The Eye of the World_1 Flashcards
[baai] I [shikō], for [insutansu], that somebody had been complaining about how much [monogoto] [kosuto] where [hitobito] could hear him when the [monogoto] are supposed to be [himitsu]…“
if I thought, for instance, that somebody had been complaining about how much things cost where people could hear him when the things are supposed to be secret…”
Cenn cleared his [nodo].
Cenn cleared his throat.
“My [hone] are too old for this [kaze].
“My bones are too old for this wind.
[baai] you don’t [kokoro], I’ll just see [baai] [shufu] al’Vere won’t fix me some mulled [Kajitsu-sake] to take the [samusa] off.
If you don’t mind, I’ll just see if Mistress al’Vere won’t fix me some mulled wine to take the chill off.
[shichō].
Mayor.
Al’Thor.”
Al’Thor.
He was headed for the [in] before he finished, and as the [tobira] swung shut behind him, Bran sighed.
“ He was headed for the inn before he finished, and as the door swung shut behind him, Bran sighed.
“Sometimes I think Nynaeve is [migi] about…
“Sometimes I think Nynaeve is right about…
[yoku], that’s not important now.
Well, that’s not important now.
You young [fe rō] think for a [bun].
You young fellows think for a minute.
Everyone’s excited about the [hanabi], true, and that’s only at a [uwasa].
Everyone’s excited about the fireworks, true, and that’s only at a rumor.
Think how they’ll be [baai] the [gyōshō jin] doesn’t get here in [jikan], after all their anticipating.
Think how they’ll be if the peddler doesn’t get here in time, after all their anticipating.
And with the [tenkō] the [michi] it is, who knows when he will come.
And with the weather the way it is, who knows when he will come.
They’d be fifty [kai] as excited about a [ginyūshijin].”
They’d be fifty times as excited about a gleeman.”
“And feel fifty [kai] as bad [baai] he hadn’t come,”
“And feel fifty times as bad if he hadn’t come,”
Rand said slowly.
Rand said slowly.
“Even Bel [kōdinēto] might not do much for [hitobito]’s [seirei] after that.”
“Even Bel Tine might not do much for people’s spirits after that.”
“You have a [atama] on your [kata] when you choose to [shiyō] it,”
“You have a head on your shoulders when you choose to use it,”
Bran said.
Bran said.
“He’ll follow you on the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] one [ichi nichi], Tam.
“He’ll follow you on the Village Council one day, Tam.
[māku] my [kotoba].
Mark my words.
He couldn’t do much worse [migi] now than [dare-ka] I could [namae].”
He couldn’t do much worse right now than someone I could name.”
“None of this is unloading the [kāto],”
“None of this is unloading the cart,”
Tam said briskly, handing the [saisho] [taru] of [burandē] to the [shichō].
Tam said briskly, handing the first cask of brandy to the Mayor.
“I want a [atatakai] [kasai], my [paipu], and a [magukappu] of your [yoi] [ēru].”
“I want a warm fire, my pipe, and a mug of your good ale.”
He hoisted the [ni] [burandē] [taru] onto his [kata].
He hoisted the second brandy cask onto his shoulder.
“I’m sure Rand will thank you for your [tasukeru], Matrim.
“I’m sure Rand will thank you for your help, Matrim.
Remember, the sooner the [saidā] is in the [serā]…“
Remember, the sooner the cider is in the cellar…”
As Tam and Bran disappeared into the [in], Rand looked at his [yūjin].
As Tam and Bran disappeared into the inn, Rand looked at his friend.
“You don’t have to [tasukeru].
“You don’t have to help.
Dav won’t [kīpu] that [anaguma] long.”
Dav won’t keep that badger long.”
“Oh, why not?”
“Oh, why not?”
Mat said resignedly.
Mat said resignedly.
“Like your da said, the quicker it’s in the [serā]…“
“Like your da said, the quicker it’s in the cellar…”
[pikkingu] up one of the [taru] of [saidā] in both [ude], he hurried toward the [in] in a [hanbun] [kobashiri].
Picking up one of the casks of cider in both arms, he hurried toward the inn in a half trot.
“Maybe Egwene is around.
“Maybe Egwene is around.
Watching you [gyōshi] at her like a poleaxed ox will be as [yoi] as a [anaguma] any [ichi nichi].”
Watching you stare at her like a poleaxed ox will be as good as a badger any day.”
Rand paused in the [kōi] of putting his [bou] and [yazutsu] in the [rimen] of the [kāto].
Rand paused in the act of putting his bow and quiver in the back of the cart.
He really had managed to put Egwene out of his [kokoro].
He really had managed to put Egwene out of his mind.
That was unusual in itself.
That was unusual in itself.
[shikashi] she would likely be around the [in] somewhere.
But she would likely be around the inn somewhere.
There was not much [kikai] he could avoid her.
There was not much chance he could avoid her.
Of [mochiron], it had been [shūkan] since he [mimashita] her [saigo].
Of course, it had been weeks since he saw her last.
“[yoku]?”
“Well?”
Mat called from the [furonto] of the [in].
Mat called from the front of the inn.
“I didn’t say I would do it by myself.
“I didn’t say I would do it by myself.
You aren’t on the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] yet.”
You aren’t on the Village Council yet.”
With a [kaishi, hajimeru], Rand took up a [taru] and followed.
With a start, Rand took up a cask and followed.
Perhaps she would not be there after all.
Perhaps she would not be there after all.
Oddly, that [kanō] did not make him feel any [yori yoi].
Oddly, that possibility did not make him feel any better.
[akira] 2
Chapter 2
[gaijin]
Strangers
When Rand and Mat carried the [saisho] [bareru] through the common [heya], [shujin] al’Vere was already filling a [pea] of [magukappu] with his best [chairo] [ēru], his own make, from one of the [taru] cracked against one [kabe].
When Rand and Mat carried the first barrels through the common room, Master al’Vere was already filling a pair of mugs with his best brown ale, his own make, from one of the casks cracked against one wall.
[kizu], the [in]’s [kiiro] [neko], crouched atop it with his [me] closed and his [o] wrapped around his [ashi].
Scratch, the inn’s yellow cat, crouched atop it with his eyes closed and his tail wrapped around his feet.
Tam stood in [furonto] of the big [danro] of [kawa] [iwa], thumbing a long-stemmed [paipu] full of [tabakku] from a polished [kyanisutā] the [yadoya no shujin] always kept on the [heiya] [ishi] mantel.
Tam stood in front of the big fireplace of river rock, thumbing a long-stemmed pipe full of tabac from a polished canister the innkeeper always kept on the plain stone mantel.
The [danro] stretched [hanbun] the [nagasa] of the big, [seihōkei] [heya], with a [ma gusa] as high as a [otoko]’s [kata], and the crackling blaze on the [irori] vanquished the [samusa] [soto ni].
The fireplace stretched half the length of the big, square room, with a lintel as high as a man’s shoulder, and the crackling blaze on the hearth vanquished the chill outside.
At that [jikan] of the busy [ichi nichi] before [matsuri], Rand expected to find the common [heya] empty except for Bran and his [chichioya] and the [neko], [shikashi] four more [kaiin] of the [mura] [kyōgi-kai], including Cenn, sat in high-backed [isu] in [furonto] of the [kasai], [magukappu] in [te] and [aoi]-[gurē] pipesmoke wreathing their [heddo].
At that time of the busy day before Festival, Rand expected to find the common room empty except for Bran and his father and the cat, but four more members of the Village Council, including Cenn, sat in high-backed chairs in front of the fire, mugs in hand and blue-gray pipesmoke wreathing their heads.
For once none of the [ishi] [bōdo] were in [shiyō], and all of Bran’s [bukku] stood idle on the [tana] opposite the [danro].
For once none of the stones boards were in use, and all of Bran’s books stood idle on the shelf opposite the fireplace.
The [dansei] did not even [hanashi], peering silently into their [ēru] or tapping pipestems against their [ha] in [aseri], as they waited for Tam and Bran to [sanka shimasu] them.
The men did not even talk, peering silently into their ale or tapping pipestems against their teeth in impatience, as they waited for Tam and Bran to join them.
[shinpai] was not uncommon for the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] these [hi], not in Emond’s [ryōiki], and likely not in [udedokei] [oka], or Deven [noru].
Worry was not uncommon for the Village Council these days, not in Emond’s Field, and likely not in Watch Hill, or Deven Ride.
Or even Taren [ferī], though who knew what Taren [ferī] [fōku] really [shikō] about anything?
Or even Taren Ferry, though who knew what Taren Ferry folk really thought about anything?
Only two of the [dansei] before the [kasai], Haral Luhhan, the [tanya ya], and Jon Thane, the [mirā], so much as glanced at the [otokonoko] as they entered.
Only two of the men before the fire, Haral Luhhan, the blacksmith, and Jon Thane, the miller, so much as glanced at the boys as they entered.
[shujin] Luhhan, though, made it more than a [ichimoku].
Master Luhhan, though, made it more than a glance.
The [tanya ya]’s [ude] were as big as most [dansei]’s [ashi], roped with heavy [kinniku], and he still wore his long [kawa] [epuron] as [baai] he had hurried to the [kaigi] straight from the forge.
The blacksmith’s arms were as big as most men’s legs, roped with heavy muscle, and he still wore his long leather apron as if he had hurried to the meeting straight from the forge.
His [shikame men] took them both in, then he straightened around in his [isu] deliberately, turning his [chūi] back to an over-studious tamping of his [paipu] with a thick [oyayubi].
His frown took them both in, then he straightened around in his chair deliberately, turning his attention back to an over-studious tamping of his pipe with a thick thumb.
Curious, Rand slowed, then barely [sukoshi] back a yelp as Mat kicked his [ashikubi].
Curious, Rand slowed, then barely bit back a yelp as Mat kicked his ankle.
His [yūjin] nodded insistently toward the [toguchi] at the [rimen] of the common [heya] and hurried on without waiting.
His friend nodded insistently toward the doorway at the back of the common room and hurried on without waiting.
Limping slightly, Rand followed less quickly.
Limping slightly, Rand followed less quickly.
“What was that about?”
“What was that about?”
he demanded as soon as he was in the [hōru] that to the [kicchin].
he demanded as soon as he was in the hall that to the kitchen.
“You almost broke my–”
“You almost broke my–”
“It’s old Luhhan,”
“It’s old Luhhan,”
Mat said, peering past Rand’s [kata] into the common [heya].
Mat said, peering past Rand’s shoulder into the common room.
“I think he suspects I was the one who .”
“I think he suspects I was the one who–”
He cut off abruptly as [shufu] al’Vere bustled out of the [kicchin], the [kaori] of fresh-baked [pan] [ukiagari] ahead of her.
He cut off abruptly as Mistress al’Vere bustled out of the kitchen, the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting ahead of her.
The [torei] in her [te] carried some of the crusty [pan] for which she was famous around Emond’s [ryōiki], as [yoku] as [purēto] of [pikurusu] and [chīzu].
The tray in her hands carried some of the crusty loaves for which she was famous around Emond’s Field, as well as plates of pickles and cheese.
The [tabemono] reminded Rand abruptly that he had eaten only an [owari] of [pan] before leaving the [nōjō] that [asa].
The food reminded Rand abruptly that he had eaten only an end of bread before leaving the farm that morning.
His [i] gave an embarrassing rumble.
His stomach gave an embarrassing rumble.
A slender [onna], with her thick [mittsu ami] of graying [kami] pulled over one [kata], [shufu] al’Vere smiled in a motherly [fasshon] that took in both of them.
A slender woman, with her thick braid of graying hair pulled over one shoulder, Mistress al’Vere smiled in a motherly fashion that took in both of them.
“There is more of this in the [kicchin], [baai] you two are hungry, and I never knew [otokonoko] your [jidai] who weren’t.
“There is more of this in the kitchen, if you two are hungry, and I never knew boys your age who weren’t.
Or any [sonota] [jidai], for that [mondai].
Or any other age, for that matter.
[baai] you prefer, I’m baking honeycakes this [asa].”
If you prefer, I’m baking honeycakes this morning.”
She was one of the few [kekkon shita] [josei] in the [eria] who never tried to [geki] [nakōdo] with Tam.
She was one of the few married women in the area who never tried to play matchmaker with Tam.
Toward Rand her [bosei] extended to [atatakai] [egao] and a quick [sunakku] whenever he came by the [in], [shikashi] she did as much for every young [otoko] in the [eria].
Toward Rand her motherliness extended to warm smiles and a quick snack whenever he came by the inn, but she did as much for every young man in the area.
[baai] she occasionally looked at him as [baai] she wanted to do more, at least she took it no further than [rukkusu], for that he was deeply grateful.Without waiting for a [henji] she swept on into the common [heya].
If she occasionally looked at him as if she wanted to do more, at least she took it no further than looks, for that he was deeply grateful.Without waiting for a reply she swept on into the common room.
Immediately there was the [saundo] of [isu] scraping on the [yuka] as the [dansei] got to their [ashi], and exclaimings over the [nioi] of the [pan].
Immediately there was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor as the men got to their feet, and exclaimings over the smell of the bread.
She was easily the best [ryōri jin] in Emond’s [ryōiki], and not a [otoko] for [mairu] around [shikashi] eagerly leaped at a [kikai] to put his [ashi] under her [hyō].
She was easily the best cook in Emond’s Field, and not a man for miles around but eagerly leaped at a chance to put his feet under her table.
“Honeycakes,”
“Honeycakes,”
Mat said, smacking his [kuchibiru].
Mat said, smacking his lips.
“After,”
“After,”
Rand told him firmly, “or we’ll never get done.”
Rand told him firmly, “or we’ll never get done.”
A [ranpu] hung over the [serā] [kaidan], just beside the [kicchin] [tobira], and another made a bright [pūru] in the [ishi]-walled [heya] beneath the [in], banishing all [shikashi] a little [usugura] in the furthest [kōnā].
A lamp hung over the cellar stairs, just beside the kitchen door, and another made a bright pool in the stone-walled room beneath the inn, banishing all but a little dimness in the furthest corners.
Wooden [rakku] along the [kabe] and across the [yuka] held [taru] of [burandē] and [saidā], and larger [bareru] of [ēru] and [Kajitsu-sake], some with taps driven in.
Wooden racks along the walls and across the floor held casks of brandy and cider, and larger barrels of ale and wine, some with taps driven in.
Many of the [Kajitsu-sake] [bareru] were marked with [chōku] in Bran al’Vere’s [te], giving the [toshi] they had been bought, what [gyōshō jin] had brought them, and in which [toshi] they had been made, [shikashi] all of the [ēru] and [burandē] was the make of Two [kawa] [nōka] or of Bran himself.
Many of the wine barrels were marked with chalk in Bran al’Vere’s hand, giving the year they had been bought, what peddler had brought them, and in which city they had been made, but all of the ale and brandy was the make of Two Rivers farmers or of Bran himself.
[gyōshō jin], and even [shōnin], sometimes brought [burandē] or [ēru] from [soto ni], [shikashi] it was never as [yoi] and [kosuto] the [chikyū], besides, and nobody ever drank it more than once.
Peddlers, and even merchants, sometimes brought brandy or ale from outside, but it was never as good and cost the earth, besides, and nobody ever drank it more than once.
“Now,”
“Now,”
Rand said, as they set their [taru] in the [rakku], “what did you do that you have to avoid [shujin] Luhhan?”
Rand said, as they set their casks in the racks, “what did you do that you have to avoid Master Luhhan?”
Mat shrugged.
Mat shrugged.
“Nothing, really.
“Nothing, really.
I told Adan al’Caar and some of his snot-nosed [yūjin]—Ewin Finngar and [dagu] [kopurin] – that some [nōka] had seen [yūrei] [ryōken], breathing [kasai] and running through the [hayashi].
I told Adan al’Caar and some of his snot-nosed friends—Ewin Finngar and Dag Coplin – that some farmers had seen ghost hounds, breathing fire and running through the woods.
They ate it up like clotted [kurīmu].”
They ate it up like clotted cream.”
“And [shujin] Luhhan is mad at you for that?”
“And Master Luhhan is mad at you for that?”
Rand said doubtfully.
Rand said doubtfully.
“Not exactly.”
“Not exactly.”
Mat paused, then shook his [atama].
Mat paused, then shook his head.
“You see, I covered two of his [inu] with [komugiko], so they were all [shiroi].
“You see, I covered two of his dogs with flour, so they were all white.
Then I let them loose near [dagu]’s [hausu].
Then I let them loose near Dag’s house.
How was I to know they’d [jikkō] straight home?
How was I to know they’d run straight home?
It really isn’t my [koshō].
It really isn’t my fault.
[baai] [shufu] Luhhan hadn’t left the [tobira] [ōpun] they couldn’t have gotten [uchigawa].
If Mistress Luhhan hadn’t left the door open they couldn’t have gotten inside.
It isn’t like I intended to get [komugiko] all over her [hausu].”
It isn’t like I intended to get flour all over her house.”
He gave a [juhi] of [warai].
He gave a bark of laughter.
“I hear she chased old Luhhan and the [inu], all three, out of the [hausu] with a [hōki].”
“I hear she chased old Luhhan and the dogs, all three, out of the house with a broom.”
Rand winced and laughed at the same [jikan].
Rand winced and laughed at the same time.
“[baai] I were you, I’d [shinpai] more about Alsbet Luhhan than about the [tanya ya].
“If I were you, I’d worry more about Alsbet Luhhan than about the blacksmith.
She’s almost as strong, and her [kishō] is a [takusan] worse.
She’s almost as strong, and her temper is a lot worse.
No [mondai], though.
No matter, though.
[baai] you [sanpo] fast, maybe he won’t [chūi shite kudasai] you.”
If you walk fast, maybe he won’t notice you.”
Mat’s [shiki] said he did not think Rand was funny.
Mat’s expression said he did not think Rand was funny.
When they went back through the common [heya], though, there was no must for Mat to [isoi].
When they went back through the common room, though, there was no need for Mat to hurry.
The six [dansei] had their [isu] in a tight [musubime] before the [danro].
The six men had their chairs in a tight knot before the fireplace.
With his [senaka] to the [kasai], Tam was speaking in a [hikui] [koe], and the [tanin] were leaning forward to listen, so [ito] on his [kotoba] they would likely not have noticed [baai] a [mure] of [hitsuji] had been driven through.
With his back to the fire, Tam was speaking in a low voice, and the others were leaning forward to listen, so intent on his words they would likely not have noticed if a flock of sheep had been driven through.
Rand wanted to [ugokasu] closer, to hear what they were talking about, [shikashi] Mat plucked at his [surību] and gave him an agonized [hyōjō].
Rand wanted to move closer, to hear what they were talking about, but Mat plucked at his sleeve and gave him an agonized look.
With a [tameiki] he followed Mat out to the [kāto].
With a sigh he followed Mat out to the cart.
On their [ritān] to the [rōka] they found a [torei] by the [chōten] of the [suteppu], and [atsui] honeycakes filling the [hōru] with their [amai] [kaori].
On their return to the hallway they found a tray by the top of the steps, and hot honeycakes filling the hall with their sweet aroma.
There were two [magukappu], as [yoku], and a [tōshu] of steaming mulled [saidā].
There were two mugs, as well, and a pitcher of steaming mulled cider.
Despite his own [kunkai] about waiting until later Rand found himself [tsukuri] the [saigo] two [ryokō] between [kāto] and [serā] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] trying to [jaguringu] a [taru] and a piping honeycake.
Despite his own admonition about waiting until later Rand found himself making the last two trips between cart and cellar while trying to juggle a cask and a piping honeycake.
Setting his final [taru] in the [rakku], he wiped [panko] from his [kuchi no naka] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Mat was unburdening himself, then said, “Now for the [gurī]—”
Setting his final cask in the racks, he wiped crumbs from his mouth while Mat was unburdening himself, then said, “Now for the glee —”
[ashi] clattered on the [kaidan], and Ewin Finngar [hanbun] fell into the [serā] in his [sokkō], his pudgy [kao] shining with [iyoku] to impart his [nyūsu].
Feet clattered on the stairs, and Ewin Finngar half fell into the cellar in his haste, his pudgy face shining with eagerness to impart his news.
“There are [gaijin] in the [mura].”
“There are strangers in the village.”
He caught his [iki] and gave Mat a [hiniku] [hyōjō].
He caught his breath and gave Mat a wry look.
“I haven’t seen any [yūrei] [ryōken], [shikashi] I hear somebody floured [shujin] Luhhan’s [inu].
“I haven’t seen any ghost hounds, but I hear somebody floured Master Luhhan’s dogs.
I hear [shufu] Luhhan has [kangae] who to [hyōjō] for, too.”
I hear Mistress Luhhan has ideas who to look for, too.”
The [toshi] separating Rand and Mat from Ewin, only fourteen, were usually more than enough for them to give short [nai taido] to anything he had to say.
The years separating Rand and Mat from Ewin, only fourteen, were usually more than enough for them to give short shrift to anything he had to say.
This [jikan] they exchanged one startled [ichimoku], then both were talking at once.
This time they exchanged one startled glance, then both were talking at once.
“In the [mura]?”
“In the village?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
“Not in the [hayashi]?”
“Not in the woods?”
[migi][no ue ni] him Mat added, “Was his [gaitō] [kuro]?
Right on top of him Mat added, “Was his cloak black?
Could you see his [kao]?”
Could you see his face?”
Ewin looked uncertainly from one of them to the [sonota], then spoke quickly when Mat took a threatening [suteppu].
Ewin looked uncertainly from one of them to the other, then spoke quickly when Mat took a threatening step.
“Of [mochiron] I could see his [kao].
“Of course I could see his face.
And his [gaitō] is [midori].
And his cloak is green.
Or maybe [gurē].
Or maybe gray.
It [henka].
It changes.
It seems to fade into wherever he’s standing.
It seems to fade into wherever he’s standing.
Sometimes you don’t see him even when you [hyōjō] [migi] at him, not unless he moves.
Sometimes you don’t see him even when you look right at him, not unless he moves.
And hers is [aoi], like the [sora], and ten [kai] [aikō-ka] than any feastday [fuku] I ever [mimashita].
And hers is blue, like the sky, and ten times fancier than any feastday clothes I ever saw.
She’s ten [kai] prettier than anybody I ever [mimashita], too.
She’s ten times prettier than anybody I ever saw, too.
She’s a high-born [josei], like in the [ie].
She’s a high-born lady, like in the stories.
She must be.”
She must be.”
“Her?”
“Her?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“Who are you talking about?”
“Who are you talking about?”
He stared at Mat, who had put both [te][no ue ni] his [atama] and squeezed his [me] shut.
He stared at Mat, who had put both hands on top of his head and squeezed his eyes shut.
“They’re the ones I meant to tell you about,”
“They’re the ones I meant to tell you about,”
Mat muttered, “before you got me off onto—”
Mat muttered, “before you got me off onto —”
He cut off, [ōpuningu] his [me] for a sharp [ichimoku] at Ewin.
He cut off, opening his eyes for a sharp glance at Ewin.
“They arrived [saigo] [yūgata],”
“They arrived last evening,”
Mat went on after a [shunkan], “and took [heya] here at the [in].
Mat went on after a moment, “and took rooms here at the inn.
I [mimashita] them [noru] in.
I saw them ride in.
Their [uma], Rand.
Their horses, Rand.
I never [mimashita] [uma] so tall, or so sleek.
I never saw horses so tall, or so sleek.
They [hyōjō] like they could [jikkō] forever.
They look like they could run forever.
I think he [sakuhin] for her.”
I think he works for her.”
“In [sābisu],”
“In service,”
Ewin broke in.
Ewin broke in.
“They [kōru] it [kōfuku] in [sābisu], in the [ie].”
“They call it being in service, in the stories.”
Mat continued as [baai] Ewin had not spoken.
Mat continued as if Ewin had not spoken.
“Anyway, he defers to her, does what she says.
“Anyway, he defers to her, does what she says.
Only he isn’t like a hired [otoko].
Only he isn’t like a hired man.
A [heishi], maybe.
A soldier, maybe.
The [michi] he wears his [ken], it’s [ichibu] of him, like his [te] or his [ashi].
The way he wears his sword, it’s part of him, like his hand or his foot.
He makes the [shōnin]’ [keibi] [hyōjō] like [saishin ban] [inu].
He makes the merchants’ guards look like cur dogs.
And her, Rand.
And her, Rand.
I never even imagined anyone like her.
I never even imagined anyone like her.
She’s out of a [ginyūshijin]’s [monogatari].
She’s out of a gleeman’s story.
She’s like… like…”
She’s like… like…
He paused to give Ewin a sour [hyōjō].
“ He paused to give Ewin a sour look.
“…like a high-born [josei],”
“…like a high-born lady,”
he finished with a [tameiki].
he finished with a sigh.
“[shikashi] who are they?”
“But who are they?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
Except for [shōnin], once a [toshi] to buy [tabakku] and [wuru], and the [gyōshō jin], outsiders never came into the Two [kawa], or as [yoi] as never.
Except for merchants, once a year to buy tabac and wool, and the peddlers, outsiders never came into the Two Rivers, or as good as never.
Maybe at Taren [ferī], [shikashi] not this far [minami].
Maybe at Taren Ferry, but not this far south.
Most of the [shōnin] and [gyōshō jin] had been coming for [toshi], too, so they did not really [kaunto] as [gaijin].
Most of the merchants and peddlers had been coming for years, too, so they did not really count as strangers.
Just outsiders.
Just outsiders.
It was a [yoi] five [toshi] since the [saigo] [jikan] a real [gaijin] appeared in Emond’s [ryōiki], and he had been trying to hide from some [sōto] of [meiwaku] up in Baerlon that nobody in the [mura] understood.
It was a good five years since the last time a real stranger appeared in Emond’s Field, and he had been trying to hide from some sort of trouble up in Baerlon that nobody in the village understood.
He had not stayed long.
He had not stayed long.
“What do they want?”
“What do they want?”
Mat exclaimed.
Mat exclaimed.
“I don’t [kaigo] what they want.
“I don’t care what they want.
[gaijin], Rand, and [gaijin] like you never even dreamed of.
Strangers, Rand, and strangers like you never even dreamed of.
Think of it!”
Think of it!”
Rand opened his [kuchi no naka], then closed it without speaking.
Rand opened his mouth, then closed it without speaking.
The [kuro] cloaked [raidā] had him as nervous as a [neko] in a [inu] [jikkō].
The black cloaked rider had him as nervous as a cat in a dog run.
It just seemed like an awful [gūzen], three [gaijin] around the [mura] at the same [jikan].
It just seemed like an awful coincidence, three strangers around the village at the same time.
Three [baai] this [nakama]’s [gaitō] that changed [iro] never changed to [kuro].
Three if this fellow’s cloak that changed colors never changed to black.
“Her [namae] is Moiraine,”
“Her name is Moiraine,”
Ewin said into the momentary [chinmoku].
Ewin said into the momentary silence.
“I heard him say it.
“I heard him say it.
Moiraine, he called her.
Moiraine, he called her.
The [josei] Moiraine.
The Lady Moiraine.
His [namae] is Lan.
His name is Lan.
The [chie] may not like her, [shikashi] I do.”
The Wisdom may not like her, but I do.”
“What makes you think Nynaeve [kirai] her?”
“What makes you think Nynaeve dislikes her?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“She asked the [chie] for [hōkō] this [asa],”
“She asked the Wisdom for directions this morning,”
Ewin said, “and called her ’[ko].
Ewin said, “and called her ’child.’”
“’ Rand and Mat both whistled softly through their [ha], and Ewin tripped over his [shita] in his [sokkō] to explain.
Rand and Mat both whistled softly through their teeth, and Ewin tripped over his tongue in his haste to explain.
“The [josei] Moiraine didn’t know she was the [chie].
“The Lady Moiraine didn’t know she was the Wisdom.
She apologized when she found out.
She apologized when she found out.
She did.
She did.
And asked some [shitsumon] about [hābu], and about who is who around Emond’s [ryōiki], just as respectfully as any [onna] in the [mura]—more so than some.
And asked some questions about herbs, and about who is who around Emond’s Field, just as respectfully as any woman in the village—more so than some.
She’s always asking [shitsumon], about how old [hitobito] are, and how long they’ve lived where they live, and…
She’s always asking questions, about how old people are, and how long they’ve lived where they live, and…
oh, I don’t know what all.
oh, I don’t know what all.
Anyway, Nynaeve answered like she’d bitten a [midori] sweetberry.
Anyway, Nynaeve answered like she’d bitten a green sweetberry.
Then, when the [josei] Moiraine walked away, Nynaeve stared after her like, like…
Then, when the Lady Moiraine walked away, Nynaeve stared after her like, like…
[yoku], it wasn’t friendly, I can tell you that.”
well, it wasn’t friendly, I can tell you that.”
“Is that all?”
“Is that all?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“You know Nynaeve’s [kishō].
“You know Nynaeve’s temper.
When Cenn Buie called her a [ko] [saigo] [toshi], she thumped him on the [atama] with her [sutikku], and he’s on the [mura] [kyōgi-kai], and old enough to be her [sofu], besides.
When Cenn Buie called her a child last year, she thumped him on the head with her stick, and he’s on the Village Council, and old enough to be her grandfather, besides.
She flares up at anything, and never [nite go riyō itadakemasu] angry past turning around.”
She flares up at anything, and never stays angry past turning around.”
“That’s too long for me,”
“That’s too long for me,”
Ewin muttered.
Ewin muttered.
“I don’t [kaigo] who Nynaeve [toki no noizu],”
“I don’t care who Nynaeve thumps,”
Mat chortled, “so long as it isn’t me.
Mat chortled, “so long as it isn’t me.
This is going to be the best Bel [kōdinēto] ever.
This is going to be the best Bel Tine ever.
A [ginyūshijin], a [josei] – who could ask for more?
A gleeman, a lady – who could ask for more?
Who needs [hanabi]?”
Who needs fireworks?”
“A [ginyūshijin]?”
“A gleeman?”
Ewin said, his [koe] rising sharply.
Ewin said, his voice rising sharply.
“Come on, Rand,”
“Come on, Rand,”
Mat went on, ignoring the younger [otokonoko].
Mat went on, ignoring the younger boy.
“We’re done here.
“We’re done here.
You have to see this [nakama].”
You have to see this fellow.”
He bounded up the [kaidan], with Ewin scrambling behind him calling, “Is there really a [ginyūshijin], Mat?
He bounded up the stairs, with Ewin scrambling behind him calling, “Is there really a gleeman, Mat?
This isn’t like the [yūrei] [ryōken], is it?
This isn’t like the ghost hounds, is it?
Or the [kaeru]?”
Or the frogs?”
Rand paused long enough to [tān] down the [ranpu], then hurried after them.
Rand paused long enough to turn down the lamp, then hurried after them.
In the common [heya] Rowan Hurn and Samel Crawe had joined the [tanin] in [furonto] of the [kasai], so that the entire [mura] [kyōgi-kai] was there.
In the common room Rowan Hurn and Samel Crawe had joined the others in front of the fire, so that the entire Village Council was there.
Bran al’Vere spoke now, his normally [hattari] [koe] pitched so [hikui] that only a rumbling [zatsuon] traveled beyond the [tojiru]-gathered [isu].
Bran al’Vere spoke now, his normally bluff voice pitched so low that only a rumbling murmur traveled beyond the close-gathered chairs.
The [shichō] emphasized his [kotoba] by capping a thick [hitosashiyubi] into the [tenohira] of his [te], and eyed each [otoko] in [tān].
The Mayor emphasized his words by capping a thick forefinger into the palm of his hand, and eyed each man in turn.
They all nodded in [gōi] with whatever he was saying, though Cenn more reluctantly than the [nokori].
They all nodded in agreement with whatever he was saying, though Cenn more reluctantly than the rest.
The [michi] the [dansei] all [shikashi] huddled together spoke more plainly than a painted [sain].
The way the men all but huddled together spoke more plainly than a painted sign.
Whatever they were talking about, it was for the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] alone, at least for now.
Whatever they were talking about, it was for the Village Council alone, at least for now.
They would not appreciate Rand trying to listen in.
They would not appreciate Rand trying to listen in.
Reluctantly he pulled himself away.
Reluctantly he pulled himself away.
There was still the [ginyūshijin].
There was still the gleeman.
And these [gaijin].
And these strangers.
[soto ni], Bela and the [kāto] were gone, taken away by Hu or Tad, the stablemen.
Outside, Bela and the cart were gone, taken away by Hu or Tad, the stablemen.
Mat and Ewin stood glaring at one another a few [hochō] from the [furonto] [tobira] of the [in], their [gaitō] whipping in the [kaze].
Mat and Ewin stood glaring at one another a few paces from the front door of the inn, their cloaks whipping in the wind.
“For the [saigo] [jikan],”
“For the last time,”
Mat barked, “I am not playing a [torikku] on you.
Mat barked, “I am not playing a trick on you.
There is a [ginyūshijin].
There is a gleeman.
Now go away.
Now go away.
Rand, will you tell this woolhead I am [uranai] the [shinjitsu] so he’ll [kyūka] me alone?”
Rand, will you tell this woolhead I am telling the truth so he’ll leave me alone?”
Pulling his [gaitō] together, Rand stepped forward to [sapōto] Mat, [shikashi] [kotoba] died as the [ke] stirred on the [rimen] of his [kubi].
Pulling his cloak together, Rand stepped forward to support Mat, but words died as the hairs stirred on the back of his neck.
He was [kōfuku] watched again.
He was being watched again.
It was far from the [kanji] the hooded [raidā] had given him, [shikashi] neither was it pleasant, especially so soon after that [deai].
It was far from the feeling the hooded rider had given him, but neither was it pleasant, especially so soon after that encounter.
A quick [hyōjō] about the [midori] showed him only what he had seen before—[kodomo tachi] playing, [hitobito] preparing for [matsuri], and no one more than glancing in his [hōkō].
A quick look about the Green showed him only what he had seen before—children playing, people preparing for Festival, and no one more than glancing in his direction.
The [haru, haneagaru] [pōru] stood alone, now, waiting.
The Spring Pole stood alone, now, waiting.
[kensō] and childish [sakebu]
Bustle and childish shouts
filled the [saido] [machi].
filled the side streets.
All was as it should be.
All was as it should be.
Except that he was [kōfuku] watched.
Except that he was being watched.
Then something led him to [tān] around, to raise his [me].
Then something led him to turn around, to raise his eyes.
On the [hashi] of the [in]’s [tairu] [yane] perched a large [reivun], swaying a little in the gusting [kaze] from the [yama].
On the edge of the inn’s tile roof perched a large raven, swaying a little in the gusting wind from the mountains.
Its [atama] was cocked to one [saido], and one beady, [kuro] [me] was focused…
Its head was cocked to one side, and one beady, black eye was focused…
on him, he [shikō].
on him, he thought.
He swallowed, and suddenly [ikari] flickered in him, [atsui] and sharp.
He swallowed, and suddenly anger flickered in him, hot and sharp.
“Filthy [funiku] [taberu hito],”
“Filthy carrion eater,”
he muttered.
he muttered.
“I am tired of [kōfuku] stared at,”
“I am tired of being stared at,”
Mat growled, and Rand realized his [yūjin] had stepped up beside him and was frowning at the [reivun], too.
Mat growled, and Rand realized his friend had stepped up beside him and was frowning at the raven, too.
They exchanged a [ichimoku], then as one their [te] darted for [iwa].
They exchanged a glance, then as one their hands darted for rocks.
The two [ishi] flew true…
The two stones flew true…
and the [reivun] stepped aside; the [ishi] whistled through the [supēsu] where it had been.
and the raven stepped aside; the stones whistled through the space where it had been.
Fluffing its [tsubasa] once, it cocked its [atama] again, fixing them with a [shin da] [kuro] [me], unafraid, giving no [sain] that anything had happened.
Fluffing its wings once, it cocked its head again, fixing them with a dead black eye, unafraid, giving no sign that anything had happened.
Rand stared at the [tori] in [gyōten].
Rand stared at the bird in consternation.
“Did you ever see a [reivun] do that?”
“Did you ever see a raven do that?”
he asked quietly.
he asked quietly.
Mat shook his [atama] without looking away from the [reivun].
Mat shook his head without looking away from the raven.
“Never.
“Never.
Nor any [sonota] [tori], either.”
Nor any other bird, either.”
“A vile [tori],”
“A vile bird,”
came a [onna]’s [koe] from behind them, melodious despite [ekō] of [keno kan], “to be mistrusted in the best of [kai].”
came a woman’s voice from behind them, melodious despite echoes of distaste, “to be mistrusted in the best of times.”
With a shrill [sakebi] the [reivun] launched itself into the [kūki] so violently that two [kuro] [hane] drifted down from the [yane]’s [hashi].
With a shrill cry the raven launched itself into the air so violently that two black feathers drifted down from the roof’s edge.
Startled, Rand and Mat twisted to follow the [tori]’s swift [hikō], over the [midori] and toward the [kumo]-tipped [yama] of [misuto], tall beyond the Westwood, until it dwindled to a [hanten] in the [nishi], then vanished from [iken].
Startled, Rand and Mat twisted to follow the bird’s swift flight, over the Green and toward the cloud-tipped Mountains of Mist, tall beyond the Westwood, until it dwindled to a speck in the west, then vanished from view.
Rand’s [shisen] fell to the [onna] who had spoken.
Rand’s gaze fell to the woman who had spoken.
She, too, had been watching the [hikō] of the [reivun], [shikashi] now she turned back, and her [me] met his.
She, too, had been watching the flight of the raven, but now she turned back, and her eyes met his.
He could only [gyōshi].
He could only stare.
This had to be the [josei] Moiraine, and she was everything that Mat
This had to be the Lady Moiraine, and she was everything that Mat
and Ewin had said, everything and more.
and Ewin had said, everything and more.
When he had heard she called Nynaeve [ko], he had pictured her as old, [shikashi] she was not.
When he had heard she called Nynaeve child, he had pictured her as old, but she was not.
At least, he could not put any [jidai] to her at all.
At least, he could not put any age to her at all.
At [saisho] he [shikō] she was as young as Nynaeve, [shikashi] the longer he looked the more he [shikō] she was older than that.
At first he thought she was as young as Nynaeve, but the longer he looked the more he thought she was older than that.
There was a [seijuku] about her large, [kurai] [me], a [hinto] of knowing that no one could have gotten young.
There was a maturity about her large, dark eyes, a hint of knowing that no one could have gotten young.
For an instant he [shikō] those [me] were [fukai] [pūru] about to [tsubame] him up.
For an instant he thought those eyes were deep pools about to swallow him up.
It was [heiya] why Mat and Ewin named her a [josei] from a [ginyūshijin]’s [monogatari], too.
It was plain why Mat and Ewin named her a lady from a gleeman’s tale, too.
She held herself with a [megumi] and [kūki] of [komando] that made him feel awkward and [tsumazuku]-footed.
She held herself with a grace and air of command that made him feel awkward and stumble-footed.
She was barely tall enough to come up to his [mune], [shikashi] her [sonzai kan] was such that her [takasa] seemed the proper one, and he [kanjita] ungainly in his tallness.
She was barely tall enough to come up to his chest, but her presence was such that her height seemed the proper one, and he felt ungainly in his tallness.
Altogether she was like no one he had ever seen before.
Altogether she was like no one he had ever seen before.
The wide [fūdo] of her [gaitō] framed her [kao] and [kurai] [kami], hanging in soft [maki ke].
The wide hood of her cloak framed her face and dark hair, hanging in soft ringlets.
He had never seen a [zōshoku saseta] [onna] with her [kami] unbraided; every [onnanoko] in the Two [kawa] waited eagerly for the [josei]’s [sākuru] of her [mura] to say she was old enough to wear a [mittsu ami].
He had never seen a grown woman with her hair unbraided; every girl in the Two Rivers waited eagerly for the Women’s Circle of her village to say she was old enough to wear a braid.
Her [fuku] were just as strange.
Her clothes were just as strange.
Her [gaitō] was [sora]-[aoi] [berubetto], with thick [gin] [shishū], leaves and [budō] and [hana], all along the [hashi].
Her cloak was sky-blue velvet, with thick silver embroidery, leaves and vines and flowers, all along the edges.
Her [doresu] gleamed faintly as she moved, a [kurai]er [aoi] than the [gaitō], and slashed with [kurīmu].
Her dress gleamed faintly as she moved, a darker blue than the cloak, and slashed with cream.
A [nekkuresu] of heavy [gōrudo] [rinku] hung around her [kubi], [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] another [gōrudo] [chēn], delicate and fastened in her [kami], supported a small, sparkling [aoi] [ishi] in the [mannaka] of her [gaku].
A necklace of heavy gold links hung around her neck, while another gold chain, delicate and fastened in her hair, supported a small, sparkling blue stone in the middle of her forehead.
A wide [beruto] of woven [gōrudo] encircled her [koshi], and on the [ni] [yubi] of her left [te] was a [gōrudo] [ringu] in the [keijō] of a [hebi] biting its own [o].
A wide belt of woven gold encircled her waist, and on the second finger of her left hand was a gold ring in the shape of a serpent biting its own tail.
He had certainly never seen a [ringu] like that, though he recognized the Great [hebi], an even older [shinboru] for [eien] than the [hoīru] of [jikan].
He had certainly never seen a ring like that, though he recognized the Great Serpent, an even older symbol for eternity than the Wheel of Time.
[aikō-ka] than any feastday [fuku], Ewin had said, and he was [migi].
Fancier than any feastday clothes, Ewin had said, and he was right.
No one ever dressed like that in the Two [kawa].
No one ever dressed like that in the Two Rivers.
Not ever.
Not ever.
“[yoi] [asa], [shufu]…
“Good morning, Mistress…
ah…
ah…
[josei] Moiraine,”
Lady Moiraine,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
His [kao] grew [atsui] at his [shita]’s [bukiyō].
His face grew hot at his tongue’s fumbling.
“[yoi] [asa], [josei] Moiraine,”
“Good morning, Lady Moiraine,”
Mat echoed somewhat more smoothly, [shikashi] only a little.
Mat echoed somewhat more smoothly, but only a little.
She smiled, and Rand found himself wondering [baai] there was anything he might do for her, something that would give him an [īwake] to [taizai] near her.
She smiled, and Rand found himself wondering if there was anything he might do for her, something that would give him an excuse to stay near her.
He knew she was smiling at all of them, [shikashi] it seemed meant for him alone.
He knew she was smiling at all of them, but it seemed meant for him alone.
It really was just like [mite] a [ginyūshijin]’s [monogatari] come to [jinsei].
It really was just like seeing a gleeman’s tale come to life.
Mat had a foolish grin on his [kao].
Mat had a foolish grin on his face.
“You know my [namae],”
“You know my name,”
she said, sounding delighted.
she said, sounding delighted.
As [baai] her [sonzai kan], however brief, would not be the [hanashi] of the [mura] for a [toshi]!
As if her presence, however brief, would not be the talk of the village for a year!
“[shikashi] you must [kōru] me Moiraine, not [josei].
“But you must call me Moiraine, not lady.
And what are your [namae]?”
And what are your names?”
Ewin leaped forward before either of the [tanin] could speak.
Ewin leaped forward before either of the others could speak.
“My [namae] is Ewin Finngar, my [josei].
“My name is Ewin Finngar, my lady.
I told them your [namae]; that’s how they know.
I told them your name; that’s how they know.
I heard Lan say it, [shikashi] I wasn’t eavesdropping.
I heard Lan say it, but I wasn’t eavesdropping.
No one like you has ever come to Emond’s [ryōiki], before.
No one like you has ever come to Emond’s Field, before.
There’s a [ginyūshijin] in the [mura] for Bel [kōdinēto], too.
There’s a gleeman in the village for Bel Tine, too.
And tonight is Winternight.
And tonight is Winternight.
will you come to my [hausu]?
Will you come to my house?
My [haha] has [ringo] [kēki].”
My mother has apple cakes.”
“I shall have to see,”
“I shall have to see,”
she replied, putting a [te] on Ewin’s [kata].
she replied, putting a hand on Ewin’s shoulder.
Her [me] twinkled with [amyūzumento], though she gave no [sonota] [sain] of it.
Her eyes twinkled with amusement, though she gave no other sign of it.
“I do not know how [yoku] I could compete against a [ginyūshijin], Ewin.
“I do not know how well I could compete against a gleeman, Ewin.
[shikashi] you must all [kōru] me Moiraine.”
But you must all call me Moiraine.”
She looked expectantly at Rand and Mat.
She looked expectantly at Rand and Mat.
“I’m Matrim Cauthon, La…
“I’m Matrim Cauthon, La…
ah…
ah…
Moiraine,”
Moiraine,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
He made a stiff, jerking [bou], then went [akai] in the [kao] as he straightened.
He made a stiff, jerking bow, then went red in the face as he straightened.
Rand had been wondering [baai] he should do something of the [sōto], the [michi] [dansei] did in [ie], [shikashi] with Mat’s [rei], he merely spoke his [namae].
Rand had been wondering if he should do something of the sort, the way men did in stories, but with Mat’s example, he merely spoke his name.
At least he did not [tsumazuku] over his own [shita] this [jikan].
At least he did not stumble over his own tongue this time.
Moiraine looked from him to Mat and back again.
Moiraine looked from him to Mat and back again.
Rand [shikō] her [egao], a bare [kābu] of the [kōnā] of her [kuchi no naka], was now the [sōto] Egwene wore when she had a [himitsu].
Rand thought her smile, a bare curve of the corners of her mouth, was now the sort Egwene wore when she had a secret.
“I may have some small [tasuku] to be done from [jikan] to [jikan] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] I am in Emond’s [ryōiki],”
“I may have some small tasks to be done from time to time while I am in Emond’s Field,”
she said.
she said.
“Perhaps you would be willing to assist me?”
“Perhaps you would be willing to assist me?”
She laughed as their assents tumbled over one another.
She laughed as their assents tumbled over one another.
“Here,”
“Here,”
she said, and Rand was surprised when she pressed a [koin] into his [tenohira], closing his [te] tightly around it with both of hers.
she said, and Rand was surprised when she pressed a coin into his palm, closing his hand tightly around it with both of hers.
“There’s no must,”
“There’s no need,”
he began, [shikashi] she waved aside his [kōgi] as she gave Ewin a [koin] as [yoku], then pressed Mat’s [te] around one the same [michi] she had Rand’s.
he began, but she waved aside his protest as she gave Ewin a coin as well, then pressed Mat’s hand around one the same way she had Rand’s.
“Of [mochiron], there is,”
“Of course, there is,”
she said.
she said.
“You cannot be expected to [shigoto] for nothing.
“You cannot be expected to work for nothing.
Consider this a [tō kun], and [kīpu] it with you, so you will remember that you have agreed to come to me when I ask it.
Consider this a token, and keep it with you, so you will remember that you have agreed to come to me when I ask it.
There is a [saiken] between us now.”
There is a bond between us now.”
“I’ll never forget,”
“I’ll never forget,”
Ewin piped up.
Ewin piped up.
“Later we must [hanashi],”
“Later we must talk,”
she said, “and you must tell me all about yourselves.”
she said, “and you must tell me all about yourselves.”
“[josei]…
“Lady…
I mean, Moiraine?”
I mean, Moiraine?”
Rand asked hesitantly as she turned away.
Rand asked hesitantly as she turned away.
She stopped and looked back over her [kata], and he had to [tsubame] before going on.
She stopped and looked back over her shoulder, and he had to swallow before going on.
“Why have you come to Emond’s [ryōiki]?”
“Why have you come to Emond’s Field?”
Her [shiki] was unchanged, [shikashi]
Her expression was unchanged, but
suddenly he wished he had not asked, though he could not have said why.
suddenly he wished he had not asked, though he could not have said why.
He rushed to explain himself, anyway.
He rushed to explain himself, anyway.
“I don’t mean to be rude.
“I don’t mean to be rude.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry.
It’s just that no one comes into the Two [kawa] except the [shōnin], and [gyōshō jin] when the [yuki] isn’t too [fukai] to get down from Baerlon.
It’s just that no one comes into the Two Rivers except the merchants, and peddlers when the snow isn’t too deep to get down from Baerlon.
Almost no one.
Almost no one.
Certainly no one like you.
Certainly no one like you.
The [shōnin]’ [keibi] sometimes say this is the [rimen] [owari] of forever, and I suppose it must seem that [michi] to anyone from [soto ni].
The merchants’ guards sometimes say this is the back end of forever, and I suppose it must seem that way to anyone from outside.
I just wondered.”
I just wondered.”
Her [egao] did fade then, slowly, as [baai] something had been recalled to her.
Her smile did fade then, slowly, as if something had been recalled to her.
For a [shunkan] she merely looked at him.
For a moment she merely looked at him.
“I am a [gakusei] of [rekishi],”
“I am a student of history,”
she said at [saigo], “a [korekutā] of old [ie].
she said at last, “a collector of old stories.
This [basho] you [kōru] the Two [kawa] has always interested me.
This place you call the Two Rivers has always interested me.
Sometimes I [kenkyū] the [ie] of what happened here long ago, here and at [sonota] [basho].”
Sometimes I study the stories of what happened here long ago, here and at other places.”
“[ie]?”
“Stories?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“What ever happened in the Two [kawa] to [intaresuto] [dare-ka] like – I mean, what could have happened here?”
“What ever happened in the Two Rivers to interest someone like – I mean, what could have happened here?”
“And what else would you [kōru] it beside the Two [kawa]?”
“And what else would you call it beside the Two Rivers?”
Mat added.
Mat added.
“That’s what it has always been called.”
“That’s what it has always been called.”
“As the [hoīru] of [jikan] [tān],”
“As the Wheel of Time turns,”
Moiraine said, [hanbun] to herself and with a distant [hyōjō] in her [me], “[basho] wear many [namae].
Moiraine said, half to herself and with a distant look in her eyes, “places wear many names.
[dansei] wear many [namae], many [kao].
Men wear many names, many faces.
Different [kao], [shikashi] always the same [otoko].
Different faces, but always the same man.
Yet no one knows the Great [moyō] the [hoīru] weaves, or even the [moyō] of an [jidai].
Yet no one knows the Great Pattern the Wheel weaves, or even the Pattern of an Age.
We can only [udedokei], and [kenkyū], and [kibō].”
We can only watch, and study, and hope.”
Rand stared at her, unable to say a [kotoba], even to ask what she meant.
Rand stared at her, unable to say a word, even to ask what she meant.
He was not sure she had meant for them to hear.
He was not sure she had meant for them to hear.
The [sonota] two were just as [shita]-tied, he noticed.
The other two were just as tongue-tied, he noticed.
Ewin’s [kuchi no naka] hung [ōpun].
Ewin’s mouth hung open.
Moiraine focused on them again, and all three gave a little [furu] as [baai] waking up.
Moiraine focused on them again, and all three gave a little shake as if waking up.
“Later we will [hanashi],”
“Later we will talk,”
she said.
she said.
None of them said a [kotoba].
None of them said a word.
“Later.”
“Later.”
She moved on toward the [wagon] [hashi], appearing to glide over the [gurando] rather than [sanpo], her [gaitō] spreading on either [saido] of her like [tsubasa].
She moved on toward the Wagon Bridge, appearing to glide over the ground rather than walk, her cloak spreading on either side of her like wings.
As she left, a tall [otoko] Rand had not noticed before moved away from the [furonto] of the [in] and followed her, one [te] resting on the long [moyō] of a [ken].
As she left, a tall man Rand had not noticed before moved away from the front of the inn and followed her, one hand resting on the long hilt of a sword.
His [fuku] were a [kurai] grayish [midori] that would have faded into [rīfu] or [kage], and his [gaitō] swirled through [iroai] of [gurē] and [midori] and [chairo] as it shifted in the [kaze].
His clothes were a dark grayish green that would have faded into leaf or shadow, and his cloak swirled through shades of gray and green and brown as it shifted in the wind.
It almost seemed to disappear at [kai], that [gaitō], fading into whatever lay beyond it.
It almost seemed to disappear at times, that cloak, fading into whatever lay beyond it.
His [kami] was long, and [gurē] at the [jiin], held back from his [kao] by a [semai] [kawa] [heddo obi].
His hair was long, and gray at the temples, held back from his face by a narrow leather headband.
That [kao] was made from stony [hikōki] and [kakudo], weathered [shikashi] unlined despite the [gurē] in his [kami].
That face was made from stony planes and angles, weathered but unlined despite the gray in his hair.
When he moved, Rand could think of nothing [shikashi] a [ōkami].
When he moved, Rand could think of nothing but a wolf.
In passing the three [wakamono] his [shisen] hashitta over them, [me] as [samui] and [aoi] as a [mafuyu] [yoake].
In passing the three youths his gaze ran over them, eyes as cold and blue as a midwinter dawn.
It was as [baai] he were weighing them in his [kokoro], and there was no [sain] on his [kao] of what the [sukēru] told him.
It was as if he were weighing them in his mind, and there was no sign on his face of what the scales told him.
He quickened his [hochō] until he caught up to Moiraine, then slowed to [sanpo] by her [kata], bending to speak to her.
He quickened his pace until he caught up to Moiraine, then slowed to walk by her shoulder, bending to speak to her.
Rand let out a [iki] he had not realized he had been holding.
Rand let out a breath he had not realized he had been holding.
“That was Lan,”
“That was Lan,”
Ewin said throatily, as [baai] he, too, had been holding his [iki].
Ewin said throatily, as if he, too, had been holding his breath.
it had been that [shinsetsu] of [hyōjō].
it had been that kind of look.
“I’ll [kake] he’s a [kanshu].”
“I’ll bet he’s a Warder.”
“don’t be a [baka].”
“Don’t be a fool.”
Mat laughed, [shikashi] it was a shaky [warai].
Mat laughed, but it was a shaky laugh.
“[kanshu] are just in [ie].
“Warders are just in stories.
Anyway, [kanshu] have [ken] and [yoroi] covered in [gōrudo] and [hōseki], and spend all their [jikan] up [kita], in the Great [kōhai], [tatakai] [aku] and Trollocs and such.”
Anyway, Warders have swords and armor covered in gold and jewels, and spend all their time up north, in the Great Blight, fighting evil and Trollocs and such.”
“He could be a [kanshu],”
“He could be a Warder,”
Ewin insisted.
Ewin insisted.
“Did you see any [gōrudo] or [hōseki] on him?”
“Did you see any gold or jewels on him?”
Mat scoffed.
Mat scoffed.
“Do we have Trollocs in the Two [kawa]?
“Do we have Trollocs in the Two Rivers?
We have [hitsuji].
We have sheep.
I [fushigi] what could ever have happened here to [intaresuto] [dare-ka] like her.”
I wonder what could ever have happened here to interest someone like her.”
“Something could have,”
“Something could have,”
Rand answered slowly.
Rand answered slowly.
“They say the [in]’s been here for a thousand [toshi], maybe more.”
“They say the inn’s been here for a thousand years, maybe more.”
“A thousand [toshi] of [hitsuji],”
“A thousand years of sheep,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“A [gin] [penī]!”
“A silver penny!”
Ewin [bāsuto] out.
Ewin burst out.
“She gave me a whole [gin] [penī]!
“She gave me a whole silver penny!
Think what I can buy when the [gyōshō jin] comes.”
Think what I can buy when the peddler comes.”
Rand opened his [te] to [hyōjō] at the [koin] she had given him, and almost dropped it in [odoroki].
Rand opened his hand to look at the coin she had given him, and almost dropped it in surprise.
He did not recognize the [shibō] [gin] [koin] with the raised [gazō] of a [onna] balancing a [shinguru] [honoo] on her upturned [te], [shikashi] he had watched [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Bran al’Vere weighed out the [koin] [shōnin] brought from a dozen [tochi], and he had an [kangae] of its [ne].
He did not recognize the fat silver coin with the raised image of a woman balancing a single flame on her upturned hand, but he had watched while Bran al’Vere weighed out the coins merchants brought from a dozen lands, and he had an idea of its value.
That much [gin] would buy a [yoi] [uma] anywhere in the Two [kawa], with some left over.
That much silver would buy a good horse anywhere in the Two Rivers, with some left over.
He looked at Mat and [mimashita] the same stunned [shiki] he knew must be On his own [kao].
He looked at Mat and saw the same stunned expression he knew must be On his own face.
Tilting his [te] so Mat could see the [koin] [shikashi] not Ewin, he raised a questioning [mayu].
Tilting his hand so Mat could see the coin but not Ewin, he raised a questioning eyebrow.
Mat nodded, and for a [bun] they stared at one another in perplexed [fushigi].
Mat nodded, and for a minute they stared at one another in perplexed wonder.
“What [shinsetsu] of [zatsuyō] does she have?”
“What kind of chores does she have?”
Rand asked finally.
Rand asked finally.
“I don’t know,”
“I don’t know,”
Mat said firmly, “and I don’t [kaigo].
Mat said firmly, “and I don’t care.
I won’t spend it, either.
I won’t spend it, either.
Even when the [gyōshō jin] comes.”
Even when the peddler comes.”
With that he [suiryoku] his [koin] into his [kōto] [poketto].
With that he thrust his coin into his coat pocket.
Nodding, Rand slowly did the same with his.
Nodding, Rand slowly did the same with his.
He was not sure why, [shikashi] somehow what Mat said seemed [migi].
He was not sure why, but somehow what Mat said seemed right.
The [koin] should not be spent.
The coin should not be spent.
Not when it came from her.
Not when it came from her.
He could not think of anything else [gin] was [yoi] for, [shikashi]…
He could not think of anything else silver was good for, but …
“Do you think I should [kīpu] mine, too?”
“Do you think I should keep mine, too?”
Anguished [yūjūfudan] painted Ewin’s [kao].
Anguished indecision painted Ewin’s face.
“Not unless you want to,”
“Not unless you want to,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“I think she gave it to you to spend,”
“I think she gave it to you to spend,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
Ewin looked at his [koin], then shook his [atama] and stuffed the [gin] [penī] into his [poketto].
Ewin looked at his coin, then shook his head and stuffed the silver penny into his pocket.
“I’ll [kīpu] it,”
“I’ll keep it,”
he said mournfully.
he said mournfully.
“There’s still the [ginyūshijin],”
“There’s still the gleeman,”
Rand said, and the younger [otokonoko] brightened.
Rand said, and the younger boy brightened.
“[baai] he ever wakes up,”
“If he ever wakes up,”
Mat added.
Mat added.
“Rand,”
“Rand,”
Ewin asked, “is there a [ginyūshijin]?”
Ewin asked, “is there a gleeman?”
“You’ll see,”
“You’ll see,”
Rand answered with a [warai].
Rand answered with a laugh.
It was clear Ewin would not [shinjiru] until he set [me] on the [ginyūshijin].
It was clear Ewin would not believe until he set eyes on the gleeman.
“He has to come down sooner or later.”
“He has to come down sooner or later.”
Shouting drifted across the [wagon] [hashi], and when Rand looked to see what was causing it, his [warai] became wholehearted.
Shouting drifted across the Wagon Bridge, and when Rand looked to see what was causing it, his laughter became wholehearted.
A milling [gunshū] of [murabito], from [gurē]-haired oldsters to [yōji] barely able to [sanpo], escorted a tall [wagon] toward the [hashi], a huge [wagon] drawn by eight [uma], the [soto ni] of its rounded [kyanbasu] [kabā] hung about with [bandoru] like [bō] of [budō].
A milling crowd of villagers, from gray-haired oldsters to toddlers barely able to walk, escorted a tall wagon toward the bridge, a huge wagon drawn by eight horses, the outside of its rounded canvas cover hung about with bundles like bunches of grapes.
The [gyōshō jin] had come at [saigo].
The peddler had come at last.
[gaijin] and a [ginyūshijin], [hanabi] and a [gyōshō jin].
Strangers and a gleeman, fireworks and a peddler.
It was going to be the best Bel [kōdinēto] ever.
It was going to be the best Bel Tine ever.
[akira] 3
Chapter 3
The [gyōshō jin]
The Peddler
[kurasuta] of [potto] clattered and banged as the [gyōshō jin]’s [wagon] rumbled over the heavy [zaimoku] of the [wagon] [hashi].
Clusters of pots clattered and banged as the peddler’s wagon rumbled over the heavy timbers of the Wagon Bridge.
Still surrounded by a [kumo] of [murabito] and [nōka] come for [matsuri], the [gyōshō jin] reined his [uma] to a [teishi] in [furonto] of the [in].
Still surrounded by a cloud of villagers and farmers come for Festival, the peddler reined his horses to a stop in front of the inn.
From every [hōkō] [hitobito] streamed to [uneri] the [sūji] around the great [wagon], its [hoīru] taller than any of the [hitobito] with their [me] fastened to the [gyōshō jin] above them on the [wagon] [shīto].
From every direction people streamed to swell the numbers around the great wagon, its wheels taller than any of the people with their eyes fastened to the peddler above them on the wagon seat.
The [otoko] on the [wagon] was Padan Fain, a pale, skinny [nakama] with gangly [ude] and a massive [kuchibashi] of a [hana].
The man on the wagon was Padan Fain, a pale, skinny fellow with gangly arms and a massive beak of a nose.
Fain, always smiling and laughing as [baai] he knew a [jōku] that no one else knew, had driven his [wagon] and [chīmu] into Emond’s [ryōiki] every [haru, haneagaru] for as long as Rand could remember.
Fain, always smiling and laughing as if he knew a joke that no one else knew, had driven his wagon and team into Emond’s Field every spring for as long as Rand could remember.
The [tobira] of the [in] flew [ōpun] even as the [chīmu] halted in a jangle of [hānesu], and the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] appeared, led by [shujin] al’Vere and Tam.
The door of the inn flew open even as the team halted in a jangle of harness, and the Village Council appeared, led by Master al’Vere and Tam.
They marched out deliberately, even Cenn Buie, amid all the excited shouting of the [tanin] for [pin] or [rēsu] or [bukku] or a dozen [sonota] [monogoto].
They marched out deliberately, even Cenn Buie, amid all the excited shouting of the others for pins or lace or books or a dozen other things.
