The Eye of the World_0 Flashcards
Nouns from "The Eye of the World" written by Robert Jordan.
The [me] of the [sekai]
The Eye of the World
[Robert] Jordan
Robert Jordan
[akira] 1
Chapter 1
An Empty [dōro]
An Empty Road
The [hoīru] of [jikan] [tān], and [toshi] come and pass, leaving [omoide] that become [densetsu].
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend.
[densetsu] fades to [shinwa], and even [shinwa] is long forgotten when the [jidai] that gave it [tanjō] comes again.
Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.
In one [jidai], called the Third [jidai] by some, an [jidai] yet to come, an [jidai] long past, a [kaze] [jōshō shita] in the [yama] of [misuto].
In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Mountains of Mist.
The [kaze] was not the [hajime].
The wind was not the beginning.
There are neither [hajimari] nor [endingu] to the turning of the [hoīru] of [jikan].
There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time.
[shikashi] it was a [hajime].
But it was a beginning.
Born below the ever [kumo]-capped [chōten] that gave the [yama] their [namae], the [kaze] blew [higashi], out across the [suna] [oka], once the [shoa] of a great [ōshan], before the Breaking of the [sekai].
Born below the ever cloud-capped peaks that gave the mountains their name, the wind blew east, out across the Sand Hills, once the shore of a great ocean, before the Breaking of the World.
Down it flailed into the Two [kawa], into the tangled [mori] called the Westwood, and [bīto] at two [dansei] walking with a [kāto] and [uma] down the [iwa]-strewn [torakku] called the [saiseki jō] [dōro].
Down it flailed into the Two Rivers, into the tangled forest called the Westwood, and beat at two men walking with a cart and horse down the rock-strewn track called the Quarry Road.
For all that [haru, haneagaru] should have come a [yoi] [kongetsu] since, the [kaze] carried an icy [samusa] as [baai] it would rather [kuma] [yuki].
For all that spring should have come a good month since, the wind carried an icy chill as if it would rather bear snow.
[toppū] plastered Rand al’Thor’s [gaitō] to his [senaka], whipped the [chikyū]-colored [wuru] around his [ashi], then streamed it out behind him.
Gusts plastered Rand al’Thor’s cloak to his back, whipped the earth-colored wool around his legs, then streamed it out behind him.
He wished his [kōto] were heavier, or that he had worn an extra [shatsu].
He wished his coat were heavier, or that he had worn an extra shirt.
[hanbun] the [jikan] when he tried to tug the [gaitō] back around him it caught on the [yazutsu] swinging at his [koshi].
Half the time when he tried to tug the cloak back around him it caught on the quiver swinging at his hip.
Trying to hold the [gaitō] one-handed did not do much [yoi] anyway; he had his [bou] in the [sonota], an [yajirushi] nocked and ready to [dorō].
Trying to hold the cloak one-handed did not do much good anyway; he had his bow in the other, an arrow nocked and ready to draw.
As a particularly strong [bakufū] tugged the [gaitō] out of his [te], he glanced at his [chichioya] over the [rimen] of the shaggy [chairo] [māre].
As a particularly strong blast tugged the cloak out of his hand, he glanced at his father over the back of the shaggy brown mare.
He [kanjita] a little foolish about wanting to reassure himself that Tam was still there, [shikashi] it was that [shinsetsu] of [ichi nichi].
He felt a little foolish about wanting to reassure himself that Tam was still there, but it was that kind of day.
The [kaze] howled when it [jōshō shita], [shikashi] aside from that, [shizuka] lay heavy on the [tochi].
The wind howled when it rose, but aside from that, quiet lay heavy on the land.
The soft creak of the [shajiku] sounded loud by [hikaku].
The soft creak of the axle sounded loud by comparison.
No [tori] sang in the [mori], no [risu] chittered from a [eda].
No birds sang in the forest, no squirrels chittered from a branch.
Not that he expected them, really; not this [haru, haneagaru].
Not that he expected them, really; not this spring.
Only [kigi] that kept [rīfu] or [hari] through the [fuyu] had any [midori] about them.
Only trees that kept leaf or needle through the winter had any green about them.
[motsure] of [saigo] [toshi]’s [buranburu] spread [chairo] [webu] over [ishi] outcrops under the [kigi].
Snarls of last year’s bramble spread brown webs over stone outcrops under the trees.
[irakusa] numbered most among the few [zassō]; the [nokori] were the [sōto shimasu] with sharp burrs or [toge], or [kusai kusa], which left a [ranku] [nioi] on the unwary [būtsu] that crushed it.
Nettles numbered most among the few weeds; the rest were the sorts with sharp burrs or thorns, or stinkweed, which left a rank smell on the unwary boot that crushed it.
Scattered [shiroi] [pacchi] of [yuki] still dotted the [gurando] where tight [katamari] of [kigi] kept [fukai] [hikage].
Scattered white patches of snow still dotted the ground where tight clumps of trees kept deep shade.
Where [nikkō] did [rīchi], it held neither [tsuyosa] nor [atataka].
Where sunlight did reach, it held neither strength nor warmth.
The pale [nichi] sat above the [kigi] to the [higashi], [shikashi] its [hikari] was crisply [kurai], as [baai] mixed with [kage].
The pale sun sat above the trees to the east, but its light was crisply dark, as if mixed with shadow.
It was an awkward [asa], made for unpleasant [shikō].
It was an awkward morning, made for unpleasant thoughts.
Without thinking he touched the [nokku] of the [yajirushi]; it was ready to [dorō] to his [hō] in one smooth [mūbumento], the [michi] Tam had taught him.
Without thinking he touched the nock of the arrow; it was ready to draw to his cheek in one smooth movement, the way Tam had taught him.
[fuyu] had been bad enough on the [nōjō], worse than even the oldest [fōku] remembered, [shikashi] it must have been harsher still in the [yama], [baai] the [kazu] of [ōkami] driven down into the Two [kawa] was any [gaido].
Winter had been bad enough on the farms, worse than even the oldest folk remembered, but it must have been harsher still in the mountains, if the number of wolves driven down into the Two Rivers was any guide.
[ōkami] raided the [hitsuji] [pen] and chewed their [michi] into [naya] to get the [ushi] and [uma].
Wolves raided the sheep pens and chewed their way into barns to get the cattle and horses.
Bears had been after the [hitsuji], too, where a [kuma] had not been seen in [toshi].
Bears had been after the sheep, too, where a bear had not been seen in years.
It was no longer safe to be out after [kurai].
It was no longer safe to be out after dark.
[dansei] were the [emono] as often as [hitsuji], and the [nichi] did not always have to be down.
Men were the prey as often as sheep, and the sun did not always have to be down.
Tam was taking steady [zenshin] on the [sonota] [saido] of Bela, using his [yari] as a walking [sutaffu], ignoring the [kaze] that made his [chairo] [gaitō] [furappu] like a [banā].
Tam was taking steady strides on the other side of Bela, using his spear as a walking staff, ignoring the wind that made his brown cloak flap like a banner.
Now and again he touched the [māre]’s [furanku] lightly, to remind her to [kīpu] moving.
Now and again he touched the mare’s flank lightly, to remind her to keep moving.
With his thick [mune] and broad [kao], he was a [hashira] of [genjitsu] in that [asa], like a [ishi] in the [mannaka] of a drifting [yume].
With his thick chest and broad face, he was a pillar of reality in that morning, like a stone in the middle of a drifting dream.
His [nichi]-roughened [hō] might be lined and his [kami] have only a sprinkling of [kuro] among the [gurē], [shikashi] there was a [ken] to him, as though a [kōzui] could [wosshu] around him without uprooting his [ashi].
His sun-roughened cheeks might be lined and his hair have only a sprinkling of black among the gray, but there was a solidness to him, as though a flood could wash around him without uprooting his feet.
He stumped down the [dōro] now impassively.
He stumped down the road now impassively.
[ōkami] and bears were all [hijō ni] [yoku], his [yarikata] said, [monogoto] that any [otoko] who kept [hitsuji] must be aware of, [shikashi] they had best not try to [teishi] Tam al’Thor getting to Emond’s [ryōiki].
Wolves and bears were all very well, his manner said, things that any man who kept sheep must be aware of, but they had best not try to stop Tam al’Thor getting to Emond’s Field.
With a [yūzai] [kaishi, hajimeru] Rand returned to watching his [saido] of the [dōro], Tam’s [mondai]-of-factness reminding him of his [tasuku].
With a guilty start Rand returned to watching his side of the road, Tam’s matter-of-factness reminding him of his task.
He was a [atama] taller than his [chichioya], taller than anyone else in the [chiku], and had little of Tam in him physically, except perhaps for a [hirosa] of [kata].
He was a head taller than his father, taller than anyone else in the district, and had little of Tam in him physically, except perhaps for a breadth of shoulder.
[gurē] [me] and the reddish [iroai] to his [kami] came from his [haha], so Tam said.
Gray eyes and the reddish tinge to his hair came from his mother, so Tam said.
She had been an [autorandā], and Rand remembered little of her aside from a smiling [kao], though he did put [hana] on her [haka] every [toshi], at Bel [kōdinēto], in the [haru, haneagaru], and at [nichiyōbi], in the [natsu].
She had been an outlander, and Rand remembered little of her aside from a smiling face, though he did put flowers on her grave every year, at Bel Tine, in the spring, and at Sunday, in the summer.
Two small [taru] of Tam’s [ringo] [burandē] rested in the lurching [kāto], and eight larger [bareru] of [ringo] [saidā], only slightly hard after a [fuyu]’s curing.
Two small casks of Tam’s apple brandy rested in the lurching cart, and eight larger barrels of apple cider, only slightly hard after a winter’s curing.
Tam delivered the same every [toshi] to the Winespring [in] for [shiyō] during Bel [kōdinēto], and he had declared that it would take more than [ōkami] or a [samui] [kaze] to [teishi] him this [haru, haneagaru].
Tam delivered the same every year to the Winespring Inn for use during Bel Tine, and he had declared that it would take more than wolves or a cold wind to stop him this spring.
Even so they had not been to the [mura] for [shūkan].
Even so they had not been to the village for weeks.
Not even Tam traveled much these [hi].
Not even Tam traveled much these days.
[shikashi] Tam had given his [kotoba] about the [burandē] and [saidā], even [baai] he had waited to make [haitatsu] until the [ichi nichi] before [matsuri].
But Tam had given his word about the brandy and cider, even if he had waited to make delivery until the day before Festival.
Keeping his [kotoba] was important to Tam.
Keeping his word was important to Tam.
Rand was just glad to get away from the [nōjō], almost as glad as about the coming of Bel [kōdinēto].
Rand was just glad to get away from the farm, almost as glad as about the coming of Bel Tine.
As Rand watched his [saido] of the [dōro], the [kanji] grew in him that he was [kōfuku] watched.
As Rand watched his side of the road, the feeling grew in him that he was being watched.
For a [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he tried to [kata o sukumeru] it off.
For a while he tried to shrug it off.
Nothing moved or made a [saundo] among the [kigi], except the [kaze].
Nothing moved or made a sound among the trees, except the wind.
[shikashi] the [kanji] not only persisted, it grew stronger.
But the feeling not only persisted, it grew stronger.
The [ke] on his [ude] stirred; his [hada] prickled as [baai] it itched on the [uchigawa].
The hairs on his arms stirred; his skin prickled as if it itched on the inside.
He shifted his [bou] irritably to [kosuru] at his [ude], and told himself to [teishi] letting [kūsō] take him.
He shifted his bow irritably to rub at his arms, and told himself to stop letting fancies take him.
There was nothing in the [hayashi] on his [saido] of the [dōro], and Tam would have spoken [baai] there had been anything on the [sonota].
There was nothing in the woods on his side of the road, and Tam would have spoken if there had been anything on the other.
He glanced over his [kata]…
He glanced over his shoulder…
and blinked.
and blinked.
Not more than twenty [supan] back down the [dōro] a cloaked [zu] on [jōba] followed them, [uma] and [raidā] alike [kuro], [nibui] and ungleaming.
Not more than twenty spans back down the road a cloaked figure on horseback followed them, horse and rider alike black, dull and ungleaming.
It was more [shūkan] than anything else that kept him walking backward alongside the [kāto] even [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he looked.
It was more habit than anything else that kept him walking backward alongside the cart even while he looked.
The [raidā]’s [gaitō] covered him to his [būtsu] [toppusu], the [kauru] tugged [yoku] forward so no [ichibu] of him showed.
The rider’s cloak covered him to his boot tops, the cowl tugged well forward so no part of him showed.
Vaguely Rand [shikō] there was something odd about the [kishu], [shikashi] it was the shadowed [ōpuningu] of the [fūdo] that fascinated him.
Vaguely Rand thought there was something odd about the horseman, but it was the shadowed opening of the hood that fascinated him.
He could see only the vaguest [gaiyō] of a [kao], [shikashi] he had the [kanji] he was looking [migi] into the [raidā]’s [me].
He could see only the vaguest outlines of a face, but he had the feeling he was looking right into the rider’s eyes.
And he could not [hyōjō] away.
And he could not look away.
[hakike] settled in his [i].
Queasiness settled in his stomach.
There was only [kage] to see in the [fūdo], [shikashi] he [kanjita] [nikushimi] as sharply as [baai] he could see a snarling [kao], [nikushimi] for everything that lived.
There was only shadow to see in the hood, but he felt hatred as sharply as if he could see a snarling face, hatred for everything that lived.
[nikushimi] for him most of all, for him above all [monogoto].
Hatred for him most of all, for him above all things.
Abruptly a [ishi] caught his [hīru] and he stumbled, breaking his [me] away from the [kurai] [kishu].
Abruptly a stone caught his heel and he stumbled, breaking his eyes away from the dark horseman.
His [bou] dropped to the [dōro], and only an outthrust [te] grabbing Bela’s [hānesu] saved him from falling [furatto] on his [senaka].
His bow dropped to the road, and only an outthrust hand grabbing Bela’s harness saved him from falling flat on his back.
With a startled snort the [māre] stopped, twisting her [atama] to see what had caught her.
With a startled snort the mare stopped, twisting her head to see what had caught her.
Tam frowned over Bela’s back at him.
Tam frowned over Bela’s back at him.
“Are you all [migi], [wakamono]?”
“Are you all right, lad?”
“A [raidā],”
“A rider,”
Rand said breathlessly, pulling himself [chokuritsu].
Rand said breathlessly, pulling himself upright.
“A [gaijin], following us.”
“A stranger, following us.”
“Where?”
“Where?”
The older [otoko] lifted his broad-bladed [yari] and peered back warily.
The older man lifted his broad-bladed spear and peered back warily.
“There, down the…”
“There, down the…”
Rand’s [kotoba] trailed off as he turned to [pointo].
Rand’s words trailed off as he turned to point.
The [dōro] behind was empty.
The road behind was empty.
Disbelieving, he stared into the [mori] on both [sokumen] of the [dōro].
Disbelieving, he stared into the forest on both sides of the road.
Bare-branched [kigi] offered no hiding [basho], [shikashi] there was not a [kasu-ka] of [uma] or [kishu].
Bare-branched trees offered no hiding place, but there was not a glimmer of horse or horseman.
He met his [chichioya]’s questioning [shisen].
He met his father’s questioning gaze.
“He was there.
“He was there.
A [otoko] in a [kuro] [gaitō], on a [kuro] [uma].”
A man in a black cloak, on a black horse.”
“I wouldn’t [utagai] your [kotoba], [wakamono], [shikashi] where has he gone?”
“I wouldn’t doubt your word, lad, but where has he gone?”
“I don’t know.
“I don’t know.
[shikashi] he was there.”
But he was there.”
He snatched up the fallen [bou] and [yajirushi], hastily checked the [ya hane] before renocking, and [hanbun] drew before letting the [tsuru] [rirakkusu shite kudasai].
He snatched up the fallen bow and arrow, hastily checked the fletching before renocking, and half drew before letting the bowstring relax.
There was nothing to [mezashite imasu] at.
There was nothing to aim at.
“He was.”
“He was.”
Tam shook his grizzled [atama].
Tam shook his grizzled head.
“[baai] you say so, [wakamono].
“If you say so, lad.
Come on, then.
Come on, then.
A [uma] leaves [hizume] [insatsu saremasu], even on this [gurando].”
A horse leaves hoof prints, even on this ground.”
He started toward the [ria] of the [kāto], his [gaitō] whipping in the [kaze].
He started toward the rear of the cart, his cloak whipping in the wind.
“[baai] we find them, we’ll know for a [jijitsu] he was there.
“If we find them, we’ll know for a fact he was there.
[baai] not…
If not…
[yoku], these are [hi] to make a [otoko] think he’s [mite] [monogoto].”
well, these are days to make a man think he’s seeing things.”
Abruptly Rand realized what had been odd about the [kishu], aside from his [kōfuku] there at all.
Abruptly Rand realized what had been odd about the horseman, aside from his being there at all.
The [kaze] that [bīto] at Tam and him had not so much as shifted a [bai] of that [kuro] [gaitō].
The wind that beat at Tam and him had not so much as shifted a fold of that black cloak.
His [kuchi no naka] was suddenly [dorai].
His mouth was suddenly dry.
He must have imagined it.
He must have imagined it.
His [chichioya] was [migi]; this was a [asa] to [yū toge] a [otoko]’s [sōzō ryoku].
His father was right; this was a morning to prickle a man’s imagination.
[shikashi] he did not [shinjiru] it.
But he did not believe it.
Only, how did he tell his [chichioya] that the [otoko] who had apparently vanished into thin [kūki] wore a [gaitō] the [kaze] did not [tacchi]?
Only, how did he tell his father that the man who had apparently vanished into thin air wore a cloak the wind did not touch?
With a worried [shikame men] he peered into the [hayashi] around them; it looked different than it ever had before.
With a worried frown he peered into the woods around them; it looked different than it ever had before.
Almost since he was old enough to [sanpo], he had [jikkō] loose in the [mori].
Almost since he was old enough to walk, he had run loose in the forest.
The [ike] and [sutorīmu] of the Waterwood, beyond the [saigo] [nōjō] [higashi] of Emond’s [ryōiki], were where he had learned to swim.
The ponds and streams of the Waterwood, beyond the last farms east of Emond’s Field, were where he had learned to swim.
He had explored into the [suna] [oka] – which many in the Two [kawa] said was bad [un] – and once he had even gone to the [hijō ni] [ashi] of the [yama] of [misuto], him and his closest [yūjin], Mat Cauthon and Perrin Aybara.
He had explored into the Sand Hills – which many in the Two Rivers said was bad luck – and once he had even gone to the very foot of the Mountains of Mist, him and his closest friends, Mat Cauthon and Perrin Aybara.
That was a [takusan] further [tōku] than most [hitobito] in Emond’s [ryōiki] ever went; to them a [tabi] to the next [mura], up to [udedokei] [oka] or down to Deven [noru], was a big [ibento].
That was a lot further afield than most people in Emond’s Field ever went; to them a journey to the next village, up to Watch Hill or down to Deven Ride, was a big event.
Nowhere in all of that had he found a [basho] that made him afraid.
Nowhere in all of that had he found a place that made him afraid.
Today, though, the Westwood was not the [basho] he remembered.
Today, though, the Westwood was not the place he remembered.
A [otoko] who could disappear so suddenly could reappear just as suddenly, maybe even [migi] beside them.
A man who could disappear so suddenly could reappear just as suddenly, maybe even right beside them.
“No, [chichioya], there’s no must.”
“No, father, there’s no need.”
When Tam stopped in [odoroki], Rand covered his [furasshu] by tugging at the [fūdo] of his [gaitō].
When Tam stopped in surprise, Rand covered his flush by tugging at the hood of his cloak.
“You’re probably [migi].
“You’re probably right.
No [pointo] looking for what isn’t there, not when we can [shiyō] the [jikan] getting on to the [mura] and out of this [kaze].”
No point looking for what isn’t there, not when we can use the time getting on to the village and out of this wind.”
“I could do with a [paipu],”
“I could do with a pipe,”
Tam said slowly, “and a [magukappu] of [ēru] where it’s [atatakai].”
Tam said slowly, “and a mug of ale where it’s warm.”
Abruptly he gave a broad grin.
Abruptly he gave a broad grin.
“And I expect you’re eager to see Egwene.
“And I expect you’re eager to see Egwene.
Rand managed a weak [egao].
Rand managed a weak smile.
Of all [monogoto] he might want to think about [migi] then, the [shichō]’s [musume] was far down the [risuto].
Of all things he might want to think about right then, the Mayor’s daughter was far down the list.
He did not must any more [konran].
He did not need any more confusion.
For the past [toshi] she had been [tsukuri] him increasingly [shinkeishitsu] whenever they were together.
For the past year she had been making him increasingly jittery whenever they were together.
Worse, she did not even seem to be aware of it.
Worse, she did not even seem to be aware of it.
No, he certainly did not want to add Egwene to his [shikō].
No, he certainly did not want to add Egwene to his thoughts.
He was hoping his [chichioya] had not noticed he was afraid when Tam said, “Remember the [honoo], [wakamono], and the void.”
He was hoping his father had not noticed he was afraid when Tam said, “Remember the flame, lad, and the void.”
It was an odd [koto] Tam had taught him.
It was an odd thing Tam had taught him.
Concentrate on a [shinguru] [honoo] and [fīdo] all your [jōnetsu] into it – [kyōfu], [kirai], [ikari] – until your [kokoro] became empty.
Concentrate on a single flame and feed all your passions into it – fear, hate, anger – until your mind became empty.
Become one with the void, Tam said, and you could do anything.
Become one with the void, Tam said, and you could do anything.
Nobody else in Emond’s [ryōiki] talked that [michi].
Nobody else in Emond’s Field talked that way.
[shikashi] Tam won the [ācherī] [kyōsō] at Bel [kōdinēto] every [toshi] with his [honoo] and his void.
But Tam won the archery competition at Bel Tine every year with his flame and his void.
Rand [shikō] he might have a [kikai] at placing this [toshi] himself, [baai] he could manage to hold onto the void.
Rand thought he might have a chance at placing this year himself, if he could manage to hold onto the void.
For Tam to bring it up now meant he had noticed, [shikashi] he said nothing more about it.
For Tam to bring it up now meant he had noticed, but he said nothing more about it.
Tam clucked Bela into [undō] once more, and they resumed their [tabi], the older [otoko] striding along as [baai] nothing untoward had happened and nothing untoward could.
Tam clucked Bela into motion once more, and they resumed their journey, the older man striding along as if nothing untoward had happened and nothing untoward could.
Rand wished he could imitate him.
Rand wished he could imitate him.
He tried forming the [kūkyo] in his [kokoro], [shikashi] it kept slipping away into [gazō] of the [kuro]-cloaked [kishu].
He tried forming the emptiness in his mind, but it kept slipping away into images of the black-cloaked horseman.
He wanted to [shinjiru] that Tam was [migi], that the [raidā] had just been his [sōzō ryoku], [shikashi] he could remember that [kanji] of [nikushimi] too [yoku].
He wanted to believe that Tam was right, that the rider had just been his imagination, but he could remember that feeling of hatred too well.
There had been [dare-ka].
There had been someone.
And that [dare-ka] had meant him [gai].
And that someone had meant him harm.
He did not [teishi] looking back until the high-peaked, thatched [yane] of Emond’s [ryōiki] surrounded him.
He did not stop looking back until the high-peaked, thatched roofs of Emond’s Field surrounded him.
The [mura] lay [tojiru] onto the Westwood, the [mori] gradually thinning until the [saigo] few [kigi] stood actually among the stout [furēmu] [hausu].
The village lay close onto the Westwood, the forest gradually thinning until the last few trees stood actually among the stout frame houses.
The [tochi] sloped gently down to the [higashi].
The land sloped gently down to the east.
Though not without [pacchi] of [hayashi], [nōjō] and [hejji]-bordered [ryōiki] and [bokusō-chi] quilted the [tochi] beyond the [mura] all the [michi] to the Waterwood and its [motsure] of [sutorīmu] and [ike].
Though not without patches of woods, farms and hedge-bordered fields and pastures quilted the land beyond the village all the way to the Waterwood and its tangle of streams and ponds.
The [tochi] to the [nishi] was just as fertile, and the [bokusō-chi] there [aoao to shita] in most [toshi], [shikashi] only a [ichi nigiri] of [nōjō] could be found in the Westwood.
The land to the west was just as fertile, and the pastures there lush in most years, but only a handful of farms could be found in the Westwood.
Even those few dwindled to none [mairu] short of the [suna] [oka], not to [genkyū] the [yama] of [misuto], which [jōshō shita] above the Westwood [kozue], distant [shikashi] in [heiya] [kōkei] from Emond’s [ryōiki].
Even those few dwindled to none miles short of the Sand Hills, not to mention the Mountains of Mist, which rose above the Westwood treetops, distant but in plain sight from Emond’s Field.
Some said the [tochi] was too rocky, as [baai] there were not [iwa] everywhere in the Two [kawa], and [tanin] said it was [hādo un] [tochi].
Some said the land was too rocky, as if there were not rocks everywhere in the Two Rivers, and others said it was hard-luck land.
A few muttered that there was no [pointo] getting any closer to the [yama] than needs be.
A few muttered that there was no point getting any closer to the mountains than needs be.
Whatever the [riyū ga arimasu], only the hardiest [dansei] farmed in the Westwood.
Whatever the reasons, only the hardiest men farmed in the Westwood.
Small [kodomo tachi] and [inu] dodged around the [kāto] in whooping swarms once it passed the [saisho] [kudari] of [hausu].
Small children and dogs dodged around the cart in whooping swarms once it passed the first row of houses.
Bela plodded on patiently, ignoring the yelling [wakamono] who tumbled under her [hana], playing [tagu] and rolling [fūpu].
Bela plodded on patiently, ignoring the yelling youngsters who tumbled under her nose, playing tag and rolling hoops.
In the [saigo] [kagetsu] there had been little of [geki] or [warai] from the [kodomo tachi]; even when the [tenkō] had slackened enough to let [kodomo tachi] out, [kyōfu] of [ōkami] kept them in.
In the last months there had been little of play or laughter from the children; even when the weather had slackened enough to let children out, fear of wolves kept them in.
It seemed the [apurōchi] of Bel [kōdinēto] had taught them how to [geki] again.
It seemed the approach of Bel Tine had taught them how to play again.
[matsuri] had affected the [otona] as [yoku].
Festival had affected the adults as well.
Broad [shattā] were thrown back, and in almost every [hausu] the goodwife stood in a [windō], [epuron] tied about her and long-braided [kami] done up in a [hankachi], shaking [shīto] or hanging [mattoresu] over the [madobe].
Broad shutters were thrown back, and in almost every house the goodwife stood in a window, apron tied about her and long-braided hair done up in a kerchief, shaking sheets or hanging mattresses over the windowsills.
Whether or not leaves had appeared on the [kigi], no [onna] would let Bel [kōdinēto] come before her [haru, haneagaru] cleaning was done.
Whether or not leaves had appeared on the trees, no woman would let Bel Tine come before her spring cleaning was done.
In every [niwa] [ragu] hung from stretched [rain], and [kodomo tachi] who had not been quick enough to [jikkō] [muryō desu] in the [machi] instead vented their [yokkyū fuman] on the [kāpetto] with [tō] [bītā].
In every yard rugs hung from stretched lines, and children who had not been quick enough to run free in the streets instead vented their frustration on the carpets with wicker beaters.
On [yane] after [yane] the [guddoman] of the [hausu] clambered about, checking the [ka yabuki] to see [baai] the [fuyu]’s [damēji] meant calling on old Cenn Buie, the [sacchā].
On roof after roof the goodman of the house clambered about, checking the thatch to see if the winter’s damage meant calling on old Cenn Buie, the thatcher.
Several [kai] Tam paused to engage one [otoko] or another in brief [kaiwa].
Several times Tam paused to engage one man or another in brief conversation.
Since he and Rand had not been off the [nōjō] for [shūkan], everyone wanted to [kyacchi] up on how [monogoto] were out that [michi].
Since he and Rand had not been off the farm for weeks, everyone wanted to catch up on how things were out that way.
Few Westwood [dansei] had been in.
Few Westwood men had been in.
Tam spoke of [damēji] from [fuyu] [arashi], each one worse than the one before, and stillborn [kohitsuji], of [chairo] [ryōiki] where [sakumotsu] should be sprouting and [bokusō-chi] greening, of [watarigarasu] flocking in where [kotori] had come in [toshi] before.
Tam spoke of damage from winter storms, each one worse than the one before, and stillborn lambs, of brown fields where crops should be sprouting and pastures greening, of ravens flocking in where songbirds had come in years before.
Grim [hanashi], with [junbi] for Bel [kōdinēto] going on all around them, and much shaking of [heddo].
Grim talk, with preparations for Bel Tine going on all around them, and much shaking of heads.
It was the same on all [sokumen].
It was the same on all sides.
Most of the [dansei] rolled their [kata] and said, “[yoku], we’ll survive, the [hikari] willing.”
Most of the men rolled their shoulders and said, “Well, we’ll survive, the Light willing.”
Some grinned and added, “And [baai] the [hikari] doesn’t will, we’ll still survive.”
Some grinned and added, “And if the Light doesn’t will, we’ll still survive.”
That was the [michi] of most Two [kawa] [hitobito].
That was the way of most Two Rivers people.
[hitobito] who had to [udedokei] the hail [bīto] their [sakumotsu] or the [ōkami] take their [kohitsuji], and [kaishi, hajimeru] over, no [mondai] how many [toshi] it happened, did not give up easily.
People who had to watch the hail beat their crops or the wolves take their lambs, and start over, no matter how many years it happened, did not give up easily.
Most of those who did were long since gone.
Most of those who did were long since gone.
Tam would not have stopped for Wit [kongāru] [baai] the [otoko] had not come out into the [sutorīto] so they had to [teishi] or let Bela [jikkō] over him.
Tam would not have stopped for Wit Congar if the man had not come out into the street so they had to halt or let Bela run over him.
The Congars—and the Coplins; the two [kazoku] were so intermarried no one really knew where one [kazoku] let off and the [sonota] began – were known from [udedokei] [oka] to Deven [noru], and maybe as far as Taren [ferī], as [fuhei] and [meiwaku mēkā].
The Congars—and the Coplins; the two families were so intermarried no one really knew where one family let off and the other began – were known from Watch Hill to Deven Ride, and maybe as far as Taren Ferry, as complainers and troublemakers.
“I have to get this to Bran al’Vere, Wit,”
“I have to get this to Bran al’Vere, Wit,”
Tam said, nodding to the [bareru] in the [kāto], [shikashi] the scrawny [otoko] held his [gurando] with a sour [shiki] on his [kao].
Tam said, nodding to the barrels in the cart, but the scrawny man held his ground with a sour expression on his face.
He had been sprawled on his [furonto] [suteppu], not up on his [yane], though the [ka yabuki] looked as [baai] it badly needed [shujin] Buie’s [chūi].
He had been sprawled on his front steps, not up on his roof, though the thatch looked as if it badly needed Master Buie’s attention.
He never seemed ready to [kaishi, hajimeru] over, or to [shiagari] what he started the [saisho] [jikan].
He never seemed ready to start over, or to finish what he started the first time.
Most of the Coplins and Congars were like that, those who were not worse.
Most of the Coplins and Congars were like that, those who were not worse.
“What are we going to do about Nynaeve, al’Thor?”
“What are we going to do about Nynaeve, al’Thor?”
[kongāru] demanded.
Congar demanded.
“We can’t have a [chie] like that for Emond’s [ryōiki].”
“We can’t have a Wisdom like that for Emond’s Field.”
Tam sighed heavily.
Tam sighed heavily.
“It’s not our [basho], Wit.
“It’s not our place, Wit.
The [chie] is [josei]’s [bijinesu].”
The Wisdom is women’s business.”
“[yoku], we’d [yori yoi] do something, al’Thor.
“Well, we’d better do something, al’Thor.
She said we’d have a mild [fuyu].
She said we’d have a mild winter.
And a [yoi] [shūkaku].
And a good harvest.
Now you ask her what she hears on the [kaze], and she just scowls at you and stomps off.”
Now you ask her what she hears on the wind, and she just scowls at you and stomps off.”
“[baai] you asked her the [michi] you usually do, Wit,”
“If you asked her the way you usually do, Wit,”
Tam said patiently, “you’re lucky she didn’t [kyōda] you with that [sutikku] she carries.
Tam said patiently, “you’re lucky she didn’t thump you with that stick she carries.
Now [baai] you don’t [kokoro], this [burandē]–”
Now if you don’t mind, this brandy–”
“Nynaeve al’Meara is just too young to be [chie], al’Thor.
“Nynaeve al’Meara is just too young to be Wisdom, al’Thor.
[baai] the [josei]’s [sākuru] won’t do something, then the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] has to.”
If the Women’s Circle won’t do something, then the Village Council has to.”
“What [bijinesu] of yours is the [chie], Wit [kongāru]?”
“What business of yours is the Wisdom, Wit Congar?”
roared a [onna]’s [koe].
roared a woman’s voice.
Wit flinched as his [tsuma] marched out of the [hausu].
Wit flinched as his wife marched out of the house.
