Chapter Two: Shatter
Sixteen years old (Four years before the Shattering)
The sun was up high in the sky as the summer heat was beating down on the small village. Alessia was walking down the dirt road to another building. She entered it and sat down in a chair watching a woman move about.
"How is your leg?" The woman asked. Alessia lifted her right leg and rubbed it gently.
"Still hurts when I overwork it." She spoke. Ever since she broke her leg when she was ten years old, it has not healed properly. Her walk had a limp.
"Well, it has been years since it happened. Keep working at it." The woman spoke.
"Nynaeve, it has been six years since it happened." Alessia spoke with a frown.
"I know. I wrote to the Tower to see if any of the healers would give me some advice for it. Nothing yet." Nynaeve spoke as she was organizing her herbs and what not in the cabinet. Alessia stood up and walked over to help her put the medicine up.
"I want to talk to you about something." Nynaeve spoke as she sat down. Alessia sat back down again watching the Wisdom. They had become close in the last six years since the incident.
"Everything alright?" Alessia asked while looking at her friend.
"Yes. I just don't want you to get upset or feel like I am abandoning you or the village." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia was hanging onto every word that the Wisdom was saying.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"I am going to the Tower. I can touch the Source." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia frowned at this. "I am not the biggest fan of Aes Sedai no more than you are but." She sighed while pulling out a book and handed it to her. Alessia took the book. It was the list of herbs and medicines that the Wisdom had over the years.
"This is for you. I made it for you." Nynaeve spoke. She was still frowning at this.
"Do you have to go?" She asked.
"Yes. Tower law says I have to." The Wisdom spoke.
"When are you leaving?" Alessia asked.
"Tonight. One of the sisters will be here to collect me." Nynaeve spoke. Alessia stood up and gave Nynaeve a hug. It was returned.
"I am going to miss you." She spoke softly.
"I will miss you as well. It will be hard not having you around." Nynaeve chuckled. Alessia smiled lightly at this. The Wisdom was someone she loved to learn from. Learning was something she enjoyed. Her education may not be the greatest but she did with what she could. They finished cleaning the room in silence before leaving. Alessia looked up to the sky and smiled. Feeling the sun's warmth on her face as it was going down. She felt a nudge as she followed the Wisdom down to the Tavern. Everyone was getting ready for Bel Tine for tomorrow. She waved and smiled at the familiar faces that she had come to know over the last six years.
"So, have your eyes on anyone special?" A woman spoke as Alessia grabbed a plate with cups on it. She shook her head. "Come on dear. You will be of age in a few years. I am sure some man will want you." She spoke. Alessia rolled her eyes at this. She cared about no man. All she wanted to do is live her life in peace right now. She left the bartender as she set the cups down at the table that ordered them. She gave them a bow as she turned to leave. She was here for a few hours as the sun went down. It started to rain lightly as Alessia leaned against the wall. Listening to the men and women sing and laugh all over the tavern. Seeing Marin was telling her husband it was almost time to leave for the night. She waved at Alessia who nodded and walked over to follow her. Seeing two riders come into the village as they stabled their horses.
"Must be here for Nynaeve." Marin spoke as Alessia frowned. It was a woman in blue. She could barely make it out from the dim light against the rain. She couldn't see the other rider as she left the area. Entering another building where she was living for the time being. She managed to avoid eye contact as she closed the door behind her. She went straight to her room and sat down. Looking out the window as the woman walked into the Tavern. She frowned. She was going to miss her only friend she had.
"I wonder if they have any news on her." Marin spoke. Alessia raised a brow and opened the door to listen. She was caught listening in. "Come in here dear." Marin spoke. Alessia did as she was told.
"I am sorry. I don't mean to listen in." Alessia spoke softly.
"It's alright dear. You remind me of my own daughter." She spoke as she looked up. "Her name is Egwene. She's a channeler and at the Tower. Learning to control it. She's older than you by four years. She left a long time ago." Marin spoke. Alessia stood up and gave the woman a hug. It was returned with a back rub.
"I hope that woman has news for you." Alessia spoke.
"As do I." Marin spoke. "Come along, get some rest. Big day tomorrow." The woman spoke as Alessia nodded. She took her leave again and headed back to the room she was staying in. She crawled into bed and laid down. Hearing the people of the village leave the tavern late as she was able to finally go to sleep.
"She's asleep." Marin's voice was heard from the other room. Alessia mumbled and turned. Feeling the sun hit her face. She sat up and rubbed her eyes. Seeing her vision was blurry before blinking a few times before it was focused.
"You think I can speak with her?" Another woman's voice spoke.
"I don't think she is comfortable with that." Marin's voice spoke. Alessia cracked her door open a little and saw her. Moiraine. She was drinking tea while speaking to Marin. Alessia leaned back quickly when the blue eyes saw her.
"She's awake." Moiraine spoke. Alessia felt her heart race as she quickly moved from the door to the window. Opening it as she climbed through it slowly. Her leg was hurting as she managed to get through. Closing her window as she sprinted across the field and into the woods. Panting as she leaned against a tree. Looking over her shoulder behind her as the door of the house opened.
"Sorry Moiraine Sedai. It seems like she doesn't want to talk." Marin spoke.
"I'll find her. Don't worry. Also, my sisters will be arriving soon. So, more help. The Wisdom wrote to us about her condition as you wrote to us about her possibly being a channeler. We need to find her but if she does not want to be found, then we will have to come back." The woman in blue spoke. Alessia frowned at this. There were more coming?
"She might be doing her morning chores." Marin spoke as Alessia sighed. Rubbing her cheeks as she headed towards the stables. Wanting to stay out of sight. She picked up the brush and began to brush the horses. Hoping to have her own one day. Though, there were faster ways to travel but weren't proven to be safe yet. She hummed softly as she heard more horses. She looked over her shoulder and saw two red sisters and two sisters in black and white.
"Stable them over here ladies. The young lady will tend to them." The stablemaster spoke as Alessia felt her body go rigid.
"Come on girl." The man spoke. Alessia limped over to the new horses and bowed. Keeping her eyesight down to avoid any contact. Taking the reins as they were talking.
"Slow girl, hurry up! The man shouted. Alessia frowned but bowed before she pulled the horses to the stable.
"Why must you be harsh?" A woman spoke. Alessia's ears must be deceiving her as she looked past the horse. She saw the familiar faces of Liandrin, Lanfear, and Lillen. There was a new face she did not know.
"Be kind to them. They had a long journey." A woman in red spoke.
"Of course Liandrin Sedai." Alessia spoke as she bowed. She then felt her cheeks turn red from heating up. The woman nodded her head and then stopped. Turning back around to face her.
"I never told you my name. Do I know you?" Liandrin asked. The other sisters were watching. Alessia shook her head. None of them had aged a day. She turned around and went back to tending to the horses. Making sure they were brushed and fed. Hearing the footsteps disappear as she sighed in relief.
"Does she know us?" A voice spoke.
"No sister Lillen." Liandrin spoke. Alessia saw from the corner of her eyes as they all turned to head towards Moiraine who was waiting for them. Lillen was the only one who didn't move. She was still watching Alessia. She had finished cleaning the stables out and turned to leave. Not wanting to be anywhere near the people.
There was singing and dancing now. The younger ones were playing games. Alessia was watching from the tree line. She had never really felt like she belonged in the village. Her leg was hurting as she leaned against a tree. The young women in the village were now dancing around a pole. Long ribbons tying around it as they danced in a circle. They were not married yet but dancing for the men who were watching them.
"You look familiar." A voice spoke. Alessia gasped and jumped. Turning around to see one of the sisters who wears black and white. It was Lillen. Alessia stepped back against the tree. Her personal space was invaded as Lillen leaned in. Taking in her scent. For some reason, she felt calm around this woman. As if she was in some sort of spell. Her heart slowed down for some reason.
"Ah. I knew it. I know this scent anywhere." Lillen spoke softly. Alessia felt her cheeks betray her at this. She was much shorter than the woman as the younger Aes Sedai stood fully now. Hands behind her back as her eyes watched her.
"Is this where you have been all this time?" She asked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Alessia spoke quietly.
"You forget girl. I know your scent anywhere. I have seen you before. Alessia." When Lillen said her name, it sent chills and goosebumps across her body.
"What do you want?" She asked.
"You are by law, required to come to the Tower once you channel." Lillen spoke in a matter of fact voice.
"I cannot and have never channeled before." Alessia replied. She was lying. She had done it before. Lillen tilted her head a little as she moved closer. Her face was only inches away now.
"You are lying." She spoke. "I will force you to come." She spoke again. Alessia shook her head.
"How do you know that I am lying?" Alessia asked. Her eyes were locked with the brown ones.
"I can smell the power coming from you." She spoke. Alessia raised her brow at this.
"Sister Lillen, come. We need to leave now. We have the Wisdom." Liandrin spoke.
"Yes but there is another." Lillen spoke.
"What do you mean?" Liandrin asked as she walked up to them. Her light blue eyes met Alessia's dark blue.
"Ah, this girl again." The red spoke.
"You remember that girl six years ago when we took daughter Jane?" Lillen asked.
"Jane's friend? We never found her and assumed she was dead." Liandrin spoke.
"This is her. Standing right here." Lillen spoke. There was a small evil smirk on her face.
"Alessia?" Liandrin asked. She didn't answer but only watched. "This is the girl?" The red asked.
"I know her scent anywhere." Lillen said again.
"I believe you but unless she had actually shown us she can channel, we cannot take her." Liandrin spoke. Lillen grabbed Alessia's arm. It was rough, it was gentle. Raising her left arm up. Revealing the gold bracelet that was tightly on her wrist.
"What is that?" Liandrin asked.
"Something that was given to me years ago. I was told to never take it off." She replied. Lillen was messing with the bracelet and frowned.
"I feel like I have seen this before." She spoke.
"We need to go. Come along sister Lillen." Liandrin spoke as she turned to leave. Alessia watched the woman in red leave. Lillen however was still watching her.
"I will see you again." Lillen spoke. Alessia kept her silence. Watching her take her leave as well. Once they were out of sight, Alessia slowly made her way down the path again. Seeing Nynaeve on a horse as they rode out of the village. Her heart was aching now as her only friend had left. Moiraine had caught her eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before she left. Hearing voices as some cheered. The villagers did not like the Aes Sedai.
Twenty Years old (The Shattering)
"Come on everyone! We have only an hour before it starts!" A woman's voice shouted. Alessia chuckled as she helped push the pole up. It was a new Bel Tine pole for the women who came of age. Alessia was among them but she wouldn't be dancing due to her leg. She stepped back and clapped along with the others.
"Shall have a lovely day tomorrow!" Alessia spoke as Marin chuckled and nodded.
"Finish those lanterns?" Marin asked as Alessia nodded her head. Feeling her shoulder pat before the woman took her leave.
"Get some rest everyone!" A man shouted. Alessia took her leave to the tavern where she had been staying. She worked at the tavern as one of the hosts. Keeping the rooms cleaned, fetched water for the tubs and even showed guests where their room would be when they stayed. Alessia was humming as she cleaned and picked up the dishes left on the tables. Taking it back to the sinks for them to be washed.
"Alright dear?" The woman asked as Alessia nodded her head with a light smile. Her leg did hurt but it was pain she was used to now. She pushed on and walked over to the fireplace and leaned down. Making sure the wood was dry before lighting a match. Starting the fire. She blew softly as it then grew. She could feel the warmth from it now. The sky threatened rain again this year. There was a lot of singing and laughing as several people were talking about tomorrow.
"Are you excited?" Marin asked Alessia who looked up at her. "For a man to choose you." She added. Alessia shook her head.
"I am not dancing." Alessia spoke.
"You are at child bearing age my dear. You must take a man." Marin spoke. Alessia felt uncomfortable at this. This was a topic she did not like to listen to.
"I'd rather face the Dark One." Alessia whispered as Marin shook her head.
"Nonsense. He has been sealed away. The Dragon no longer returns." Marin spoke. Alessia has heard this story many times over. From the lessons she had and the stories that she was told over and over again. There had been a traveling Ogier that taught her Old Tongue and many things. He was a great teacher and taught her more things than anyone else ever had. Even gave her books to read and learn from. She had taken a liking to spiders which made her seem odd to the others in the village.
"You can take the rest of the night off dear. You have been busy." The woman at the bar spoke as Alessia nodded with a smile.
"Thank you." Alessia spoke as she took her leave. Climbing up the steps in time for the door to open. There was silence. A man walked in slowly.
"Name yourself." Marin spoke.
"I am Lan Mandragoran. This is Moiraine." Lan spoke. Alessia felt her heart race as the woman stepped into the tavern. She wore all blue still. It was her signature look for some reason. It seemed the people had forgotten about the woman.
"We require our horses to be stabled and a room for the night." She spoke. Alessia ran up the stairs to stay out of sight. She locked the door behind her as she fell onto her bed. Hoping sleep would take her quickly.
Hearing a knock on her door as she sat up. She was in the same position she was in when she passed out. She felt rested but not well. She stood up and hopped over to the door and opened it. Seeing Marin.
"Dear, some of the lanterns were stolen. We need some more made if you are alright with that?" Marin asked as Alessia sighed and nodded her head.
"Of course. Let me change and I will head out." Alessia spoke. She closed the door again. Walking over to the dresser and quickly changed. Brushing and tying her hair up halfway before she turned to leave. Picking up a book as she went. The Ogier was supposed to be back today to pick up the books. She smiled and nodded her head at those who wished her good morning. She stood outside and took in some fresh air.
"Hey Alessia! Come join me?" A man asked as Alessia shrugged. She sat down across from him as he was playing with a cup and dice inside of it.
"So, anyone you have eyes for?" He asked.
"No Mat. Don't ask again." She spoke. Marin set a basket full of items onto the table as Alessia grabbed it. She began her work again.
"Say. That Aes Sedai that is here. She seems familiar." Mat spoke.
"She's been here before. Took Nynaeve with her." She spoke while she was fumbling with the newly made lantern. Wondering who would steal the ones she already made. Seeing the woman in blue take her leave from the tavern as Lan was following her. Alessia quickly looked back down to avoid eye contact.
"Come along young ladies!" Marin shouted. Moiraine stopped and looked around as she was watching. Alessia stood up and took her place on the other side. The music began as the women began to dance. She sighed and took her leave. She pondered into a nearby field as she closed her eyes. She wanted to dance but couldn't. She hated how her leg was limiting her. She could hear the music not far from her. Then. Out of nowhere there was a loud sonic boom that was heard across the sky. The ground began to shake. Alessia felt fear rise in her as then screaming was heard. She looked up at the sky in time to see it change between black and blue. As if there was a rip in the sky. The night sky was seen flashing between the day time as well. Then it stopped. Alessia winced and held her arm. The bracelet was burning her wrist before it fell off. There was smoke coming from it. It felt like a weight had been lifted off of her. She felt something circle around her body as she could feel the Source. She closed her eyes and fought against it. There were several voices shouting as many were running about.
"The end is here!" A man shouted.
"What happened?" Others asked.
"Only the Dragon can save us!" Child shouted.
"Nonsense. The Dragon is no longer born into the world." The mother spoke as she hushed the child and hurried them along. Alessia was watching the chaos unfold as she frowned.
"You cannot get rid of it once you touch it." Moiraine spoke as Alessia turned to look at the woman in blue. "Hello Alessia." She added. Alessia took a step back from her. There was a little hurt look on her face.
"Why do you run?" Lan asked as her focus turned towards him.
"She does not trust the Aes Sedai." Moiraine replied to Lan.
Alessia was still watching the woman in blue as she was circling Alessia.
"Why did you not tell us you can channel when we were here four years ago?" Moiraine asked. Alessia only shrugged her shoulders. There was a loud scream as Alessia's focus snapped towards the center of the village. There was a tall figure in black. It had no face. It screeched as the man was lifted off his feet. Alessia reacted almost instantly as she slashed her arm forward. Killing the figure.
"Alessia." Marin spoke as she looked at the woman. "You need to go." She spoke softly.
"What are you saying?" She asked with a frown. The woman touched her shoulder.
"Just like my daughter. You are no longer welcomed here." Marin spoke. Alessia frowned at this before taking her leave to the tavern. A path was parted in the crowd as she limped her way inside. Going up the stairs to pack her bag. Grabbing what little she had and the small coin purse. She sat on the bed with her head in her hands. She was holding the chain of the serpent rings she held onto for ten years. She held them close and sighed before putting them safely into the bag. She had no idea where she was supposed to go. Hearing a knock on the door as she stood up to answer it. It was Moiraine.
"Come with me to the Tower." The woman in blue spoke.
"No." Alessia replied. "I'm too old anyways." She added.
"The age restriction is no longer in effect and has not been in several hundred years." Moiraine replied.
"Doesn't matter. I can't learn well." Alessia spoke. She was not wrong. Well, at least not fast enough like the others.
"I doubt that Alessia. The Tower is different. There may be a teacher for you there. A sister who will take you under her wing." Moiraine spoke. She still did not trust this woman. She shook her head.
"My dear you cannot run from the Tower law." Moiraine spoke. This woman was not going to give up.
"Fine." She spoke. Tossing the bag over her shoulder as Moiraine smiled at her.
"Come along. We need to leave before more come." Moiraine spoke.
"That was easy." Lan whispered as Alessia rolled her eyes at this.
"We have a long way to go to reach the Tower. Let us be off." Moiraine spoke as Alessia frowned. She wanted to stay for the lanterns but decided against it. She followed in silence as Moiraine mounted her horse as did Lan. She followed them on foot.
"Do you not have a horse girl?" Moiraine asked.
"My name is Alessia. No, I do not." Alessia spoke. Seeing a hand was offered. She sneered at the woman in blue before sighing in defeat. Grabbing the older woman's hand and climbing on. Her arms were around Moiraine's middle to hold on.
"Be safe. Tell Egwene to write!" Marin spoke as she waved. The other villagers were quiet. Watching her take their leave. It felt like a slap in the face. She had come to know the people here only for them to toss her out.
They had been riding for hours as Alessia was silent. Moiraine and Lan were both silent as well. They came into a forested area as the horses slowed down. She hopped off and staggered a little. Only for Lan to catch her to regain her balance. He nodded at her as she only looked at him.
"You are going to need to trust us." Moiraine spoke.
"How can I trust you?" Alessia asked. "My parents said if you knew who I truly was, the Tower would use me." Alessia spoke while eyeing the woman.
"I do not know why they would say such a thing. You will be safe at the Tower." Moiraine spoke as Lan set firewood down and started a fire. Alessia sat down on a fallen tree nearby.
"Why would I be safe? There is nothing out there that will harm us." Alessia crossed her arms. Lan was looking at Moiraine with a look. She didn't understand what was happening.
"What happened earlier today should have never happened." Moiraine spoke. Alessia was confused at this.
"What do you mean?" She asked. "That thing earlier. What was that?" She asked.
"It was a Faceless. They were last seen thousands of years ago when the last Dragon was alive." Moiraine spoke.
"But the Dragon was not born again. Many believed this." Alessia spoke. She believed it herself as well. They were in an age of peace.
"I hope that is not the case. Someone broke into the Bore I believe. I have to go see for myself." Moiraine spoke, shaking her head as Lan was off hunting.
"Why tell me this?" Alessia asked.
"You are to learn history. I know the sisters will teach you. I want to see how strong you are while we are heading there." The woman in blue spoke. Alessia still did not trust this woman. At least not yet.
"How is Nynaeve?" Alessia asked. She folded her hands in her lap. Her leg was resting in an odd way.
"She is well. Strong. An Accepted in the Tower already." Moiraine spoke. She was eyeing Alessia's leg. She felt her self-consciousness get in the way and fixed her position.
"What happened to your leg? Last time I saw you, you seemed fine." Moiraine asked.
"Last time you saw my leg healthy was when I was living in Andor. I broke it escaping the White Cloaks. I jumped off a cliff into a river. It broke. Nynaeve healed it to the best she could. But it was not perfect." Alessia explained.
"My sisters at the Tower can take a look at it." The woman in blue spoke. Alessia shook her head. The growth was already set in. It would be impossible. "May I?" Moiraine asked as Alessia moved her leg back out. She felt the gentle fingers of the woman in blue as she moved her pant leg up. Revealing the scar where the bone used to be. She could feel a warm sensation as Moiraine was channeling.
"What are you doing?" Alessia asked as she was beginning to feel fearful.
"Relieving some of your pain. I can see it in your eyes." Moiraine spoke. How this woman knew, she did not know. She was always good at hiding her pain.
"How would your sisters help?" Alessia asked. She was curious.
"It would have to be an experiment." Moiraine spoke. Alessia hissed at this. It was frowned upon. "Don't fear my dear. This is why we have our own scientists." Moiraine added. She wanted to know more about the Tower. The different ajahs that were there. She did not know much outside of the village where she lived for the last ten years. Only from what the Ogier had told her. She loved his stories. Especially about the yellow ajah that saved his life. She sighed a little as the older woman rolled the sleeve of her pants back down.
"Here." She added. Wrapping the extra cloak around her. It felt warm. Her scent was all over it and it overwhelmed her. She nodded her thanks to Moiraine. Lan came back quietly as he began to skin the rabbit to cook. Alessia made a disgusted face at this but decided the better of it. She was hungry after all.
They were eating in silence as Alessia was grateful. She still did not trust this woman. Maybe it was time for her to do so? No. She couldn't. Her parents warned her about them. Then again, her best friend Jane trusted them. She missed her. Nynaeve had become her friend after she arrived there.
"The girl, Jane. How is she?" Alessia asked.
"She is well. Excelling in her lessons." Moiraine spoke. Alessia smiled softly at this. "She asked me four years ago why you weren't there with us." The older woman added.
"Shush." Lan then spoke. Alessia looked at him with a curious look. He then stood up and pulled his sword out.
"Shadowspawn?" Moiraine asked. Lan nodded his head. Alessia stood up with a frown. "Hide behind that tree." Moiraine instructed.
"I can help." Alessia spoke.
"No. You can barely channel. I don't want to risk you burning out." Moiraine spoke.
"Like you care?" Alessia asked. She made fists with her hands.
"Of course I do." Moiraine spoke lightly. Touching Alessia's cheek. Alessia snapped her hand against Moiraine's wrist. She was not used to such a gentle touch. "Hide." Moiraine spoke was the last thing she heard before there were screeching in the forest. Alessia felt her heart race as she turned her heels and ran. Her bag is still over her shoulder. She did not know where she was going but stopped and turned in time to see Moiraine doing something. She was weaving. She was moving her arms elegantly and smoothly. She was in awe at this woman.
"Run!" Lan shouted at her. Alessia stood where she was. Lan was fighting the creatures off from Moiraine as she weaved something from the fire that was nearby. She casted fireballs. Killing several of them at once. Then out of nowhere, a one handed ax flew past Alessia's head straight to Moiraine.
"What out!" Alessia screamed. Seeing it hit the woman in blue from behind. "Moiraine!" She screamed. Running towards the woman as she fell to her knees.
"I told you to run!" Moiraine shouted at Alessia. She felt her eyes sting at this.
"I am not letting you die here!" Alessia shouted back. She reached out to the Source and released the energy. Sending a large blast out in front of her. The air she created was enough to knock back the enemies.
"By the Light." Moiraine spoke as Alessia was catching her breath. She turned to see Lan helping Moiraine up. Alessia quickly moved to her side.
"How do I help? Tell me!" Alessia spoke. Seeing Moiraine hurt.
"There's a camp with my sisters about half a mile west from here. Go find them." Moiraine spoke. More shadowspawn were showing up now. Alessia frowned as she began to move before her arm was grabbed. She looked back to the blue eyes with her own. "You must tell no one." Moiraine spoke.
"Tell no one what?" Alessia asked as she was frowning. The woman was hurt.
"I believe you are the Dragon Reborn." Moraine spoke. There was silence now.