" The man shouted. For some reason that had stung Alessia. She grunted at the man as he ran and dived into the water.
"No!" Egwene shouted. Watching the scene unfold before their eyes as the man sank into the water with the platform. Alessia mounted her horse again. The sight wasn't pretty. She didn't harm the man. He brought it upon himself.
"It won't stop them, only slow them down." Moiraine spoke as she and Lan mounted their horses. Alessia only hoped they would stop to rest soon somewhere. They rode on into the day again. Alessia was up front with Moiraine as Lan brought up the rear. He reached the front.
"We lost them." He spoke.
"Come. We will find a place to rest for the time being." Moiraine spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Be careful. The world is full of more dangerous things than Trollocs." The woman in blue added. Alessia knew this. Even though she hadn't experienced it herself yet, she knew. They arrived in a forest-like area and found some shelter.
"We shall rest here for now." Moiraine spoke. Lan tied a rope between two trees for their horses. Alessia dismounted her horse and tied him to the rope. She turned and began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Moiraine had asked her while grabbing her arm gently.
"To get firewood." She replied.
"No one goes anywhere alone." The Sedai spoke as Alessia nodded her head. She was followed by the woman in blue while gathering some decent amount of sticks. She frowned while looking at Moiraine.
"What is it?" She asked.
"Your wound. If only I could channel." Alessia was frowning as she inspected Moiraine's would on her shoulder.
"You will in due time. Trust me. I will be alright." The older woman spoke. Alessia shook her head. She may be fine now but the poison was spreading slowly already. With enough firewood, they made their way back to the camp. Alessia set the wood down and helped start the fire. She looked over her shoulder and saw Moiraine giving the horses strength.
"Imagine Nynaeve here. She would give Moiraine a miserable time." Rand spoke. Alessia listened to her friends speak about the Dragon Reborn. It was ridiculous what they were talking about. Mat mentioned it having wings.
"I see none of you having feathers." He spoke with a laugh. Alessia rolled her eyes at this. "What? Like you know anything" Mat retorted. Alessia scoffed and threw a small rock at him. Missing as he moved to the side.
"I know more than you do! I've heard stories when I was younger." Alessia replied back at him.
"Oh yes. Remind us all how you are an heir to a powerful house. You're nothing now." Mat spoke.
"Hey. Don't be rude to her." Rand spoke. Egwene sat next to Alessia and hugged her friend. She frowned. Mat was a complete ass to her ever since she turned him down.
"What? She talks like she knows everything. Especially about the Dragon Reborn." Mat added. Alessia knew that none of them believe Moiraine about the story.
"Forget what you heard about the Dragon. He or she will be all those things or none of them. Sleep. You need rest. We leave at first light. Alessia, a word." Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded and followed the woman in blue to the edge of the camp away from the others. Watching the woman sit down before laying down on her blanket and motioning for Alessia to join her. She did. Laying next to Moiraine. Lan was on the watch near the others. She pulled her own blanket over them and sighed.
"What is it?" The older woman had asked. Alessia felt an arm wrapped around her shoulder as she relaxed.
"It's one of us isn't it?" Alessia asked as Moiraine nodded her head. "They don't trust you." She added.
"Do you?" Moiraine asked her. Alessia nodded her head.
"You're a fool to do so. Then again, I would never betray you." Moiraine spoke as she cupped Alessia's cheek. She felt her cheek flush. "Don't betray me." The woman in blue spoke softly and kindly. That was the first time Alessia had ever heard the Sedai speak like that. 'What was that?' She thought.
"Get some sleep." Moiraine added. Alessia turned on her side away from the older woman. Feeling an arm rest upon her waist. Before drifting off. It did not feel long or if she even slept that long. A finger was tracing her jawline as she opened her eyes up. Seeing Moiraine leaning over her.
"Come with me." The woman in blue spoke. Alessia got up and followed her. "Wait here." She added. Alessia nodded while watching the woman walk away. It was not long before she came back with Egwene.
It was dark outside now. A chill in the air made Alessia wrap her red cloak tighter against her body.
"Are you going to kill us like that ferryman?" Egwene had asked.
What do you know of the three oaths?" Moiraine had changed the subject.
"Uh. Promise made by Aes Sedai to end the Hawkwing's siege on the Tower." Egwene spoke. Alessia smiled. Her friend did know her history after all.
What are they?" Moiraine had asked. Alessia knew this by heart. From the book she was given several years ago.
To not kill. Don't lie." Egwene began.
"Exact verbiage." Moiraine spoke. "Words are important and how we use them." The woman in blue added.
"I don't know then." Egwene spoke. Moiraine nodded towards Alessia as her friend looked at her.
"One. Speak no word that is not true. Two. To make no weapon which one person may kill another. Three. Never use the One Power as a weapon, except in the last extreme defense of her life, or life of her warder, or life of another Aes Sedai." Alessia spoke. She had these memorized and it surprised her that she worded them so well. She surprised herself!
" All Aes Sedai are bound by them. We cannot break them. I did not kill him." Moiraine added. They went back and forth about the ferryman. Then Moiraine started talking about the power inside of Egwene. Alessia gasped at this.
"And women like us three are lucky to wield it." Moiraine spoke as she pulled out a pendant. "Look at the stone." Moiraine added. Alessia watched her friend with a curious look. The woman in blue instructs Egwene to clear her mind and focus. Alessia could see small silver streams around the pendant. Egwene gasped lightly.
"I thought I felt something." Her friend spoke.
"The first two were mine. That last was you and yours alone." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt proud. Her friend touched the One Power. She was a channeler.
"You don't listen to the wind. The wind listens to you Egwene." The older woman spoke. Egwene nodded and left. Alessia watched her friend leave. Knowing full well she was going back to Rand. Feeling a hand upon her back as she was guided back to their sleeping place. Alessia sat down as she was in deep thought.
"What's on your mind?" Moiraine had asked as Alessia laid back down next to the older woman.
"Egwene can channel. I cannot." Alessia frowned.
"You can channel. When will you believe me?" Moiraine had asked.
"When I can actually do it." Alessia said as a matter of fact tone before smiling softly. "It's not that I don't believe you. I don't believe in myself." Alessia added. Feeling the arm around her again. It felt odd having someone close to her like this. She was never one for hugs and yet here was Moiraine crossing all those boundaries but yet, Alessia trusted this Aes Sedai even though her friends didn't. Well it seemed like Egwene had started to trust Moiraine. Alessia was slowly drifting off. Not wanting to fall asleep. She yawned lightly. Feeling the blue eyes of the Aes Sedai on her.
"What?" Alessia asked in an almost whisper.
"We will get that block off of you. You are powerful. I felt it that night." The older woman spoke. Alessia frowned at this. The memory had always found a way to creep back into her mind. She shifted without knowing it and laid her arm across Moiraine's waist as she fell asleep again.
Hearing footsteps as Alessia looked around. The forest was silent as there were no birds singing their songs. No trees dancing from the wind. A coldness was rising everywhere. The forest began to darken with each step she took. Once in the center of the camp, there was not a single soul in sight. The camp was empty with sound. She frowned at the sight. She slowly walked around by the fire. She sat on a log. Rubbing her hands together before reaching the fire for warmth. Warmth had finally spread over her. Giving her body a small shiver as it pushed the cold from her body. Hearing footsteps again she looked around. Thud. She turned again. Seeing a small creature flapping its wings before stopping. Another thud. Alessia whipped around and saw another. 'Bats.' She thought as more began dropping around here. Dropping dead. She gasped and moved to the side. They were dying. Was this an omen? Feeling the fire go out as the warmth was gone. She turned and saw a shadow. Gasping while backing away from it. Watching the shadow raise his hand at her. As if he was calling to her but no sound came out from it. Its eyes were ember. Burning forever. A burned man?
Alessia gasped and jumped up. She was sitting up. Feeling cold sweat from her forehead as she shivered.
"What is it?" Moiraine asked as Alessia only shook her head. It felt too real. A lucid dream. "Follow me." Moiraine added as did Alessia. Following the woman in blue as they made their way back to the center of the camp. Alessia gasped at the sight. It raised questions from the Aes Sedai. There were dead bats all over the camp. There was no way this had happened! It was only a dream. She gave Moiraine a worried look before hearing Rand's voice.
"No." He spoke.
"You saw it too?" Egwene asked as Alessia nodded at her friend.
"It was only a dream." Rand added. He looked bothered at this. "Did you do this? Put this in our dreams?" Rand had asked as he moved towards Moiraine. Alessia felt her body move without thinking. Stepping in front of the older woman as Lan grabbed Rand's arm to keep him away.
"Who saw this? Who?" Moiraine had asked. Everyone fell silent.
"I did." Alessia was the first to break the silence. Feeling the blue eyes upon her again.
"All of you? What did you see?" The older woman was trying to pry information from them.
"Bats. Their necks just snapped." Mat spoke this time. Alessia nodded her head. Like the bats just died from hitting the ground in her dreams. Mat went further explaining about the bats.
"Was there anyone in your dream?" The woman in blue asked. "Anyone speak to you?"
"There was a man." Perrin spoke this time. "Eyes like embers. He did not say anything."
"If this happens again, you tell me straight away. Dreams have power." Moiraine spoke. Alessia could feel the goosebumps rise on her arms from the woman's voice.
"Come. The horses are rested." Moiraine spoke while ignoring Rand's questions. Alessia followed Lan without question as she saddled up Spot quickly and mounted. Hearing Rand shout at the older woman. Alessia looked over to them. Moiraine was facing Rand now.
"Where are we going?" He shouted. Alessia was afraid his voice was carrying over.
"East. River crossing at Whitebridge." Moiraine replied.
"And then?!" Rand was still shouting. Alessia gave him an angry look.
"And then to the White Tower. I've told you this." You could hear the annoyance in the Sedai's voice now.
"Why should we trust you?! There's a place for Egwene and Alessia maybe but what about us? What happens to men at the Tower?" Rand sounded like he was screaming now. "Besides become an errand boy for the Aes Sedai." He added. Alessia saw Lan look offended by this.
"Go where you will then. I've run out of patience and time" Moiraine said. Watching the blue Ajah take the lead as Alessia followed her as did Lan. She trusted this woman even though her friends didn't. Hearing the argument between them as they rode on. The sounds are getting fainter.
It was not long as the others had shown up. Lan caught up as they were following a pathway down in the forest.
"Whitecloaks." Lan spoke. Alessia raised a brow. Seeing Moiraine hand her ring over to Lan who tucked it away in his belt. This had raised some suspicion to her. Feeling like the Whitecloaks did not get along well with the Aes Sedai?
"Do not speak unless spoken to. Answer any questions truthfully as you can. Alessia, keep your head down." Moiraine spoke while looking at her. Alessia nodded her head and looked down to the side. "Do not mention the White Tower or Aes Sedai. I am a lady of a fallen house and you are all under my protection." Moiraine spoke. It was a lot to take in but they had all nodded as they understood the instructions given to them from the Sedai. Alessia made a mental note to ask Moiraine why she needed to keep her head down and not look at the Whitecloaks. Their horses had stopped as the Whitecloaks came into view.
"Hello. Would you be so kind enough to dismount?" The man who seemed to be in charge asked them. Alessia dismounted Spot but kept her hands on the reins. Looking to the side to keep her face hidden to the side as her friends followed suit.
"Heading to Whitebridge?" The man asked.
"Yes, I have a sister there and hoped she would give us a place to stay for a while." Moiraine spoke. Alessia was listening to every word they exchanged between each other.
"Wars and witches don't concern us sir. We are just hoping to find a place to settle before the light fades." Moiraine spoke. Alessia frowned. The Aes Sedai were called witches by many across the lands. She could hear the small hint of pain in Moiraine's voice from the wound she was still carrying.
"I'm sorry if we must indulge you longer." The man spoke. Hearing the man speak as he said they needed to be questioned. Alessia felt an unease at this.
"They said the White Tower dispatched eight sisters to deal with Logain's army." The new man was speaking as Spot was getting searched. Alessia raised a brow at this. Why would the Tower send eight full sisters to deal with a man? Then her heart started pounding at this. The Red ajah! She was lowkey hoping they would run into them in their travels. They needed to. For Moiraine's sake. She needed healing. Alessia decided that if she did channel, one of the first things she would learn is to heal the simple things. Hearing Moiraine speak to the new man about the attack they were just in.
"West of here." Moiraine spoke.
"Trollocs this far south. The Dark One's eyes are truly upon us. Where did you say you are from?" The first man spoke.
"Taren Ferry." Moiraine spoke. It wasn't a lie. They did come from there. "Many people were hurt, perhaps you can help them." She added.
"Once you get to Whitebridge, find Aes Sedai to heal you. Only those women can heal these wounds." The man spoke. Alessia felt anger rise in her.
"Light be with you." Moiraine added.
"Light be with all of us. I shall not forget your faces." The new man spoke as Alessia mounted Spot again. Her friends followed suit as Moiraine led the way. They went slowly. Not wanting to draw attention to them
They followed the path away from the Whitecloaks. Alessia felt that she disliked the Whitecloaks now.
"I thought you couldn't break the three oaths." Egwene asked as she made her way to the front with Alessia and Moiraine.
"I can't." Moiraine spoke.
"You did today."
"I did?"
"That Whitecloak. You lied to him. You can heal that wound"
"We can only heal others. Not ourselves. Why do we usually travel together?"
"You have a sister at Whitebridge?"
"All Aes Sedai are my sisters." Moiraine spoke. Alessia was listening to the two go back and forth in their conversation.
"We always tell the truth. It just may not be the truth you may think you hear. So listen carefully." Moiraine added. 'That was deep.' Alessia thought. The blue ajah was not wrong in that. The truth could be spoken in many different ways and even be twisted around. Still the truth in some ways. Alessia chuckled at the thought as they made their horses start running as they were now in an open field. Crossing more fields, rivers, a desert like area that had ruins. They had entered another forest and slowed down. Everyone was silent. Looking at each other. Alessia could feel the tension in the air again. Mat then broke the silence.
We walk the footsteps of our fathers.
The trail blazed by our mothers.
They bought the land with their blood. (Egwene joined in.)
Long ago. (Alessia was humming to the tune now.)
Long ago, oh sing.
Sing of Manetheren. (Alessia's eyes caught Moiraine's and gave her a genuine smile.)
Oh weep, weep for the blood of Aemon.
Oh cry, cry for Manetheren.
Long ago. Long ago.
"It's good to remember Manetheren." Moiraine spoke as they finished singing.
"It's just a song." Mat replied. He looked annoyed.
"No it's not. It's more than that." Alessia glared at him. Mat had no knowledge of the history of their village. "No idea what it means anyways." He added.
"In the Old Tongue, Manetheren means Mountain Home." Moiraine spoke. Alessia smiled at this. The Sedai were going to give him a lesson in history. Feeling the horse carried her along the path. She listened carefully to what the woman in blue was telling them. She didn't really know much herself as she heard every word. Hanging on to them. About the fight the Mountain went through. The poor people are not getting any help. Then the Queen went to help fight. Alessia frowned as Moiraine spoke about the Queen reaching the One's Power and unleashed it. Burning herself out from drawing out more power than anyone had ever done. Alessia was glad her friends had that home. The Old Blood ran through it from the stories. Through them. Her friends but not her. They carried on. In silence. Making a stop near a cliff for the horses to catch their breaths before going on.
"We shall rest here for now. There isn't a Trolloc in sight." Lan spoke as they stopped by a stone shelter looking building.
"It's perhaps how close we are to Shadar Logoth. Is that purposeful?" Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt someone cause her goosebumps to rise as she felt something tingle. Where had she heard that before? It was not a name she heard often but when she did, she always got goosebumps. She gave Moiraine a look of worry. Alessia dismounted Spot again before tying him by Moiraine's horse. She looked around as there was not a single bird in sight nor sound.
"It's too dangerous in the Shadowed City. We cannot go there." Alessia heard Moiraine whisper. 'That was it!' She thought to herself. Her teacher several years ago had told her about it in a lesson one day. That no one should ever enter the dead city. For it was so dangerous that not a single soul would dare enter it. Her eyes caught Moiraine's. Hoping they would not enter the city. She turned her heels and left to get some firewood. She was worried about Moiraine's wound again. They needed to find someone soon.
She came back in time to hear Egwene and Rand arguing by the river. She frowned at their words.
"And you won't even look at me!" Egwene spoke. Alessia turned away and went back to their camp. Not wanting to listen to a lover's quarrel. She sent the wood down by the fire and sat down. Starting the fire by herself. Looking around the camp to see the others gone. Knowing Lan was probably scouting the nearby area. Moiraine was probably in deep thought somewhere. Alessia sighed as she got the fire started. She ate some bread to keep her strength up. Hearing wolves howl in the distance. They were close. Not close enough though. Night had fallen as Moiraine was asleep. Alessia frowned at the sight. Little bit of sweat was on her forehead.
"Is she going to be alright?" Egwene had asked. Alessia moved closer to the woman in blue who was wrapped in blankets. The poison was now slowing the Sedai down. She didn't like this one bit.
"She needs sleep. All of you." Lan spoke. She watched her friends all get up and move to their makeshift beds. "Alessia. Stay." Lan whispered. Alessia nodded her head. She moved behind Moiraine and laid next to her. Making sure the older woman was getting enough warmth. Lan was standing up while looking around.
"You need rest as well Lan." Alessia spoke softly.
"I can't. Not when we are vulnerable." He spoke quietly. She frowned. He was not wrong. With Moiraine weakened, they were semi defenseless. Alessia was now passed out against Moiraine's back as the wind howled.
"We have to move!" Lan spoke as he came back. Hearing a screech from a distance. The Trollocs had found them! Alessia quickly put the fire out while helping the blue Ajah up on Lan's horse.
"Where?" Mat had asked.
"To Shadar Logoth." Lan spoke. He hoisted Moiraine onto Alessia's horse as she wrapped an arm around the woman to hold her close. Making sure she wouldn't fall.
"No!" Alessia protested.
"It's the only way! The Trollocs won't follow. Go!" Lan had ordered. Alessia frowned as she rode Spot in the dark forest. Hoping he would not trip. Hearing her friends gasp and shout as they made their way through the forest. Her heart was racing as Egwene's horse started protesting.
"What is it?" Rand asked Egwene.
"I don't know. She just stopped!" Egwene shouted. Alessia knew why. She looked up ahead and saw it. She knew. The feeling was there. The Trollocs all stopped in a line back away from them. Hearing them snarl and protest towards them. The Shadowed City would keep the Trollocs out. Even the Dark One's slaves knew not to trifle the dark that surrounded the city.
Alessia saw the tall broken dark walls of the city.
"The Trollocs. Why did they stop?" Perrin asked in a shout. She could feel her friends all looking at each other in silence before looking at the Trollocs.
"Come. They won't follow us inside." Lan ordered them. Alessia felt her heart sink as she held onto the older woman tightly. She was debating whether to listen to Lan or not. He was right about them not following. Alessia herself did not want to follow. Instead, she gave into the order and followed Lan. Spot was protesting her the whole way. Once they entered, the eerie sound made her ears hurt. The silence was defending.
"There's no birds. No bugs. Nothing." Perrin spoke. What did he expect? A party? Alessia thought. They came upon a shelter.
"She's barely breathing." Alessia frowned as Lan picked her up. Watching him carry Moiraine inside a building. Alessia followed suit quickly. She was frowning the whole time.
"We will stay here for now." Lan spoke as he laid Moiraine down. "She needs to be kept warm." He added. Alessia took her cloak off and laid next to the woman in blue. Pulling her close into her arms. Hoping her body head would come off onto Moiraine. Feeling her cloak and some blanket wrapped on her for the older woman. Hearing the woman cough as Lan looked at the wound. Alessia frowned at it. She could smell it. It made her stomach turn. She fought against it since Moiraine was on the top of her worry list.
"Shadar Logoth. Sounds like Old Tongue." Egwene spoke. Breaking the silence again.
"It means Shadow Waiting." Lan replied as he walked away. Alessia had dared not move. He began explaining how Shadar Logoth came to be. Alessia was trying to listen but her attention was too much on Moiraine. She rubbed the older woman's arms to help get the flow going for warmth before reaching to her back. She then stopped. Lan was then putting something on the wound of the older woman.
"Touch nothing. Only eat the food you brought." Lan instructed. Alessia saw Rand leave the building.
"Why did you bring us here?" Alessia asked in a frown.
"It's safe for now. As long as nobody touches anything." Lan spoke. "Also, we need the rest. Especially Moiraine." He added. She nodded her head lightly at this. Moiraine was breathing very little. It was worrying. She frowned and sighed softly. Kissing Moiraine's forehead gently.
"Don't you dare die on us." Alessia spoke quietly. Only Lan had heard. Perrin had left with Mat. She was alone with the Sedai and her Warder. Shifting a little as she heard a small protest from the woman. Alessia stopped moving as Moiraine's breathing went back to normal. She sighed a small relief at this.
"Where did everyone go?" She asked while looking around.
"I do not know but I hope your friends don't touch anything." Lan spoke. His eyes also did not leave the older woman.
It was dark outside. As if there was never any light. Someone was whistling now. A small fire lit as Alessia was asleep in front of Moiraine. Lan was behind her. Both of them trying to keep Moiraine warm. So far the older woman was still breathing. She heard movements but dared not move. Wondering who left this time. She could feel the fire on her back as it felt hot. She wanted to move but thought the better of it. The horse began to freak out. Causing a loud commotion. Alessia felt her body jerk awake as did Lan. She leaned up and looked around. Moiraine had woken up. Their eyes caught each other as Alessia felt the blood drain from her face.
"It's alright. I am here." Lan spoke.
"Where are we?" Moiraine gave Lan a look that she had hoped she would never receive from her. Hearing the horses from outside still neighing loudly. "You've killed us all." Moiraine whispered. Seeing the woman fall back asleep as Lan was hoisting her up to carry her.
"What in Light's name?!" Egwene's voice shouted. Alessia watched Lan pick up Moiraine again.
"We need to leave. Stay close to me." Lan spoke as Alessia nodded her head. Hearing the others shout as they were now divided. She was so close to Lan, she could hear him grunting. He mounted a horse as did Alessia. Moiraine was awake again. She saw the woman look around. Following the woman in blue's line of sight. She looked. Seeing something black making its way around the buildings and the ground. Fear rose inside of her as she was now on Spot again. She grabbed the other horse's reins as she followed.
"Hiyup!" She shouted as Spot ran. She was close behind Lan again as they made their way to the entrance they had come in at. Once they made it outside, they had put some distance between them and the city. The city was now covered in the black shadow. She frowned. Hoping her friends had gotten out alive in time as they did. Once they had stopped, Lan had put Moiraine back down on the ground. Alessia took the older woman's hand into her own and frowned. Moiraine was now extremely weak. Alessia was now praying to the Light they would find another Aes Sedai soon. Lan was trying to get Moiraine to drink some water. Alessia looked around and gasped. "If you don't take me to them right now, I'll slit your throat." A voice spoke.
"Nynaeve!" She spoke.