The Eye of the World_14 Flashcards
“I am sure, [sara],”
“I am sure, Sara,”
[shujin] Fitch said carefully, “that everything will be up to your usual [takuetsu].”
Master Fitch said carefully, “that everything will be up to your usual excellence.”
With that he took one [saigo] suspicious [hyōjō] at the [kicchin] [tasukeru], then left with as much [songen] as he could manage.
With that he took one last suspicious look at the kitchen help, then left with as much dignity as he could manage.
[sara] waited until he was gone before briskly tying her [epuron] [moji retsu] again, then fastened her [me] on Rand.
Sara waited until he was gone before briskly tying her apron strings again, then fastened her eye on Rand.
“I suppose you want something to eat, eh?
“I suppose you want something to eat, eh?
[yoku], come on in.”
Well, come on in.”
She gave him a quick grin.
She gave him a quick grin.
“I don’t [hitokuchi], I don’t, no [mondai] what you may have seen as you shouldn’t.
“I don’t bite, I don’t, no matter what you may have seen as you shouldn’t.
Ciel, get the [wakamono] some [pan] and [chīzu] and [gyūnyū].
Ciel, get the lad some bread and cheese and milk.
That’s all there is [migi] now.
That’s all there is right now.
Sit yourself, [wakamono].
Sit yourself, lad.
Your [yūjin] have all gone out, except one [wakamono] I understand wasn’t [kanji] [yoku], and I expect you’ll be wanting to do the same.”
Your friends have all gone out, except one lad I understand wasn’t feeling well, and I expect you’ll be wanting to do the same.”
One of the serving [meido] brought a [torei] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Rand took a [sutsūru] at the [hyō].
One of the serving maids brought a tray while Rand took a stool at the table.
He began eating as the [ryōri jin] went back to kneading her [pan] dough, [shikashi] she was not finished talking.
He began eating as the cook went back to kneading her bread dough, but she was not finished talking.
“You mustn’t take any [kokoro] of what you [mimashita], now.
“You mustn’t take any mind of what you saw, now.
[shujin] Fitch is a [yoi] enough [otoko], though the best of you aren’t any [horidashimono].
Master Fitch is a good enough man, though the best of you aren’t any bargains.
It’s the [fōku] complaining as has him on [hashi], and what do they have to complain about?
It’s the folk complaining as has him on edge, and what do they have to complain about?
Would they rather find live [ratto] than [shin da] ones?
Would they rather find live rats than dead ones?
Though it isn’t like Cirri to [kyūka] his [teshigoto] behind.
Though it isn’t like Cirri to leave his handiwork behind.
And over a dozen?
And over a dozen?
Cirri wouldn’t let so many get into the [in], he wouldn’t.
Cirri wouldn’t let so many get into the inn, he wouldn’t.
It’s a clean [basho], too, and not one to be so troubled.
It’s a clean place, too, and not one to be so troubled.
And all with [bakkuappu shimasu] broken.”
And all with backs broken.”
She shook her [atama] at the [iwakan] of it all.
She shook her head at the strangeness of it all.
The [pan] and [chīzu] turned to [hai] in Rand’s [kuchi no naka].
The bread and cheese turned to ashes in Rand’s mouth.
“Their [bakkuappu shimasu] were broken?”
“Their backs were broken?”
The [ryōri jin] waved a floury [te].
The cook waved a floury hand.
“Think on happier [monogoto], that’s my [michi] of looking.
“Think on happier things, that’s my way of looking.
There’s a [ginyūshijin], you know.
There’s a gleeman, you know.
In the common [heya] [migi] this [bun].
In the common room right this minute.
[shikashi] then, you came with him, didn’t you?
But then, you came with him, didn’t you?
You are one of those as came with [shufu] Alys [saigo] [yūgata], aren’t you?
You are one of those as came with Mistress Alys last evening, aren’t you?
I [shikō] you were.
I thought you were.
I won’t get much [kikai] to see this [ginyūshijin] myself, I’m thinking, not with the [in] as full as it is, and most of them riffraff down from the mine.”
I won’t get much chance to see this gleeman myself, I’m thinking, not with the inn as full as it is, and most of them riffraff down from the mines.”
She gave the dough an especially heavy [kyōda].
She gave the dough an especially heavy thump.
“Not the [sōto] we’d let in most [kai], only the whole [machi] is filled up with them.
“Not the sort we’d let in most times, only the whole town is filled up with them.
[yori yoi] than some they could be, though, I suppose.
Better than some they could be, though, I suppose.
Why, I haven’t seen a [ginyūshijin] since before the [fuyu], and…“
Why, I haven’t seen a gleeman since before the winter, and…”
Rand ate mechanically, not tasting anything, not listening to what the [ryōri jin] said.
Rand ate mechanically, not tasting anything, not listening to what the cook said.
[shin da] [ratto], with their [bakkuappu shimasu] broken.
Dead rats, with their backs broken.
He finished his [chōshoku] hastily, stammered his [arigatō gozaimasu], and hurried out.
He finished his breakfast hastily, stammered his thanks, and hurried out.
He had to [hanashi] to [dare-ka].
He had to talk to someone.
The common [heya] of the [sutaggu] and [raion] shared little except its [mokuteki] with the same [heya] at the Winespring [in].
The common room of the Stag and Lion shared little except its purpose with the same room at the Winespring Inn.
It was twice as wide and three [kai] as long, and colorful [shashin] of ornate [tatemono] with [teien] of tall [kigi] and bright [hana] were painted high on the [kabe].
It was twice as wide and three times as long, and colorful pictures of ornate buildings with gardens of tall trees and bright flowers were painted high on the walls.
Instead of one huge [danro], a [irori] blazed on each [kabe], and [sukoa] of [hyō] filled the [yuka], with almost every [isu], [endai], or [sutsūru] taken.
Instead of one huge fireplace, a hearth blazed on each wall, and scores of tables filled the floor, with almost every chair, bench, or stool taken.
Every [otoko] among the [gunshū] of [jōren kyaku] with [paipu] in their [ha] and [magukappu] in their [kobushi] leaned forward with his [chūi] on one [koto]: Thom, standing atop a [hyō] in the [mannaka] of the [heya], his many colored [gaitō] tossed over a nearby [isu].
Every man among the crowd of patrons with pipes in their teeth and mugs in their fists leaned forward with his attention on one thing: Thom, standing atop a table in the middle of the room, his many colored cloak tossed over a nearby chair.
Even [shujin] Fitch held a [gin] [jokki] and a polishing [nuno] in motionless [te].
Even Master Fitch held a silver tankard and a polishing cloth in motionless hands.
“…prancing, [gin] hooves and proud, arched [kubi],”
“…prancing, silver hooves and proud, arched necks,”
Thom proclaimed, [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] somehow seeming not only to be riding a [uma], [shikashi] to be one of a long [kōshin] of [raidā].
Thom proclaimed, while somehow seeming not only to be riding a horse, but to be one of a long procession of riders.
“Silken manes [furattā] with tossed [heddo].
“Silken manes flutter with tossed heads.
A thousand streaming [banā] [muchi] [niji] against an endless [sora].
A thousand streaming banners whip rainbows against an endless sky.
A hundred brazen-throated [toranpetto] [furue] the [kūki], and [doramu] [garagara] like [kaminari].
A hundred brazen-throated trumpets shiver the air, and drums rattle like thunder.
[nami] on [nami], [kansei] [rōru] from [wocchā] in their thousands, [rōru] across the [yane] and [tō] of Illian, [kurasshu] and [kyūkei] unheard around the thousand [mimi] of [raidā] whose [me] and [kokoro] shine with their sacred [kuesuto].
Wave on wave, cheers roll from watchers in their thousands, roll across the rooftops and towers of Illian, crash and break unheard around the thousand ears of riders whose eyes and hearts shine with their sacred quest.
The Great [kari] of the [hōn] rides forth, rides to seek the [hōn] of Valere that will summon the [eiyū] of the [toshi] back from the [haka] to [tatakai] for the [hikari]…“
The Great Hunt of the Horn rides forth, rides to seek the Horn of Valere that will summon the heroes of the Ages back from the grave to battle for the Light…”
It was what the [ginyūshijin] had called [heiya] Chant, those [yoru] beside the [kasai] on the [noru] [kita].
It was what the gleeman had called Plain Chant, those nights beside the fire on the ride north.
[ie], he said, were told in three [koe], High Chant, [heiya] Chant, and Common, which meant simply [uranai] it the [michi] you might tell your [rinjin] about your [sakumotsu].
Stories, he said, were told in three voices, High Chant, Plain Chant, and Common, which meant simply telling it the way you might tell your neighbor about your crop.
Thom told [ie] in Common, [shikashi] he did not bother to hide his [keibetsu] for the [koe].
Thom told stories in Common, but he did not bother to hide his contempt for the voice.
Rand closed the [tobira] without going in and slumped against the [kabe].
Rand closed the door without going in and slumped against the wall.
He would get no [jogen] from Thom.
He would get no advice from Thom.
Moiraine – what would she do [baai] she knew?
Moiraine – what would she do if she knew?
He became aware of [hitobito] staring at him as they passed, and realized he was muttering under his [iki].
He became aware of people staring at him as they passed, and realized he was muttering under his breath.
Smoothing his [kōto], he straightened.
Smoothing his coat, he straightened.
He had to [hanashi] to somebody.
He had to talk to somebody.
The [ryōri jin] had said one of the [tanin] had not gone out.
The cook had said one of the others had not gone out.
It was an [doryoku] not to [jikkō].
It was an effort not to run.
When he rapped on the [tobira] of the [heya] where the [sonota] [otokonoko] had slept and poked his [atama] in, only Perrin was there, lying on his [shindai] and still not dressed.
When he rapped on the door of the room where the other boys had slept and poked his head in, only Perrin was there, lying on his bed and still not dressed.
He twisted his [atama] on the [makura] to [hyōjō] at Rand, then closed his [me] again.
He twisted his head on the pillow to look at Rand, then closed his eyes again.
Mat’s [bou] and [yazutsu] were propped in the [kōnā].
Mat’s bow and quiver were propped in the corner.
“I heard you weren’t [kanji] [yoku],”
“I heard you weren’t feeling well,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
He came in and sat on the next [shindai].
He came in and sat on the next bed.
“I just wanted to [hanashi].
“I just wanted to talk.
I…”
I…”
He did not know how to bring it up, he realized.
He did not know how to bring it up, he realized.
“[baai] you’re sick,”
“If you’re sick,”
he said, [hanbun] standing, “maybe you ought to [suimin].
he said, half standing, “maybe you ought to sleep.
I can go.”
I can go.”
“I don’t know [baai] I’ll ever [suimin] again.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever sleep again.”
Perrin sighed.
Perrin sighed.
“I had a bad [yume], [baai] you must know, and couldn’t get back to [suimin].
“I had a bad dream, if you must know, and couldn’t get back to sleep.
Mat will quick enough to tell you.
Mat will quick enough to tell you.
He laughed this [asa], when I told them why I was too tired to go out with him, [shikashi] he dreamed; too.
He laughed this morning, when I told them why I was too tired to go out with him, but he dreamed; too.
I listened to him for most of the [yoru, kishi_knt], tossing and muttering, and you can’t tell me he got a [yoi] [yoru, kishi_knt]’s [suimin].”
I listened to him for most of the night, tossing and muttering, and you can’t tell me he got a good night’s sleep.”
He threw a thick [āmu] across his [me].
He threw a thick arm across his eyes.
“[hikari], [shikashi] I’m tired.
“Light, but I’m tired.
Maybe [baai] I just [taizai] here for an [jikan] or two, I’ll feel like getting up.
Maybe if I just stay here for an hour or two, I’ll feel like getting up.
Mat will never let me hear the [owari] of it [baai] I [misu] [mite] Baerlon because of a [yume].”
Mat will never let me hear the end of it if I miss seeing Baerlon because of a dream.”
Rand slowly lowered himself to the [shindai] again.
Rand slowly lowered himself to the bed again.
He licked his [kuchibiru], then said quickly, “Did he kill a [ratto]?”
He licked his lips, then said quickly, “Did he kill a rat?”
Perrin lowered his [āmu] and stared at him.
Perrin lowered his arm and stared at him.
“You, too?”
“You, too?”
he said finally.
he said finally.
When Rand nodded, he said, “I [negai] I was back home.
When Rand nodded, he said, “I wish I was back home.
He told me…
He told me…
he said…
he said…
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
Have you told Moiraine?”
Have you told Moiraine?”
“No.
“No.
Not yet.
Not yet.
Maybe I won’t.
Maybe I won’t.
I don’t know.
I don’t know.
What about you?”
What about you?”
“He said…
“He said…
[chi] and [hai], Rand, I don’t know.”
Blood and ashes, Rand, I don’t know.”
Perrin raised up on his [hiji] abruptly.
Perrin raised up on his elbow abruptly.
“Do you think Mat had the same [yume]?
“Do you think Mat had the same dream?
He laughed, [shikashi] it sounded forced, and he looked funny when I said I couldn’t [suimin] because of a [yume].”
He laughed, but it sounded forced, and he looked funny when I said I couldn’t sleep because of a dream.”
“Maybe he did,”
“Maybe he did,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
Guiltily, he [kanjita] relieved he was not the only one.
Guiltily, he felt relieved he was not the only one.
“I was going to ask Thom for [jogen].
“I was going to ask Thom for advice.
He’s seen a [takusan] of the [sekai].
He’s seen a lot of the world.
You…
You…
you don’t think we should tell Moiraine, do you?”
you don’t think we should tell Moiraine, do you?”
Perrin fell back on his [makura].
Perrin fell back on his pillow.
“You’ve heard the [ie] about Aes Sedai.
“You’ve heard the stories about Aes Sedai.
Do you think we can trust Thom?
Do you think we can trust Thom?
[baai] we can trust anybody.
If we can trust anybody.
Rand, [baai] we get out of this alive, [baai] we ever get back home, and you hear me say anything about leaving Emond’s [ryōiki], even to go as far as [udedokei] [oka], you [kikku, keru] me.
Rand, if we get out of this alive, if we ever get back home, and you hear me say anything about leaving Emond’s Field, even to go as far as Watch Hill, you kick me.
All [migi]?”
All right?”
“That’s no [michi] to [hanashi],”
“That’s no way to talk,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
He put on a [egao], as cheerful as he could make it.
He put on a smile, as cheerful as he could make it.
“Of [mochiron] we’ll get home.
“Of course we’ll get home.
Come on, get up.
Come on, get up.
We’re in a [toshi], and we have a whole [ichi nichi] to see it.
We’re in a city, and we have a whole day to see it.
Where are your [fuku]?”
Where are your clothes?”
“You go.
“You go.
I just want to lie here awhile.”
I just want to lie here awhile.”
Perrin put his [āmu] back across his [me].
Perrin put his arm back across his eyes.
“You go ahead.
“You go ahead.
I’ll [kyacchi] you up in an [jikan] or two.”
I’ll catch you up in an hour or two.”
“It’s your [sonshitsu],”
“It’s your loss,”
Rand said as he got up.
Rand said as he got up.
“Think of what you might [misu].”
“Think of what you might miss.”
He stopped at the [tobira].
He stopped at the door.
“Baerlon.
“Baerlon.
How many [kai] have we talked about [mite] Baerlon one [ichi nichi]?”
How many times have we talked about seeing Baerlon one day?”
Perrin lay there with his [me] covered and did not say a [kotoba].
Perrin lay there with his eyes covered and did not say a word.
After a [bun] Rand stepped out and closed the [tobira] behind him.
After a minute Rand stepped out and closed the door behind him.
In the [rōka] he leaned against the [kabe], his [egao] fading.
In the hallway he leaned against the wall, his smile fading.
His [atama] still [kizutsuketa]; it was worse, not [yori yoi].
His head still hurt; it was worse, not better.
He could not [shigoto] up much [netsui] for Baerlon, either, not now.
He could not work up much enthusiasm for Baerlon, either, not now.
He could not summon [netsui] about anything.
He could not summon enthusiasm about anything.
A [koshimoto] came by, her [ude] full of [shīto], and gave him a concerned [hyōjō].
A chambermaid came by, her arms full of sheets, and gave him a concerned look.
Before she could speak he moved off down the [hōru], shrugging into his [gaitō].
Before she could speak he moved off down the hall, shrugging into his cloak.
Thom would not be finished in the common [heya] for [jikan] yet.
Thom would not be finished in the common room for hours yet.
He might as [yoku] see what he could.
He might as well see what he could.
Perhaps he could find Mat, and see [baai] Ba’alzamon had been in his dreams, too.
Perhaps he could find Mat, and see if Ba’alzamon had been in his dreams, too.
He went downstairs more slowly this [jikan], rubbing his [tera].
He went downstairs more slowly this time, rubbing his temple.
The [kaidan] ended near the [kicchin], so he took that [michi] out, nodding to [sara] [shikashi] hurrying on when she seemed about to take up where she had left off.
The stairs ended near the kitchen, so he took that way out, nodding to Sara but hurrying on when she seemed about to take up where she had left off.
The stableyard was empty except for Mutch, standing in the [antei shita] [tobira], and one of the [sonota] ostlers carrying a [fukuro] on his [kata] into the [antei shita].
The stableyard was empty except for Mutch, standing in the stable door, and one of the other ostlers carrying a sack on his shoulder into the stable.
Rand nodded to Mutch, too, [shikashi] the [umaya tsutomu in] gave him a truculent [hyōjō] and went [uchigawa].
Rand nodded to Mutch, too, but the stableman gave him a truculent look and went inside.
He hoped the [nokori] of the [toshi] was more like [sara] and less like Mutch.
He hoped the rest of the city was more like Sara and less like Mutch.
Ready to see what a [toshi] was like, he picked up his [suteppu].
Ready to see what a city was like, he picked up his step.
At the [ōpun] stableyard [mon], he stopped and stared.
At the open stableyard gates, he stopped and stared.
[hitobito] packed the [sutorīto] like [hitsuji] in a [pen], [hitobito] swathed to the [me] in [gaitō] and [kōto], [bōshi] pulled down against the [samui], [ori] in and out at a quick [suteppu] as though the [kaze] whistling over the [yane] blew them along, elbowing past one another with barely a [kotoba] or a [ichimoku].
People packed the street like sheep in a pen, people swathed to the eyes in cloaks and coats, hats pulled down against the cold, weaving in and out at a quick step as though the wind whistling over the rooftops blew them along, elbowing past one another with barely a word or a glance.
All [gaijin], he [shikō].
All strangers, he thought.
None of them know each [sonota].
None of them know each other.
The smells were strange, too, sharp and sour and [amai] all mixed in a [yose atsume] that had him rubbing his [hana].
The smells were strange, too, sharp and sour and sweet all mixed in a hodgepodge that had him rubbing his nose.
Even at the [takasa] of [matsuri] he had never seen so many [hitobito] so jammed together.
Even at the height of Festival he had never seen so many people so jammed together.
Not even [hanbun] so many.
Not even half so many.
And this was only one [sutorīto].
And this was only one street.
[shujin] Fitch and the [ryōri jin] said the whole [toshi] was full.
Master Fitch and the cook said the whole city was full.
The whole [toshi]…
The whole city…
like this?
like this?
He backed slowly away from the [mon], away from the [sutorīto] full of [hitobito].
He backed slowly away from the gate, away from the street full of people.
It really was not [migi] to go off and [kyūka] Perrin sick in [shindai].
It really was not right to go off and leave Perrin sick in bed.
And what [baai] Thom finished his storytelling [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Rand was off in the [toshi]?
And what if Thom finished his storytelling while Rand was off in the city?
The [ginyūshijin] might go out himself, and Rand needed to [hanashi] to [dare-ka].
The gleeman might go out himself, and Rand needed to talk to someone.
Much [yori yoi] to [taiki] a [sukoshi].
Much better to wait a bit.
He breathed a [tameiki] of [ando] as he turned his [senaka] on the swarming [sutorīto].
He breathed a sigh of relief as he turned his back on the swarming street.
Going back [uchigawa] the [in] did not [apīru] to him, though, not with his [zutsū].
Going back inside the inn did not appeal to him, though, not with his headache.
He sat on an upended [bareru] against the [rimen] of the [in] and hoped the [samui] [kūki] might [tasukeru] his [atama].
He sat on an upended barrel against the back of the inn and hoped the cold air might help his head.
Mutch came to the [antei shita] [tobira] from [jikan] to [jikan] to [gyōshi] at him, and even across the stableyard he could make out the [nakama]’s disapproving scowl.
Mutch came to the stable door from time to time to stare at him, and even across the stableyard he could make out the fellow’s disapproving scowl.
Was it [kuni] [hitobito] the [otoko] did not like?
Was it country people the man did not like?
Or had he been embarrassed by [shujin] Fitch [aisatsu] them after he had tried to [cheisu] them off for coming in the [rimen] [michi]?
Or had he been embarrassed by Master Fitch greeting them after he had tried to chase them off for coming in the back way?
Maybe he’s a [Kurai-yūjin], he [shikō], expecting to [fukumiwarai] at the [kangae], [shikashi] it was not a funny [shikō].
Maybe he’s a Darkfriend, he thought, expecting to chuckle at the idea, but it was not a funny thought.
He rubbed his [te] along the [moyō] of Tam’s [ken].
He rubbed his hand along the hilt of Tam’s sword.
There was not much left that was funny at all.
There was not much left that was funny at all.
“A [hitsuji kai] with a [heron]-[māku] [ken],”
“A shepherd with a heron-mark sword,”
said a [hikui], [onna]’s [koe].
said a low, woman’s voice.
“That’s almost enough to make me [shinjiru] anything.
“That’s almost enough to make me believe anything.
What [meiwaku] are you in, [hirano chihō de] [otokonoko]?”
What trouble are you in, downcountry boy?”
Startled, Rand jumped to his [ashi].
Startled, Rand jumped to his feet.
It was the [sakumotsu]-haired young [onna] who had been with Moiraine when he came out of the [furo] [shitsu], still dressed in a [otokonoko]’s [kōto] and [zubon].
It was the crop-haired young woman who had been with Moiraine when he came out of the bath chamber, still dressed in a boy’s coat and breeches.
She was a little older than he was, he [shikō], with [kurai] [me] even bigger than Egwene’s, and oddly [ito].
She was a little older than he was, he thought, with dark eyes even bigger than Egwene’s, and oddly intent.
“You are Rand, aren’t you?”
“You are Rand, aren’t you?”
she went on.
she went on.
“My [namae] is [min].”
“My name is Min.”
“I’m not in [meiwaku],”
“I’m not in trouble,”
he said.
he said.
He did not know what Moiraine had told her, [shikashi] he remembered Lan’s [kunkai] not to attract any [chūi shite kudasai].
He did not know what Moiraine had told her, but he remembered Lan’s admonition not to attract any notice.
“What makes you think I’m in [meiwaku]?
“What makes you think I’m in trouble?
The Two [kawa] is a [shizuka] [basho], and we’re all [shizuka] [hitobito].
The Two Rivers is a quiet place, and we’re all quiet people.
No [basho] for [meiwaku], unless it has to do with [sakumotsu], or [hitsuji].”
No place for trouble, unless it has to do with crops, or sheep.”
“[shizuka]?”
“Quiet?”
[min] said with a faint [egao].
Min said with a faint smile.
“I’ve heard [dansei] [hanashi] about you Two [kawa] [fōku].
“I’ve heard men talk about you Two Rivers folk.
I’ve heard the [jōku] about wooden-headed [hitsuji kai], and then there are [dansei] who have actually been [hirano chihō de].”
I’ve heard the jokes about wooden-headed sheepherders, and then there are men who have actually been downcountry.”
“Wooden-headed?”
“Wooden-headed?”
Rand said, frowning.
Rand said, frowning.
“What [jōku]?”
“What jokes?”
“The ones who know,”
“The ones who know,”
she went on as [baai] he had not spoken, “say you [sanpo] around all [egao] and [reigi tadashisa], just as meek and soft as [batā].
she went on as if he had not spoken, “say you walk around all smiles and politeness, just as meek and soft as butter.
On the [hyōmen], anyway.
On the surface, anyway.
Underneath, they say, you’re all as tough as old [ōku zai] [rūtsu].
Underneath, they say, you’re all as tough as old oak roots.
Prod too hard, they say, and you dig up [ishi].
Prod too hard, they say, and you dig up stone.
[shikashi] the [ishi] isn’t buried [hijō ni] [fukai] in you, or in your [yūjin].
But the stone isn’t buried very deep in you, or in your friends.
It’s as [baai] a [arashi] has scoured away almost all the covering.
It’s as if a storm has scoured away almost all the covering.
Moiraine didn’t tell me everything, [shikashi] I see what see.”
Moiraine didn’t tell me everything, but I see what see.”
Old [ōku zai] [rūtsu]?
Old oak roots?
[ishi]?
Stone?
It hardly sounded like the [sōto] of [koto] the [shōnin] or their [hitobito] would say.
It hardly sounded like the sort of thing the merchants or their people would say.
That [saigo] made him [janpu], though.
That last made him jump, though.
He looked around quickly; the stableyard was empty; and the nearest windows were closed.
He looked around quickly; the stableyard was empty; and the nearest windows were closed.
“I don’t know anybody named – what was it again?”
“I don’t know anybody named – what was it again?”
“[shufu] Alys, then, [baai] you prefer,”
“Mistress Alys, then, if you prefer,”
[min] said with an amused [hyōjō] that made his [hō] [iro].
Min said with an amused look that made his cheeks color.
“There’s no one [tojiru] enough to hear.”
“There’s no one close enough to hear.”
“What makes you think [shufu] Alys has another [namae]?”
“What makes you think Mistress Alys has another name?”
“Because she told me,”
“Because she told me,”
[min] said, so patiently that he blushed again.
Min said, so patiently that he blushed again.
“Not that she had a [sentaku], I suppose.
“Not that she had a choice, I suppose.
I [mimashita] she was…
I saw she was…
different…
different…
[migi] away.
right away.
When she stopped here before, on her [michi] [hirano chihō de].
When she stopped here before, on her way downcountry.
She knew about me.
She knew about me.
I’ve talked to…
I’ve talked to…
[tanin] like her before.”
others like her before.”
“’[mimashita]’?”
“’Saw’?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“[yoku], I don’t suppose you’ll go running to the [kodomo tachi].
“Well, I don’t suppose you’ll go running to the Children.
Not considering who your traveling [dōkō] are.
Not considering who your traveling companions are.
The Whitecloaks wouldn’t like what I do any more than they like what she does.”
The Whitecloaks wouldn’t like what I do any more than they like what she does.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t understand.”
“She says I see [ko] of the [moyō].”
“She says I see pieces of the Pattern.
[min] gave a little [warai] and shook her [atama].
“ Min gave a little laugh and shook her head.
“[saundo] too grand, to me.
“Sounds too grand, to me.
I just see [monogoto] when I [hyōjō] at [hitobito], and sometimes I know what they mean.
I just see things when I look at people, and sometimes I know what they mean.
I [hyōjō] at a [otoko] and a [onna] who’ve never even talked to one another, and I know they’ll marry.
I look at a man and a woman who’ve never even talked to one another, and I know they’ll marry.
And they do.
And they do.
That [sōto] of [koto].
That sort of thing.
She wanted me to [hyōjō] at you.
She wanted me to look at you.
All of you together.”
All of you together.”
Rand shivered.
Rand shivered.
“And what did you see?”
“And what did you see?”
“When you’re all in a [gurūpu]?
“When you’re all in a group?
[supākusu] swirling around you, thousands of them, and a big [kage], [kurai]er than [mayonaka].
Sparks swirling around you, thousands of them, and a big shadow, darker than midnight.
It’s so strong, I almost [fushigi] why everybody can’t see it.
It’s so strong, I almost wonder why everybody can’t see it.
The [supākusu] are trying to [nuritsubushi] the [kage], and the [kage] is trying to [tsubame] the [supākusu].”
The sparks are trying to fill the shadow, and the shadow is trying to swallow the sparks.”
She shrugged.
She shrugged.
“You are all tied together in something dangerous, [shikashi] I can’t make any more of it.”
“You are all tied together in something dangerous, but I can’t make any more of it.”
“All of us?”
“All of us?”
Rand muttered.
Rand muttered.
“Egwene, too?
“Egwene, too?
[shikashi] they weren’t after – I mean—”
But they weren’t after – I mean —”
[min] did not seem to [chūi shite kudasai] his [surippu].
Min did not seem to notice his slip.
“The [onnanoko] —?
“The girl —?
She’s [ichibu] of it.
She’s part of it.
And the [ginyūshijin].
And the gleeman.
All of you.
All of you.
You’re in [ai] with her.”
You’re in love with her.”
He stared at her.
He stared at her.
“I can tell that even without [mite] any [gazō].
“I can tell that even without seeing any images.
She loves you, too, [shikashi] she’s not for you, or you for her either.
She loves you, too, but she’s not for you, or you for her either.
Not the [michi] you both want.”
Not the way you both want.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“When I [hyōjō] at her, I see the same as when I [hyōjō] at…
“When I look at her, I see the same as when I look at…
[shufu] Alys.
Mistress Alys.
[sonota] [monogoto], [monogoto] I don’t understand, too, [shikashi] I know what that means.
Other things, things I don’t understand, too, but I know what that means.
She won’t [kyohi shimasu] it.”
She won’t refuse it.”
“This is all [orokasa],”
“This is all foolishness,”
Rand said uncomfortably.
Rand said uncomfortably.
His [zutsū] was fading to [shibire]; his [atama] [kanjita] packed with [wuru].
His headache was fading to numbness; his head felt packed with wool.
He wanted to get away from this [onnanoko] and the [monogoto] she [mimashita].
He wanted to get away from this girl and the things she saw.
And yet…”
And yet…”
What do you see when you [hyōjō] at…
What do you see when you look at…
the [nokori] of us?”
the rest of us?”
“All [sōto shimasu] of [monogoto],”
“All sorts of things,”
[min] said, with a grin as [baai] she knew what he really wanted to ask.
Min said, with a grin as if she knew what he really wanted to ask.
“The [sensō]…
“The War…
ah…
ah…
[shujin] Andra has seven ruined [tō] around his [atama], and a [kawaii] in a [kurē doru] holding a [ken], and…“
Master Andra has seven ruined towers around his head, and a babe in a cradle holding a sword, and…
She shook her [atama].
“ She shook her head.
“[dansei] like him – you understand?
“Men like him – you understand?
– always have so many [gazō] they [gunshū] one another.
– always have so many images they crowd one another.
The strongest [gazō] around the [ginyūshijin] are a [otoko] – not him – juggling [kasai], and the [shiroi] [tawā], and that doesn’t make any [kankaku] at all for a [otoko].
The strongest images around the gleeman are a man – not him – juggling fire, and the White Tower, and that doesn’t make any sense at all for a man.
The strongest [monogoto] I see about the big, curly-haired [nakama] are a [ōkami], and a broken [kuraun], and [kigi] flowering all around him.
The strongest things I see about the big, curly-haired fellow are a wolf, and a broken crown, and trees flowering all around him.
And the [sonota] one – a [akai] [washi], an [me] on a [baransu] [sukēru], a [dagā] with a [rubī], a [hōn], and a laughing [kao].
And the other one – a red eagle, an eye on a balance scale, a dagger with a ruby, a horn, and a laughing face.
There are [sonota] [monogoto], [shikashi] you see what I mean.
There are other things, but you see what I mean.
This [jikan] I can’t make up or down out of any of it.”
This time I can’t make up or down out of any of it.”
She waited then, still grinning, until he finally cleared his [nodo] and asked.
She waited then, still grinning, until he finally cleared his throat and asked.
“What about me?”
“What about me?”
Her grin stopped just short of outright [warai].
Her grin stopped just short of outright laughter.
“The same [shinsetsu] of [monogoto] as the [nokori].
“The same kind of things as the rest.
A [ken] that isn’t a [ken], a golden [kuraun] of [gekkeiju] leaves, a [kojiki]’s [sutaffu], you pouring [mizu] on [suna], a bloody [te] and a [shiroi]-[atsui] [tetsu], three [josei] standing over a [sōgi] [kan dai] with you on it, [kuro] [iwa] wet with [chi]—”
A sword that isn’t a sword, a golden crown of laurel leaves, a beggar’s staff, you pouring water on sand, a bloody hand and a white-hot iron, three women standing over a funeral bier with you on it, black rock wet with blood —”
“All [migi],”
“All right,”
he broke in uneasily.
he broke in uneasily.
“You don’t have to [risuto] it all.”
“You don’t have to list it all.”
“Most of all, I see [keiryō-ka] around you, some striking at you, some coming out of you.
“Most of all, I see lightning around you, some striking at you, some coming out of you.
I don’t know what any of it means, except for one [koto].
I don’t know what any of it means, except for one thing.
You and I will meet again.”
You and I will meet again.”
She gave him a quizzical [hyōjō], as [baai] she did not understand that either.
She gave him a quizzical look, as if she did not understand that either.
“Why shouldn’t we?”
“Why shouldn’t we?”
he said.
he said.
“I’ll be coming back this [michi] on my [michi] home.”
“I’ll be coming back this way on my way home.”
“I suppose you will, at that.”
“I suppose you will, at that.”
Suddenly her grin was back, [hiniku] and mysterious, and she patted his [hō].
Suddenly her grin was back, wry and mysterious, and she patted his cheek.
“[shikashi] [baai] I told you everything I [mimashita], you’d be as curly-haired as your [yūjin] with the [kata].”
“But if I told you everything I saw, you’d be as curly-haired as your friend with the shoulders.”
He jerked back from her [te] as [baai] it were [akai]-[atsui].
He jerked back from her hand as if it were red-hot.
“What do you mean?
“What do you mean?
Do you see anything about [ratto]?
Do you see anything about rats?
Or dreams?”
Or dreams?”
“[ratto]!
“Rats!
No, no [ratto].
No, no rats.
As for dreams, maybe it’s your [kangae] of a [yume], [shikashi] I never [shikō] it was mine.”
As for dreams, maybe it’s your idea of a dream, but I never thought it was mine.”
He wondered [baai] she was crazy, grinning like that.
He wondered if she was crazy, grinning like that.
“I have to go,”
“I have to go,”
he said, edging around her.
he said, edging around her.
“I…
“I…
I have to meet my [yūjin].”
I have to meet my friends.”
“go, then.
“Go, then.
[shikashi] you won’t [dasshutsu].”
But you won’t escape.”
He didn’t exactly [kyūkei] into a [jikkō], [shikashi] every [suteppu] he took was quicker than the [suteppu] before.
He didn’t exactly break into a run, but every step he took was quicker than the step before.
“[jikkō], [baai] you want,”
“Run, if you want,”
she called after him.
she called after him.
“You can’t [dasshutsu] from me.”
“You can’t escape from me.”
Her [warai] sped him across the stableyard and out into the [sutorīto], into the [sōdō] of [hitobito].
Her laughter sped him across the stableyard and out into the street, into the hubbub of people.
Her [saigo] [kotoba] were too [tojiru] to what Ba’alzamon had said.
Her last words were too close to what Ba’alzamon had said.
He blundered into [hitobito] as he hurried through the [gunshū], earning hard [rukkusu] and hard [kotoba], [shikashi] he did not [yurumeru] until he was several [machi] away from the [in].
He blundered into people as he hurried through the crowd, earning hard looks and hard words, but he did not slow down until he was several streets away from the inn.
After a [jikan] he began to [yūryō] [chūi] again to where he was.
After a time he began to pay attention again to where he was.
His [atama] [kanjita] like a [barūn], [shikashi] he stared and enjoyed anyway.
His head felt like a balloon, but he stared and enjoyed anyway.
He [shikō] Baerlon was a grand [toshi], [baai] not exactly in the same [michi] as [toshi] in Thom’s [ie].
He thought Baerlon was a grand city, if not exactly in the same way as cities in Thom’s stories.
He wandered up broad [machi], most paved with [shikiishi], and down [semai], twisting [rēn], wherever [kikai] and the shifting of the [gunshū] took him.
He wandered up broad streets, most paved with flagstone, and down narrow, twisting lanes, wherever chance and the shifting of the crowd took him.
It had rained during the [yoru, kishi_knt], and the [machi] that were unpaved had already been churned to [doro] by the [gunshū], [shikashi] muddy [machi] were nothing new to him.
It had rained during the night, and the streets that were unpaved had already been churned to mud by the crowds, but muddy streets were nothing new to him.
None of the [machi] in Emond’s [ryōiki] was paved.
None of the streets in Emond’s Field was paved.
There certainly were no [kyūden], and only a few [hausu] were [hijō ni] much bigger than those back home, [shikashi] every [hausu] had a [yane] of [surēto] or [tairu] as [bakkin] as the [yane] of the Winespring [in].
There certainly were no palaces, and only a few houses were very much bigger than those back home, but every house had a roof of slate or tile as fine as the roof of the Winespring Inn.
He supposed there would be a [kyūden] or two in Caemlyn.
He supposed there would be a palace or two in Caemlyn.
As for [ryokan], he counted nine, not one smaller than the Winespring and most as large as the [sutaggu] and [raion], and there were [takusan] of [machi] he had not seen yet.
As for inns, he counted nine, not one smaller than the Winespring and most as large as the Stag and Lion, and there were plenty of streets he had not seen yet.
[o-mise] dotted every [sutorīto], with [hi yo ke] out [furonto] sheltering [hyō] covered with [seihin], everything from [nuno] to [bukku] to [potto] to [būtsu].
Shops dotted every street, with awnings out front sheltering tables covered with goods, everything from cloth to books to pots to boots.
It was as [baai] a hundred [gyōshō jin]’ [wagon] had spilled out their [naiyō].
It was as if a hundred peddlers’ wagons had spilled out their contents.
He stared so much that more than once he had to [isoi] on at the suspicious [hyōjō] of a [tenshu].
He stared so much that more than once he had to hurry on at the suspicious look of a shopkeeper.
He had not understood the [saisho] [tenshu]’s [gyōshi].
He had not understood the first shopkeeper’s stare.
When he did understand, he started to get angry until he remembered that here he was the [gaijin].
When he did understand, he started to get angry until he remembered that here he was the stranger.
He could not have bought much, anyway.
He could not have bought much, anyway.
He gasped when he [mimashita] how many [dōka] were exchanged for a dozen discolored [ringo] or a [ichi nigiri] of shrivelled [kabu], the [sōto] that would be fed to the [uma] in the Two [kawa], [shikashi] [hitobito] seemed eager to [yūryō].
He gasped when he saw how many coppers were exchanged for a dozen discolored apples or a handful of shrivelled turnips, the sort that would be fed to the horses in the Two Rivers, but people seemed eager to pay.
There were certainly more than enough [hitobito], to his [suitei].
There were certainly more than enough people, to his estimation.
For a [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] the sheer [kazu] of them almost overwhelmed him.
For a while the sheer number of them almost overwhelmed him.
Some wore [fuku] of finer cut than anyone in the Two [kawa] – almost as [bakkin] as Moiraine’s – and quite a few had long, [kegawa]-lined [kōto] that flapped around their [ashikubi].
Some wore clothes of finer cut than anyone in the Two Rivers – almost as fine as Moiraine’s – and quite a few had long, fur-lined coats that flapped around their ankles.
The [kōzan rōdōsha] everybody at the [in] kept talking about, they had the hunched [hyōjō] of [dansei] who grubbed underground.
The miners everybody at the inn kept talking about, they had the hunched look of men who grubbed underground.
[shikashi] most of the [hitobito] did not [hyōjō] any different from those he had [zōshoku saseta] up with, not in [doresu] or in [kao].
But most of the people did not look any different from those he had grown up with, not in dress or in face.
He had expected they would, somehow.
He had expected they would, somehow.
Indeed, some of them had so much the [hyōjō] of the Two [kawa] in their [kao] that he could imagine they belonged to one [kazoku] or another that he knew around Emond’s [ryōiki].
Indeed, some of them had so much the look of the Two Rivers in their faces that he could imagine they belonged to one family or another that he knew around Emond’s Field.
A toothless, [gurē]-haired [nakama] with [mimi] like [mizusashi] handles, sitting on a [endai] [soto ni] one of the [ryokan] and peering mournfully into an empty [jokki], could easily have been Bili [kongāru]’s [tojiru] [itoko].
A toothless, gray-haired fellow with ears like jug handles, sitting on a bench outside one of the inns and peering mournfully into an empty tankard, could easily have been Bili Congar’s close cousin.
The [rantan]-jawed [tērā] sewing in [furonto] of his [o-mise] might have been Jon Thane’s [burazā], even to the same bald [supotto] on the [rimen] of his [atama].
The lantern-jawed tailor sewing in front of his shop might have been Jon Thane’s brother, even to the same bald spot on the back of his head.
A near [mirā] [gazō] of Samel Crawe pushed past Rand as he turned a [kōnā], and…
A near mirror image of Samel Crawe pushed past Rand as he turned a corner, and …
In [shinjirare nai] he stared at a [hone no] little [otoko] with long [ude] and a big [hana], shoving hurriedly through the [gunshū] in [fuku] that looked like a [bandoru] of [boro].
In disbelief he stared at a bony little man with long arms and a big nose, shoving hurriedly through the crowd in clothes that looked like a bundle of rags.
The [otoko]’s [me] were sunken and his dirty [kao] gaunt, as [baai] he had not eaten or slept in [hi], [shikashi] Rand could swear…
The man’s eyes were sunken and his dirty face gaunt, as if he had not eaten or slept in days, but Rand could swear…
The ragged [otoko] [mimashita] him then, and froze in [middosuteppu], heedless of [hitobito] who all [shikashi] stumbled over him.
The ragged man saw him then, and froze in mid-step, heedless of people who all but stumbled over him.
The [saigo] [utagai] in Rand’s [kokoro] vanished.
The last doubt in Rand’s mind vanished.
“[shujin] Fain!”
“Master Fain!”
he shouted.
he shouted.
“We all [shikō] you were–”
“We all thought you were–”
As quick as a blink the [gyōshō jin] darted away, [shikashi] Rand dodged after him, calling [shazai] over his [kata] to the [hitobito] he bumped.
As quick as a blink the peddler darted away, but Rand dodged after him, calling apologies over his shoulder to the people he bumped.
Through the [gunshū] he just caught [kōkei] of Fain dashing into an alleyway, and he turned after.
Through the crowd he just caught sight of Fain dashing into an alleyway, and he turned after.
A few [suteppu] into the alleyway the [gyōshō jin] had stopped in his [torakku].
A few steps into the alleyway the peddler had stopped in his tracks.
A tall [fensu] made it into a [shin da] [owari].
A tall fence made it into a dead end.
As Rand skidded to a [teishi], Fain rounded on him, crouching warily and backing away.
As Rand skidded to a halt, Fain rounded on him, crouching warily and backing away.
He flapped grimy [te] at Rand to [taizai] back.
He flapped grimy hands at Rand to stay back.
More than one rip showed in his [kōto], and his [gaitō] was worn and tattered as [baai] it had seen much harder [shiyō] than it was meant for.
More than one rip showed in his coat, and his cloak was worn and tattered as if it had seen much harder use than it was meant for.
“[shujin] Fain?”
“Master Fain?”
Rand said hesitantly.
Rand said hesitantly.
“What is the [mondai]?
“What is the matter?
It’s me, Rand al’Thor, from Emond’s [ryōiki].
It’s me, Rand al’Thor, from Emond’s Field.
We all [shikō] the Trollocs had taken you.”
We all thought the Trollocs had taken you.”
Fain gestured sharply and, still in a crouch, hashitta a few crabbed [suteppu] toward the [ōpun] [owari] of the [roji].
Fain gestured sharply and, still in a crouch, ran a few crabbed steps toward the open end of the alley.
He did not try to pass Rand, or even come [tojiru] to him.
He did not try to pass Rand, or even come close to him.
“don’t!”
“Don’t!”
he rasped.
he rasped.
His [atama] shifted constantly as he tried to see everything in the [sutorīto] beyond Rand.
His head shifted constantly as he tried to see everything in the street beyond Rand.
“don’t [genkyū]…“
“Don’t mention”
– his [koe] dropped to a hoarse [sasayaku], and he turned his [atama] away, watching Rand with quick, sidelong [shisen] —
– his voice dropped to a hoarse whisper, and he turned his head away, watching Rand with quick, sidelong glances—
“…them. There be Whitecloaks in the [machi].”
“…them. There be Whitecloaks in the town.”
“They have no [riyū] to bother us,”
“They have no reason to bother us,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“Come back to the [sutaggu] and [raion] with me.
“Come back to the Stag and Lion with me.
I’m staying there with [yūjin].
I’m staying there with friends.
You know most of them.
You know most of them.
They’ll be glad to see you, we all [shikō] you were [shin da].”
They’ll be glad to see you, we all thought you were dead.”
“[shin da]?”
“Dead?”
the [gyōshō jin] snapped indignantly.
the peddler snapped indignantly.
“Not Padan Fain.
“Not Padan Fain.
Padan Fain knows which [michi] to [janpu] and where to [tochi].”
Padan Fain knows which way to jump and where to land.
He straightened his [boro] as [baai] they were feastday [fuku].
“ He straightened his rags as if they were feastday clothes.
“Always have, and always will.
“Always have, and always will.
I’ll live a long [jikan].
I’ll live a long time.
Longer than—”
Longer than —”
Abruptly his [kao] tightened and his [te] clutched hold of his [kōto] [furonto].
Abruptly his face tightened and his hands clutched hold of his coat front.
“They burned my [wagon], and all my [seihin].
“They burned my wagon, and all my goods.
Had no [genin] to be doing that, did they?
Had no cause to be doing that, did they?
I couldn’t get to my [uma].
I couldn’t get to my horses.
My [uma], [shikashi] that [shibō] old [yadoya no shujin] had them locked up in his [antei shita].
My horses, but that fat old innkeeper had them locked up in his stable.
I had to [suteppu] quick not to get my [nodo] [suritto], and what did it get me?
I had to step quick not to get my throat slit, and what did it get me?
All that I’ve got left is what I stand up in.
All that I’ve got left is what I stand up in.
Now, is that
Now, is that
fair?
fair?
Is it, now?”
Is it, now?”
“Your [uma] are safe in [shujin] al’Vere’s [antei shita].
“Your horses are safe in Master al’Vere’s stable.
You can get them anytime.
You can get them anytime.
[baai] you come to the [in] with me, I’m sure Moiraine will [tasukeru] you get back to the Two [kawa].”
If you come to the inn with me, I’m sure Moiraine will help you get back to the Two Rivers.”
“ Aaaaah!
“ Aaaaah!
She’s…
She’s…
she’s the Aes Sedai, is she?”
she’s the Aes Sedai, is she?”
A guarded [hyōjō] came over Fain’s [kao].
A guarded look came over Fain’s face.
“Maybe, though…”
“Maybe, though…”
He paused, licking his [kuchibiru] nervously.
He paused, licking his lips nervously.
“How long will you be at this—What was it?
“How long will you be at this—What was it?
What did you [kōru] it?
What did you call it?
– the [sutaggu] and [raion]?”
– the Stag and Lion?”
“We [kyūka] tomorrow,”
“We leave tomorrow,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“[shikashi] what does that have to do with —?”
“But what does that have to do with —?”
“You just don’t know,”
“You just don’t know,”
Fain whined, “standing there with a full [hara] and a [yoi] [yoru, kishi_knt]’s [suimin] in a soft [shindai].
Fain whined, “standing there with a full belly and a good night’s sleep in a soft bed.
I’ve hardly slept a wink since that [yoru, kishi_knt].
I’ve hardly slept a wink since that night.
My [būtsu] are all worn out with running, and as for what I’ve had to eat…“
My boots are all worn out with running, and as for what I’ve had to eat…”
His [kao] twisted.
His face twisted.
“I don’t want to be within [mairu] of an Aes Sedai,”
“I don’t want to be within miles of an Aes Sedai,”
he spat the [saigo] [kotoba], “not [mairu] and [mairu], [shikashi] I may have to.
he spat the last words, “not miles and miles, but I may have to.
I’ve no [sentaku], have I?
I’ve no choice, have I?
The [shikō] of her [me] on me, of her even knowing where I am…“
The thought of her eyes on me, of her even knowing where I am…”
He reached toward Rand as [baai] he wanted to [gurabu] his [kōto], [shikashi] his [te] stopped short, fluttering, and he actually took a [suteppu] back.
He reached toward Rand as if he wanted to grab his coat, but his hands stopped short, fluttering, and he actually took a step back.
“[yakusoku] me you won’t tell her.
“Promise me you won’t tell her.
She frightens me.
She frightens me.
There’s no must to be [uranai] her, no [riyū] for an Aes Sedai to even be knowing I’m alive.
There’s no need to be telling her, no reason for an Aes Sedai to even be knowing I’m alive.
You have to [yakusoku].
You have to promise.
You have to!”
You have to!”
“I [yakusoku],”
“I promise,”
Rand said soothingly.
Rand said soothingly.
“[shikashi] there’s no [riyū] for you to be afraid of her.
“But there’s no reason for you to be afraid of her.
Come with me.
Come with me.
The least you’ll get is a [atsui] [shokuji].”
The least you’ll get is a hot meal.”
“Maybe.
“Maybe.
Maybe.”
Maybe.”
Fain rubbed his [ago] pensively.
Fain rubbed his chin pensively.
“Tomorrow, you say?
“Tomorrow, you say?
In that [jikan]…
In that time…
You won’t forget your [yakusoku]?
You won’t forget your promise?
You won’t be letting her…?”
You won’t be letting her…?”
“I won’t let her [kizutsuketa] you,”
“I won’t let her hurt you,”
Rand said, wondering how be could [teishi] an Aes Sedai, whatever she wanted to do.
Rand said, wondering how be could stop an Aes Sedai, whatever she wanted to do.
“She won’t [kizutsuketa] me,”
“She won’t hurt me,”
Fain said.
Fain said.
“No, she won’t.
“No, she won’t.
I won’t be letting her.”
I won’t be letting her.”
Like a [furasshu] he hared past Rand into the [gunshū].
Like a flash he hared past Rand into the crowd.
“[shujin] Fain!”
“Master Fain!”
Rand called.
Rand called.
“[taiki]!”
“Wait!”
He dashed out of the [roji] just in [jikan] to [kyacchi] [kōkei] of a ragged [kōto] disappearing around the next [kōnā].
He dashed out of the alley just in time to catch sight of a ragged coat disappearing around the next comer.
Still calling, he hashitta after it, darted around the [kōnā].
Still calling, he ran after it, darted around the comer.
He only had [jikan] to see a [otoko]’s back before he crashed into it and they both went down in a [hīpu] in the [doro].
He only had time to see a man’s back before he crashed into it and they both went down in a heap in the mud.
“can’t you [udedokei] where you’re going?”
“Can’t you watch where you’re going?”
came a [tsubuyaki] from under him, and Rand scrambled up in [odoroki].
came a mutter from under him, and Rand scrambled up in surprise.
“Mat?”
“Mat?”
Mat sat up with a baleful glare and began scraping [doro] off his [gaitō] with his [te].
Mat sat up with a baleful glare and began scraping mud off his cloak with his hands.
“You must really be turning into a [toshi] [otoko].
“You must really be turning into a city man.
[suimin] all [asa] and [jikkō] [migi] over [hitobito].”
Sleep all morning and run right over people.
Climbing to his [ashi], he stared at his muddy [te], then muttered and wiped them off on his [gaitō].
“ Climbing to his feet, he stared at his muddy hands, then muttered and wiped them off on his cloak.
“Listen, you’ll never [suisoku] who I [shikō] I just [mimashita].”
“Listen, you’ll never guess who I thought I just saw.”
“Padan Fain,”
“Padan Fain,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“Padan Fa – How did you know?”
“Padan Fa – How did you know?”
“I was talking to him, [shikashi] he hashitta off.”
“I was talking to him, but he ran off.”
“So the Tro—”
“So the Tro—”
Mat stopped to [hyōjō] around warily, [shikashi] the [gunshū] was passing them by with never a [ichimoku].
Mat stopped to look around warily, but the crowd was passing them by with never a glance.
Rand was glad he had learned a little [chūi].
Rand was glad he had learned a little caution.
“So they didn’t get him.
“So they didn’t get him.
I [fushigi] why he left Emond’s [ryōiki], without a [kotoba] like that?
I wonder why he left Emond’s Field, without a word like that?
Probably started running then, too, and didn’t [teishi] until he got here.
Probably started running then, too, and didn’t stop until he got here.
[shikashi] why was he running just now?”
But why was he running just now?”
Rand shook his [atama] and wished he had not.
Rand shook his head and wished he had not.
It [kanjita] as though it might [aki] off.
It felt as though it might fall off.
“I don’t know, except that he’s afraid of M…
“I don’t know, except that he’s afraid of M…
[shufu] Alys.”
Mistress Alys.”
All this watching what you said was not easy.
All this watching what you said was not easy.
“He doesn’t want her to know he’s here.
“He doesn’t want her to know he’s here.
He made me [yakusoku] I wouldn’t tell her.”
He made me promise I wouldn’t tell her.”
“[yoku], his [himitsu] is safe with me,”
“Well, his secret is safe with me,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“I [negai] she didn’t know where I was, either.”
“I wish she didn’t know where I was, either.”
“Mat?”
“Mat?”
[hitobito] still streamed by without paying them any [kangamiru], [shikashi] Rand lowered his [koe] anyway, and leaned closer.
People still streamed by without paying them any heed, but Rand lowered his voice anyway, and leaned closer.
“Mat, did you have a [akumu] [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt]?
“Mat, did you have a nightmare last night?
About a [otoko] who killed a [ratto]?”
About a man who killed a rat?”
Mat stared at him without blinking.
Mat stared at him without blinking.
“You, too?”
“You, too?”
he said finally.
he said finally.
