The Eye of the World_12 Flashcards
Moiraine was saying, “and [baai] I can tell you now I will.
Moiraine was saying, “and if I can tell you now I will.
Understand, there is much for which you are not yet ready, [monogoto] you cannot learn until you have learned [sonota] [monogoto] which require still [tanin] to be learned before them.
Understand, there is much for which you are not yet ready, things you cannot learn until you have learned other things which require still others to be learned before them.
[shikashi] ask what you will.”
But ask what you will.”
“The Five [pawāzu],”
“The Five Powers,”
Egwene said slowly.
Egwene said slowly.
“[chikyū], [kaze], [kasai], [mizu], and [seishin].
“Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and Spirit.
It doesn’t seem fair that [dansei] should have been strongest in wielding [chikyū] and [kasai].
It doesn’t seem fair that men should have been strongest in wielding Earth and Fire.
Why should they have had the strongest [pawāzu]?”
Why should they have had the strongest Powers?”
Moiraine laughed.
Moiraine laughed.
“Is that what you think, [ko]?
“Is that what you think, child?
Is there a [iwa] so hard that [kaze] and [mizu] cannot wear it away, a [kasai] so strong that [mizu] cannot quench it or [kaze] [kagi tabako] it out?”
Is there a rock so hard that wind and water cannot wear it away, a fire so strong that water cannot quench it or wind snuff it out?”
Egwene was silent for a [jikan], [kussaku] her [tsumasaki] into the [mori] [yuka].
Egwene was silent for a time, digging her toe into the forest floor.
“They…
“They…
they were the ones who…
they were the ones who…
who tried to [muryō desu] the [Kurai] One and the Forsaken, weren’t they?
who tried to free the Dark One and the Forsaken, weren’t they?
The [dansei] Aes Sedai?”
The male Aes Sedai?”
She took a [fukai] [iki] and picked up [supīdo].
She took a deep breath and picked up speed.
“The [josei] were not [ichibu] of it.
“The women were not part of it.
It was the [dansei] who went mad and broke the [sekai].”
It was the men who went mad and broke the world.”
“You are afraid,”
“You are afraid,”
Moiraine said grimly.
Moiraine said grimly.
“[baai] you had remained in Emond’s [ryōiki], you would have become [chie], in [jikan].
“If you had remained in Emond’s Field, you would have become Wisdom, in time.
That was Nynaeve’s [keikaku], was it not?
That was Nynaeve’s plan, was it not?
Or, you would have sat in the [josei]’s [sākuru] and managed the [sōmu] of Emond’s [ryōiki] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] the [mura] [kyōgi-kai] [shikō] it was doing so.
Or, you would have sat in the Women’s Circle and managed the affairs of Emond’s Field while the Village Council thought it was doing so.
[shikashi] you did the unthinkable.
But you did the unthinkable.
You left Emond’s [ryōiki], left the Two [kawa], seeking [bōken].
You left Emond’s Field, left the Two Rivers, seeking adventure.
You wanted to do it, and at the same [jikan] you are afraid of it.
You wanted to do it, and at the same time you are afraid of it.
And you are stubbornly refusing to let your [kyōfu] best you.
And you are stubbornly refusing to let your fear best you.
You would not have asked me how a [onna] becomes an Aes Sedai, otherwise.
You would not have asked me how a woman becomes an Aes Sedai, otherwise.
You would not have thrown [kasutamu] and [kanrei] over the [fensu], otherwise.”
You would not have thrown custom and convention over the fence, otherwise.”
“No,”
“No,”
Egwene protested.
Egwene protested.
“I’m not afraid.
“I’m not afraid.
I do want to become an Aes Sedai.”
I do want to become an Aes Sedai.”
“[yori yoi] for you [baai] you were afraid, [shikashi] I [kibō] you hold to that [shinnen].
“Better for you if you were afraid, but I hope you hold to that conviction.
Few [josei] these [hi] have the [nōryoku] to become initiates, much less have the [negai] to.”
Few women these days have the ability to become initiates, much less have the wish to.”
Moiraine’s [koe] sounded as [baai] she had begun musing to herself.
Moiraine’s voice sounded as if she had begun musing to herself.
“Surely never before two in one [mura].
“Surely never before two in one village.
The old [chi] is indeed still strong in the Two [kawa].”
The old blood is indeed still strong in the Two Rivers.”
In the [kage], Rand shifted.
In the shadows, Rand shifted.
A [shō eda] snapped under his [ashi].
A twig snapped under his foot.
He froze instantly, sweating and holding his [iki], [shikashi] neither of the [josei] looked around.
He froze instantly, sweating and holding his breath, but neither of the women looked around.
“Two?”
“Two?”
Egwene exclaimed.
Egwene exclaimed.
“Who else?
“Who else?
Is it Kari?
Is it Kari?
Kari Thane?
Kari Thane?
Lara Ayellan?”
Lara Ayellan?”
Moiraine gave an exasperated [kurikku] of her [shita], then said sternly, “You must forget I said that.
Moiraine gave an exasperated click of her tongue, then said sternly, “You must forget I said that.
Her [dōro] lies another [michi], I [kyōfu].
Her road lies another way, I fear.
[kenen] yourself with your own [jijō].
Concern yourself with your own circumstances.
It is not an easy [dōro] you have chosen.”
It is not an easy road you have chosen.”
“I will not [tān] back,”
“I will not turn back,”
Egwene said.
Egwene said.
“Be that as it may.
“Be that as it may.
[shikashi] you still want [anshin], and I cannot give it to you, not in the [michi] you want.”
But you still want reassurance, and I cannot give it to you, not in the way you want.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You want to know that Aes Sedai are [yoi] and pure, that it was those wicked [dansei] of the [densetsu] who caused the Breaking of the [sekai], not the [josei].
“You want to know that Aes Sedai are good and pure, that it was those wicked men of the legends who caused the Breaking of the World, not the women.
[yoku], it was the [dansei], [shikashi] they were no more wicked than any [dansei].
Well, it was the men, but they were no more wicked than any men.
They were insane, not [aku].
They were insane, not evil.
The Aes Sedai you will find in [tāru] Valon are [ningen], no different from any [sonota] [josei] except for the [nōryoku] that sets us apart.
The Aes Sedai you will find in Tar Valon are human, no different from any other women except for the ability that sets us apart.
They are brave and cowardly, strong and weak, [shinsetsu] and cruel, [atatakai]-hearted and [samui].
They are brave and cowardly, strong and weak, kind and cruel, warm-hearted and cold.
Becoming an Aes Sedai will not [henkō] you from what you are.”
Becoming an Aes Sedai will not change you from what you are.”
Egwene drew a heavy [iki].
Egwene drew a heavy breath.
“I suppose I was afraid of that, that I’d be changed by the [dengen o on ni shimasu].
“I suppose I was afraid of that, that I’d be changed by the Power.
That and the Trollocs.
That and the Trollocs.
And the Fade.
And the Fade.
And…
And…
Moiraine Sedai, in the [namae] of the [hikari], why did the Trollocs come to Emond’s [ryōiki]?”
Moiraine Sedai, in the name of the Light, why did the Trollocs come to Emond’s Field?”
The Aes Sedai’s [atama] swung and she looked straight at Rand’s hiding [basho].
The Aes Sedai’s head swung and she looked straight at Rand’s hiding place.
His [iki] seized in his [nodo]; her [me] were as hard as when she had threatened them, and he had the [kanji] they could penetrate the [yachitsutsuji]’s thick [eda].
His breath seized in his throat; her eyes were as hard as when she had threatened them, and he had the feeling they could penetrate the leatherleaf’s thick branches.
[hikari], what will she do [baai] she finds me listening?
Light, what will she do if she finds me listening?
He tried to melt back into the deeper [kage].
He tried to melt back into the deeper shadows.
With his [me] on the [josei], a [rūto] snagged his [ashi], and he barely caught himself from tumbling into [shin da] [burashi] that would have pointed him out with a [kurakkuru] of snapping [eda] like [hanabi].
With his eyes on the women, a root snagged his foot, and he barely caught himself from tumbling into dead brush that would have pointed him out with a crackle of snapping branches like fireworks.
Panting, he scrambled away on all fours, keeping silent as much by [un] as by anything he did.
Panting, he scrambled away on all fours, keeping silent as much by luck as by anything he did.
His [kokoro] pounded so hard he [shikō] that might give him away itself.
His heart pounded so hard he thought that might give him away itself.
[baka]!
Fool!
Eavesdropping on an Aes Sedai!
Eavesdropping on an Aes Sedai!
back where the [tanin] were sleeping, he managed to [surippu] in among them silently.
Back where the others were sleeping, he managed to slip in among them silently.
Lan moved as he dropped to the [gurando] and jerked his [mōfu] up, [shikashi] the [kanshu] settled back with a [tameiki].
Lan moved as he dropped to the ground and jerked his blanket up, but the Warder settled back with a sigh.
He had only been rolling over in his [suimin].
He had only been rolling over in his sleep.
Rand let out a long, silent [iki].
Rand let out a long, silent breath.
A [shunkan] later Moiraine appeared out of the [yoru, kishi_knt], stopping where she could [kenkyū] the slumbering shapes.
A moment later Moiraine appeared out of the night, stopping where she could study the slumbering shapes.
[gekkō] made a nimbus around her.
Moonlight made a nimbus around her.
Rand closed his [me] and breathed evenly, all the [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] listening hard for [ashioto] coming closer.
Rand closed his eyes and breathed evenly, all the while listening hard for footsteps coming closer.
None did.
None did.
When he opened his [me] again, she was gone.
When he opened his eyes again, she was gone.
When finally [suimin] came, it was fitful and filled with sweaty dreams where all the [dansei] in Emond’s [ryōiki] claimed to be the [doragon] Reborn and all [josei] had [aoi] [ishi] in their [kami] like the one Moiraine wore.
When finally sleep came, it was fitful and filled with sweaty dreams where all the men in Emond’s Field claimed to be the Dragon Reborn and all women had blue stones in their hair like the one Moiraine wore.
He did not try to [tachigiki] Moiraine and Egwene again.
He did not try to overhear Moiraine and Egwene again.
On into the sixth [ichi nichi] the [osoi] [tabi] stretched.
On into the sixth day the slow journey stretched.
The warmthless [nichi] slid slowly toward the [kozue], [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] a [ichi nigiri] of thin [kumo] drifted high to the [kita].
The warmthless sun slid slowly toward the treetops, while a handful of thin clouds drifted high to the north.
The [kaze] gusted higher for a [shunkan], and Rand pulled his [gaitō] back up onto his [kata], muttering to himself.
The wind gusted higher for a moment, and Rand pulled his cloak back up onto his shoulders, muttering to himself.
He wondered [baai] they would ever get to Baerlon.
He wondered if they would ever get to Baerlon.
The [kyori] they had traveled from the [kawa] already was more than enough to take him from Taren [ferī] to the [shiroi] [kawa], [shikashi] Lan always said it was just a short [tabi] whenever he was asked, hardly [kachi ga aru] calling a [tabi] at all.
The distance they had traveled from the river already was more than enough to take him from Taren Ferry to the White River, but Lan always said it was just a short journey whenever he was asked, hardly worth calling a journey at all.
It made him feel lost.
It made him feel lost.
Lan appeared ahead of them in the [hayashi], returning from one of his forays.
Lan appeared ahead of them in the woods, returning from one of his forays.
He reined in and rode beside Moiraine, his [atama] [magatta] [tojiru] to hers.
He reined in and rode beside Moiraine, his head bent close to hers.
Rand grimaced, [shikashi] he did not ask any [shitsumon].
Rand grimaced, but he did not ask any questions.
Lan simply refused to acknowledge all such [shitsumon] aimed at him.
Lan simply refused to acknowledge all such questions aimed at him.
Only Egwene, among the [tanin], even appeared to [chūi shite kudasai] Lan’s [ritān], so used to this [arenji] had they become, and she kept back, too.
Only Egwene, among the others, even appeared to notice Lan’s return, so used to this arrangement had they become, and she kept back, too.
The Aes Sedai might have begun acting as [baai] Egwene were in [tantō] of the Emond’s Fielders, [shikashi] that gave her no say when the [kanshu] made his [repōto].
The Aes Sedai might have begun acting as if Egwene were in charge of the Emond’s Fielders, but that gave her no say when the Warder made his reports.
Perrin was carrying Mat’s [bou], wrapped in the thoughtful [chinmoku] that seemed to take them all more and more as they got further from the Two [kawa].
Perrin was carrying Mat’s bow, wrapped in the thoughtful silence that seemed to take them all more and more as they got further from the Two Rivers.
The [uma]’ [osoi] [sanpo] allowed Mat to [renshū] juggling three small [ishi] under Thom Merrilin’s watchful [me].
The horses’ slow walk allowed Mat to practice juggling three small stones under Thom Merrilin’s watchful eye.
The [ginyūshijin] had given [ressun] each [yoru, kishi_knt], too, as [yoku] as Lan.
The gleeman had given lessons each night, too, as well as Lan.
Lan finished whatever he had been [uranai] Moiraine, and she twisted in her [sadoru] to [hyōjō] back at the [tanin].
Lan finished whatever he had been telling Moiraine, and she twisted in her saddle to look back at the others.
Rand tried not to stiffen when her [me] moved across him.
Rand tried not to stiffen when her eyes moved across him.
Did they linger on him a [shunkan] longer than on anyone else?
Did they linger on him a moment longer than on anyone else?
He had the queasy [kanji] that she knew who had been listening in the [yami] that [yoru, kishi_knt].
He had the queasy feeling that she knew who had been listening in the darkness that night.
“Hey, Rand,”
“Hey, Rand,”
Mat called, “I can [jaguringu] four!”
Mat called, “I can juggle four!”
Rand waved in [henji] without looking around.
Rand waved in reply without looking around.
“I told you I’d get to four before you.
“I told you I’d get to four before you.
I – [hyōjō]!”
I – Look!”
They had topped a [hikui] [oka], and below them, a scant [mairu] away through the stark [kigi] and the stretching [kage] of [yūgata], lay Baerlon.
They had topped a low hill, and below them, a scant mile away through the stark trees and the stretching shadows of evening, lay Baerlon.
Rand gasped, trying to [egao] and gape at the same [jikan].
Rand gasped, trying to smile and gape at the same time.
A [rogu] [kabe], nearly twenty [ashi] tall, surrounded the [machi], with wooden [kanshi tō] scattered along its [nagasa].
A log wall, nearly twenty feet tall, surrounded the town, with wooden watchtowers scattered along its length.
Within, [yane] of [surēto] and [tairu] glinted with the sinking [nichi], and [hane] of [kemuri] drifted upward from [entotsu].
Within, rooftops of slate and tile glinted with the sinking sun, and feathers of smoke drifted upward from chimneys.
Hundreds of [entotsu].
Hundreds of chimneys.
There was not a thatched [yane] to be seen.
There was not a thatched roof to be seen.
A broad [dōro] hashitta [higashi] from the [machi], and another [nishi], each with at least a dozen [wagon] and twice as many ox-[kāto] trudging toward the [shigarami].
A broad road ran east from the town, and another west, each with at least a dozen wagons and twice as many ox-carts trudging toward the palisade.
[nōjō] lay scattered about the [machi], thickest to the [kita] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] only a few broke the [mori] to the [minami], [shikashi] they might as [yoku] not have existed so far as Rand was concerned.
Farms lay scattered about the town, thickest to the north while only a few broke the forest to the south, but they might as well not have existed so far as Rand was concerned.
It’s bigger than Emond’s [ryōiki] and [udedokei] [oka] and Deven [noru] all put together!
It’s bigger than Emond’s Field and Watch Hill and Deven Ride all put together!
And maybe Taren [ferī], too.
And maybe Taren Ferry, too.
“So that’s a [toshi],”
“So that’s a city,”
Mat breathed, leaning forward across his [uma]’s [kubi] to [gyōshi].
Mat breathed, leaning forward across his horse’s neck to stare.
Perrin could only [furu] his [atama].
Perrin could only shake his head.
“How can so many [hitobito] live in one [basho]?”
“How can so many people live in one place?”
Egwene simply stared.
Egwene simply stared.
Thom Merrilin glanced at Mat, then rolled his [me] and blew out his [kuchihige].
Thom Merrilin glanced at Mat, then rolled his eyes and blew out his moustaches.
“[toshi]!”
“City!”
he snorted.
he snorted.
“And you, Rand?”
“And you, Rand?”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“What do you think of your [saisho] [kōkei] of Baerlon?”
“What do you think of your first sight of Baerlon?”
“I think it’s a long [michi] from home,”
“I think it’s a long way from home,”
he said slowly, bringing a sharp [warai] from Mat.
he said slowly, bringing a sharp laugh from Mat.
“You have further to go yet,”
“You have further to go yet,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“Much further.
“Much further.
[shikashi] there is no [sonota] [sentaku], except to [jikkō] and hide and [jikkō] again for the [nokori] of your [inochi].
But there is no other choice, except to run and hide and run again for the rest of your lives.
And short [inochi] they would be.
And short lives they would be.
You must remember that, when the [tabi] becomes hard.
You must remember that, when the journey becomes hard.
You have no [sentaku].”
You have no choice.”
Rand exchanged [shisen] with Mat and Perrin.
Rand exchanged glances with Mat and Perrin.
By their [kao], they were thinking the same [koto] he was.
By their faces, they were thinking the same thing he was.
How could she [hanashi] as [baai] they had any [sentaku] after what she had said?
How could she talk as if they had any choice after what she had said?
The Aes Sedai’s made our [sentakushi].
The Aes Sedai’s made our choices.
Moiraine went on as [baai] their [shikō] were not [heiya].
Moiraine went on as if their thoughts were not plain.
“The [kiken] begins again here.
“The danger begins again here.
[udedokei] what you say within those [kabe].
Watch what you say within those walls.
Above all, do not [genkyū] Trollocs, or Halfmen, or any such.
Above all, do not mention Trollocs, or Halfmen, or any such.
You must not even think of the [Kurai] One.
You must not even think of the Dark One.
Some in Baerlon have even less [ai] for Aes Sedai than do the [hitobito] of Emond’s [ryōiki], and there may even be [Kurai-yūjin].”
Some in Baerlon have even less love for Aes Sedai than do the people of Emond’s Field, and there may even be Darkfriends.”
Egwene gasped, and Perrin muttered under his [iki].
Egwene gasped, and Perrin muttered under his breath.
Mat’s [kao] paled, [shikashi] Moiraine went on calmly.
Mat’s face paled, but Moiraine went on calmly.
“We must attract as little [chūi] as possible.”
“We must attract as little attention as possible.”
Lan was exchanging his [gaitō] of shifting grays and [gurīnzu] for one of [kurai] [chairo], more ordinary, though of [bakkin] cut and weave.
Lan was exchanging his cloak of shifting grays and greens for one of dark brown, more ordinary, though of fine cut and weave.
His [iro]-changing [gaitō] made a large bulge in one of his [sadoru].
His color-changing cloak made a large bulge in one of his saddlebags.
“We do not go by our own [namae] here,”
“We do not go by our own names here,”
Moiraine continued.
Moiraine continued.
“Here I am known as Alys, and Lan is Andra.
“Here I am known as Alys, and Lan is Andra.
Remember that.
Remember that.
[yoi].
Good.
Let us be within the [kabe] before [yoru, kishi_knt] [kyacchi] us.
Let us be within the walls before night catches us.
The [mon] of Baerlon are closed from [nichibotsu] to [hinode].”
The gates of Baerlon are closed from sundown to sunrise.”
Lan led the [michi] down the [oka] and through the [hayashi] toward the [rogu] [kabe].
Lan led the way down the hill and through the woods toward the log wall.
The [dōro] passed [hanbun] a dozen [nōjō]—none lay [tojiru], and none of the [hitobito] finishing their [zatsuyō] seemed to [chūi shite kudasai] the [ryokō]—[endingu] at heavy wooden [mon] [ketsugō shita] with wide [suto rappu] of [kuro] [tetsu].
The road passed half a dozen farms—none lay close, and none of the people finishing their chores seemed to notice the travelers—ending at heavy wooden gates bound with wide straps of black iron.
They were closed tight, even [baai] the [nichi] was not down yet.
They were closed tight, even if the sun was not down yet.
Lan rode [tojiru] to the [kabe] and gave a tug to a frayed [rōpu] hanging down beside the [mon].
Lan rode close to the wall and gave a tug to a frayed rope hanging down beside the gates.
A [kane] clanged on the [sonota] [saido] of the [kabe].
A bell clanged on the other side of the wall.
Abruptly a wizened [kao] under a battered [nuno] [kyappu] peered down suspiciously from atop the [kabe], glaring between the cut-off [shūryō] of two of the [roguin suru], a [yoi] three [supan] over their [heddo].
Abruptly a wizened face under a battered cloth cap peered down suspiciously from atop the wall, glaring between the cut-off ends of two of the logs, a good three spans over their heads.
“What’s all this, eh?
“What’s all this, eh?
It’s too late in the [ichi nichi] to be [ōpuningu] this [mon].
It’s too late in the day to be opening this gate.
Too late, I say.
Too late, I say.
go around to the Whitebridge [mon] [baai] you want to .”
Go around to the Whitebridge Gate if you want to–”
Moiraine’s [māre] moved out to where the [otoko] atop the [kabe] had a clear [iken] of her.
Moiraine’s mare moved out to where the man atop the wall had a clear view of her.
Suddenly his [shiwa] deepened in a [kangeki]-toothed [egao], and he seemed to [yazutsu] between speaking and doing his [gimu].
Suddenly his wrinkles deepened in a gap-toothed smile, and he seemed to quiver between speaking and doing his duty.
“I didn’t know it was you, [shufu].
“I didn’t know it was you, mistress.
[taiki].
Wait.
I’ll be [migi] down.
I’ll be right down.
Just [taiki].
Just wait.
I’m coming.
I’m coming.
I’m coming.”
I’m coming.”
The [atama] dipped out of [kōkei], [shikashi] Rand could still hear muffled [sakebu] for them to [taizai] where they were, that he was coming.
The head dipped out of sight, but Rand could still hear muffled shouts for them to stay where they were, that he was coming.
With great creaks of disuse, the [migi]-[te] [mon] slowly swung outward.
With great creaks of disuse, the right-hand gate slowly swung outward.
It stopped when [ōpun] just wide enough for one [uma] to pass through at a [jikan], and the [mon kīpā] poked his [atama] into the [kangeki], flashed his [hanbun]-toothless [egao] at them again and darted back out of the [michi].
It stopped when open just wide enough for one horse to pass through at a time, and the gatekeeper poked his head into the gap, flashed his half-toothless smile at them again and darted back out of the way.
Moiraine followed Lan through, with Egwene [migi] behind her.
Moiraine followed Lan through, with Egwene right behind her.
Rand trotted [kumo] after Bela and found himself in a [semai] [sutorīto] fronted by high wooden [fensu] and [sōko], tall and windowless, broad [tobira] closed up tight.
Rand trotted Cloud after Bela and found himself in a narrow street fronted by high wooden fences and warehouses, tall and windowless, broad doors closed up tight.
Moiraine and Lan were already on [ashi], speaking to the [shiwa]-faced [mon kīpā], so Rand dismounted, too.
Moiraine and Lan were already on foot, speaking to the wrinkle-faced gatekeeper, so Rand dismounted, too.
The little [otoko], in a much-mended [gaitō] and [kōto], held his [nuno] [kyappu] crumpled in one [te] and ducked his [atama] whenever he spoke.
The little man, in a much-mended cloak and coat, held his cloth cap crumpled in one hand and ducked his head whenever he spoke.
He peered at those dismounting behind Lan and Moiraine, and shook his [atama].
He peered at those dismounting behind Lan and Moiraine, and shook his head.
“[hirano chihō de] [fōku].”
“Downcountry folk.”
He grinned.
He grinned.
“Why, [shufu] Alys, you taken up collecting [hirano chihō de] [fōku] with [hoshikusa] in their [kami]?”
“Why, Mistress Alys, you taken up collecting downcountry folk with hay in their hair?”
His [hyōjō] took in Thom Merrilin, then.
His look took in Thom Merrilin, then.
“You ain’t a sheepfarmer.
“You ain’t a sheepfarmer.
I remember letting you go through some [hi] back, I do.
I remember letting you go through some days back, I do.
Didn’t like your [torikku] [hirano chihō de], eh, [ginyūshijin]?”
Didn’t like your tricks downcountry, eh, gleeman?”
“I [kibō] you remembered to forget letting us through, [shujin] Avin,”
“I hope you remembered to forget letting us through, Master Avin,”
Lan said, pressing a [koin] into the [otoko]’s [muryō desu] [te].
Lan said, pressing a coin into the man’s free hand.
“And letting us back in, too.”
“And letting us back in, too.”
“No must for that, [shujin] Andra.
“No need for that, Master Andra.
No must for that.
No need for that.
You give me [takusan] when you went out.
You give me plenty when you went out.
[takusan].”
Plenty.”
Just the same, Avin made the [koin] disappear as deftly as [baai] he were a [ginyūshijin], too.
Just the same, Avin made the coin disappear as deftly as if he were a gleeman, too.
“I ain’t told nobody, and I won’t, neither.
“I ain’t told nobody, and I won’t, neither.
Especially not them Whitecloaks,”
Especially not them Whitecloaks,”
he finished with a scowl.
he finished with a scowl.
He pursed up his [kuchibiru] to [kushi], then glanced at Moiraine and swallowed, instead.
He pursed up his lips to spit, then glanced at Moiraine and swallowed, instead.
Rand blinked, [shikashi] kept his [kuchi no naka] shut.
Rand blinked, but kept his mouth shut.
The [tanin] did, too, though it appeared to be an [doryoku] for Mat.
The others did, too, though it appeared to be an effort for Mat.
[kodomo tachi] of the [hikari], Rand [shikō] wonderingly.
Children of the Light, Rand thought wonderingly.
[ie] told about the [kodomo tachi] by [gyōshō jin] and [shōnin] and [shōnin]’ [keibi] varied from [shōsan] to [nikushimi], [shikashi] all agreed the [kodomo tachi] hated Aes Sedai as much as they did [Kurai-yūjin].
Stories told about the Children by peddlers and merchants and merchants’ guards varied from admiration to hatred, but all agreed the Children hated Aes Sedai as much as they did Darkfriends.
He wondered [baai] this was more [meiwaku] already.
He wondered if this was more trouble already.
“The [kodomo tachi] are in Baerlon?”
“The Children are in Baerlon?”
Lan demanded.
Lan demanded.
“They surely are.”
“They surely are.”
The [mon kīpā] bobbed his [atama].
The gatekeeper bobbed his head.
“Came the same [ichi nichi] you left, as I recall.
“Came the same day you left, as I recall.
Ain’t nobody here likes them at all.
Ain’t nobody here likes them at all.
Most don’t let on, of [mochiron].”
Most don’t let on, of course.”
“Have they said why they are here?”
“Have they said why they are here?”
Moiraine asked intently.
Moiraine asked intently.
“Why they’re here, [shufu]?”
“Why they’re here, mistress?”
Avin was so astonished he forgot to [ahiru] his [atama].
Avin was so astonished he forgot to duck his head.
“Of [mochiron], they said why – Oh, I forgot.
“Of course, they said why – Oh, I forgot.
You been [hirano chihō de].
You been downcountry.
Likely you ain’t heard nothing [shikashi] [hitsuji] bleating.
Likely you ain’t heard nothing but sheep bleating.
They say they’re here because of what’s going on down in Ghealdan.
They say they’re here because of what’s going on down in Ghealdan.
The [doragon], you know – [yoku], him as calls himself [doragon].
The Dragon, you know – well, him as calls himself Dragon.
They say the [nakama]’s stirring up [aku] – which I expect he is – and they’re here to [sutanpu] it out, only he’s down there in Ghealdan, not here.
They say the fellow’s stirring up evil – which I expect he is – and they’re here to stamp it out, only he’s down there in Ghealdan, not here.
Just an [īwake] to meddle in [sonota] [hitobito]’s [bijinesu], is what I figure.
Just an excuse to meddle in other people’s business, is what I figure.
There’s already been the [doragon]’s [kiba] on some [hitobito]’s [tobira].”
There’s already been the Dragon’s Fang on some people’s doors.”
This [jikan] he did [kushi].
This time he did spit.
“Have they caused much [meiwaku], then?”
“Have they caused much trouble, then?”
Lan said, and Avin shook his [atama] vigorously.
Lan said, and Avin shook his head vigorously.
“Not that they don’t want to, I expect, only the [chiji] don’t trust them no more than I do.
“Not that they don’t want to, I expect, only the Governor don’t trust them no more than I do.
He won’t let [shikashi] maybe ten or so [uchigawa] the [kabe] at one [jikan], and ain’t they mad about that.
He won’t let but maybe ten or so inside the walls at one time, and ain’t they mad about that.
The [nokori] have a [kyanpu] a little [hōhō] [kita], I hear.
The rest have a camp a little ways north, I hear.
[kake] they got the [nōka] looking over their [kata].
Bet they got the farmers looking over their shoulders.
The ones that do come in, they just stalk around in those [shiroi] [gaitō], looking down their [hana] at honest [fōku].
The ones that do come in, they just stalk around in those white cloaks, looking down their noses at honest folk.
[sanpo] in the [hikari], they say, and it’s an [ōdā].
Walk in the Light, they say, and it’s an order.
Near come to [fuku] more than once with the wagoneers and [kōzan rōdōsha] and [sei ne tokoro] and all, and even the [udedokei], [shikashi] the [chiji] [nozon de iru] it all peaceful, and that’s how it’s been so far.
Near come to blows more than once with the wagoneers and miners and smelters and all, and even the Watch, but the Governor wants it all peaceful, and that’s how it’s been so far.
[baai] they’re hunting [aku], I say why aren’t they up in Saldaea?
If they’re hunting evil, I say why aren’t they up in Saldaea?
There’s some [shinsetsu] of [meiwaku] up there, I hear.
There’s some kind of trouble up there, I hear.
Or down in Ghealdan?
Or down in Ghealdan?
There’s been a big [tatakai] down there, they say.
There’s been a big battle down there, they say.
Real big.”
Real big.”
Moiraine drew a soft [iki].
Moiraine drew a soft breath.
“I had heard that Aes Sedai were going to Ghealdan.”
“I had heard that Aes Sedai were going to Ghealdan.”
“Yes, they did, [shufu].”
“Yes, they did, mistress.”
Avin’s [atama] started bobbing again.
Avin’s head started bobbing again.
“They went to Ghealdan, all [migi], and that’s what started this [tatakai], or so I hear.
“They went to Ghealdan, all right, and that’s what started this battle, or so I hear.
They say some of those Aes Sedai are [shin da].
They say some of those Aes Sedai are dead.
Maybe all of them.
Maybe all of them.
I know some [hitobito] don’t hold with Aes Sedai, [shikashi] I say, who else is going to [teishi] a false [doragon]?
I know some folks don’t hold with Aes Sedai, but I say, who else is going to stop a false Dragon?
Eh?
Eh?
And those damned [orokamono] who think they can be [dansei] Aes Sedai or some such.
And those damned fools who think they can be men Aes Sedai or some such.
What about them?
What about them?
[mochiron], some say – not the Whitecloaks, [kokoro], and not me, [shikashi] some [hitobito] – that maybe this [nakama] really is the [doragon] Reborn.
Course, some say – not the Whitecloaks, mind, and not me, but some folks – that maybe this fellow really is the Dragon Reborn.
He can do [monogoto], I hear.
He can do things, I hear.
[shiyō] the One [dengen o on ni shimasu].
Use the One Power.
There’s thousands following him.”
There’s thousands following him.”
“don’t be a [baka],”
“Don’t be a fool,”
Lan snapped, and Avin’s [kao] folded into a [kizutsuketa] [hyōjō].
Lan snapped, and Avin’s face folded into a hurt look.
“I’m only saying what I heard, ain’t I?
“I’m only saying what I heard, ain’t I?
Just what I heard, [shujin] Andra.
Just what I heard, Master Andra.
They say, some do, that he’s moving his [guntai] [higashi] and [minami], toward [namida].”
They say, some do, that he’s moving his army east and south, toward Tear.”
His [koe] became heavy with [imi].
His voice became heavy with meaning.
“They say he’s named them the [hitobito] of the [doragon].”
“They say he’s named them the People of the Dragon.”
“[namae] mean little,”
“Names mean little,”
Moiraine said calmly.
Moiraine said calmly.
[baai] anything she had heard disturbed her, she gave no outward [sain] of it now.
If anything she had heard disturbed her, she gave no outward sign of it now.
“You could [kōru] your [raba] [hitobito] of the [doragon], [baai] you wanted.”
“You could call your mule People of the Dragon, if you wanted.”
“Not likely, [shufu].”
“Not likely, mistress.”
Avin chuckled.
Avin chuckled.
“Not with the Whitecloaks around, for sure.
“Not with the Whitecloaks around, for sure.
I don’t expect anybody else would [hyōjō] kindly on a [namae] like that, neither.
I don’t expect anybody else would look kindly on a name like that, neither.
I see what you mean, [shikashi]…
I see what you mean, but…
oh, no, [shufu].
oh, no, mistress.
Not my [raba].”
Not my mule.”
“No [utagai] a wise [ketsudan],”
“No doubt a wise decision,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“Now we must be off.”
“Now we must be off.”
“And don’t you [shinpai], [shufu],”
“And don’t you worry, mistress,”
Avin said, with a [fukai] bob of his [atama], “I ain’t seen nobody.”
Avin said, with a deep bob of his head, “I ain’t seen nobody.”
He darted to the [mon] and began tugging it closed with quick [pikupiku].
He darted to the gate and began tugging it closed with quick jerks.
“Ain’t seen nobody, and ain’t seen nothing.”
“Ain’t seen nobody, and ain’t seen nothing.”
The [mon] thudded shut, and he pulled down the locking [bā] with a [rōpu].
The gate thudded shut, and he pulled down the locking bar with a rope.
“In [jijitsu], [shufu], this [mon] ain’t been [ōpun] in [hi].”
“In fact, mistress, this gate ain’t been open in days.”
“The [hikari] illumine you, Avin,”
“The Light illumine you, Avin,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
She led them away from the [mon], then.
She led them away from the gate, then.
Rand looked back, once, and Avin was still standing in [furonto] of the [mon].
Rand looked back, once, and Avin was still standing in front of the gate.
He seemed to be polishing a [koin] with an [hashi] of his [gaitō] and chuckling.
He seemed to be polishing a coin with an edge of his cloak and chuckling.
The [michi] led through [yogore] [machi] barely the [haba] of two [wagon], empty of [hitobito], all lined with [sōko] and occasional high, wooden [fensu].
The way led through dirt streets barely the width of two wagons, empty of people, all lined with warehouses and occasional high, wooden fences.
Rand walked a [jikan] beside the [ginyūshijin].
Rand walked a time beside the gleeman.
“Thom, what was all that about [namida], and the [hitobito] of the [doragon]?
“Thom, what was all that about Tear, and the People of the Dragon?
[namida] is a [toshi] all the [michi] down on the [umi] of [arashi], isn’t it?”
Tear is a city all the way down on the Sea of Storms, isn’t it?”
“The Karaethon [saikuru],”
“The Karaethon Cycle,”
Thom said curtly.
Thom said curtly.
Rand blinked.
Rand blinked.
The [yogen] of the [doragon].
The Prophecies of the Dragon.
“Nobody tells the…
“Nobody tells the…
those [ie] in the Two [kawa].
those stories in the Two Rivers.
Not in Emond’s [ryōiki], anyway.
Not in Emond’s Field, anyway.
The [chie] would [hada] them alive, [baai] they did.”
The Wisdom would skin them alive, if they did.”
“I suppose she would, at that,”
“I suppose she would, at that,”
Thom said dryly.
Thom said dryly.
He glanced at Moiraine up ahead with Lan, [mimashita] she could not [tachigiki], and went on.
He glanced at Moiraine up ahead with Lan, saw she could not overhear, and went on.
“[namida] is the greatest [pōto] on the [umi] of [arashi], and the [ishi] of [namida] is the [yōsai] that [keibi] it.
“Tear is the greatest port on the Sea of Storms, and the Stone of Tear is the fortress that guards it.
The [ishi] is said to be the [saisho] [yōsai] built after the Breaking of the [sekai], and in all this [jikan] it has never fallen, though more than one [guntai] has tried.
The Stone is said to be the first fortress built after the Breaking of the World, and in all this time it has never fallen, though more than one army has tried.
One of the [yogen] says that the [ishi] of [namida] will never [aki] until the [hitobito] of the [doragon] come to the [ishi].
One of the Prophecies says that the Stone of Tear will never fall until the People of the Dragon come to the Stone.
Another says the [ishi] will never [aki] till the [ken] That Cannot Be Touched is wielded by the [doragon]’s [te].”
Another says the Stone will never fall till the Sword That Cannot Be Touched is wielded by the Dragon’s hand.”
Thom grimaced.
Thom grimaced.
“The [aki] of the [ishi] will be one of the [ōte] [shōko] that the [doragon] has been reborn.
“The fall of the Stone will be one of the major proofs that the Dragon has been reborn.
May the [ishi] stand till I am [hokori].”
May the Stone stand till I am dust.”
“The [ken] that cannot be touched?”
“The sword that cannot be touched?”
“That’s what it says.
“That’s what it says.
I don’t know whether it really is a [ken].
I don’t know whether it really is a sword.
Whatever it is, it lies in the [kokoro] of the [ishi], the central [yōsai] of the [yōsai].
Whatever it is, it lies in the Heart of the Stone, the central citadel of the fortress.
None [shikashi] the Great [ryōshu] of [namida] can enter there, and they never speak of what lies [uchigawa].
None but the Great Lords of Tear can enter there, and they never speak of what lies inside.
Certainly not to gleemen, anyway.”
Certainly not to gleemen, anyway.”
Rand frowned.
Rand frowned.
“The [ishi] cannot [aki] until the [doragon] wields the [ken], [shikashi] how can he, unless the [ishi] has already fallen?
“The Stone cannot fall until the Dragon wields the sword, but how can he, unless the Stone has already fallen?
Is the [doragon] supposed to be a Great [omo] of [namida]?”
Is the Dragon supposed to be a Great Lord of Tear?”
“Not much [kikai] of that,”
“Not much chance of that,”
the [ginyūshijin] said dryly.
the gleeman said dryly.
“[namida] hates anything to do with the [dengen o on ni shimasu] even more than Amador, and Amador is the [honkyochi] of the [kodomo tachi] of the [hikari].”
“Tear hates anything to do with the Power even more than Amador, and Amador is the stronghold of the Children of the Light.”
“Then how can the [yogen] be fulfilled?”
“Then how can the Prophecy be fulfilled?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
“I’d like it [yoku] enough [baai] the [doragon] was never reborn, [shikashi] a [yogen] that cannot be fulfilled doesn’t make much [kankaku].
“I’d like it well enough if the Dragon was never reborn, but a prophecy that cannot be fulfilled doesn’t make much sense.
It [saundo] like a [monogatari] meant to make [hitobito] think the [doragon] never will be reborn.
It sounds like a story meant to make people think the Dragon never will be reborn.
Is that it?”
Is that it?”
“You ask an awful [takusan] of [shitsumon], [otokonoko],”
“You ask an awful lot of questions, boy,”
Thom said.
Thom said.
“A [yogen] that was easily fulfilled would not be [kachi ga aru] much, now would it?”
“A prophecy that was easily fulfilled would not be worth much, now would it?”
Suddenly his [koe] brightened.
Suddenly his voice brightened.
“[yoku], we’re here.
“Well, we’re here.
Wherever here is.”
Wherever here is.”
Lan had stopped by a [sekushon] of [atama]-high wooden [fensu] that looked no different from any [sonota] they had passed.
Lan had stopped by a section of head-high wooden fence that looked no different from any other they had passed.
He was working the [ha] of his [dagā] between two of the [bōdo].
He was working the blade of his dagger between two of the boards.
Abruptly he gave a [isaki] of [manzoku], pulled, and a [nagasa] of the [fensu] swung out like a [mon].
Abruptly he gave a grunt of satisfaction, pulled, and a length of the fence swung out like a gate.
In [jijitsu] it was a [mon], Rand [mimashita], though one meant to be opened only from the [sonota] [saido].
In fact it was a gate, Rand saw, though one meant to be opened only from the other side.
The [kinzoku] [racchi] that Lan had lifted with his [dagā] showed that.
The metal latch that Lan had lifted with his dagger showed that.
Moiraine went through immediately, [zumen] Aldieb behind her.
Moiraine went through immediately, drawing Aldieb behind her.
Lan motioned the [tanin] to follow, and brought up the [ria], closing the [mon] behind him.
Lan motioned the others to follow, and brought up the rear, closing the gate behind him.
On the [sonota] [saido] of the [fensu] Rand found himself in the stableyard of an [in].
On the other side of the fence Rand found himself in the stableyard of an inn.
A loud [kensō] and [kachakacha toyuu oto] came from the [tatemono]’s [kicchin], [shikashi] what struck him was its [saizu]; it covered more than twice as much [gurando] as the Winespring [in], and was four [ie] high besides.
A loud bustle and clatter came from the building’s kitchen, but what struck him was its size; it covered more than twice as much ground as the Winespring Inn, and was four stories high besides.
[yoku] over [hanbun] the windows were [kagayai te] in the deepening [towaihikari].
Well over half the windows were aglow in the deepening twilight.
He wondered at this [toshi] that could have so many [gaijin] in it.
He wondered at this city that could have so many strangers in it.
No sooner had they come [yoku] into the stableyard than three [dansei] in dirty [kyanbasu] [epuron] appeared at the huge [antei shita]’s broad, arched [tobira].
No sooner had they come well into the stableyard than three men in dirty canvas aprons appeared at the huge stable’s broad, arched doors.
One, a wiry [nakama] and the only one without a [hiryō] [fōku] in his [te], came forward waving his [ude].
One, a wiry fellow and the only one without a manure fork in his hands, came forward waving his arms.
“Here!
“Here!
Here!
Here!
You can’t come in that [michi]!
You can’t come in that way!
You’ll have to go round the [furonto]!”
You’ll have to go round the front!”
Lan’s [te] went to his [saifu] again, [shikashi] even as it did another [otoko], as big around as [shujin] al’Vere, came hurrying out of the [in].
Lan’s hand went to his purse again, but even as it did another man, as big around as Master al’Vere, came hurrying out of the inn.
[pafu] of [kami] stuck out above his [mimi], and his sparkling [shiroi] [epuron] was as [yoi] as a [sain] proclaiming him the [yadoya no shujin].
Puffs of hair stuck out above his ears, and his sparkling white apron was as good as a sign proclaiming him the innkeeper.
“It’s all [migi], Mutch,”
“It’s all right, Mutch,”
the [shinjin] said.
the newcomer said.
“It’s all [migi].
“It’s all right.
These [fōku] are expected [okyakusama].
These folk are expected guests.
Take [kaigo] of their [uma], now.
Take care of their horses, now.
[yoi] [kaigo].”
Good care.”
Mutch sullenly knuckled his [gaku], then motioned his two [dōkō] to come [tasukeru].
Mutch sullenly knuckled his forehead, then motioned his two companions to come help.
Rand and the [tanin] hurriedly got their [sadoru] and blanketrolls down [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] the [yadoya no shujin] turned to Moiraine.
Rand and the others hurriedly got their saddlebags and blanketrolls down while the innkeeper turned to Moiraine.
He gave her a [fukai] [bou], and spoke with a genuine [egao].
He gave her a deep bow, and spoke with a genuine smile.
“[yōkoso], [shufu] Alys.
“Welcome, Mistress Alys.
[yōkoso].
Welcome.
It’s [yoi] to be [mite] you, you and [shujin] Andra, both.
It’s good to be seeing you, you and Master Andra, both.
[hijō ni] [yoi].
Very good.
Your [bakkin] [kaiwa] has been missed.
Your fine conversation has been missed.
Yes, it has.
Yes, it has.
I must say I worried, you going [hirano chihō de] and all.
I must say I worried, you going downcountry and all.
[yoku], I mean, at a [jikan] like this, with the [tenkō] all crazy and [ōkami] howling [migi] up to the [kabe] in the [yoru, kishi_knt].”
Well, I mean, at a time like this, with the weather all crazy and wolves howling right up to the walls in the night.”
Abruptly he slapped both [te] against his round [hara] and shook his [atama].
Abruptly he slapped both hands against his round belly and shook his head.
“Here I go on like this, chattering away, instead of taking you [uchigawa].
“Here I go on like this, chattering away, instead of taking you inside.
Come.
Come.
Come.
Come.
[atsui] [shokuji] and [atatakai] [shindai], that’s what you’ll be wanting.
Hot meals and warm beds, that’s what you’ll be wanting.
And the best in Baerlon are [migi] here.
And the best in Baerlon are right here.
The [hijō ni] best.”
The very best.”
“And [atsui] [furo], too, I trust, [shujin] Fitch?”
“And hot baths, too, I trust, Master Fitch?”
Moiraine said, and Egwene echoed her fervently.
Moiraine said, and Egwene echoed her fervently.
“Oh, yes.”
“Oh, yes.”
“[furo]?”
“Baths?”
the [yadoya no shujin] said.
the innkeeper said.
“Why, just the best and the hottest in Baerlon.
“Why, just the best and the hottest in Baerlon.
Come.
Come.
[yōkoso] to the [sutaggu] and [raion].
Welcome to the Stag and Lion.
[yōkoso] to Baerlon.”
Welcome to Baerlon.”
[akira] 14
Chapter 14
The [sutaggu] and [raion]
The Stag and Lion
[uchigawa], the [in] was every [sukoshi] as busy as the [saundo] coming from it had indicated and more.
Inside, the inn was every bit as busy as the sounds coming from it had indicated and more.
The [pātī] from Emond’s [ryōiki] followed [shujin] Fitch through the [rimen] [tobira], soon [ori] around and between a constant [sutorīmu] of [dansei] and [josei] in long [epuron], [ōzara] of [tabemono] and [torē] of [dorinku] held high.
The party from Emond’s Field followed Master Fitch through the back door, soon weaving around and between a constant stream of men and women in long aprons, platters of food and trays of drink held high.
The [beara] murmured quick [shazai] when they got in anyone’s [michi], [shikashi] they never slowed by a [suteppu].
The bearers murmured quick apologies when they got in anyone’s way, but they never slowed by a step.
One of the [dansei] took hurried [juchū] from [shujin] Fitch and disappeared at a [jikkō].
One of the men took hurried orders from Master Fitch and disappeared at a run.
“The [in] is near full, I’m afraid,”
“The inn is near full, I’m afraid,”
the [yadoya no shujin] told Moiraine.
the innkeeper told Moiraine.
“Almost to the [taruki].
“Almost to the rafters.
Every [in] in the [machi] is the same.
Every inn in the town is the same.
With the [fuyu] we just had…
With the winter we just had…
[yoku], as soon as it cleared enough for them to get down out of the [yama] we were inundated – yes, that’s the [kotoba] – inundated by [dansei] from the mine and [sei ne tokoro], all [uranai] the most horrible [monogatari].
well, as soon as it cleared enough for them to get down out of the mountains we were inundated – yes, that’s the word – inundated by men from the mines and smelters, all telling the most horrible tales.
[ōkami], and worse.
Wolves, and worse.
The [shinsetsu] of [monogatari] [dansei] tell when they’ve been cooped up all [fuyu].
The kind of tales men tell when they’ve been cooped up all winter.
I can’t think there’s anyone left up there at all, we have that many here.
I can’t think there’s anyone left up there at all, we have that many here.
[shikashi] never [kyōfu].
But never fear.
[monogoto] may be a little crowded, [shikashi] I’ll do my best by you and [shujin] Andra.
Things may be a little crowded, but I’ll do my best by you and Master Andra.
And your [yūjin], too, of [mochiron].”
And your friends, too, of course.”
He glanced curiously once or twice at Rand and the [tanin]; except for Thom their [fuku] named them [kuni] [fōku], and Thom’s [ginyūshijin]’s [gaitō] made him a strange traveling [konpanion] as [yoku] for “[shufu] Alys”
He glanced curiously once or twice at Rand and the others; except for Thom their clothes named them country folk, and Thom’s gleeman’s cloak made him a strange traveling companion as well for “Mistress Alys”
and “[shujin] Andra.”
and “Master Andra”.
“I will do my best, you may [nokori] assured.”
“I will do my best, you may rest assured.”
Rand stared at the [kensō] around them and tried to avoid [kōfuku] stepped on, though none of the [tasukeru] really seemed to be in any [kiken] of that.
Rand stared at the bustle around them and tried to avoid being stepped on, though none of the help really seemed to be in any danger of that.
He kept thinking of how [shujin] al’Vere and his [tsuma] tended the Winespring [in] with sometimes a little [enjo] from their [musume].
He kept thinking of how Master al’Vere and his wife tended the Winespring Inn with sometimes a little assistance from their daughters.
Mat and Perrin craned their [kubi] in [intaresuto] toward the common [heya], from which rolled a [nami] of [warai] and singing and jovial shouting whenever the wide [tobira] at the [owari] of the [hōru] swung [ōpun].
Mat and Perrin craned their necks in interest toward the common room, from which rolled a wave of laughter and singing and jovial shouting whenever the wide door at the end of the hall swung open.
Muttering about finding out the [nyūsu], the [kanshu] grimly disappeared through that swinging [tobira], swallowed by a [nami] of [yōki].
Muttering about finding out the news, the Warder grimly disappeared through that swinging door, swallowed by a wave of merriment.
Rand wanted to follow him, [shikashi] he wanted a [furo] even more.
Rand wanted to follow him, but he wanted a bath even more.
He could have done with [hitobito] and laughing [migi] then, [shikashi] the common [heya] would appreciate his [sonzai kan] more when he was clean.
He could have done with people and laughing right then, but the common room would appreciate his presence more when he was clean.
Mat and Perrin apparently [kanjita] the same; Mat was scratching surreptitiously.
Mat and Perrin apparently felt the same; Mat was scratching surreptitiously.
“[shujin] Fitch,”
“Master Fitch,”
Moiraine said, “I understand there are [kodomo tachi] of the [hikari] in Baerlon.
Moiraine said, “I understand there are Children of the Light in Baerlon.
Is there likely to be [meiwaku]?”
Is there likely to be trouble?”
“Oh, never you [shinpai] about them, [shufu] Alys.
“Oh, never you worry about them, Mistress Alys.
They’re up to their usual [torikku].
They’re up to their usual tricks.
[kurēmu] there’s an Aes Sedai in the [machi].”
Claim there’s an Aes Sedai in the town.”
Moiraine lifted an [mayu], and the [yadoya no shujin] spread his plump [te].
Moiraine lifted an eyebrow, and the innkeeper spread his plump hands.
“don’t you [shinpai].
“Don’t you worry.
They’ve tried it before.
They’ve tried it before.
There’s no Aes Sedai in Baerlon, and the [chiji] knows it.
There’s no Aes Sedai in Baerlon, and the Governor knows it.
The Whitecloaks think [baai] they [shō] an Aes Sedai, some [onna] they [kurēmu] is an Aes Sedai, [hitobito] will let all of them [uchigawa] the [kabe].
The Whitecloaks think if they show an Aes Sedai, some woman they claim is an Aes Sedai, people will let all of them inside the walls.
[yoku], I suppose some would.
Well, I suppose some would.
Some would.
Some would.
[shikashi] most [hitobito] know what the Whitecloaks are up to, and they [sapōto] the [chiji].
But most people know what the Whitecloaks are up to, and they support the Governor.
No one [nozon de iru] to see some harmless old [onna] [kizutsuketa] just so the [kodomo tachi] can have an [īwake] for whipping up a [gyakujō].”
No one wants to see some harmless old woman hurt just so the Children can have an excuse for whipping up a frenzy.”
“I am glad to hear it,”
“I am glad to hear it,”
Moiraine said dryly.
Moiraine said dryly.
She put a [te] on the [yadoya no shujin]’s [āmu].
She put a hand on the innkeeper’s arm.
“Is [min] still here?
“Is Min still here?
I [negai] to [hanashi] with her, [baai] she is.”
I wish to talk with her, if she is.”
[shujin] Fitch’s [kotae] was lost to Rand in the [tōchaku] of [kyakushitsu jōmu in] to [rīdo] them to the [furo].
Master Fitch’s answer was lost to Rand in the arrival of attendants to lead them to the baths.
Moiraine and Egwene vanished behind a plump [onna] with a ready [egao] and an armload of [taoru].
Moiraine and Egwene vanished behind a plump woman with a ready smile and an armload of towels.
The [ginyūshijin] and Rand and his [yūjin] found themselves following a [wazuka ni], [kurai]-haired [nakama], Ara by [namae].
The gleeman and Rand and his friends found themselves following a slight, dark-haired fellow, Ara by name.
Rand tried asking Ara about Baerlon, [shikashi] the [otoko] barely said two [kotoba] together except to say Rand had a funny [akusento], and then the [saisho] [kōkei] of the [furo] [shitsu] [unten shita] all [shikō] of [hanashi] [migi] out of Rand’s [atama].
Rand tried asking Ara about Baerlon, but the man barely said two words together except to say Rand had a funny accent, and then the first sight of the bath chamber drove all thoughts of talk right out of Rand’s head.
A dozen tall, [dō] [shita yokusō] sat in a [sākuru] on the tiled [yuka], which sloped down slightly to a [dorein] in the [sentā] of the big stonewalled [heya].
A dozen tall, copper bathtubs sat in a circle on the tiled floor, which sloped down slightly to a drain in the center of the big stonewalled room.
A thick [taoru], neatly folded, and a large [kēki] of [kiiro] [sekken] sat on a [sutsūru] behind each [yokusō], and big [kuro] [tetsu] [boirā] of [mizu] stood heating over fires along one [kabe].
A thick towel, neatly folded, and a large cake of yellow soap sat on a stool behind each tub, and big black iron cauldrons of water stood heating over fires along one wall.
On the opposite [kabe] [roguin suru] blazing in a [fukai] [danro] added to the [ippan teki] [atataka].
On the opposite wall logs blazing in a deep fireplace added to the general warmth.
“Almost as [yoi] as the Winespring [in] back home,”
“Almost as good as the Winespring Inn back home,”
Perrin said loyally, [baai] not exactly with a great [chūi] to [shinjitsu].
Perrin said loyally, if not exactly with a great attention to truth.
Thom barked a [warai], and Mat sniggered, “[saundo] like we brought a [kopurin] with us and didn’t know it.”
Thom barked a laugh, and Mat sniggered, “Sounds like we brought a Coplin with us and didn’t know it.”
Rand shrugged out of his [gaitō] and stripped off his [fuku] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Ara filled four of the [dō] [yokusō].
Rand shrugged out of his cloak and stripped off his clothes while Ara filled four of the copper tubs.
None of the [tanin] was far behind Rand in choosing a [basu tabu].
None of the others was far behind Rand in choosing a bathtub.
Once their [fuku] were all in [yama] on the [sutsūru], Ara brought them each a large [baketsu] of [atsui] [mizu] and a [hishaku].
Once their clothes were all in piles on the stools, Ara brought them each a large bucket of hot water and a dipper.
That done, he sat on a [sutsūru] by the [tobira], leaning back against the [kabe] with his [ude] crossed, apparently lost in his own [shikō].
That done, he sat on a stool by the door, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed, apparently lost in his own thoughts.
There was little in the [michi] of [kaiwa] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] they lathered and sluiced away a [shū] of [yogore] with [kawagarasu] of steaming [mizu].
There was little in the way of conversation while they lathered and sluiced away a week of grime with dippers of steaming water.
Then it was into the [yokusō] for a long soak; Ara had made the [mizu] [atsui] enough that settling in was a [osoi] [purosesu] of luxuriant [tameiki].
Then it was into the tubs for a long soak; Ara had made the water hot enough that settling in was a slow process of luxuriant sighs.
The [kūki] in the [heya] went from [atatakai] to misty and [atsui].
The air in the room went from warm to misty and hot.
For a long [jikan] there was no [saundo] except the occasional long, relaxing [koki] as tight [kinniku] loosened and a [samusa] that they had come to think permanent was drawn out of their [hone].
For a long time there was no sound except the occasional long, relaxing exhalation as tight muscles loosened and a chill that they had come to think permanent was drawn out of their bones.
“must anything else?”
“Need anything else?”
Ara asked suddenly.
Ara asked suddenly.
He did not have much [heya] to [hanashi] about [hitobito]’s [akusento]; he and [shujin] Fitch both sounded as [baai] they had a [kuchi no naka] full of mush.
He did not have much room to talk about people’s accents; he and Master Fitch both sounded as if they had a mouth full of mush.
“More [taoru]?
“More towels?
More [atsui] [mizu]?”
More hot water?”
“Nothing,”
“Nothing,”
Thom said in his reverberant [koe].
Thom said in his reverberant voice.
[me] closed, he gave an indolent [nami] of his [te].
Eyes closed, he gave an indolent wave of his hand.
“go and enjoy the [yūgata].
“Go and enjoy the evening.
At a later [jikan] I will see that you receive more than adequate [hōshū] for your [sābisu o teikyō shite imasu].”
At a later time I will see that you receive more than adequate recompense for your services.”
He settled lower in the [yokusō], until the [mizu] covered everything [shikashi] his [me] and [hana].
He settled lower in the tub, until the water covered everything but his eyes and nose.
Ara’s [me] went to the [sutsūru] behind the [yokusō], where their [fuku] and [mochimono] were stacked.
Ara’s eyes went to the stools behind the tubs, where their clothes and belongings were stacked.
He glanced at the [bou], [shikashi] lingered longest over Rand’s [ken] and Perrin’s [ono].
He glanced at the bow, but lingered longest over Rand’s sword and Perrin’s axe.
“Is there [meiwaku] [hirano chihō de], too?”
“Is there trouble downcountry, too?”
he said abruptly.
he said abruptly.
“In the [kawa], or whatever you [kōru] it?”
“In the Rivers, or whatever you call it?”
“The Two [kawa],”
“The Two Rivers,”
Mat said, pronouncing each separate [kotoba] distinctly.
Mat said, pronouncing each separate word distinctly.
“It’s the Two [kawa].
“It’s the Two Rivers.
As for [meiwaku], why–”
As for trouble, why–”
“What do you mean, too?”
“What do you mean, too?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
“Is there some [shinsetsu] of [meiwaku] here?”
“Is there some kind of trouble here?”
Perrin, enjoying his soak, murmured, “[yoi]!
Perrin, enjoying his soak, murmured, “Good!
[yoi]!”
Good!”
Thom raised himself back up a little, and opened his [me].
Thom raised himself back up a little, and opened his eyes.
“Here?”
“Here?”
Ara snorted.
Ara snorted.
“[meiwaku]?
“Trouble?
[kōzan rōdōsha] having fistfights in the [machi] in the [kurai] of the [asa] aren’t [meiwaku].
Miners having fistfights in the streets in the dark of the morning aren’t trouble.
Or…”
Or…”
He stopped and eyed them a [shunkan].
He stopped and eyed them a moment.
“I meant the Ghealdan [shinsetsu] of [meiwaku],”
“I meant the Ghealdan kind of trouble,”
he said finally.
he said finally.
“No, I suppose not.
“No, I suppose not.
Nothing [shikashi] [hitsuji] [hirano chihō de], is there?
Nothing but sheep downcountry, is there?
No [hanzai].
No offense.
I just meant it’s [shizuka] down there.
I just meant it’s quiet down there.
Still, it’s been a strange [fuyu].
Still, it’s been a strange winter.
Strange [monogoto] in the [yama].
Strange things in the mountains.
I heard the [sonota] [ichi nichi] there were Trollocs up in Saldaea.
I heard the other day there were Trollocs up in Saldaea.
