The Eye of the World_16 Flashcards
Few can do that, even in the Borderlands.”
Few can do that, even in the Borderlands.”
Abruptly Nynaeve buried her [kao] in her [chawan].
Abruptly Nynaeve buried her face in her cup.
Rand’s [me] widened.
Rand’s eyes widened.
She was blushing.
She was blushing.
Nynaeve never showed herself even the least [sukoshi] disconcerted.
Nynaeve never showed herself even the least bit disconcerted.
Angry, yes; outraged, often; [shikashi] never out of [hyōjō].
Angry, yes; outraged, often; but never out of countenance.
[shikashi] she was certainly [akai]-cheeked now, and trying to hide in the [Kajitsu-sake].
But she was certainly red-cheeked now, and trying to hide in the wine.
“Perhaps now,”
“Perhaps now,”
Moiraine said quietly, “you will [kotae] a few of my [shitsumon].
Moiraine said quietly, “you will answer a few of my questions.
I have answered yours freely enough.”
I have answered yours freely enough.”
“With a great sackful of [ginyūshijin]’s [monogatari],”
“With a great sackful of gleeman’s tales,”
Nynaeve retorted.
Nynaeve retorted.
“The only [jijitsu] I can see are that four young [hitobito] have been carried off, for the [hikari] alone knows what [riyū], by an Aes Sedai.”
“The only facts I can see are that four young people have been carried off, for the Light alone knows what reason, by an Aes Sedai.”
“You have been told that isn’t known here,”
“You have been told that isn’t known here,”
Lan said sharply.
Lan said sharply.
“You must learn to [keibi] your [shita].”
“You must learn to guard your tongue.”
“Why should I?”
“Why should I?”
Nynaeve demanded.
Nynaeve demanded.
“Why should I [tasukeru] hide you, or what you are?
“Why should I help hide you, or what you are?
I’ve come to take Egwene and the [otokonoko] back to Emond’s [ryōiki], not [tasukeru] you [seishin] them away.”
I’ve come to take Egwene and the boys back to Emond’s Field, not help you spirit them away.”
Thom broke in, in a scornful [koe].
Thom broke in, in a scornful voice.
“[baai] you want them to see their [mura] again – or you, either – you had [yori yoi] be more careful.
“If you want them to see their village again – or you, either – you had better be more careful.
There are those in Baerlon who would kill her”
There are those in Baerlon who would kill her”
– he jerked his [atama] toward Moiraine – “for what she is.
– he jerked his head toward Moiraine – “for what she is.
Him, too.”
Him, too.”
He indicated Lan, then abruptly moved forward to put his [kobushi] on the [hyō].
He indicated Lan, then abruptly moved forward to put his fists on the table.
He loomed over Nynaeve, and his long [kuchihige] and thick [mayuge] suddenly seemed threatening.
He loomed over Nynaeve, and his long mustaches and thick eyebrows suddenly seemed threatening.
Her [me] widened, and she started to lean back, away from him; then her [senaka] stiffened defiantly.
Her eyes widened, and she started to lean back, away from him; then her back stiffened defiantly.
Thom did not appear to [chūi shite kudasai]; he went [migi] on in an ominously soft [koe].
Thom did not appear to notice; he went right on in an ominously soft voice.
“They’d [mure] over this [in] like murderous [ari] on a [uwasa], a [sasayaku].
“They’d swarm over this inn like murderous ants on a rumor, a whisper.
Their [kirai] is that strong, their [yokubō] to kill or take any like these two.
Their hate is that strong, their desire to kill or take any like these two.
And the [onnanoko]?
And the girl?
The [otokonoko]?
The boys?
You?
You?
You are all associated with them, enough for the Whitecloaks, anyway.
You are all associated with them, enough for the Whitecloaks, anyway.
You wouldn’t like the [michi] they ask [shitsumon], especially when the [shiroi] [tawā] is involved.
You wouldn’t like the way they ask questions, especially when the White Tower is involved.
Whitecloak [shitsumonsha] assume you’re [yūzai] before they [kaishi, hajimeru], and they have only one [bun] for that [shinsetsu] of [zaiaku kan].
Whitecloak Questioners assume you’re guilty before they start, and they have only one sentence for that kind of guilt.
They don’t [kaigo] about finding the [shinjitsu]; they think they know that already.
They don’t care about finding the truth; they think they know that already.
All they go after with their [atsui] [aian] and [penchi] is a [kokuhaku].
All they go after with their hot irons and pincers is a confession.
Best you remember some [himitsu] are too dangerous for saying aloud, even when you think you know who hears.”
Best you remember some secrets are too dangerous for saying aloud, even when you think you know who hears.”
He straightened with a muttered, “I seem to tell that to [hitobito] often of late.”
He straightened with a muttered, “I seem to tell that to people often of late.”
“[yoku] put, [ginyūshijin],”
“Well put, gleeman,”
Lan said.
Lan said.
The [kanshu] had that weighing [hyōjō] in his [me] again.
The Warder had that weighing look in his eyes again.
“I’m surprised to find you so concerned.”
“I’m surprised to find you so concerned.”
Thom shrugged.
Thom shrugged.
“It’s known I arrived with you, too.
“It’s known I arrived with you, too.
I don’t [kaigo] for the [shikō] of a [shitsumonsha] with a [atsui] [tetsu] [uranai] me to repent my [tsumi] and [sanpo] in the [hikari].”
I don’t care for the thought of a Questioner with a hot iron telling me to repent my sins and walk in the Light.”
“That,”
“That,”
Nynaeve put in sharply, “is just one more [riyū] for them to come home with me in the [asa].
Nynaeve put in sharply, “is just one more reason for them to come home with me in the morning.
Or this [gogo], for that [mondai].
Or this afternoon, for that matter.
The sooner we’re away from you and on our [michi] back to Emond’s [ryōiki], the [yori yoi].”
The sooner we’re away from you and on our way back to Emond’s Field, the better.”
“We can’t,”
“We can’t,”
Rand said, and was glad that his [yūjin] all spoke up at the same [jikan].
Rand said, and was glad that his friends all spoke up at the same time.
That [michi] Nynaeve’s glare had to be spread around; she spared no one as it was.
That way Nynaeve’s glare had to be spread around; she spared no one as it was.
[shikashi] he had spoken [saisho], and they all fell silent, looking at him.
But he had spoken first, and they all fell silent, looking at him.
Even Moiraine sat back in her [isu], watching him over steepled [yubi].
Even Moiraine sat back in her chair, watching him over steepled fingers.
It was an [doryoku] for him to meet the [chie]’s [me].
It was an effort for him to meet the Wisdom’s eyes.
“[baai] we go back to Emond’s [ryōiki], the Trollocs will come back, too.
“If we go back to Emond’s Field, the Trollocs will come back, too.
They’re…
They’re…
hunting us.
hunting us.
I don’t know why, [shikashi] they are.
I don’t know why, but they are.
Maybe we can find out why in [tāru] Valon.
Maybe we can find out why in Tar Valon.
Maybe we can find out how to [teishi] it.
Maybe we can find out how to stop it.
It’s the only [michi].”
It’s the only way.”
Nynaeve threw up her [te].
Nynaeve threw up her hands.
“You [saundo] just like Tam.
“You sound just like Tam.
He had himself carried to the [mura] [kaigi] and tried to [nattoku] everybody.
He had himself carried to the village meeting and tried to convince everybody.
He’d already tried with the [mura] [kyōgi-kai].
He’d already tried with the Village Council.
The [hikari] knows how your…
The Light knows how your…
[shufu] Alys”
Mistress Alys”
– she invested the [namae] with a wagonload of scorn – “managed to make him [shinjiru]; he has a [dani] of [kankaku], usually, more than most [dansei].
– she invested the name with a wagonload of scorn – “managed to make him believe; he has a mite of sense, usually, more than most men.
In any case, the [kyōgi-kai] is a [pakku] of [orokamono] most of the [jikan], [shikashi] not foolish enough for that, and neither was anyone else.
In any case, the Council is a pack of fools most of the time, but not foolish enough for that, and neither was anyone else.
They agreed you had to be found.
They agreed you had to be found.
Then Tam wanted to be the one to come after you, and him not able to stand by himself.
Then Tam wanted to be the one to come after you, and him not able to stand by himself.
[orokasa] must [jikkō] in your [kazoku].”
Foolishness must run in your family.”
Mat cleared his [nodo], then mumbled, “What about my da?
Mat cleared his throat, then mumbled, “What about my da?
What did he say?”
What did he say?”
“He’s afraid you’ll try your [torikku] with outlanders and get your [atama] thumped.
“He’s afraid you’ll try your tricks with outlanders and get your head thumped.
He seemed more afraid of that than of…
He seemed more afraid of that than of…
[shufu] Alys, here.
Mistress Alys, here.
[shikashi] then, he was never much brighter than you.”
But then, he was never much brighter than you.”
Mat seemed [wakara nai] how to take what she had said, or how to [henji], or even whether to [henji].
Mat seemed unsure how to take what she had said, or how to reply, or even whether to reply.
“I expect,”
“I expect,”
Perrin began hesitantly.
Perrin began hesitantly.
“I mean, I suppose [shujin] Luhhan was not too pleased about my leaving, either.”
“I mean, I suppose Master Luhhan was not too pleased about my leaving, either.”
“Did you expect him to be?”
“Did you expect him to be?”
Nynaeve shook her [atama] disgustedly and looked at Egwene.
Nynaeve shook her head disgustedly and looked at Egwene.
“Maybe I should not be surprised at this harebrained [hakuchi] from you three, [shikashi] I [shikō] [tanin] had more [hanketsu].”
“Maybe I should not be surprised at this harebrained idiocy from you three, but I thought others had more judgment.”
Egwene sat back so she was shielded by Perrin.
Egwene sat back so she was shielded by Perrin.
“I left a [chūi shite kudasai],”
“I left a note,”
she said faintly.
she said faintly.
She tugged at the [fūdo] of her [gaitō] as [baai] she was afraid her unbound [kami] showed.
She tugged at the hood of her cloak as if she was afraid her unbound hair showed.
“I explained everything.”
“I explained everything.”
Nynaeve’s [kao] [kurai]ened.
Nynaeve’s face darkened.
Rand sighed.
Rand sighed.
The [chie] was on the [pointo] of one of her [shita]-[kata baku], and it looked as [baai] it might be a [saisho]-[ritsu] one.
The Wisdom was on the point of one of her tongue-lashings, and it looked as if it might be a first-rate one.
[baai] she took a [ichi] in the [netsu] of [ikari] – [baai] she said she intended to see them back in Emond’s [ryōiki] no [mondai] what anybody said, for [insutansu]—she would be nearly impossible to budge.
If she took a position in the heat of anger – if she said she intended to see them back in Emond’s Field no matter what anybody said, for instance—she would be nearly impossible to budge.
He opened his [kuchi no naka].
He opened his mouth.
“A [chūi shite kudasai]!”
“A note!”
Nynaeve began, just as Moiraine said, “You and I must still [hanashi], [chie].”
Nynaeve began, just as Moiraine said, “You and I must still talk, Wisdom.”
[baai] Rand could have stopped himself, he would have, [shikashi] the [kotoba] poured out as [baai] it were a [suimon] he had opened instead of his [kuchi no naka].
If Rand could have stopped himself, he would have, but the words poured out as if it were a floodgate he had opened instead of his mouth.
“All this is [hijō ni] [yoku], [shikashi] it doesn’t [henkō] anything.
“All this is very well, but it doesn’t change anything.
We can’t go back.
We can’t go back.
We have to go on.”
We have to go on.”
He spoke more slowly toward the [owari], and his [koe] sank, so he finished in a [sasayaku], with the [chie] and the Aes Sedai both looking at him.
He spoke more slowly toward the end, and his voice sank, so he finished in a whisper, with the Wisdom and the Aes Sedai both looking at him.
It was the [sōto] of [hyōjō] he received [baai] he came on [josei] talking [josei]’s [sākuru] [bijinesu], the [sōto] that said he had stepped in where he did not [zokushite imasu].
It was the sort of look he received if he came on women talking Women’s Circle business, the sort that said he had stepped in where he did not belong.
He sat back, wishing he was somewhere else.
He sat back, wishing he was somewhere else.
“[chie],”
“Wisdom,”
Moiraine said, “you must [shinjiru] that they are safer with me than they would be back in the Two [kawa].”
Moiraine said, “you must believe that they are safer with me than they would be back in the Two Rivers.”
“Safer!”
“Safer!”
Nynaeve tossed her [atama] dismissively.
Nynaeve tossed her head dismissively.
“You are the one who brought them here, where the Whitecloaks are.
“You are the one who brought them here, where the Whitecloaks are.
The same Whitecloaks who, [baai] the [ginyūshijin] tells the [shinjitsu], may [gai] them because of you.
The same Whitecloaks who, if the gleeman tells the truth, may harm them because of you.
Tell me how they are safer, Aes Sedai.”
Tell me how they are safer, Aes Sedai.”
“There are many [kiken] from which I cannot protect them,”
“There are many dangers from which I cannot protect them,”
Moiraine agreed, “any more than you can protect them from [kōfuku] struck by [keiryō-ka] [baai] they go home.
Moiraine agreed, “any more than you can protect them from being struck by lightning if they go home.
[shikashi] it is not [keiryō-ka] of which they must be afraid, nor even Whitecloaks.
But it is not lightning of which they must be afraid, nor even Whitecloaks.
It is the [Kurai] One, and [teshita] of the [Kurai] One.
It is the Dark One, and minions of the Dark One.
From those [monogoto] I can protect.
From those things I can protect.
Touching the True [sōsu], touching saidar, gives me that [hogo], as it does to every Aes Sedai.”
Touching the True Source, touching saidar, gives me that protection, as it does to every Aes Sedai.”
Nynaeve’s [kuchi no naka] tightened skeptically.
Nynaeve’s mouth tightened skeptically.
Moiraine’s grew tighter, too, with [ikari], [shikashi] she went on, her [koe] hard on the [hashi] of [nintai].
Moiraine’s grew tighter, too, with anger, but she went on, her voice hard on the edge of patience.
“Even those poor [dansei] who find themselves wielding the [dengen o on ni shimasu] for a short [jikan] [gein] that much, though sometimes touching saidin protects, and sometimes the [osen] makes them more vulnerable.
“Even those poor men who find themselves wielding the Power for a short time gain that much, though sometimes touching saidin protects, and sometimes the taint makes them more vulnerable.
[shikashi] I, or any Aes Sedai, can extend my [hogo] to those [tojiru] by me.
But I, or any Aes Sedai, can extend my protection to those close by me.
No Fade can [gai] them as long as they are as [tojiru] to me as they are [migi] now.
No Fade can harm them as long as they are as close to me as they are right now.
No Trolloc can come within a [shihanki] of a [mairu] without Lan knowing it, [kanji] the [aku] of it.
No Trolloc can come within a quarter of a mile without Lan knowing it, feeling the evil of it.
can you [teikyō] them [hanbun] as much [baai] they [ritān] to Emond’s [ryōiki] with you?”
Can you offer them half as much if they return to Emond’s Field with you?”
“You stand up [wara] [dansei],”
“You stand up straw men,”
Nynaeve said.
Nynaeve said.
“We have a saying in the Two [kawa].
“We have a saying in the Two Rivers.
’Whether the [kuma] beats the [ōkami] or the [ōkami] beats the [kuma], the [usagi] always loses.’ Take your [kontesuto] somewhere else and [kyūka] Emond’s [ryōiki] [fōku] out of it.”
’Whether the bear beats the wolf or the wolf beats the bear, the rabbit always loses.’ Take your contest somewhere else and leave Emond’s Field folk out of it.”
“Egwene,”
“Egwene,”
Moiraine said after a [shunkan], “take the [tanin] and [kyūka] the [chie] alone with me for a [dōjini, tsutsu, issun].”
Moiraine said after a moment, “take the others and leave the Wisdom alone with me for a while.”
Her [kao] was impassive; Nynaeve squared herself at the [hyō] as [baai] getting ready for an all-in wrestling [macchi].
Her face was impassive; Nynaeve squared herself at the table as if getting ready for an all-in wrestling match.
Egwene bounced to her [ashi], her [yokubō] to be dignified obviously warring with her [yokubō] to avoid a [taiketsu] with the [chie] over her unbraided [kami].
Egwene bounced to her feet, her desire to be dignified obviously warring with her desire to avoid a confrontation with the Wisdom over her unbraided hair.
She had no [muzukashisa] gathering up everyone by [me], though.
She had no difficulty gathering up everyone by eye, though.
Mat and Perrin scraped back their [isu] hurriedly, [tsukuri] polite [zatsuon] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] trying not to actually [jikkō] on their [michi] out.
Mat and Perrin scraped back their chairs hurriedly, making polite murmurs while trying not to actually run on their way out.
Even Lan started for the [tobira] at a [shingō] from Moiraine, [zumen] Thom with him.
Even Lan started for the door at a signal from Moiraine, drawing Thom with him.
Rand followed, and the [kanshu] shut the [tobira] behind them, then took up [keibi] across the [rōka].
Rand followed, and the Warder shut the door behind them, then took up guard across the hallway.
Under Lan’s [me] the [tanin] moved on down the [hōru] a short [kyori]; they were not to be allowed even the slightest [kikai] of eavesdropping.
Under Lan’s eyes the others moved on down the hall a short distance; they were not to be allowed even the slightest chance of eavesdropping.
When they had gone far enough to [sūtsu] him, Lan leaned back against the [kabe].
When they had gone far enough to suit him, Lan leaned back against the wall.
Even without his [iro]-shifting [gaitō], he was so still that it would be easy not to [chūi shite kudasai] him until you were [migi] on him.
Even without his color-shifting cloak, he was so still that it would be easy not to notice him until you were right on him.
The [ginyūshijin] muttered something about [yori yoi] [monogoto] to do with his [jikan] and left with a stern “Remember what I said,”
The gleeman muttered something about better things to do with his time and left with a stern “Remember what I said,”
over his [kata] to the [otokonoko].
over his shoulder to the boys.
No one else seemed inclined to [kyūka].
No one else seemed inclined to leave.
“What did he mean?”
“What did he mean?”
Egwene asked absently, her [me] on the [tobira] that hid Moiraine and Nynaeve.
Egwene asked absently, her eyes on the door that hid Moiraine and Nynaeve.
She kept fiddling with her [kami] as [baai] torn between continuing to hide the [jijitsu] that it was no longer braided and pushing back the [fūdo] of her [gaitō].
She kept fiddling with her hair as if torn between continuing to hide the fact that it was no longer braided and pushing back the hood of her cloak.
“He gave us some [jogen],”
“He gave us some advice,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
Perrin gave him a sharp [hyōjō].
Perrin gave him a sharp look.
“He said not to [ōpun] our [kuchi] until we were sure what we were going to say.”
“He said not to open our mouths until we were sure what we were going to say.”
“That [saundo] like [yoi] [jogen],”
“That sounds like good advice,”
Egwene said, [shikashi] clearly she was not really interested.
Egwene said, but clearly she was not really interested.
Rand was engrossed in his own [shikō].
Rand was engrossed in his own thoughts.
How could Nynaeve possibly be [ichibu] of it?
How could Nynaeve possibly be part of it?
How could any of them be involved with Trollocs, and Fades, and Ba’alzamon appearing in their dreams?
How could any of them be involved with Trollocs, and Fades, and Ba’alzamon appearing in their dreams?
It was crazy.
It was crazy.
He wondered [baai] [min] had told Moiraine about Nynaeve.
He wondered if Min had told Moiraine about Nynaeve.
What are they saying in there?
What are they saying in there?
He had no [kangae] how long he had been standing there when the [tobira] finally opened.
He had no idea how long he had been standing there when the door finally opened.
Nynaeve stepped out, and gave a [kaishi, hajimeru] when she [mimashita] Lan.
Nynaeve stepped out, and gave a start when she saw Lan.
The [kanshu] murmured something that made her toss her [atama] angrily, then he slipped past her through the [tobira].
The Warder murmured something that made her toss her head angrily, then he slipped past her through the door.
She turned toward Rand, and for the [saisho] [jikan] he realized the [tanin] had all quietly disappeared.
She turned toward Rand, and for the first time he realized the others had all quietly disappeared.
He did not want to [kao] the [chie] alone, [shikashi] he could not get away now that he had met Nynaeve’s [me].
He did not want to face the Wisdom alone, but he could not get away now that he had met Nynaeve’s eye.
A particularly searching [me], he [shikō], puzzled.
A particularly searching eye, he thought, puzzled.
What did they say?
What did they say?
He drew himself up as she came closer.
He drew himself up as she came closer.
She indicated Tam’s [ken].
She indicated Tam’s sword.
“That seems to fit you, now, though I would like it [yori yoi] [baai] it did not.
“That seems to fit you, now, though I would like it better if it did not.
You’ve [zōshoku saseta], Rand.”
You’ve grown, Rand.”
“In a [shū]?”
“In a week?”
He laughed, [shikashi] it sounded forced, and she shook her [atama] as [baai] he did not understand.
He laughed, but it sounded forced, and she shook her head as if he did not understand.
“Did she [nattoku] you?”
“Did she convince you?”
he asked.
he asked.
“It really is the only [michi].”
“It really is the only way.”
He paused, thinking of [min]’s [supākusu].
He paused, thinking of Min’s sparks.
“Are you coming with us?”
“Are you coming with us?”
Nynaeve’s [me] opened wide.
Nynaeve’s eyes opened wide.
“Coming with you!
“Coming with you!
Why would I do that?
Why would I do that?
Mavra Mallen came up from Deven [noru] to see to [monogoto] till I [ritān], [shikashi] she’ll be wanting to get back as soon as she can.
Mavra Mallen came up from Deven Ride to see to things till I return, but she’ll be wanting to get back as soon as she can.
I still [kibō] to make you see [kankaku] and come home with me.”
I still hope to make you see sense and come home with me.”
“We can’t.”
“We can’t.”
He [shikō] he [mimashita] something [ugokasu] at the still-[ōpun] [tobira], [shikashi] they were alone in the [rōka].
He thought he saw something move at the still-open door, but they were alone in the hallway.
“You told me that, and she did, too.”
“You told me that, and she did, too.”
Nynaeve frowned.
Nynaeve frowned.
“[baai] she wasn’t mixed up in it…
“If she wasn’t mixed up in it…
Aes Sedai are not to be trusted, Rand.”
Aes Sedai are not to be trusted, Rand.”
“You [saundo] as [baai] you really do [shinjiru] us,”
“You sound as if you really do believe us,”
he said slowly.
he said slowly.
“What happened at the [mura] [kaigi]?”
“What happened at the village meeting?”
Nynaeve looked back at the [toguchi] before answering; there was no [mūbumento] there now.
Nynaeve looked back at the doorway before answering; there was no movement there now.
“It was a [shuraba], [shikashi] there is no must for her to know we can’t [handoru] our [sōmu] any [yori yoi] than that.
“It was a shambles, but there is no need for her to know we can’t handle our affairs any better than that.
And I [shinjiru] only one [koto]: you are all in [kiken] as long as you are with her.”
And I believe only one thing: you are all in danger as long as you are with her.”
“Something happened,”
“Something happened,”
he insisted.
he insisted.
“Why do you want us to go back [baai] you think there’s even a [kikai] we are [migi]?
“Why do you want us to go back if you think there’s even a chance we are right?
And why you, at all?
And why you, at all?
As soon send the [shichō] himself as the [chie].”
As soon send the Mayor himself as the Wisdom.”
“You have [zōshoku saseta].”
“You have grown.”
She smiled, and for a [shunkan] her [amyūzumento] had him shifting his [ashi].
She smiled, and for a moment her amusement had him shifting his feet.
“I can think of a [jikan] when you would not have questioned where I chose to go or what I chose to do, wherever or whatever it was.
“I can think of a time when you would not have questioned where I chose to go or what I chose to do, wherever or whatever it was.
A [jikan] just a [shū] ago.”
A time just a week ago.”
He cleared his [nodo] and pressed on stubbornly.
He cleared his throat and pressed on stubbornly.
“It doesn’t make [kankaku].
“It doesn’t make sense.
Why are you really here?”
Why are you really here?”
She [hanbun] glanced at the still-empty [toguchi], then took his [āmu].
She half glanced at the still-empty doorway, then took his arm.
“Let’s [sanpo] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] we [hanashi].”
“Let’s walk while we talk.”
He let himself be led away, and when they were far enough from the [tobira] not to be overheard, she began again.
He let himself be led away, and when they were far enough from the door not to be overheard, she began again.
“As I said, the [kaigi] was a [shuraba].
“As I said, the meeting was a shambles.
Everybody agreed [dare-ka] had to be sent after you, [shikashi] the [mura] split into two [gurūpu].
Everybody agreed someone had to be sent after you, but the village split into two groups.
One wanted you rescued, though there was considerable [hikisū] over how that was to be done considering that you were with a…
One wanted you rescued, though there was considerable argument over how that was to be done considering that you were with a…
the likes of her.”
the likes of her.”
He was glad she was remembering to [udedokei] what she said.
He was glad she was remembering to watch what she said.
“The [tanin] believed Tam?”
“The others believed Tam?”
he said.
he said.
“Not exactly, [shikashi] they [shikō] you shouldn’t be among [gaijin], either, especially not with [dare-ka] like her.
“Not exactly, but they thought you shouldn’t be among strangers, either, especially not with someone like her.
Either [michi], though, almost every [otoko] wanted to be one of the [pātī].
Either way, though, almost every man wanted to be one of the party.
Tam, and Bran al’Vere, with the [sukēru] of [ofisu] around his [kubi], and Haral Luhhan, till Alsbet made him sit down.
Tam, and Bran al’Vere, with the scales of office around his neck, and Haral Luhhan, till Alsbet made him sit down.
Even Cenn Buie.
Even Cenn Buie.
The [hikari] [hozon shimasu] me from [dansei] who think with the [kami] on their [takara bako].
The Light save me from men who think with the hair on their chests.
Though I don’t know as there are any [sonota] [shinsetsu].”
Though I don’t know as there are any other kind.”
She gave a hearty [sunifu], and looked up at him, an accusing [ichimoku].
She gave a hearty sniff, and looked up at him, an accusing glance.
“At any [ritsu], I could see it would be another [ichi nichi], perhaps more, before they came to any [ketsudan], and somehow…
“At any rate, I could see it would be another day, perhaps more, before they came to any decision, and somehow…
somehow I was sure we did not dare [taiki] that long.
somehow I was sure we did not dare wait that long.
So I called the [josei]’s [sākuru] together and told them what had to be done.
So I called the Women’s Circle together and told them what had to be done.
I cannot say they liked it, [shikashi] they [mimashita] the [migi] of it.
I cannot say they liked it, but they saw the right of it.
And that is why I am here; because the [dansei] around Emond’s [ryōiki] are stubborn [wuru heddo].
And that is why I am here; because the men around Emond’s Field are stubborn wool-heads.
They’re probably still arguing about who to send, though I left [kotoba] I would take [kaigo] of it.”
They’re probably still arguing about who to send, though I left word I would take care of it.”
Nynaeve’s [monogatari] explained her [sonzai kan], [shikashi] it did nothing to reassure him.
Nynaeve’s story explained her presence, but it did nothing to reassure him.
She was still determined to bring them back with her.
She was still determined to bring them back with her.
“What did she say to you in there?”
“What did she say to you in there?”
he asked.
he asked.
Moiraine would surely have covered every [hikisū], [shikashi] [baai] there was one she had missed, he would make it.
Moiraine would surely have covered every argument, but if there was one she had missed, he would make it.
“More of the same,”
“More of the same,”
Nynaeve replied.
Nynaeve replied.
“And she wanted to know about you [otokonoko].
“And she wanted to know about you boys.
To see [baai] she could [riyū] out why you…
To see if she could reason out why you…
have attracted the [shinsetsu] of [chūi] you have…
have attracted the kind of attention you have…
she said.”
she said.”
She paused, watching him out of the [kōnā] of her [me].
She paused, watching him out of the corner of her eye.
“She tried to [hensō] it, [shikashi] most of all she wanted to know [baai] any of you was born [soto ni] the Two [kawa].”
“She tried to disguise it, but most of all she wanted to know if any of you was born outside the Two Rivers.”
His [kao] was suddenly as [pin to hatta] as a drumhead.
His face was suddenly as taut as a drumhead.
He managed a hoarse [fukumiwarai].
He managed a hoarse chuckle.
“She does think of some odd [monogoto].
“She does think of some odd things.
I [kibō] you assured her we’re all Emond’s [ryōiki] born.”
I hope you assured her we’re all Emond’s Field born.”
“Of [mochiron],”
“Of course,”
she replied.
she replied.
There had only been a heartbeat’s [ichiji teishi] before she spoke, so brief he would have missed it [baai] he had not been watching for it.
There had only been a heartbeat’s pause before she spoke, so brief he would have missed it if he had not been watching for it.
He tried to think of something to say, [shikashi] his [shita] [kanjita] like a [ichi mai] of [kawa].
He tried to think of something to say, but his tongue felt like a piece of leather.
She knows.
She knows.
She was the [chie], after all, and the [chie] was supposed to know everything about everyone.
She was the Wisdom, after all, and the Wisdom was supposed to know everything about everyone.
[baai] she knows, it was no [hatsunetsu yume].
If she knows, it was no fever-dream.
Oh, [hikari] [tasukeru] me, [chichioya]!
Oh, Light help me, father!
“Are you all [migi]?”
“Are you all right?”
Nynaeve asked.
Nynaeve asked.
“He said…
“He said…
said I…
said I…
wasn’t his [musuko].
wasn’t his son.
When he was delirious…
When he was delirious…
with the [hatsunetsu].
with the fever.
He said he found me.
He said he found me.
I [shikō] it was just…“
I thought it was just…”
His [nodo] began to [yakedo], and he had to [teishi].
His throat began to burn, and he had to stop.
“Oh, Rand.”
“Oh, Rand.”
She stopped and took his [kao] in both [te].
She stopped and took his face in both hands.
She had to [rīchi] up to do it.
She had to reach up to do it.
“[hitobito] say strange [monogoto] in a [hatsunetsu].
“People say strange things in a fever.
Twisted [monogoto].
Twisted things.
[monogoto] that are not true, or real.
Things that are not true, or real.
Listen to me.
Listen to me.
Tam al’Thor hashitta away seeking [bōken] when he was a [otokonoko] no older than you.
Tam al’Thor ran away seeking adventure when he was a boy no older than you.
I can just remember when he came back to Emond’s [ryōiki], a [zōshoku saseta] [otoko] with a [akai]-haired, [autorandā] [tsuma] and a [kawaii] in swaddling [fuku].
I can just remember when he came back to Emond’s Field, a grown man with a red-haired, outlander wife and a babe in swaddling clothes.
I remember Kari al’Thor cradling that [ko] in her [ude] with as much [ai] given and [yorokobi] taken as I have ever seen from any [onna] with a [kawaii].
I remember Kari al’Thor cradling that child in her arms with as much love given and delight taken as I have ever seen from any woman with a babe.
Her [ko], Rand.
Her child, Rand.
You.
You.
Now you straighten up and [teishi] this [orokasa].”
Now you straighten up and stop this foolishness.”
“Of [mochiron],”
“Of course,”
he said.
he said.
I was born [soto ni] the Two [kawa].
I was born outside the Two Rivers.
“Of [mochiron].”
“Of course.”
Maybe Tam had been having a [hatsunetsu yume], and maybe he had found a [akachan] after a [tatakai].
Maybe Tam had been having a fever-dream, and maybe he had found a baby after a battle.
“Why didn’t you tell her?”
“Why didn’t you tell her?”
“It is none of any [autorandā]’s [bijinesu].”
“It is none of any outlander’s business.”
“Were any of the [tanin] born [soto ni]?”
“Were any of the others born outside?”
As soon as the [shitsumon] was out, he shook his [atama].
As soon as the question was out, he shook his head.
“No, don’t [kotae].
“No, don’t answer.
It’s none of my [bijinesu], either.”
It’s none of my business, either.”
[shikashi] it would be nice to know [baai] Moiraine had some special [intaresuto] in him, over and above what she had in the whole [takusan] of them.
But it would be nice to know if Moiraine had some special interest in him, over and above what she had in the whole lot of them.
Would it?
Would it?
“No, it isn’t your [bijinesu],”
“No, it isn’t your business,”
Nynaeve agreed.
Nynaeve agreed.
“It might not mean anything.
“It might not mean anything.
She could just be searching blindly for a [riyū], any [riyū], why those [monogoto] are after you.
She could just be searching blindly for a reason, any reason, why those things are after you.
After all of you.”
After all of you.”
Rand managed a grin.
Rand managed a grin.
“Then you do [shinjiru] they’re chasing us.”
“Then you do believe they’re chasing us.”
Nynaeve shook her [atama] wryly.
Nynaeve shook her head wryly.
“You’ve certainly learned to [tsuisuto] [kotoba] since you met her.”
“You’ve certainly learned to twist words since you met her.”
“What are you going to do?”
“What are you going to do?”
he asked.
he asked.
She studied him; he met her [me] steadily.
She studied him; he met her eyes steadily.
“Today, I am going to have a [furo].
“Today, I am going to have a bath.
For the [nokori], we will have to see, won’t we?”
For the rest, we will have to see, won’t we?”
[akira] 17
Chapter 17
[wocchā] and [hantā]
Watchers and Hunters
After the [chie] left him, Rand made his [michi] to the common [heya].
After the Wisdom left him, Rand made his way to the common room.
He needed to hear [hitobito] laughing, to forget what Nynaeve had said and the [meiwaku] she might [genin] alike.
He needed to hear people laughing, to forget what Nynaeve had said and the trouble she might cause alike.
The [heya] was crowded indeed, [shikashi] no one was laughing, though every [isu] and [endai] was filled and [hitobito] lined the [kabe].
The room was crowded indeed, but no one was laughing, though every chair and bench was filled and people lined the walls.
Thom was performing again, standing on a [hyō] against the far [kabe], his [jesuchā] grand enough to [nuritsubushi] the big [heya].
Thom was performing again, standing on a table against the far wall, his gestures grand enough to fill the big room.
It was The Great [kari] of the [hōn] again, [shikashi] no one complained, of [mochiron].
It was The Great Hunt of the Horn again, but no one complained, of course.
There were so many [monogatari] to be told about each of the [hantā], and so many [hantā] to tell of, that no two tellings were ever the same.
There were so many tales to be told about each of the Hunters, and so many Hunters to tell of, that no two tellings were ever the same.
The whole of it in one [uranai] would have taken a [shū] or more.
The whole of it in one telling would have taken a week or more.
The only [saundo] competing with the [ginyūshijin]’s [koe] and [hāpu] was the crackling of the fires in the [danro].
The only sound competing with the gleeman’s voice and harp was the crackling of the fires in the fireplaces.
“…To the eight [kōnā] of the [sekai], the [hantā] [noru], to the eight [hashira] of [tengoku], where the winds of [jikan] [dageki] and [unmei] seizes the mighty and the small alike by the [maegami].
“…To the eight corners of the world, the Hunters ride, to the eight pillars of heaven, where the winds of time blow and fate seizes the mighty and the small alike by the forelock.
Now, the greatest of the [hantā] is Rogosh of Talmour, Rogosh [īguru.ai], famed at the [saibansho] of the High [ō], feared on the [shamen] of Shayol Ghul…“
Now, the greatest of the Hunters is Rogosh of Talmour, Rogosh Eagle-eye, famed at the court of the High King, feared on the slopes of Shayol Ghul…”
The [hantā] were always mighty [eiyū], all of them.
The Hunters were always mighty heroes, all of them.
Rand spotted his two [yūjin] and squeezed onto a [basho] Perrin made for him on the [owari] of their [endai].
Rand spotted his two friends and squeezed onto a place Perrin made for him on the end of their bench.
[kicchin] smells drifting into the [heya] reminded him that he was hungry, [shikashi] even the [hitobito] who had [tabemono] in [furonto] of them gave it little [chūi].
Kitchen smells drifting into the room reminded him that he was hungry, but even the people who had food in front of them gave it little attention.
The [meido] who should have been serving stood entranced, clutching their [epuron] and looking at the [ginyūshijin], and nobody seemed to [kokoro] at all.
The maids who should have been serving stood entranced, clutching their aprons and looking at the gleeman, and nobody seemed to mind at all.
Listening was [yori yoi] than eating, no [mondai] how [yoi] the [tabemono].
Listening was better than eating, no matter how good the food.
“…since the [ichi nichi] of her [tanjō] has the [Kurai] One marked Blaes as his own, [shikashi] not of this [kokoro] is she – no [Kurai-yūjin], Blaes of Matuchin!
“…since the day of her birth has the Dark One marked Blaes as his own, but not of this mind is she – no Darkfriend, Blaes of Matuchin!
Strong as the [hai] she stands, lithe as the [yanagi] [eda], beautiful as the [jōshō shita].
Strong as the ash she stands, lithe as the willow branch, beautiful as the rose.
Golden-haired Blaes.
Golden-haired Blaes.
Ready to [dai] before she yields.
Ready to die before she yields.
[shikashi] hark!
But hark!
Echoing from the [tō] of the [toshi], [toranpetto] blare, brazen and bold.
Echoing from the towers of the city, trumpets blare, brazen and bold.
Her [shisha] proclaim the [tōchaku] of a [hīrō] at her [saibansho].
Her heralds proclaim the arrival of a hero at her court.
[doramu] [kaminari] and [shinbaru] [utau]!
Drums thunder and cymbals sing!
Rogosh [īguru.ai] comes to do [omāju]…“
Rogosh Eagle-eye comes to do homage…”
“The [horidashimono] of Rogosh [īguru.ai]”
“The Bargain of Rogosh Eagle-eye”
[kizu] its [michi] to an [owari], [shikashi] Thom paused only to wet his [nodo] from a [magukappu] of [ēru] before launching into “Lian’s stand.”
wound its way to an end, but Thom paused only to wet his throat from a mug of ale before launching into “Lian’s Stand.”
In [tān] that was followed by “The [aki] of Aleth-Loriel,”
In turn that was followed by “The Fall of Aleth-Loriel,”
and “Gaidal Cain’s [ken],”
and “Gaidal Cain’s Sword,”
and “The [saigo] [noru] of Buad of Albhain.”
and “The Last Ride of Buad of Albhain.”
The pauses grew longer as the [yūgata] wore on, and when Thom exchanged the [hāpu] for his [furūto], everyone knew it was the [owari] of storytelling for the [yoru, kishi_knt].
The pauses grew longer as the evening wore on, and when Thom exchanged the harp for his flute, everyone knew it was the end of storytelling for the night.
Two [dansei] joined Thom, with a [doramu] and a hammered [darushimā], [shikashi] sitting beside the [hyō] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he remained atop it.
Two men joined Thom, with a drum and a hammered dulcimer, but sitting beside the table while he remained atop it.
The three young [dansei] from Emond’s [ryōiki] began clapping their [te] with the [saisho] [chūi shite kudasai] of “The [kaze] That Shakes the [yanagi],”
The three young men from Emond’s Field began clapping their hands with the first note of “The Wind That Shakes the Willow,”
and they were not the only ones.
and they were not the only ones.
It was a [okiniiri] in the Two [kawa], and in Baerlon, too, it seemed.
It was a favorite in the Two Rivers, and in Baerlon, too, it seemed.
Here and there [koe] even took up the [kotoba], not so [ofukī] as for anyone to hush them.
Here and there voices even took up the words, not so off-key as for anyone to hush them.
“My [ai] is gone, carried away
“My love is gone, carried away
by the [kaze] that shakes the [yanagi],
by the wind that shakes the willow,
and all the [tochi] is beaten hard
and all the land is beaten hard
by the [kaze] that shakes the [yanagi].
by the wind that shakes the willow.
[shikashi] I will hold her [tojiru] to me
But I will hold her close to me
in [kokoro] and dearest [memori],
in heart and dearest memory,
and with her [tsuyosa] to [hagane] my [tamashī],
and with her strength to steel my soul,
her [ai] to [atatakai] my [hāto gata no moji retsu],
her love to warm my heart-strings,
I will stand where we once sang,
I will stand where we once sang,
though [samui] [kaze] shakes the [yanagi].”
though cold wind shakes the willow.”
The [ni] [uta] was not so sad.
The second song was not so sad.
In [jijitsu], “Only One [baketsu] of [mizu]”
In fact, “Only One Bucket of Water”
seemed even more merry than usual by [hikaku], which might have been the [ginyūshijin]’s [ito].
seemed even more merry than usual by comparison, which might have been the gleeman’s intent.
[hitobito] rushed to clear [hyō] from the [yuka] to make [heya] for dancing, and began kicking up their [kakato] until the [kabe] shook from the stomping and whirling.
People rushed to clear tables from the floor to make room for dancing, and began kicking up their heels until the walls shook from the stomping and whirling.
The [saisho] [dansu] ended with laughing [dansā] leaving the [yuka] holding their [sokumen], and new [hitobito] taking their [basho].
The first dance ended with laughing dancers leaving the floor holding their sides, and new people taking their places.
Thom played the [ōpuningu] [nōto] of “Wild [gachō] on the [tsubasa],”
Thom played the opening notes of “Wild Geese on the Wing,”
then paused for [hitobito] to take their [basho] for the [rīru].
then paused for people to take their places for the reel.
“I think I’ll try a few [suteppu],”
“I think I’ll try a few steps,”
Rand said, getting to his [ashi].
Rand said, getting to his feet.
Perrin popped up [migi] behind him.
Perrin popped up right behind him.
Mat was the [saigo] to [ugokasu], and so found himself staying behind to [keibi] the [gaitō], along with Rand’s [ken] and Perrin’s [ono].
Mat was the last to move, and so found himself staying behind to guard the cloaks, along with Rand’s sword and Perrin’s axe.
“Remember I want a [tān], too,”
“Remember I want a turn, too,”
Mat called after them.
Mat called after them.
The [dansā] formed two long [rain] facing each [sonota], [dansei] in one, [josei] in the [sonota].
The dancers formed two long lines facing each other, men in one, women in the other.
[saisho] the [doramu] and then the [darushimā] took up the [bīto], and all the [dansā] began bending their [hiza] in [jikan].
First the drum and then the dulcimer took up the beat, and all the dancers began bending their knees in time.
The [onnanoko] across from Rand, her [kurai] [kami] in braids that made him think of home, gave him a shy [egao], and then a wink that was not shy at all.
The girl across from Rand, her dark hair in braids that made him think of home, gave him a shy smile, and then a wink that was not shy at all.
Thom’s [furūto] leaped into the [kyoku], and Rand moved forward to meet the [kurai]-haired [onnanoko]; she threw back her [atama] and laughed as he spun her around and passed her on to the next [otoko] in [rain].
Thom’s flute leaped into the tune, and Rand moved forward to meet the dark-haired girl; she threw back her head and laughed as he spun her around and passed her on to the next man in line.
Everyone in the [heya] was laughing, he [shikō] as he danced around his next [pātonā], one of the serving [meido] with her [epuron] flapping wildly.
Everyone in the room was laughing, he thought as he danced around his next partner, one of the serving maids with her apron flapping wildly.
The only unsmiling [kao] he [mimashita] was on a [otoko] huddled by one of the [danro], and that [nakama] had a [kizuato] that crossed his whole [kao] from one [tera] to the opposite [ago], giving his [hana] a [suranto] and [zumen] the [kōnā] of his [kuchi no naka] down.
The only unsmiling face he saw was on a man huddled by one of the fireplaces, and that fellow had a scar that crossed his whole face from one temple to the opposite jaw, giving his nose a slant and drawing the corner of his mouth down.
The [otoko] met his [shisen] and grimaced, and Rand looked away in [hazukashisa].
The man met his gaze and grimaced, and Rand looked away in embarrassment.
Maybe with that [kizuato] the [nakama] could not [egao].
Maybe with that scar the fellow could not smile.
He caught his next [pātonā] as she spun, and whirled her in a [sākuru] before passing her on.
He caught his next partner as she spun, and whirled her in a circle before passing her on.
Three more [josei] danced with him as the [ongaku] gained [supīdo], then he was back with the [saisho] [kurai] haired [onnanoko] for a fast [yūhodō] that changed the [rain] about completely.
Three more women danced with him as the music gained speed, then he was back with the first dark haired girl for a fast promenade that changed the lines about completely.
She was still laughing, and she gave him another wink.
She was still laughing, and she gave him another wink.
The [kizuato]-faced [otoko] was scowling at him.
The scar-faced man was scowling at him.
His [suteppu] faltered and his [hō] grew [atsui].
His step faltered and his cheeks grew hot.
He had not meant to [haji o ka-ka] the [nakama]; he really did not think he had stared.
He had not meant to embarrass the fellow; he really did not think he had stared.
He turned to meet his next [pātonā] and forgot all about the [otoko].
He turned to meet his next partner and forgot all about the man.
The next [onna] to [dansu] into his [ude] was Nynaeve.
The next woman to dance into his arms was Nynaeve.
He stumbled through the [suteppu], almost tripping over his own [ashi], nearly stepping on hers.
He stumbled through the steps, almost tripping over his own feet, nearly stepping on hers.
She danced gracefully enough to make up for his [bukiyō], smiling the [dōjini, tsutsu, issun].
She danced gracefully enough to make up for his clumsiness, smiling the while.
“I [shikō] you were a [yori yoi] [dansā],”
“I thought you were a better dancer,”
she laughed as they changed [pātonā].
she laughed as they changed partners.
He had only a [shunkan] to [atsumaru] himself before they changed again, and he found himself dancing with Moiraine.
He had only a moment to gather himself before they changed again, and he found himself dancing with Moiraine.
[baai] he had [shikō] he was [tsumazuku]-footed with the [chie], it was nothing to how he [kanjita] with the Aes Sedai.
If he had thought he was stumble-footed with the Wisdom, it was nothing to how he felt with the Aes Sedai.
She glided across the [yuka] smoothly, her [gaun] swirling about her; he almost fell twice.
She glided across the floor smoothly, her gown swirling about her; he almost fell twice.
She gave him a sympathetic [egao], which made it worse rather than [yakudachimasu].
She gave him a sympathetic smile, which made it worse rather than helping.
It was a [ando] to go to his next [pātonā] in the [moyō], even [baai] it was Egwene.
It was a relief to go to his next partner in the pattern, even if it was Egwene.
He regained some of his [poizu].
He regained some of his poise.
After all, he had danced with her for [toshi].
After all, he had danced with her for years.
Her [kami] still hung unbraided, [shikashi] she had gathered it back with a [akai] [ribon].
Her hair still hung unbraided, but she had gathered it back with a red ribbon.
Probably couldn’t decide whether to please Moiraine or Nynaeve, he [shikō] sourly.
Probably couldn’t decide whether to please Moiraine or Nynaeve, he thought sourly.
Her [kuchibiru] were parted, and she looked as [baai] she wanted to say something, [shikashi] she never spoke, and he was not about to speak [saisho].
Her lips were parted, and she looked as if she wanted to say something, but she never spoke, and he was not about to speak first.
Not after the [michi] she had cut off his earlier [kokoromi] in the private dining [heya].
Not after the way she had cut off his earlier attempt in the private dining room.
They stared at one another soberly and danced apart without a [kotoba].
They stared at one another soberly and danced apart without a word.
He was glad enough to [ritān] to the [endai] when the [rīru] was done.
He was glad enough to return to the bench when the reel was done.
The [ongaku] for another [dansu], a [jigu], began [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he was sitting down.
The music for another dance, a jig, began while he was sitting down.
Mat hurried to [sanka shimasu] in, and Perrin slid onto the [endai] as he was leaving.
Mat hurried to join in, and Perrin slid onto the bench as he was leaving.
“Did you see her?”
“Did you see her?”
Perrin began before he was even seated.
Perrin began before he was even seated.
“Did you?”
“Did you?”
“Which one?”
“Which one?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
“The [chie], or [shufu] Alys?
“The Wisdom, or Mistress Alys?
I danced with both of them.”
I danced with both of them.”
“The Ae…
“The Ae…
[shufu] Alys, too?”
Mistress Alys, too?”
Perrin exclaimed.
Perrin exclaimed.
“I danced with Nynaeve.
“I danced with Nynaeve.
I didn’t even know she danced.
I didn’t even know she danced.
She never does at any of the [dansu] back home.”
She never does at any of the dances back home.”
“I [fushigi],”
“I wonder,”
Rand said thoughtfully, “what the [josei]’s [sākuru] would say about the [chie] dancing?
Rand said thoughtfully, “what the Women’s Circle would say about the Wisdom dancing?
Maybe that’s why.”
Maybe that’s why.”
Then the [ongaku] and the clapping and the singing were too loud for any further [hanashi].
Then the music and the clapping and the singing were too loud for any further talk.
Rand and Perrin joined in the clapping as the [dansā] circled the [yuka].
Rand and Perrin joined in the clapping as the dancers circled the floor.
Several [kai] he became aware of the [kizuato]-faced [otoko] staring at him.
Several times he became aware of the scar-faced man staring at him.
The [otoko] had a [migi] to be [yakkai], with that [kizuato], [shikashi] Rand did not see anything he could do now that would not make [jikō] worse.
The man had a right to be touchy, with that scar, but Rand did not see anything he could do now that would not make matters worse.
He concentrated on the [ongaku] and avoided looking at the [nakama].
He concentrated on the music and avoided looking at the fellow.
The dancing and singing went on into the [yoru, kishi_knt].
The dancing and singing went on into the night.
The [meido] finally did remember their [shokumu]; Rand was glad to [ōkami] down some [atsui] [shichū] and [pan].
The maids finally did remember their duties; Rand was glad to wolf down some hot stew and bread.
Everyone ate where they sat or stood.
Everyone ate where they sat or stood.
Rand joined in three more [dansu], and he managed his [suteppu] [yori yoi] when he found himself dancing with Nynaeve again, and with Moiraine, as [yoku].
Rand joined in three more dances, and he managed his steps better when he found himself dancing with Nynaeve again, and with Moiraine, as well.
This [jikan] they both complimented him on his dancing, which made him stammer.
This time they both complimented him on his dancing, which made him stammer.
He danced with Egwene again, too; she stared at him, [kurai]-eyed and always seeming on the [pointo] of speaking, [shikashi] never saying a [kotoba].
He danced with Egwene again, too; she stared at him, dark-eyed and always seeming on the point of speaking, but never saying a word.
He was just as silent as she, [shikashi] he was sure he did not scowl at her, no [mondai] what Mat said when he returned to the [endai].
He was just as silent as she, but he was sure he did not scowl at her, no matter what Mat said when he returned to the bench.
Toward [mayonaka] Moiraine left.
Toward midnight Moiraine left.
Egwene, after one harried [hyōjō] from the Aes Sedai to Nynaeve, hurried after her.
Egwene, after one harried look from the Aes Sedai to Nynaeve, hurried after her.
The [chie] watched them with an unreadable [shiki], then deliberately joined in another [dansu] before she left, too, with a [hyōjō] as [baai] she had gained a [pointo] on the Aes Sedai.
The Wisdom watched them with an unreadable expression, then deliberately joined in another dance before she left, too, with a look as if she had gained a point on the Aes Sedai.
Soon Thom was putting his [furūto] into its case and arguing [yoi]-naturedly with those who wanted him to [taizai] longer.
Soon Thom was putting his flute into its case and arguing good-naturedly with those who wanted him to stay longer.
Lan came by to [atsumaru] up Rand and the [tanin].
Lan came by to gather up Rand and the others.
“We have to make an early [kaishi, hajimeru],”
“We have to make an early start,”
the [kanshu] said, leaning [tojiru] to be heard over the [noizu], “and we will must all the [nokori] we can get.”
the Warder said, leaning close to be heard over the noise, “and we will need all the rest we can get.”
“There’s a [nakama] been staring at me,”
“There’s a fellow been staring at me,”
Mat said.”
Mat said.
A [otoko] with a [kizuato] across his [kao].
“ A man with a scar across his face.
You don’t think he could be a…
You don’t think he could be a…
one of the [yūjin] you warned us about?”
one of the friends you warned us about?”
“Like this?”
“Like this?”
Rand said, [zumen] a [yubi] across his [hana] to the [kōnā] of his [kuchi no naka].
Rand said, drawing a finger across his nose to the corner of his mouth.
“He stared at me, too.”
“He stared at me, too.”
He looked around the [heya].
He looked around the room.
[hitobito] were drifting away, and most of those still left clustered around Thom.
People were drifting away, and most of those still left clustered around Thom.
“He’s not here, now.”
“He’s not here, now.”
“I [mimashita] the [otoko],”
“I saw the man,”
Lan said.
Lan said.
“According to [shujin] Fitch, he’s a [supai] for the Whitecloaks.
“According to Master Fitch, he’s a spy for the Whitecloaks.
He’s no [shinpai] to us.”
He’s no worry to us.”
Maybe he was not, [shikashi] Rand could see something was bothering the [kanshu].
Maybe he was not, but Rand could see something was bothering the Warder.
Rand glanced at Mat, who had the stiff [shiki] on his [kao] that always meant he was hiding something.
Rand glanced at Mat, who had the stiff expression on his face that always meant he was hiding something.
A Whitecloak [supai].
A Whitecloak spy.
Could Bornhald want to get back at us that much?
Could Bornhald want to get back at us that much?
“We’re leaving early?”
“We’re leaving early?”
he said.
he said.
“Really early?”
“Really early?”
Maybe they could be gone before anything came of it.
Maybe they could be gone before anything came of it.
“At [saisho] [hikari],”
“At first light,”
the [kanshu] replied.
the Warder replied.
As they left the common [heya], Mat singing [sunacchi] of [uta] under his [iki], and Perrin stopping now and again to try out a new [suteppu] he had learned, Thom joined them in high [seirei].
As they left the common room, Mat singing snatches of song under his breath, and Perrin stopping now and again to try out a new step he had learned, Thom joined them in high spirits.
Lan’s [kao] was expressionless as they headed for the [kaidan].
Lan’s face was expressionless as they headed for the stairs.
“Where is Nynaeve sleeping?”
“Where is Nynaeve sleeping?”
Mat asked.
Mat asked.
“[shujin] Fitch said we got the [saigo] [heya].”
“Master Fitch said we got the last rooms.”
“She has a [shindai],”
“She has a bed,”
Thom said dryly, “in with [shufu] Alys and the [onnanoko].”
Thom said dryly, “in with Mistress Alys and the girl.”
Perrin whistled between his [ha], and Mat muttered, “[chi] and [hai]!
Perrin whistled between his teeth, and Mat muttered, “Blood and ashes!
I wouldn’t be in Egwene’s [kutsu] for all the [gōrudo] in Caemlyn!”
I wouldn’t be in Egwene’s shoes for all the gold in Caemlyn!”
Not for the [saisho] [jikan], Rand wished Mat could think seriously about something for more than two [bun].
Not for the first time, Rand wished Mat could think seriously about something for more than two minutes.
Their own [kutsu] were not [hijō ni] comfortable [migi] then.
Their own shoes were not very comfortable right then.
“I’m going to get some [gyūnyū],”
“I’m going to get some milk,”
he said.
he said.
Maybe it would [tasukeru] him [suimin].
Maybe it would help him sleep.
Maybe I won’t [yume] tonight.
Maybe I won’t dream tonight.
Lan looked at him sharply.
Lan looked at him sharply.
“There’s something wrong tonight.
“There’s something wrong tonight.
don’t [wanda] far.
Don’t wander far.
And remember, we [kyūka] whether you are awake enough to sit your [sadoru] or have to be tied on.”
And remember, we leave whether you are awake enough to sit your saddle or have to be tied on.”
The [kanshu] started up the [kaidan]; the [tanin] followed him, their [omatsurisawagi] subdued.
The Warder started up the stairs; the others followed him, their jollity subdued.
Rand stood in the [hōru] alone.
Rand stood in the hall alone.
After having so many [hitobito] around, it was lonely indeed.
After having so many people around, it was lonely indeed.
He hurried to the [kicchin], where a [araiba] [meido] was still on [gimu].
He hurried to the kitchen, where a scullery maid was still on duty.
She poured a [magukappu] of [gyūnyū] from a big [ishi] [tsubo] for him.
She poured a mug of milk from a big stone crock for him.
As he came out of the [kicchin], drinking, a [keijō] in [nibui] [kuro] started toward him down the [nagasa] of the [hōru], raising pale [te] to toss back the [kurai] [kauru] that had hidden the [kao] beneath.
As he came out of the kitchen, drinking, a shape in dull black started toward him down the length of the hall, raising pale hands to toss back the dark cowl that had hidden the face beneath.
The [gaitō] hung motionless as the [zu] moved, and the [kao]…
The cloak hung motionless as the figure moved, and the face…
A [otoko]’s [kao], [shikashi] pasty [shiroi], like a [namekuji] under a [iwa], and eyeless.
A man’s face, but pasty white, like a slug under a rock, and eyeless.
From oily [kuro] [kami] to puffy [hō] was as smooth as an [rankaku].
From oily black hair to puffy cheeks was as smooth as an eggshell.
Rand choked, spraying [gyūnyū].
Rand choked, spraying milk.
“You are one of them, [otokonoko],”
“You are one of them, boy,”
the Fade said, a hoarse [sasayaku] like a [fairu] softly drawn across [hone].
the Fade said, a hoarse whisper like a file softly drawn across bone.
Dropping the [magukappu], Rand backed away.
Dropping the mug, Rand backed away.
He wanted to [jikkō], [shikashi] it was all he could do to make his [ashi] take one halting [suteppu] at a [jikan].
He wanted to run, but it was all he could do to make his feet take one halting step at a time.
He could not [kyūkei] [muryō desu] of that eyeless [kao]; his [shisen] was held, and his [i] curdled.
He could not break free of that eyeless face; his gaze was held, and his stomach curdled.
He tried to [sakebu] for [tasukeru], to [himei]; his [nodo] was like [ishi].
He tried to shout for help, to scream; his throat was like stone.
Every ragged [iki] [kizutsuketa].
Every ragged breath hurt.
The Fade glided closer, in no [isoi].
The Fade glided closer, in no hurry.
Its [zenshin] had a sinuous, deadly [megumi], like a [dokuhebi], the [ni te iru] emphasized by the overlapping [kuro] [purēto] of [yoroi] down its [mune].
Its strides had a sinuous, deadly grace, like a viper, the resemblance emphasized by the overlapping black plates of armor down its chest.
Thin, bloodless [kuchibiru] curved in a cruel [egao], made more mocking by the smooth, pale [hada] where exes should have been.
Thin, bloodless lips curved in a cruel smile, made more mocking by the smooth, pale skin where exes should have been.
