The Eye of the World_11 Flashcards
The [kanshu] and the Aes Sedai stood conferring beside their [uma] a short [kyori] beyond the [bōdā] of the [kiri].
The Warder and the Aes Sedai stood conferring beside their horses a short distance beyond the border of the fog.
The [tanin] huddled a little apart; even in the moonlit [yami] their [kinchō] was palpable.
The others huddled a little apart; even in the moonlit darkness their nervousness was palpable.
All [me] were on Lan and Moiraine, and all [shikashi] Egwene were leaning back as [baai] torn between losing the [pea] and getting too [tojiru].
All eyes were on Lan and Moiraine, and all but Egwene were leaning back as if torn between losing the pair and getting too close.
Rand trotted the [saigo] few [supan] to Egwene’s [saido], leading [kumo], and she grinned at him.
Rand trotted the last few spans to Egwene’s side, leading Cloud, and she grinned at him.
He did not think the shine in her [me] was all from [gekkō].
He did not think the shine in her eyes was all from moonlight.
“It follows the [kawa] as [baai] drawn with a [pen],”
“It follows the river as if drawn with a pen,”
Moiraine was saying in satisfied [tōn].
Moiraine was saying in satisfied tones.
“There are not ten [josei] in [tāru] Valon who could do that unaided.
“There are not ten women in Tar Valon who could do that unaided.
Not to [genkyū] from the [rimen] of a galloping [uma].”
Not to mention from the back of a galloping horse.”
“I don’t mean to complain, Moiraine Sedai,”
“I don’t mean to complain, Moiraine Sedai,”
Thom said, sounding oddly diffident for him, “[shikashi] would it not have been [yori yoi] to [kabā] us a little further?
Thom said, sounding oddly diffident for him, “but would it not have been better to cover us a little further?
say to Baerlon?
Say to Baerlon?
[baai] that Draghkar [rukkusu] on this [saido] of the [kawa], we’ll lose everything we have gained.”
If that Draghkar looks on this side of the river, we’ll lose everything we have gained.”
“Draghkar are not [hijō ni] smart, [shujin] Merrilin,”
“Draghkar are not very smart, Master Merrilin,”
the Aes Sedai said dryly.
the Aes Sedai said dryly.
“Fearsome and deadly dangerous, and with sharp [me], [shikashi] little [chisei].
“Fearsome and deadly dangerous, and with sharp eyes, but little intelligence.
It will tell the Myrddraal that this [saido] of the [kawa] is clear, [shikashi] the [kawa] itself is cloaked for [mairu] in both [hōkō].
It will tell the Myrddraal that this side of the river is clear, but the river itself is cloaked for miles in both directions.
The Myrddraal will know the extra [doryoku] that [kosuto] me.
The Myrddraal will know the extra effort that cost me.
He will have to consider that we may be escaping down the [kawa], and that will [osoi] him.
He will have to consider that we may be escaping down the river, and that will slow him.
He will have to divide his [doryoku].
He will have to divide his efforts.
The [kiri] should hold long enough that he will never be sure that we did not [ryokō] at least partway by [fune].
The fog should hold long enough that he will never be sure that we did not travel at least partway by boat.
It could have extended the [kiri] a little [michi] toward Baerlon, instead, [shikashi] then the Draghkar could [kensaku] the [kawa] in a [mondai] of [jikan], and the Myrddraal would know exactly where we were headed.”
It could have extended the fog a little way toward Baerlon, instead, but then the Draghkar could search the river in a matter of hours, and the Myrddraal would know exactly where we were headed.”
Thom made a puffing [saundo] and shook his [atama].
Thom made a puffing sound and shook his head.
“I apologize, Aes Sedai.
“I apologize, Aes Sedai.
I [kibō] I did not offend.”
I hope I did not offend.”
“Ah, Moi…
“Ah, Moi…
ah, Aes Sedai.”
ah, Aes Sedai.”
Mat stopped to [tsubame] audibly.
Mat stopped to swallow audibly.
“The [ferī]…
“The ferry…
ah…
ah…
did you…
did you…
I mean…
I mean…
I don’t understand why…”
I don’t understand why…”
He trailed off weakly, and there was a [chinmoku] so [fukai] that the loudest [saundo] Rand heard was his own breathing.
He trailed off weakly, and there was a silence so deep that the loudest sound Rand heard was his own breathing.
Finally Moiraine spoke, and her [koe] filled the empty [chinmoku] with [kireaji].
Finally Moiraine spoke, and her voice filled the empty silence with sharpness.
“You all want [setsumei], [shikashi] [baai] I explained my every [akushon] to you, I would have no [jikan] for anything else.”
“You all want explanations, but if I explained my every action to you, I would have no time for anything else.”
In the [gekkō], the Aes Sedai seemed taller, somehow, almost looming over them.
In the moonlight, the Aes Sedai seemed taller, somehow, almost looming over them.
“Know this.
“Know this.
I intend to see you safely in [tāru] Valon.
I intend to see you safely in Tar Valon.
That is the one [koto] you must to know.”
That is the one thing you need to know.”
“[baai] we [kīpu] standing here,”
“If we keep standing here,”
Lan put in, “the Draghkar will not must to [kensaku] the [kawa].
Lan put in, “the Draghkar will not need to search the river.
[baai] I remember correctly…“
If I remember correctly…”
He led his [uma] on up the [kawagishi].
He led his horse on up the riverbank.
As [baai] the [kanshu]’s [mūbumento] had loosened something in his [mune], Rand drew a [fukai] [iki].
As if the Warder’s movement had loosened something in his chest, Rand drew a deep breath.
He heard [tanin] doing the same, even Thom, and remembered an old saying.
He heard others doing the same, even Thom, and remembered an old saying.
[yori yoi] to [kushi] in a [ōkami]’s [me] than to [kurosu] an Aes Sedai.
Better to spit in a wolf’s eye than to cross an Aes Sedai.
Yet the [kinchō] had lessened.
Yet the tension had lessened.
Moiraine was not looming over anyone; she barely reached his [mune].
Moiraine was not looming over anyone; she barely reached his chest.
“I don’t suppose we could [nokori] a [sukoshi],”
“I don’t suppose we could rest a bit,”
Perrin said hopefully, [endingu] with a [akubi].
Perrin said hopefully, ending with a yawn.
Egwene, slumped against Bela, sighed tiredly.
Egwene, slumped against Bela, sighed tiredly.
It was the [saisho] [saundo] even approaching a [kujō] that Rand had heard from her.
It was the first sound even approaching a complaint that Rand had heard from her.
Maybe now she realizes this isn’t some grand [bōken] after all.
Maybe now she realizes this isn’t some grand adventure after all.
Then he guiltily remembered that, unlike him, she had not slept the [ichi nichi] away.
Then he guiltily remembered that, unlike him, she had not slept the day away.
“We do must to [nokori], Moiraine Sedai,”
“We do need to rest, Moiraine Sedai,”
he said.”
he said.
After all, we have ridden all [yoru, kishi_knt].”
“ After all, we have ridden all night.”
“Then I suggest we see what Lan has for us,”
“Then I suggest we see what Lan has for us,”
Moiraine said, “Come.”
Moiraine said, “Come.”
She led them on up the [ginkō], into the [hayashi] beyond the [kawa].
She led them on up the bank, into the woods beyond the river.
Bare [eda] thickened the [kage].
Bare branches thickened the shadows.
A [yoi] hundred [supan] from the Taren they came to a [kurai] [maundo] beside a [kuria].
A good hundred spans from the Taren they came to a dark mound beside a clearing.
Here a long-ago [kōzui] had undermined and toppled an entire stand of leatherleafs, washing them together into a great, thick [motsure], an apparently [kotai] [masu] of [toranku] and [eda] and [rūtsu].
Here a long-ago flood had undermined and toppled an entire stand of leatherleafs, washing them together into a great, thick tangle, an apparently solid mass of trunks and branches and roots.
Moiraine stopped, and suddenly a [hikari] appeared [hikui] to the [gurando], coming from under the [hīpu] of [kigi].
Moiraine stopped, and suddenly a light appeared low to the ground, coming from under the heap of trees.
Thrusting a [sutabu] of a [tōchi] ahead of him, Lan crawled out from under the [maundo] and straightened.
Thrusting a stub of a torch ahead of him, Lan crawled out from under the mound and straightened.
“No unwelcome [hōmon],”
“No unwelcome visitors,”
he told Moiraine.”
he told Moiraine.
And the [mokuzai] I left is still [dorai], so I started a small [kasai].
“ And the wood I left is still dry, so I started a small fire.
We will [nokori] [atatakai].”
We will rest warm.”
“You expected us to [teishi] here?”
“You expected us to stop here?”
Egwene said in [odoroki].
Egwene said in surprise.
“It seemed a likely [basho],”
“It seemed a likely place,”
Lan replied.
Lan replied.
“I like to be [go yōi shimashita], just in case.”
“I like to be prepared, just in case.”
Moiraine took the [tōchi] from him: “will you see to the [uma]?
Moiraine took the torch from him: “Will you see to the horses?
When you are done I will do what I can about everyone’s [hirō kan].
When you are done I will do what I can about everyone’s tiredness.
[migi] now I want to [hanashi] to Egwene.
Right now I want to talk to Egwene.
Egwene?”
Egwene?”
Rand watched the two [josei] crouch down and disappear under the great [yama] of [tsurī] [toranku].
Rand watched the two women crouch down and disappear under the great pile of tree trunks.
There was a [hikui] [ōpuningu], barely big enough to crawl into.
There was a low opening, barely big enough to crawl into.
The [hikari] of the [tōchi] vanished.
The light of the torch vanished.
Lan had included feedbags and a small [sūryō] of [ōto mugi] in the supplies, [shikashi] he stopped the [tanin] from unsaddling their [uma].
Lan had included feedbags and a small quantity of oats in the supplies, but he stopped the others from unsaddling their horses.
Instead he produced the [ashikase] he had also packed.
Instead he produced the hobbles he had also packed.
“They would [nokori] easier without the [sadoru], [shikashi] [baai] we must [kyūka] quickly, there may be no [jikan] to [kōkan shite kudasai] them.”
“They would rest easier without the saddles, but if we must leave quickly, there may be no time to replace them.”
“They don’t [hyōjō] to me like they must any [nokori],”
“They don’t look to me like they need any rest,”
Perrin said as he attempted to [surippu] a [fukuro ni ire tanin tabemono] over his mount’s [jūkō].
Perrin said as he attempted to slip a feedbag over his mount’s muzzle.
The [uma] tossed its [atama] before allowing him to put the [suto rappu] in [basho].
The horse tossed its head before allowing him to put the straps in place.
Rand was having [konnan] with [kumo], too, taking three tries before he could get the [kyanbasu] [baggu] over the [gurē]’s [hana].
Rand was having difficulties with Cloud, too, taking three tries before he could get the canvas bag over the gray’s nose.
“They do,”
“They do,”
Lan told them.
Lan told them.
He straightened from hobbling his [taneuma].
He straightened from hobbling his stallion.
“Oh, they can still [jikkō].
“Oh, they can still run.
They will [jikkō] at their fastest, [baai] we let them, [migi] up to the [ni] they [otosu, shizuku] [shin da] from [hirō konpai] they never even [kanjita].
They will run at their fastest, if we let them, right up to the second they drop dead from exhaustion they never even felt.
I would rather Moiraine Sedai had not had to do what she did, [shikashi] it was [hitsuyō ni ōji te].”
I would rather Moiraine Sedai had not had to do what she did, but it was necessary.”
He patted the [taneuma]’s [kubi], and the [uma] bobbed his [atama] as [baai] acknowledging the [kanshu]’s [tacchi].
He patted the stallion’s neck, and the horse bobbed his head as if acknowledging the Warder’s touch.
“We must go slowly with them for the next few [hi], until they recover.
“We must go slowly with them for the next few days, until they recover.
More slowly than I would like.
More slowly than I would like.
[shikashi] with [un] it will be enough.”
But with luck it will be enough.”
“Is that…?”
“Is that…?”
Mat swallowed audibly.
Mat swallowed audibly.
“Is that what she meant?
“Is that what she meant?
About our [hirō kan]?”
About our tiredness?”
Rand patted [kumo]’s [kubi] and stared at nothing.
Rand patted Cloud’s neck and stared at nothing.
Despite what she had done for Tam, he had no [yokubō] for the Aes Sedai to [shiyō] the [dengen o on ni shimasu] on him.
Despite what she had done for Tam, he had no desire for the Aes Sedai to use the Power on him.
[hikari], she as much as admitted sinking the [ferī].
Light, she as much as admitted sinking the ferry.
“Something like it.”
“Something like it.
Lan chuckled wryly.
“ Lan chuckled wryly.
“[shikashi] you will not have to [shinpai] about running yourself to [shi].
“But you will not have to worry about running yourself to death.
Not unless [monogoto] get a [takusan] worse than they are.
Not unless things get a lot worse than they are.
Just think of it as an extra [yoru, kishi_knt]’s [suimin].”
Just think of it as an extra night’s sleep.”
The shrill [himei] of the Draghkar suddenly echoed from above the [kiri]-covered [kawa].
The shrill scream of the Draghkar suddenly echoed from above the fog-covered river.
Even the [uma] froze.
Even the horses froze.
Again it came, closer now, and again, piercing Rand’s [zugaikotsu] like [hari]: Then the [sakebi] were fading, until they had faded away entirely.
Again it came, closer now, and again, piercing Rand’s skull like needles: Then the cries were fading, until they had faded away entirely.
“[un],”
“Luck,”
Lan breathed.
Lan breathed.
“It [kensaku] the [kawa] for us.”
“It searches the river for us.”
He gave a quick [kata o sukumeru] and abruptly sounded [mondai]-of-[jijitsu].
He gave a quick shrug and abruptly sounded matter-of-fact.
“Let’s get [uchigawa].
“Let’s get inside.
I could do with some [atsui] [ocha] and something to [nuritsubushi] my [hara].”
I could do with some hot tea and something to fill my belly.”
Rand was the [saisho] to crawl on [te] and [hiza] through the [ōpuningu] in the [motsure] of [kigi] and down a [mijikai tonneru].
Rand was the first to crawl on hands and knees through the opening in the tangle of trees and down a short-tunnel.
At the [owari] of it, he stopped, still crouching.
At the end of it, he stopped, still crouching.
Ahead was an irregularly shaped [supēsu], a woody [dōkutsu] easily large enough to hold them all.
Ahead was an irregularly shaped space, a woody cave easily large enough to hold them all.
The [yane] of [tsurī] [toranku] and [eda] came too [hikui] to allow any [shikashi] the [josei] to stand.
The roof of tree trunks and branches came too low to allow any but the women to stand.
[kemuri] from a small [kasai] on a [shindai] of [kawa] [ishi] drifted up and through; the [dorafuto] was enough to [kīpu] the [supēsu] [muryō desu] of [kemuri], [shikashi] the interweaving was too thick to let out even a [kasu-ka] of the [honoo].
Smoke from a small fire on a bed of river stones drifted up and through; the draft was enough to keep the space free of smoke, but the interweaving was too thick to let out even a glimmer of the flames.
Moiraine and Egwene, their [gaitō] thrown aside, sat [kurosu]-legged, facing one another beside the [kasai].
Moiraine and Egwene, their cloaks thrown aside, sat cross-legged, facing one another beside the fire.
“The One [dengen o on ni shimasu],”
“The One Power,”
Moiraine was saying, “comes from the True [sōsu], the [unten] [chikara] of [sōzō], the [chikara] the [kuriētā] made to [tān] the [hoīru] of [jikan].”
Moiraine was saying, “comes from the True Source, the driving force of Creation, the force the Creator made to turn the Wheel of Time.”
She put her [te] together in [furonto] of her and pushed them against each [sonota].
She put her hands together in front of her and pushed them against each other.
“Saidin, the [dansei] [hanbun] of the True [sōsu], and saidar, the [josei] [hanbun], [shigoto] against each [sonota] and at the same [jikan] together to provide that [chikara].
“Saidin, the male half of the True Source, and saidar, the female half, work against each other and at the same time together to provide that force.
saidin”
saidin”
– she lifted one [te], then let it [otosu, shizuku] —
– she lifted one hand, then let it drop —
“is fouled by the [tacchi] of the [Kurai] One, like [mizu] with a thin slick of rancid [abura] floating on [chōten].
“is fouled by the touch of the Dark One, like water with a thin slick of rancid oil floating on top.
The [mizu] is still pure, [shikashi] it cannot be touched without touching the [obutsu].
The water is still pure, but it cannot be touched without touching the foulness.
Only saidar is still safe to be used.”
Only saidar is still safe to be used.”
Egwene’s back was to Rand.
Egwene’s back was to Rand.
He could not see her [kao], [shikashi] she was leaning forward eagerly.
He could not see her face, but she was leaning forward eagerly.
Mat poked Rand from behind and muttered something, and he moved on into the [tsurī] [dōkutsu].
Mat poked Rand from behind and muttered something, and he moved on into the tree cavern.
Moiraine and Egwene ignored his [entorī].
Moiraine and Egwene ignored his entry.
The [sonota] [dansei] crowded in behind him, tossing off damp [gaitō], settling around the [kasai], and holding [te] out to the [atataka].
The other men crowded in behind him, tossing off damp cloaks, settling around the fire, and holding hands out to the warmth.
Lan, the [saigo] to enter, pulled [mizu] [baggu] and [kawa] [fukuro] from a [nūku] in the [kabe], took out a [yaka n], and began to prepare [ocha].
Lan, the last to enter, pulled water bags and leather sacks from a nook in the wall, took out a kettle, and began to prepare tea.
He paid no [chūi] to what the [josei] were saying, [shikashi] Rand’s [yūjin] began to [teishi] toasting their [te] and [gyōshi] openly.
He paid no attention to what the women were saying, but Rand’s friends began to stop toasting their hands and stare openly.
Thom pretended that all of his [intaresuto] was engaged in loading his thickly carved [paipu], [shikashi] the [michi] he leaned toward the [josei] gave him away.
Thom pretended that all of his interest was engaged in loading his thickly carved pipe, but the way he leaned toward the women gave him away.
Moiraine and Egwene acted as [baai] they were alone.
Moiraine and Egwene acted as if they were alone.
“No,”
“No,”
Moiraine said in [kotae] to a [shitsumon] Rand had missed, “the True [sōsu] cannot be used up, any more than the [kawa] can be used up by the [hoīru] of a [miru].
Moiraine said in answer to a question Rand had missed, “the True Source cannot be used up, any more than the river can be used up by the wheel of a mill.
The [sōsu] is the [kawa]; the Aes Sedai, the [suisha].”
The Source is the river; the Aes Sedai, the waterwheel.”
“And you really think I can learn?”
“And you really think I can learn?”
Egwene asked.
Egwene asked.
Her [kao] shone with [iyoku].
Her face shone with eagerness.
Rand had never seen her [hyōjō] so beautiful, or so far away from him.
Rand had never seen her look so beautiful, or so far away from him.
“I can become an Aes Sedai?”
“I can become an Aes Sedai?”
Rand jumped up, cracking his [atama] against the [hikui] [yane] of [roguin suru].
Rand jumped up, cracking his head against the low roof of logs.
Thom Merrilin grabbed his [āmu], yanking him back down.
Thom Merrilin grabbed his arm, yanking him back down.
“don’t be a [baka],”
“Don’t be a fool,”
the [ginyūshijin] murmured.
the gleeman murmured.
He eyed the [josei] – neither seemed to have noticed—and the [hyōjō] he gave Rand was sympathetic.
He eyed the women – neither seemed to have noticed—and the look he gave Rand was sympathetic.
“It’s beyond you now, [otokonoko].”
“It’s beyond you now, boy.”
“[ko],”
“Child,”
Moiraine said gently, “only a [hijō ni] few can learn to [tacchi] the True [sōsu] and [shiyō] the One [dengen o on ni shimasu].
Moiraine said gently, “only a very few can learn to touch the True Source and use the One Power.
Some of those can learn to a greater [teido], some to a lesser.
Some of those can learn to a greater degree, some to a lesser.
You are one of the bare [ichi nigiri] for whom there is no must to learn.
You are one of the bare handful for whom there is no need to learn.
At least, touching the [sōsu] will come to you whether you want it or not.
At least, touching the Source will come to you whether you want it or not.
Without the [shidō] you can receive in [tāru] Valon, though, you will never learn to [channeru] it fully, and you may not survive.
Without the teaching you can receive in Tar Valon, though, you will never learn to channel it fully, and you may not survive.
[dansei] who have the [nōryoku] to [tacchi] saidin born in them [dai], of [mochiron], [baai] the [akai] Ajah does not find them and gentle them…“
Men who have the ability to touch saidin born in them die, of course, if the Red Ajah does not find them and gentle them…”
Thom growled [fukai] in his [nodo], and Rand shifted uncomfortably.
Thom growled deep in his throat, and Rand shifted uncomfortably.
[dansei] like those of whom the Aes Sedai spoke were rare – he had only heard of three in his whole [jinsei], and thank the [hikari] never in the Two [kawa] – [shikashi] the [damēji] they did before the Aes Sedai found them was always bad enough for the [nyūsu] to carry, like the [nyūsu] of [sensō], or [jishin] that destroyed [toshi].
Men like those of whom the Aes Sedai spoke were rare – he had only heard of three in his whole life, and thank the Light never in the Two Rivers – but the damage they did before the Aes Sedai found them was always bad enough for the news to carry, like the news of wars, or earthquakes that destroyed cities.
He had never really understood what the Ajahs did.
He had never really understood what the Ajahs did.
According to the [ie] they were [shakai] among the Aes Sedai that seemed to [purotto] and squabble among themselves more than anything else, [shikashi] the [ie] were clear on one [pointo].
According to the stories they were societies among the Aes Sedai that seemed to plot and squabble among themselves more than anything else, but the stories were clear on one point.
The [akai] Ajah held its prime [gimu] to be the [yobō] of another Breaking of the [sekai], and they did it by hunting down every [otoko] who even dreamed of wielding the One [dengen o on ni shimasu].
The Red Ajah held its prime duty to be the prevention of another Breaking of the World, and they did it by hunting down every man who even dreamed of wielding the One Power.
Mat and Perrin looked as [baai] they suddenly wished they were back home in their [shindai].
Mat and Perrin looked as if they suddenly wished they were back home in their beds.
“…[shikashi] some of the [josei] [dai], too.
“…but some of the women die, too.
It is hard to learn without a [gaido].
It is hard to learn without a guide.
The [josei] we do not find, those who live, often become…
The women we do not find, those who live, often become…
[yoku], in this [ichibu] of the [sekai] they might become [chie] of their [mura].”
well, in this part of the world they might become Wisdoms of their villages.”
The Aes Sedai paused thoughtfully.
The Aes Sedai paused thoughtfully.
“The old [chi] is strong in Emond’s [ryōiki], and the old [chi] sings.
“The old blood is strong in Emond’s Field, and the old blood sings.
I knew you for what you were the [shunkan] I [mimashita] you.
I knew you for what you were the moment I saw you.
No Aes Sedai can stand in the [sonzai kan] of a [onna] who can [channeru] or who is [tojiru] to her [henkō], and not feel it.”
No Aes Sedai can stand in the presence of a woman who can channel or who is close to her change, and not feel it.
She rummaged in the [pōchi] at her [beruto] and produced the small [aoi] [ippin] on a [gōrudo] [chēn] that she had earlier worn in her [kami].
“ She rummaged in the pouch at her belt and produced the small blue gem on a gold chain that she had earlier worn in her hair.
“You are [hijō ni] [tojiru] to your [henkō], your [saisho] touching.
“You are very close to your change, your first touching.
It will be [yori yoi] [baai] I [gaido] you through it.
It will be better if I guide you through it.
That [michi] you will avoid the…
That way you will avoid the…
unpleasant [kōka] that come to those who must find their own [michi].”
unpleasant effects that come to those who must find their own way.”
Egwene’s [me] widened as she looked at the [ishi], and she wet her [kuchibiru] repeatedly.
Egwene’s eyes widened as she looked at the stone, and she wet her lips repeatedly.
“Is…
“Is…
does that have the [dengen o on ni shimasu]?”
does that have the Power?”
“Of [mochiron] not,”
“Of course not,”
Moiraine snapped.
Moiraine snapped.
“[monogoto] do not have the [dengen o on ni shimasu], [ko].
“Things do not have the Power, child.
Even an angreal is only a [tsūru].
Even an angreal is only a tool.
This is just a [kawaii] [aoi] [ishi].
This is just a pretty blue stone.
[shikashi] it can give off [hikari].
But it can give off light.
Here.”
Here.”
Egwene’s [te] trembled as Moiraine laid the [ishi] on her [yubisaki].
Egwene’s hands trembled as Moiraine laid the stone on her fingertips.
She started to [puru] back, [shikashi] the Aes Sedai held both her [te] in one of hers and gently touched the [sonota] to the [saido] of Egwene’s [atama].
She started to pull back, but the Aes Sedai held both her hands in one of hers and gently touched the other to the side of Egwene’s head.
“[hyōjō] at the [ishi],”
“Look at the stone,”
the Aes Sedai said softly.
the Aes Sedai said softly.
“It is [yori yoi] this [michi] than [bukiyō] alone.
“It is better this way than fumbling alone.
Clear your [kokoro] of everything [shikashi] the [ishi].
Clear your mind of everything but the stone.
Clear your [kokoro], and let yourself [tadayou].
Clear your mind, and let yourself drift.
There is only the [ishi] and [kūkyo].
There is only the stone and emptiness.
I will begin it.
I will begin it.
[tadayou], and let me [gaido] you.
Drift, and let me guide you.
No [shikō].
No thoughts.
[tadayou].”
Drift.”
Rand’s [yubi] [hotta] into his [hiza]; his [ago] clenched until they [kizutsuketa].
Rand’s fingers dug into his knees; his jaws clenched until they hurt.
She has to [shippai].
She has to fail.
She has to.
She has to.
[hikari] bloomed in the [ishi], just one [furasshu] of [aoi] and then gone, no brighter than a [hotaru], [shikashi] he flinched as [baai] it had been blinding.
Light bloomed in the stone, just one flash of blue and then gone, no brighter than a firefly, but he flinched as if it had been blinding.
Egwene and Moiraine stared into the [ishi], [kao] empty.
Egwene and Moiraine stared into the stone, faces empty.
Another [furasshu] came, and another, until the azure [hikari] pulsed like the beating of a [kokoro].
Another flash came, and another, until the azure light pulsed like the beating of a heart.
It’s the Aes Sedai, he [shikō] desperately.
It’s the Aes Sedai, he thought desperately.
Moiraine’s doing it.
Moiraine’s doing it.
Not Egwene.
Not Egwene.
One [saigo], feeble [furikkā], and the [ishi] was merely a [yasumono no hōseki] again.
One last, feeble flicker, and the stone was merely a bauble again.
Rand held his [iki].
Rand held his breath.
For a [shunkan] Egwene continued to [gyōshi] at the small [ishi], then she looked up at Moiraine.
For a moment Egwene continued to stare at the small stone, then she looked up at Moiraine.
“I…
“I…
I [shikō] I [kanjita]…
I thought I felt…
something, [shikashi]…
something, but…
Perhaps you’re mistaken about me.
Perhaps you’re mistaken about me.
I am sorry I wasted your [jikan].”
I am sorry I wasted your time.”
“I have wasted nothing, [ko].”
“I have wasted nothing, child.”
A small [egao] of [manzoku] flitted across Moiraine’s [kuchibiru].
A small smile of satisfaction flitted across Moiraine’s lips.
“That [saigo] [hikari] was yours alone.”
“That last light was yours alone.”
“It was?”
“It was?”
Egwene exclaimed, then slid immediately back into glumness.
Egwene exclaimed, then slid immediately back into glumness.
“[shikashi] it was barely there at all.”
“But it was barely there at all.”
“Now you are behaving like a foolish [mura] [onnanoko].
“Now you are behaving like a foolish village girl.
Most who come to [tāru] Valon must [kenkyū] for many [kagetsu] before they can do what you just did.
Most who come to Tar Valon must study for many months before they can do what you just did.
You may go far.
You may go far.
Perhaps even the Amyrlin [shīto], one [ichi nichi], [baai] you [kenkyū] hard and [shigoto] hard.”
Perhaps even the Amyrlin Seat, one day, if you study hard and work hard.”
“You mean…?”
“You mean…?”
With a [sakebi] of [yorokobi] Egwene threw her [ude] around the Aes Sedai.
With a cry of delight Egwene threw her arms around the Aes Sedai.
“Oh, thank you.
“Oh, thank you.
Rand, did you hear?
Rand, did you hear?
I’m going to be an Aes Sedai!”
I’m going to be an Aes Sedai!”
[akira] 13
Chapter 13
[sentakushi]
Choices
Before they went to [suimin] Moiraine knelt by each in [tān] and laid her [te] on their [heddo].
Before they went to sleep Moiraine knelt by each in turn and laid her hands on their heads.
Lan grumbled that he had no must and she should not [muda] her [tsuyosa], [shikashi] he did not try to [teishi] her.
Lan grumbled that he had no need and she should not waste her strength, but he did not try to stop her.
Egwene was eager for the [keiken]; Mat and Perrin clearly frightened of it, and frightened to say no.
Egwene was eager for the experience; Mat and Perrin clearly frightened of it, and frightened to say no.
Thom jerked away from the Aes Sedai’s [te], [shikashi] she seized his [gurē] [atama] with a [hyōjō] that allowed no [nansensu].
Thom jerked away from the Aes Sedai’s hands, but she seized his gray head with a look that allowed no nonsense.
The [ginyūshijin] scowled through the entire [koto].
The gleeman scowled through the entire thing.
She smiled mockingly once she took her [te] away.
She smiled mockingly once she took her hands away.
His [shikame men] deepened, [shikashi] he did [hyōjō] refreshed.
His frown deepened, but he did look refreshed.
They all did.
They all did.
Rand had drawn back into a [nicchi] in the uneven [kabe] where he hoped he would be overlooked.
Rand had drawn back into a niche in the uneven wall where he hoped he would be overlooked.
His [me] wanted to slide closed once he leaned back against the [mokuzai] [yose atsume], [shikashi] he forced himself to [udedokei].
His eyes wanted to slide closed once he leaned back against the timber jumble, but he forced himself to watch.
He pushed a [kobushi] against his [kuchi no naka] to stifle a [akubi].
He pushed a fist against his mouth to stifle a yawn.
A little [suimin], an [jikan] or two, and he would be just [bakkin].
A little sleep, an hour or two, and he would be just fine.
Moiraine did not forget him, though.
Moiraine did not forget him, though.
He flinched at the [suzushisa] of her [yubi] on his [kao], and said, “I don’t—”
He flinched at the coolness of her fingers on his face, and said, “I don’t —”
His [me] widened in [fushigi].
His eyes widened in wonder.
[hirō kan] drained out of him like [mizu] running downhill; [itami] and [itami] ebbed to dim [omoide] and vanished.
Tiredness drained out of him like water running downhill; aches and soreness ebbed to dim memories and vanished.
He stared at her with his [kuchi no naka] hanging [ōpun].
He stared at her with his mouth hanging open.
She only smiled and withdrew her [te].
She only smiled and withdrew her hands.
“It is done,”
“It is done,”
she said, and as she stood with a weary [tameiki] he was reminded that she could not do the same for herself.
she said, and as she stood with a weary sigh he was reminded that she could not do the same for herself.
Indeed, she only drank a little [ocha], refusing the [pan] and [chīzu] Lan tried to [o-oshimasu] on her, before curling up beside the [kasai].
Indeed, she only drank a little tea, refusing the bread and cheese Lan tried to press on her, before curling up beside the fire.
She seemed to [aki] asleep the instant she wrapped her [gaitō] around her.
She seemed to fall asleep the instant she wrapped her cloak around her.
The [tanin], all [hozon shimasu] Lan, were dropping asleep wherever they could find a [supēsu] to [sutorecchi] out, [shikashi] Rand could not imagine why.
The others, all save Lan, were dropping asleep wherever they could find a space to stretch out, but Rand could not imagine why.
He [kanjita] as [baai] he had already had a full [yoru, kishi_knt] in a [yoi] [shindai].
He felt as if he had already had a full night in a good bed.
No sooner did he lean back against the [rogu] [kabe], though, than [suimin] rolled him under.
No sooner did he lean back against the log wall, though, than sleep rolled him under.
When Lan poked him awake an [jikan] later he [kanjita] as though he had had three [hi] [nokori].
When Lan poked him awake an hour later he felt as though he had had three days rest.
The [kanshu] awakened them all, except Moiraine, and he sternly hushed any [saundo] that might disturb her.
The Warder awakened them all, except Moiraine, and he sternly hushed any sound that might disturb her.
Even so, he allowed them only a short [taizai] in the snug [dōkutsu] of [kigi].
Even so, he allowed them only a short stay in the snug cave of trees.
Before the [nichi] was twice its own [takasa] above the [chiheisen], all [torēsu] that anyone had ever stopped there had been cleared away and they were all mounted and moving [kita] toward Baerlon, riding slowly to [setsuyaku] the [uma].
Before the sun was twice its own height above the horizon, all traces that anyone had ever stopped there had been cleared away and they were all mounted and moving north toward Baerlon, riding slowly to conserve the horses.
The Aes Sedai’s [me] were shadowed, [shikashi] she sat her [sadoru] [chokuritsu] and steady.
The Aes Sedai’s eyes were shadowed, but she sat her saddle upright and steady.
[kiri] still hung thick over the [kawa] behind them, a [gurē] [kabe] resisting the [doryoku] of the feeble [nichi] to [yakedo] it away and hiding the Two [kawa] from [iken].
Fog still hung thick over the river behind them, a gray wall resisting the efforts of the feeble sun to burn it away and hiding the Two Rivers from view.
Rand watched over his [kata] as he rode, hoping for one [saigo] [kaimamiru], even of Taren [ferī], until the fogbank was lost to [kōkei].
Rand watched over his shoulder as he rode, hoping for one last glimpse, even of Taren Ferry, until the fogbank was lost to sight.
“I never [shikō] I’d ever be this far from home,”
“I never thought I’d ever be this far from home,”
he said when the [kigi] at [saigo] hid both the [kiri] and the [kawa].
he said when the trees at last hid both the fog and the river.
“Remember when [udedokei] [oka] seemed a long [michi]?”
“Remember when Watch Hill seemed a long way?”
Two [hi] ago, that was.
Two days ago, that was.
It seems like forever.
It seems like forever.
“In a [kongetsu] or two, we’ll be back,”
“In a month or two, we’ll be back,”
Perrin said in a strained [koe].
Perrin said in a strained voice.
“Think what we’ll have to tell.”
“Think what we’ll have to tell.”
“Even Trollocs can’t [cheisu] us forever,”
“Even Trollocs can’t chase us forever,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“[yakedo] me, they can’t.”
“Burn me, they can’t.”
He straightened around with a heavy [tameiki], slumping in his [sadoru] as [baai] he did not [shinjiru] a [kotoba] that had been said.
He straightened around with a heavy sigh, slumping in his saddle as if he did not believe a word that had been said.
“[dansei]!”
“Men!”
Egwene snorted.
Egwene snorted.
“You get the [bōken] you’re always prating about, and already you’re talking about home.”
“You get the adventure you’re always prating about, and already you’re talking about home.”
She held her [atama] high, yet Rand noticed a [fu sen] to her [koe], now that nothing more was to be seen of the Two [kawa].
She held her head high, yet Rand noticed a tremor to her voice, now that nothing more was to be seen of the Two Rivers.
Neither Moiraine nor Lan made any [kokoromi] to reassure them, not a [kotoba] to say that of [mochiron] they would come back.
Neither Moiraine nor Lan made any attempt to reassure them, not a word to say that of course they would come back.
He tried not to think on what that might mean.
He tried not to think on what that might mean.
Even rested, he was full enough of [gimon] without searching out more.
Even rested, he was full enough of doubts without searching out more.
Hunching in his [sadoru] he began a waking [yume] of tending the [hitsuji] alongside Tam in a [bokusō-chi] with [fukai], [aoao to shita] [kusa] and [hibari] singing of a [haru, haneagaru] [asa].
Hunching in his saddle he began a waking dream of tending the sheep alongside Tam in a pasture with deep, lush grass and larks singing of a spring morning.
And a [tabi] into Emond’s [ryōiki], and Bel [kōdinēto] the [michi] it had been, dancing on the [midori] with never a [kaigo] beyond whether he might [tsumazuku] in the [suteppu].
And a trip into Emond’s Field, and Bel Tine the way it had been, dancing on the Green with never a care beyond whether he might stumble in the steps.
He managed to lose himself in it for a long [jikan].
He managed to lose himself in it for a long time.
The [tabi] to Baerlon took almost a [shū].
The journey to Baerlon took almost a week.
Lan muttered about the laggardness of their [ryokō], [shikashi] it was he who set the [hochō] and forced the [nokori] to [kīpu] it.
Lan muttered about the laggardness of their travel, but it was he who set the pace and forced the rest to keep it.
With himself and his [taneuma], Mandarb – he said it meant “[ha]”
With himself and his stallion, Mandarb – he said it meant “Blade”
in the Old [shita] – he was not so sparing.
in the Old Tongue – he was not so sparing.
The [kanshu] covered twice as much [gurando] as they did, galloping ahead, his [iro]-shifting [gaitō] swirling in the [kaze], to [sukauto] what lay before them, or dropping behind to examine their backtrail.
The Warder covered twice as much ground as they did, galloping ahead, his color-shifting cloak swirling in the wind, to scout what lay before them, or dropping behind to examine their backtrail.
Any [tanin] who tried to [ugokasu] at more than a [sanpo], though, got cutting [kotoba] on taking [kaigo] of their [dōbutsu], biting [kotoba] on how [yoku] they would do afoot [baai] the Trollocs did appear.
Any others who tried to move at more than a walk, though, got cutting words on taking care of their animals, biting words on how well they would do afoot if the Trollocs did appear.
Not even Moiraine was [shōko] against his [shita] [baai] she let the [shiroi] [māre] pick up her [suteppu].
Not even Moiraine was proof against his tongue if she let the white mare pick up her step.
Aldieb, the [māre] was called; in the Old [shita], “[uesuto uindo],”
Aldieb, the mare was called; in the Old Tongue, “Westwind,”
the [kaze] that brought the [haru, haneagaru] rains.
the wind that brought the spring rains.
The [kanshu]’s scouting never turned up any [sain] of [tsuikyū], or [machibuse].
The Warder’s scouting never turned up any sign of pursuit, or ambush.
He spoke only to Moiraine of what he [mimashita], and that quietly, so it could not be overheard, and the Aes Sedai informed the [nokori] of them of what she [shikō] they needed to know.
He spoke only to Moiraine of what he saw, and that quietly, so it could not be overheard, and the Aes Sedai informed the rest of them of what she thought they needed to know.
In the [hajime], Rand looked over his [kata] as much as he did ahead.
In the beginning, Rand looked over his shoulder as much as he did ahead.
He was not the only one.
He was not the only one.
Perrin fingered his [ono] often, and Mat rode with an [yajirushi] nocked to his [bou], in the [hajime].
Perrin fingered his axe often, and Mat rode with an arrow nocked to his bow, in the beginning.
[shikashi] the [tochi] behind remained empty of Trollocs or [sūji] in [kuro] [gaitō], the [sora] remained empty of Draghkar.
But the land behind remained empty of Trollocs or figures in black cloaks, the sky remained empty of Draghkar.
Slowly, Rand began to think perhaps they really had escaped.
Slowly, Rand began to think perhaps they really had escaped.
No [hijō ni] great [kabā] was to be had, even in the thickest [pātsu] of the [hayashi].
No very great cover was to be had, even in the thickest parts of the woods.
[fuyu] clung as hard [kita] of the Taren as it did in the Two [kawa].
Winter clung as hard north of the Taren as it did in the Two Rivers.
Stands of [matsu] or [momi] or [yachitsutsuji], and here and there a few spicewoods or [eikan], dotted a [mori] of otherwise bare, [gurē] [eda].
Stands of pine or fir or leatherleaf, and here and there a few spicewoods or laurels, dotted a forest of otherwise bare, gray branches.
Not even the [chōrō] showed a [rīfu].
Not even the elders showed a leaf.
Only scattered [midori] [shō eda] of new [seichō] stood out against [chairo] [bokusō-chi] beaten [furatto] by the [fuyu]’s [yuki].
Only scattered green sprigs of new growth stood out against brown meadows beaten flat by the winter’s snows.
Here, too, much of what did grow was stinging [irakusa] and coarse [azami] and [kusai kusa].
Here, too, much of what did grow was stinging nettles and coarse thistle and stinkweed.
On the bare [yogore] of the [mori] [yuka] some of the [saigo] [yuki] still hung on, in shady [pacchi] and in [henryū] beneath the [hikui] [eda] of [jōryokuju].
On the bare dirt of the forest floor some of the last snow still hung on, in shady patches and in drifts beneath the low branches of evergreens.
Everyone kept their [gaitō] drawn [yoku] about them, for the thin [nikkō] had no [atataka] to it and the [yoru, kishi_knt] [samui] pierced [fukai].
Everyone kept their cloaks drawn well about them, for the thin sunlight had no warmth to it and the night cold pierced deep.
No more [tori] flew here than in the Two [kawa], not even [watarigarasu].
No more birds flew here than in the Two Rivers, not even ravens.
There was nothing leisurely about the [ososa] of their [mūbumento].
There was nothing leisurely about the slowness of their movement.
The [kita] [dōro]—Rand continued to think of it that [michi], though he suspected it might have a different [namae] here, [kita] of the Taren—still hashitta almost due [kita], [shikashi] at Lan’s [shuchō] their [michisuji] snaked this [michi] and that through the [mori] as often as it hashitta along the hard-packed [yogore] [dōro].
The North Road—Rand continued to think of it that way, though he suspected it might have a different name here, north of the Taren—still ran almost due north, but at Lan’s insistence their path snaked this way and that through the forest as often as it ran along the hard-packed dirt road.
A [mura], or a [nōjō], of any [sain] of [dansei] or [bunmei] sent them circling for [mairu] to avoid it, though there were few
A village, or a farm, of any sign of men or civilization sent them circling for miles to avoid it, though there were few
enough of any of those.
enough of any of those.
The whole [saisho] [ichi nichi] Rand [mimashita] no [shōko] aside from the [dōro] that [dansei] had ever been in the [hayashi].
The whole first day Rand saw no evidence aside from the road that men had ever been in the woods.
It came to him that even when he had gone to the [ashi] of the [yama] of [misuto] he might not have been as far from a [ningen] [kyojū] as he was that [ichi nichi].
It came to him that even when he had gone to the foot of the Mountains of Mist he might not have been as far from a human habitation as he was that day.
The [saisho] [nōjō] he [mimashita] – a large [furēmu] [hausu] and [hiyake] [naya] with high-peaked, thatched [yane], a curl of [kemuri] rising from a [ishi] [entotsu]—was a [shokku].
The first farm he saw – a large frame house and tan barn with high-peaked, thatched roofs, a curl of smoke rising from a stone chimney—was a shock.
“It’s no different from back home,”
“It’s no different from back home,”
Perrin said, frowning at the distant [tatemono], barely visible through the [kigi].
Perrin said, frowning at the distant buildings, barely visible through the trees.
[hitobito] moved around the [nōjō], as yet unaware of the [ryokō].
People moved around the farmyard, as yet unaware of the travelers.
“Of [mochiron] it is,”
“Of course it is,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“We’re just not [tojiru] enough to see.”
“We’re just not close enough to see.”
“I tell you, it’s no different,”
“I tell you, it’s no different,”
Perrin insisted.
Perrin insisted.
“It must be.
“It must be.
We’re [kita] of the Taren, after all.”
We’re north of the Taren, after all.”
“[shizuka], you two,”
“Quiet, you two,”
Lan growled.
Lan growled.
“We don’t want to be seen, remember?
“We don’t want to be seen, remember?
This [michi].”
This way.”
He turned [nishi], to [sākuru] the [nōjō] through the [kigi].
He turned west, to circle the farm through the trees.
Looking back, Rand [shikō] Perrin was [migi].
Looking back, Rand thought Perrin was right.
The [nōjō] looked much the same as any around Emond’s [ryōiki].
The farm looked much the same as any around Emond’s Field.
There was a small [otokonoko] toting [mizu] from the [yoku], and older [otokonoko] tending [hitsuji] behind a [rēru] [fensu].
There was a small boy toting water from the well, and older boys tending sheep behind a rail fence.
It even had a curing shed, for [tabakku].
It even had a curing shed, for tabac.
[shikashi] Mat was [migi], too.
But Mat was right, too.
We’re [kita] of the Taren.
We’re north of the Taren.
It must be different.
It must be different.
Always they halted [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] [hikari] still clung to the [sora], to choose a [supotto] sloped for [haisui] and sheltered from the [kaze] that seldom died completely, only changed [hōkō].
Always they halted while light still clung to the sky, to choose a spot sloped for drainage and sheltered from the wind that seldom died completely, only changed direction.
Their [kasai] was always small and hidden from only a few [yādo] off, and once [ocha] was brewed, the [honoo] were doused and the [sekitan] buried.
Their fire was always small and hidden from only a few yards off, and once tea was brewed, the flames were doused and the coals buried.
At their [saisho] [teishi], before the [nichi] sank, Lan began [shidō] the [otokonoko] what to do with the [buki] they carried.
At their first stop, before the sun sank, Lan began teaching the boys what to do with the weapons they carried.
He started with the [bou].
He started with the bow.
After watching Mat put three [yajirushi] into a [musubime] the [saizu] of a [otoko]’s [atama], on the fissured [toranku] of a [shin da] [yachitsutsuji], at a hundred [hochō], he told the [tanin] to take their [tān].
After watching Mat put three arrows into a knot the size of a man’s head, on the fissured trunk of a dead leatherleaf, at a hundred paces, he told the others to take their turns.
Perrin duplicated Mat’s [igyō], and Rand, summoning the [honoo] and the void, the empty calm that let the [bou] become a [ichibu] of him, or him of it, clustered his three where the [pointo] almost touched one another.
Perrin duplicated Mat’s feat, and Rand, summoning the flame and the void, the empty calm that let the bow become a part of him, or him of it, clustered his three where the points almost touched one another.
Mat gave him a congratulatory clap on the [kata].
Mat gave him a congratulatory clap on the shoulder.
“Now [baai] you all had [yumi],”
“Now if you all had bows,”
the [kanshu] said dryly when they started grinning, “and [baai] the Trollocs agreed not to come so [tojiru] you couldn’t [shiyō] them…“
the Warder said dryly when they started grinning, “and if the Trollocs agreed not to come so close you couldn’t use them…”
The [niyaniya warai] faded abruptly.
The grins faded abruptly.
“Let me see what I can [oshieru] you in case they do come that [tojiru].”
“Let me see what I can teach you in case they do come that close.”
He showed Perrin a [sukoshi] of how to [shiyō] that great-bladed [ono]; raising an [ono] to [dare-ka], or something, that had a [buki] was not at all like chopping [mokuzai] or flailing around in pretend.
He showed Perrin a bit of how to use that great-bladed axe; raising an axe to someone, or something, that had a weapon was not at all like chopping wood or flailing around in pretend.
Setting the big [minarai] [tanya ya] to a [shirīzu] of [enshū], [burokku], [ukenagasu], and [sutoraiki], he did the same for Rand and his [ken].
Setting the big apprentice blacksmith to a series of exercises, block, parry, and strike, he did the same for Rand and his sword.
Not the wild leaping about and slashing that Rand had in [kokoro] whenever he [shikō] about using it, [shikashi] smooth [ugoki], one flowing into another, almost a [dansu].
Not the wild leaping about and slashing that Rand had in mind whenever he thought about using it, but smooth motions, one flowing into another, almost a dance.
“Moving the [ha] is not enough,”
“Moving the blade is not enough,”
Lan said, “though some think it is.
Lan said, “though some think it is.
The [kokoro] is [ichibu] of it, most of it.
The mind is part of it, most of it.
Blank your [kokoro], [hitsuji kai].
Blank your mind, sheepherder.
Empty it of [kirai] or [kyōfu], of everything.
Empty it of hate or fear, of everything.
[yakedo] them away.
Burn them away.
You [tanin] listen to this, too.
You others listen to this, too.
You can [shiyō] it with the [ono] or the [bou], with a [yari], or a [kwōtā], or even your bare [te].”
You can use it with the axe or the bow, with a spear, or a quarterstaff, or even your bare hands.”
Rand stared at him.
Rand stared at him.
“The [honoo] and the void,”
“The flame and the void,”
he said wonderingly.
he said wonderingly.
“That’s what you mean, isn’t it?
“That’s what you mean, isn’t it?
My [chichioya] taught me about that.”
My father taught me about that.”
The [kanshu] gave him an unreadable [hyōjō] in [ritān].
The Warder gave him an unreadable look in return.
“Hold the [ken] as I showed you, [hitsuji kai].
“Hold the sword as I showed you, sheepherder.
I cannot make a [doro]-footed [murabito] into a [bureidomasutā] in an [jikan], [shikashi] perhaps I can [kīpu] you from slicing off your own [ashi].”
I cannot make a mud-footed villager into a blademaster in an hour, but perhaps I can keep you from slicing off your own foot.”
Rand sighed and held the [ken] [chokuritsu] before him in both [te].
Rand sighed and held the sword upright before him in both hands.
Moiraine watched without [shiki], [shikashi] the next [yūgata] she told Lan to continue the [ressun].
Moiraine watched without expression, but the next evening she told Lan to continue the lessons.
The [shokuji] at [yūgata] was always the same as at [shōgo] and [chōshoku], [furattobureddo] and [chīzu] and dried [niku], except that [yoru] they had [atsui] [ocha] to [wosshu] it down instead of [mizu].
The meal at evening was always the same as at midday and breakfast, flatbread and cheese and dried meat, except that evenings they had hot tea to wash it down instead of water.
Thom entertained them, [yoru].
Thom entertained them, evenings.
Lan would not let the [ginyūshijin] [geki] [hāpu] or [furūto] – no must to rouse the [inaka], the [kanshu] said – [shikashi] Thom juggled and told [ie].
Lan would not let the gleeman play harp or flute – no need to rouse the countryside, the Warder said – but Thom juggled and told stories.
“Mara and the Three Foolish [ō],”
“Mara and the Three Foolish Kings,”
or one of the hundreds about Anla the Wise Counselor, or something filled with [eikō] and [bōken], like The Great [kari] of the [hōn], [shikashi] always with a happy [endingu] and a joyous homecoming.
or one of the hundreds about Anla the Wise Counselor, or something filled with glory and adventure, like The Great Hunt of the Horn, but always with a happy ending and a joyous homecoming.
Yet [baai] the [tochi] was peaceful around them, [baai] no Trollocs appeared among the [kigi], no Draghkar among the [kumo], it seemed to Rand that they managed to raise their [kinchō] themselves, whenever it was in [kiken] of vanishing.
Yet if the land was peaceful around them, if no Trollocs appeared among the trees, no Draghkar among the clouds, it seemed to Rand that they managed to raise their tension themselves, whenever it was in danger of vanishing.
There was the [asa] that Egwene awoke and began unbraiding her [kami].
There was the morning that Egwene awoke and began unbraiding her hair.
Rand watched her from the [kōnā] of his [me] as he made up his blanketroll.
Rand watched her from the comer of his eye as he made up his blanketroll.
Every [yoru, kishi_knt] when the [kasai] was doused, everyone took to their [mōfu] except for Egwene and the Aes Sedai.
Every night when the fire was doused, everyone took to their blankets except for Egwene and the Aes Sedai.
The two [josei] always went aside from the [tanin] and talked for an [jikan] or two, returning when the [tanin] were asleep.
The two women always went aside from the others and talked for an hour or two, returning when the others were asleep.
Egwene combed her [kami] out—one hundred [sutorōku]; he counted—[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he was saddling [kumo], tying his [sadoru] and [mōfu] behind the [sadoru].
Egwene combed her hair out—one hundred strokes; he counted—while he was saddling Cloud, tying his saddlebags and blanket behind the saddle.
Then she tucked the [kushi] away, swept her loose [kami] over her [kata], and pulled up the [fūdo] of her [gaitō].
Then she tucked the comb away, swept her loose hair over her shoulder, and pulled up the hood of her cloak.
Startled, he asked, “What are you doing?”
Startled, he asked, “What are you doing?”
She gave him a sidelong [hyōjō] without answering.
She gave him a sidelong look without answering.
It was the [saisho] [jikan] he had spoken to her in two [hi], he realized, since the [yoru, kishi_knt] in the [rogu] [hinan sho] on the [ginkō] of the Taren, [shikashi] he did not let that [teishi] him.
It was the first time he had spoken to her in two days, he realized, since the night in the log shelter on the bank of the Taren, but he did not let that stop him.
“All your [jinsei] you’ve waited to wear your [kami] in a [mittsu ami], and now you’re giving it up?
“All your life you’ve waited to wear your hair in a braid, and now you’re giving it up?
Why?
Why?
Because she doesn’t [mittsu ami] hers?”
Because she doesn’t braid hers?”
“Aes Sedai don’t [mittsu ami] their [kami],”
“Aes Sedai don’t braid their hair,”
she said simply.
she said simply.
“At least, not unless they want to.”
“At least, not unless they want to.”
“You aren’t an Aes Sedai.
“You aren’t an Aes Sedai.
You’re Egwene al’Vere from Emond’s [ryōiki], and the [josei]’s [sākuru] would have a fit [baai] they could see you now.”
You’re Egwene al’Vere from Emond’s Field, and the Women’s Circle would have a fit if they could see you now.”
“[josei]’s [sākuru] [bijinesu] is none of yours, Rand al’Thor.
“Women’s Circle business is none of yours, Rand al’Thor.
And I will be an Aes Sedai.
And I will be an Aes Sedai.
Just as soon as I [rīchi] [tāru] Valon.”
Just as soon as I reach Tar Valon.”
He snorted.
He snorted.
“As soon as you [rīchi] [tāru] Valon.
“As soon as you reach Tar Valon.
Why?
Why?
[hikari], tell me that.
Light, tell me that.
You’re no [Kurai-yūjin].”
You’re no Darkfriend.”
“Do you think Moiraine Sedai is a [Kurai-yūjin]?
“Do you think Moiraine Sedai is a Darkfriend?
Do you?”
Do you?”
She squared around to [kao] him with her [kobushi] clenched, and he almost [shikō] she was going to [hitto] him.”
She squared around to face him with her fists clenched, and he almost thought she was going to hit him.
After she saved the [mura]?
“ After she saved the village?
After she saved your [chichioya]?”
After she saved your father?”
“I don’t know what she is, [shikashi] whatever she is, it doesn’t say anything about the [nokori] of them.
“I don’t know what she is, but whatever she is, it doesn’t say anything about the rest of them.
The [ie]—”
The stories —”
“Grow up, Rand!
“Grow up, Rand!
Forget the [ie] and [shiyō] your [me].”
Forget the stories and use your eyes.”
“My [me] [mimashita] her [shinku] the [ferī]!
“My eyes saw her sink the ferry!
Deny that!
Deny that!
Once you get an [kangae] in your [atama], you won’t budge even [baai] somebody [pointo] out you’re trying to stand on [mizu].
Once you get an idea in your head, you won’t budge even if somebody points out you’re trying to stand on water.
[baai] you weren’t such a [hikari] blinded [baka], you’d see – !”
If you weren’t such a Light blinded fool, you’d see – !”
“[baka], am I?
“Fool, am I?
Let me tell you a [koto] or two, Rand al’Thor!
Let me tell you a thing or two, Rand al’Thor!
You are the muliest, most [wuru]-headed – !”
You are the muliest, most wool-headed – !”
“You two trying to [mōningu] everybody [uchigawa] ten [mairu]?”
“You two trying to wake everybody inside ten miles?”
the [kanshu] asked.
the Warder asked.
Standing there with his [kuchi no naka] [ōpun], trying to get a [kotoba] in edgewise, Rand suddenly realized he had been shouting.
Standing there with his mouth open, trying to get a word in edgewise, Rand suddenly realized he had been shouting.
They both had.
They both had.
Egwene’s [kao] went scarlet to her [mayuge], and she spun away with a muttered, “[dansei]!”
Egwene’s face went scarlet to her eyebrows, and she spun away with a muttered, “Men!”
that seemed as much for the [kanshu] as for him.
that seemed as much for the Warder as for him.
Warily, Rand looked around the [kyanpu].
Warily, Rand looked around the camp.
Everybody was looking at him, not just the [kanshu].
Everybody was looking at him, not just the Warder.
Mat and Perrin, with their [kao] [shiroi].
Mat and Perrin, with their faces white.
Thom, tensed as [baai] ready to [jikkō] or [tatakai].
Thom, tensed as if ready to run or fight.
Moiraine.
Moiraine.
The Aes Sedai’s [kao] was expressionless, [shikashi] her [me] seemed to bore into his [atama].
The Aes Sedai’s face was expressionless, but her eyes seemed to bore into his head.
Desperately, he tried to recall exactly what he had said, about Aes Sedai and [Kurai-yūjin].
Desperately, he tried to recall exactly what he had said, about Aes Sedai and Darkfriends.
“It is [jikan] to be going,”
“It is time to be going,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
She turned to Aldieb, and Rand shivered as [baai] he had been let out of a [torappu].
She turned to Aldieb, and Rand shivered as if he had been let out of a trap.
He wondered [baai] he had been.
He wondered if he had been.
Two [yoru] later, with the [kasai] [moeru] [hikui], Mat licked the [saigo] [panko] of [chīzu] from his [yubi] and said, “You know, I think we’ve lost them for [yoi].”
Two nights later, with the fire burning low, Mat licked the last crumbs of cheese from his fingers and said, “You know, I think we’ve lost them for good.”
Lan was off in the [yoru, kishi_knt], taking a [saigo] [hyōjō] around, Moiraine and Egwene had gone aside for one of their [kaiwa].
Lan was off in the night, taking a last look around, Moiraine and Egwene had gone aside for one of their conversations.
Thom was [hanbun] dozing over his [paipu], and the young [dansei] had the [kasai] to themselves.
Thom was half dozing over his pipe, and the young men had the fire to themselves.
Perrin, idly poking the [nokoribi] with a [sutikku], answered.
Perrin, idly poking the embers with a stick, answered.
“[baai] we’ve lost them, why does Lan [kīpu] scouting?”
“If we’ve lost them, why does Lan keep scouting?”
Nearly asleep, Rand rolled over, his [senaka] to the [kasai].
Nearly asleep, Rand rolled over, his back to the fire.
“We lost them back at Taren [ferī].”
“We lost them back at Taren Ferry.”
Mat lay back with his [yubi] laced behind his [atama], staring at the [mūn]-filled [sora].
Mat lay back with his fingers laced behind his head, staring at the moon-filled sky.
“[baai] they were even really after us.”
“If they were even really after us.”
“You think that Draghkar was chasing us because it liked us?”
“You think that Draghkar was chasing us because it liked us?”
Perrin asked.
Perrin asked.
“I say, [teishi] worrying about Trollocs and such,”
“I say, stop worrying about Trollocs and such,”
Mat went on as [baai] Perrin had not spoken, “and [kaishi, hajimeru] thinking about [mite] the [sekai].
Mat went on as if Perrin had not spoken, “and start thinking about seeing the world.
We’re out where the [ie] come from.
We’re out where the stories come from.
What do you think a real [toshi] is like?”
What do you think a real city is like?”
“We’re going to Baerlon,”
“We’re going to Baerlon,”
Rand said sleepily, [shikashi] Mat snorted.
Rand said sleepily, but Mat snorted.
“Baerlon’s all [hijō ni] [yoku], [shikashi] I’ve seen that old [mappu] [shujin] al’Vere has.
“Baerlon’s all very well, but I’ve seen that old map Master al’Vere has.
[baai] we [tān] [minami] once we [rīchi] Caemlyn, the [dōro] leads all the [michi] to Illian, and beyond.”
If we turn south once we reach Caemlyn, the road leads all the way to Illian, and beyond.”
“What’s so special about Illian?”
“What’s so special about Illian?”
Perrin said, yawning.
Perrin said, yawning.
“For one [koto],”
“For one thing,”
Mat replied, “Illian isn’t full of Aes Se—”
Mat replied, “Illian isn’t full of Aes Se —”
A [chinmoku] fell, and Rand was suddenly wide awake.
A silence fell, and Rand was suddenly wide awake.
Moiraine had come back early.
Moiraine had come back early.
Egwene was with her, [shikashi] it was the Aes Sedai, standing at the [hashi] of the [hi akari], who held their [chūi].
Egwene was with her, but it was the Aes Sedai, standing at the edge of the firelight, who held their attention.
Mat lay there on his [senaka], his [kuchi no naka] still [ōpun], staring at her.
Mat lay there on his back, his mouth still open, staring at her.
Moiraine’s [me] caught the [hikari] like [kurai], polished [ishi].
Moiraine’s eyes caught the light like dark, polished stones.
Abruptly Rand wondered how long she had been standing there.
Abruptly Rand wondered how long she had been standing there.
“The [wakamono] were just .”
“The lads were just–”
Thom began, [shikashi] Moiraine spoke [migi] over the [chōten] of him.
Thom began, but Moiraine spoke right over the top of him.
“A few [hi] [kyūsoku], and you are ready to give up.”
“A few days respite, and you are ready to give up.”
Her calm, [reberu] [koe] contrasted sharply with her [me].
Her calm, level voice contrasted sharply with her eyes.
“A [ichi nichi] or two of [shizuka], and already you have forgotten Winternight.”
“A day or two of quiet, and already you have forgotten Winternight.”
“We haven’t forgotten,”
“We haven’t forgotten,”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
“It’s just .”
“It’s just–”
Still not raising her [koe], the Aes Sedai treated him as she had the [ginyūshijin].
Still not raising her voice, the Aes Sedai treated him as she had the gleeman.
“Is that the [michi] you all feel?
“Is that the way you all feel?
You are all eager to [jikkō] off to Illian and forget about Trollocs, and Halfmen, and Draghkar?”
You are all eager to run off to Illian and forget about Trollocs, and Halfmen, and Draghkar?”
She hashitta her [me] over them – that stony [kagayaki] playing against the [nichijō] [kuchō] of [koe] made Rand uneasy – [shikashi] she gave no one a [kikai] to speak.
She ran her eyes over them – that stony glint playing against the everyday tone of voice made Rand uneasy – but she gave no one a chance to speak.
“The [Kurai] One is after you three, one or all, and [baai] I let you go running off wherever you want to so, he will take you.
“The Dark One is after you three, one or all, and if I let you go running off wherever you want to so, he will take you.
Whatever the [Kurai] One [nozon de iru], I oppose, so hear this and know it true.
Whatever the Dark One wants, I oppose, so hear this and know it true.
Before I let the [Kurai] One have you, I will destroy you myself.”
Before I let the Dark One have you, I will destroy you myself.”
It was her [koe], so [mondai]-of-[jijitsu], that convinced Rand.
It was her voice, so matter-of-fact, that convinced Rand.
The Aes Sedai would do exactly what she said, [baai] she [shikō] it was [hitsuyō ni ōji te].
The Aes Sedai would do exactly what she said, if she thought it was necessary.
He had a hard [jikan] sleeping that [yoru, kishi_knt], and he was not the only one.
He had a hard time sleeping that night, and he was not the only one.
Even the [ginyūshijin] did not begin snoring till long after the [saigo] [sekitan] died.
Even the gleeman did not begin snoring till long after the last coals died.
For once, Moiraine offered no [tasukeru].
For once, Moiraine offered no help.
Those nightly talks between Egwene and the Aes Sedai were a sore [pointo] for Rand.
Those nightly talks between Egwene and the Aes Sedai were a sore point for Rand.
Whenever they disappeared into the [yami], aside from the [nokori] for [puraibashī], he wondered what they were saying, what they were doing.
Whenever they disappeared into the darkness, aside from the rest for privacy, he wondered what they were saying, what they were doing.
What was the Aes Sedai doing to Egwene?
What was the Aes Sedai doing to Egwene?
One [yoru, kishi_knt], he waited until the [sonota] [dansei] had all settled down, Thom snoring like a [mimashita] cutting an [ōku zai] [musubime].
One night, he waited until the other men had all settled down, Thom snoring like a saw cutting an oak knot.
Then he slipped away, clutching his [mōfu] around him.
Then he slipped away, clutching his blanket around him.
Using every [sukoshi] of [sukiru] he had gained stalking [usagi], he moved with the [mūn] [kage] until he was crouched at the [bēsu] of a tall [yachitsutsuji] [tsurī], thick with tough, broad leaves, [tojiru] enough to hear Moiraine and Egwene, where they sat on a fallen [rogu] with a small [rantan] for [hikari].
Using every bit of skill he had gained stalking rabbits, he moved with the moon shadows until he was crouched at the base of a tall leatherleaf tree, thick with tough, broad leaves, close enough to hear Moiraine and Egwene, where they sat on a fallen log with a small lantern for light.
“Ask,”
“Ask,”
