The Eye of the World_19 Flashcards
“The [jijitsu] is, she can only do so much, even with her One [dengen o on ni shimasu], and she has done about as much as she can without collapsing.
“The fact is, she can only do so much, even with her One Power, and she has done about as much as she can without collapsing.
The [jijitsu] is, your [ken] cannot [tasukeru] her now, [omo] of the Seven [Tō], [shikashi] my [hābu] can.”
The fact is, your sword cannot help her now, Lord of the Seven Towers, but my herbs can.”
Moiraine laid a [te] on Lan’s [āmu].
Moiraine laid a hand on Lan’s arm.
“Be at [tsukai yasusa], Lan.
“Be at ease, Lan.
She means no [gai].
She means no harm.
She simply does not know.”
She simply does not know.”
The [kanshu] snorted derisively.
The Warder snorted derisively.
Nynaeve stopped [kussaku] in her [baggu] and looked at him, frowning, [shikashi] it was to Moiraine she spoke.
Nynaeve stopped digging in her bag and looked at him, frowning, but it was to Moiraine she spoke.
“There are many [monogoto] I don’t know.
“There are many things I don’t know.
What [koto] is this?”
What thing is this?”
“For one,”
“For one,”
Moiraine replied, “all I truly must is a little [nokori].
Moiraine replied, “all I truly need is a little rest.
For another, I agree with you.
For another, I agree with you.
Your [sukiru] and [chishiki] will be more useful than I [shikō].
Your skills and knowledge will be more useful than I thought.
Now, [baai] you have something that will [tasukeru] me [suimin] for an [jikan] and not [kyūka] me groggy —?”
Now, if you have something that will help me sleep for an hour and not leave me groggy —?”
“A weak [ocha] of [awa], marisin, and—”
“A weak tea of foxtail, marisin, and —”
Rand missed the [saigo] of it as he followed Thom into a [heya] behind the [saisho], a [shitsu] just as big and even emptier.
Rand missed the last of it as he followed Thom into a room behind the first, a chamber just as big and even emptier.
Here was only the [hokori], thick and undisturbed until they came.
Here was only the dust, thick and undisturbed until they came.
Not even the [torakku] of [tori] or small [dōbutsu] marked the [yuka].
Not even the tracks of birds or small animals marked the floor.
Rand began to [kura o hazusu] Bela and [kumo], and Thom, Aldieb and his [kyosei ba], and Perrin, his [uma] and Mandarb.
Rand began to unsaddle Bela and Cloud, and Thom, Aldieb and his gelding, and Perrin, his horse and Mandarb.
All [shikashi] Mat.
All but Mat.
He dropped his [tazuna] in the [mannaka] of the [heya].
He dropped his reins in the middle of the room.
There were two [genkan] from the [heya] besides the one by which they had entered.
There were two doorways from the room besides the one by which they had entered.
“[roji],”
“Alley,”
Mat announced, [zumen] his [atama] back in from the [saisho].
Mat announced, drawing his head back in from the first.
They could all see that much from where they were.
They could all see that much from where they were.
The [ni] [toguchi] was only a [kuro] [shikakkei] in the [ria] [kabe].
The second doorway was only a black rectangle in the rear wall.
Mat went through slowly, and came out much faster, vigorously brushing old [kumonosu] out of his [kami].
Mat went through slowly, and came out much faster, vigorously brushing old cobwebs out of his hair.
“Nothing in there,”
“Nothing in there,”
he said, giving the alleyway another [hyōjō].
he said, giving the alleyway another look.
“You going to take [kaigo] of your [uma]?”
“You going to take care of your horse?”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
He had already finished his own and was lifting the [sadoru] from Mandarb.
He had already finished his own and was lifting the saddle from Mandarb.
Strangely, the fierce-eyed [taneuma] gave him no [meiwaku] at all, though he did [udedokei] Perrin.
Strangely, the fierce-eyed stallion gave him no trouble at all, though he did watch Perrin.
“Nobody is going to do it for you.”
“Nobody is going to do it for you.”
Mat gave the [roji] one [saigo] [hyōjō] and went to his [uma] with a [tameiki].
Mat gave the alley one last look and went to his horse with a sigh.
As Rand laid Bela’s [sadoru] on the [yuka], he noticed that Mat had taken on glum [gyōshi].
As Rand laid Bela’s saddle on the floor, he noticed that Mat had taken on glum stare.
His [me] seemed a thousand [mairu] away, and he was moving by [anki].
His eyes seemed a thousand miles away, and he was moving by rote.
“Are you all [migi], Mat?”
“Are you all right, Mat?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
Mat lifted the [sadoru] from his [uma], and stood holding it.
Mat lifted the saddle from his horse, and stood holding it.
“Mat?
“Mat?
Mat!”
Mat!”
Mat gave a [kaishi, hajimeru] and almost dropped the [sadoru].
Mat gave a start and almost dropped the saddle.
“What?
“What?
Oh.
Oh.
I…
I…
I was just thinking.”
I was just thinking.”
“Thinking?”
“Thinking?”
Perrin hooted from where he was replacing Mandarb’s [tazuna] with a [hazuna].
Perrin hooted from where he was replacing Mandarb’s bridle with a hackamore.
“You were asleep.”
“You were asleep.”
Mat scowled.
Mat scowled.
“I was thinking about…
“I was thinking about…
about what happened back there.
about what happened back there.
About those [kotoba] I…“
About those words I…”
Everybody turned to [hyōjō] at him then, not just Rand, and he shifted uneasily.
Everybody turned to look at him then, not just Rand, and he shifted uneasily.
“[yoku], you heard what Moiraine said.
“Well, you heard what Moiraine said.
It’s as [baai] some [shin da] [otoko] was speaking with my [kuchi no naka].
It’s as if some dead man was speaking with my mouth.
I don’t like it.”
I don’t like it.”
His scowl grew deeper when Perrin chuckled.
His scowl grew deeper when Perrin chuckled.
“Aemon’s [tokinokoe], she said – [migi]?
“Aemon’s warcry, she said – right?
Maybe you’re Aemon come back again.
Maybe you’re Aemon come back again.
The [michi] you go on about how [nibui] Emond’s [ryōiki] is, I’d think you would like that – [kōfuku] a [ō] and [hīrō] reborn.”
The way you go on about how dull Emond’s Field is, I’d think you would like that – being a king and hero reborn.”
“don’t say that!”
“Don’t say that!”
Thom drew a [fukai] [iki]; everybody stared at him now.
Thom drew a deep breath; everybody stared at him now.
“That is dangerous [hanashi], stupid [hanashi].
“That is dangerous talk, stupid talk.
The [shin da] can be reborn, or take a living [bodi], and it is not something to speak of lightly.”
The dead can be reborn, or take a living body, and it is not something to speak of lightly.”
He took another [iki] to calm himself before going on.
He took another breath to calm himself before going on.
“The old [chi], she said.
“The old blood, she said.
The [chi], not a [shin da] [otoko].
The blood, not a dead man.
I’ve heard that it can happen, sometimes.
I’ve heard that it can happen, sometimes.
Heard, though I never really [shikō]…
Heard, though I never really thought…
It was your [rūtsu], [otokonoko].
It was your roots, boy.
A [rain] running from you to your [chichioya] to your [sofu], [migi] on back to Manetheren, and maybe beyond.
A line running from you to your father to your grandfather, right on back to Manetheren, and maybe beyond.
[yoku], now you know your [kazoku] is old.
Well, now you know your family is old.
You ought to let it go at that and be glad.
You ought to let it go at that and be glad.
Most [hitobito] don’t know much more than that they had a [chichioya].”
Most people don’t know much more than that they had a father.”
Some of us can’t even be sure of that, Rand [shikō] bitterly.
Some of us can’t even be sure of that, Rand thought bitterly.
Maybe the [chie] was [migi].
Maybe the Wisdom was right.
[hikari], I [kibō] she was.
Light, I hope she was.
Mat nodded at what the [ginyūshijin] said.
Mat nodded at what the gleeman said.
“I suppose I should.
“I suppose I should.
Only…
Only…
do you think it has anything to do with what’s happened to us?
do you think it has anything to do with what’s happened to us?
The Trollocs and all?
The Trollocs and all?
I mean…
I mean…
oh, I don’t know what I mean.”
oh, I don’t know what I mean.”
“I think you ought to forget about it, and concentrate on getting out of here safely.”
“I think you ought to forget about it, and concentrate on getting out of here safely.”
Thom produced his long-stemmed [paipu] from [uchigawa] his [gaitō].
Thom produced his long-stemmed pipe from inside his cloak.
“And I think I am going to have a [kemuri].”
“And I think I am going to have a smoke.”
With a [wagguru] of the [paipu] in their [hōkō], he disappeared into the [furonto] [heya].
With a waggle of the pipe in their direction, he disappeared into the front room.
“We are all in this together, not just one of us,”
“We are all in this together, not just one of us,”
Rand told Mat.
Rand told Mat.
Mat gave himself a [furu], and laughed, a short [juhi].
Mat gave himself a shake, and laughed, a short bark.
“[migi].
“Right.
[yoku], speaking of [kōfuku] in [monogoto] together, now that we’re done with the [uma], why don’t we go see a little more of this [toshi].
Well, speaking of being in things together, now that we’re done with the horses, why don’t we go see a little more of this city.
A real [toshi], and no [gunshū] to [mōtābō] your [hiji] and [tsuku] you in the [ribu].
A real city, and no crowds to jostle your elbow and poke you in the ribs.
Nobody looking down their long [hana] at us.
Nobody looking down their long noses at us.
There’s still an [jikan], maybe two, of [natsujikan] left.”
There’s still an hour, maybe two, of daylight left.”
“Aren’t you forgetting the Trollocs?”
“Aren’t you forgetting the Trollocs?”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
Mat shook his [atama] scornfully.
Mat shook his head scornfully.
“Lan said they wouldn’t come in here, remember?
“Lan said they wouldn’t come in here, remember?
You must to listen to what [hitobito] say.”
You need to listen to what people say.”
“I remember,”
“I remember,”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
“And I do listen.
“And I do listen.
This [toshi] – Aridhol?
This city – Aridhol?
– was an [dōmei koku] of Manetheren.
– was an ally of Manetheren.
See?
See?
I listen.”
I listen.”
“Aridhol must have been the greatest [toshi] in the Trolloc [sensō],”
“Aridhol must have been the greatest city in the Trolloc Wars,”
Rand [enjo], “for the Trollocs to still be afraid of it.
Rand aid, “for the Trollocs to still be afraid of it.
They weren’t afraid to come into the Two [kawa], and Moiraine said Manetheren was – how did she put it?
They weren’t afraid to come into the Two Rivers, and Moiraine said Manetheren was – how did she put it?
– a [toge] to the [Kurai] One’s [ashi].”
– a thorn to the Dark One’s foot.”
Perrin raised his [te].
Perrin raised his hands.
“don’t [genkyū] the [hitsuji kai] of the [yoru, kishi_knt].
“Don’t mention the Shepherd of the Night.
Please?”
Please?”
“What do you say?”
“What do you say?”
Mat laughed.
Mat laughed.
“Let’s go.”
“Let’s go.”
“We should ask Moiraine,”
“We should ask Moiraine,”
Perrin said, and Mat threw up his [te].
Perrin said, and Mat threw up his hands.
“Ask Moiraine?
“Ask Moiraine?
You think she’ll let us out of her [kōkei]?
You think she’ll let us out of her sight?
And what about Nynaeve?
And what about Nynaeve?
[chi] and [hai], Perrin, why not ask [shufu] Luhhan [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] you’re about it?”
Blood and ashes, Perrin, why not ask Mistress Luhhan while you’re about it?”
Perrin nodded reluctant [gōi], and Mat turned to Rand with a grin.
Perrin nodded reluctant agreement, and Mat turned to Rand with a grin.
“What about you?
“What about you?
A real [toshi]?
A real city?
With [kyūden]!”
With palaces!”
He gave a sly [warai].
He gave a sly laugh.
“And no Whitecloaks to [gyōshi] at us.”
“And no Whitecloaks to stare at us.”
Rand gave him a dirty [hyōjō], [shikashi] he hesitated only a [bun].
Rand gave him a dirty look, but he hesitated only a minute.
Those [kyūden] were like a [ginyūshijin]’s [monogatari].
Those palaces were like a gleeman’s tale.
“All [migi].”
“All right.”
Stepping softly so as not to be heard in the [furonto] [heya], they left by the [roji], following it away from the [furonto] of the [tatemono] to a [sutorīto] on the [sonota] [saido].
Stepping softly so as not to be heard in the front room, they left by the alley, following it away from the front of the building to a street on the other side.
They walked quickly, and when they were a [burokku] away from the [shiroi] [ishi] [tatemono] Mat suddenly broke into a capering [dansu].
They walked quickly, and when they were a block away from the white stone building Mat suddenly broke into a capering dance.
“[muryō desu].”
“Free.”
He laughed.
He laughed.
“[muryō desu]!”
“Free!”
He slowed until he was turning a [sākuru], staring at everything and still laughing.
He slowed until he was turning a circle, staring at everything and still laughing.
The [gogo] [kage] stretched long and jagged, and the sinking [nichi] made the ruined [toshi] golden.
The afternoon shadows stretched long and jagged, and the sinking sun made the ruined city golden.
“Did you ever even [yume] of a [basho] like this?
“Did you ever even dream of a place like this?
Did you?”
Did you?”
Perrin laughed, too, [shikashi] Rand shrugged uncomfortably.
Perrin laughed, too, but Rand shrugged uncomfortably.
This was nothing like the [toshi] in his [saisho] [yume], [shikashi] just the same…
This was nothing like the city in his first dream, but just the same…”
“[baai] we’re going to see anything,”
If we’re going to see anything,”
he said, “we had [yori yoi] get on with it.
he said, “we had better get on with it.
There isn’t much [natsujikan] left.”
There isn’t much daylight left.”
Mat wanted to see everything, it seemed, and he pulled the [tanin] along with his [netsui].
Mat wanted to see everything, it seemed, and he pulled the others along with his enthusiasm.
They climbed over dusty [funsui] with [bonchi] wide enough to hold everybody in Emond’s [ryōiki] and wandered in and out of [kōzō] chosen at [randamu], [shikashi] always the biggest they could find.
They climbed over dusty fountains with basins wide enough to hold everybody in Emond’s Field and wandered in and out of structures chosen at random, but always the biggest they could find.
Some they understood, and some not.
Some they understood, and some not.
A [kyūden] was plainly a [kyūden], [shikashi] what was a huge [tatemono] that was one round, [shiroi] [dōmu] as big as a [oka] [soto ni] and one monstrous [heya] [uchigawa]?
A palace was plainly a palace, but what was a huge building that was one round, white dome as big as a hill outside and one monstrous room inside?
And a walled [basho], [ōpun] to the [sora] and big enough to have held all of Emond’s [ryōiki], surrounded by [kudari] on [kudari] on [kudari] of [ishi] [endai]?
And a walled place, open to the sky and big enough to have held all of Emond’s Field, surrounded by row on row on row of stone benches?
Mat grew impatient when they found nothing [shikashi] [hokori], or [gareki], or colorless [boro] of [kabe] [kabekake] that crumbled at a [tacchi].
Mat grew impatient when they found nothing but dust, or rubble, or colorless rags of wall hangings that crumbled at a touch.
Once some wooden [isu] stood stacked against a [kabe]; they all fell to [bitto] when Perrin tried to pick one up.
Once some wooden chairs stood stacked against a wall; they all fell to bits when Perrin tried to pick one up.
The [kyūden], with their huge, empty [shitsu], some of which could have held the Winespring [in] with [heya] to spare on every [saido] and above as [yoku], made Rand think too much of the [hitobito] who had once filled them.
The palaces, with their huge, empty chambers, some of which could have held the Winespring Inn with room to spare on every side and above as well, made Rand think too much of the people who had once filled them.
He [shikō] everybody in the Two [kawa] could have stood under that round [dōmu], and as for the [basho] with the [ishi] [endai]…
He thought everybody in the Two Rivers could have stood under that round dome, and as for the place with the stone benches…
He could almost imagine he could see the [hitobito] in the [kage], staring in [fuman] at the three [shinnyūsha] disturbing their [nokori].
He could almost imagine he could see the people in the shadows, staring in disapproval at the three intruders disturbing their rest.
Finally even Mat tired, grand as the [tatemono] were, and remembered that he had had only an [jikan]’s [suimin] the [yoru, kishi_knt] before.
Finally even Mat tired, grand as the buildings were, and remembered that he had had only an hour’s sleep the night before.
Everyone began to remember that.
Everyone began to remember that.
Yawning, they sat on the [suteppu] of a tall [tatemono] fronted by [kudari] on [kudari] of tall [ishi] [retsu] and argued about what to do next.
Yawning, they sat on the steps of a tall building fronted by row on row of tall stone columns and argued about what to do next.
“go back,”
“Go back,”
Rand said, “and get some [suimin].”
Rand said, “and get some sleep.”
He put the [rimen] of his [te] against his [kuchi no naka].
He put the back of his hand against his mouth.
When he could [hanashi] again, he said, “[suimin].
When he could talk again, he said, “Sleep.
That’s all I want.”
That’s all I want.”
“You can [suimin] anytime,”
“You can sleep anytime,”
Mat said determinedly.
Mat said determinedly.
“[hyōjō] at where we are.
“Look at where we are.
A ruined [toshi].
A ruined city.
[hōmotsu].”
Treasure.”
“[hōmotsu]?”
“Treasure?”
Perrin’s [ago] cracked.
Perrin’s jaws cracked.
“There isn’t any [hōmotsu] here.
“There isn’t any treasure here.
There isn’t anything [shikashi] [hokori].”
There isn’t anything but dust.”
Rand shaded his [me] against the [nichi], a [akai] [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] sitting [tojiru] to the [yane].
Rand shaded his eyes against the sun, a red ball sitting close to the rooftops.
“It’s getting late, Mat.
“It’s getting late, Mat.
It’ll be [kurai] soon.”
It’ll be dark soon.”
“There could be [hōmotsu],”
“There could be treasure,”
Mat maintained stoutly.
Mat maintained stoutly.
“Anyway, I want to [noboru] one of the [tō].
“Anyway, I want to climb one of the towers.
[hyōjō] at that one over there.
Look at that one over there.
It’s whole.
It’s whole.
I’ll [kake] you could see for [mairu] from up there.
I’ll bet you could see for miles from up there.
What do you say?”
What do you say?”
“The [tō] are not safe,”
“The towers are not safe,”
said a [otoko]’s [koe] behind them.
said a man’s voice behind them.
Rand leaped to his [ashi] and spun around clutching his [ken] [moyō], and the [tanin] were just as quick.
Rand leaped to his feet and spun around clutching his sword hilt, and the others were just as quick.
A [otoko] stood in the [kage] among the [retsu] at the [chōten] of the [kaidan].
A man stood in the shadows among the columns at the top of the stairs.
He took [hanbun] a [suteppu] forward, raised his [te] to [shīrudo] his [me], and stepped back again.
He took half a step forward, raised his hand to shield his eyes, and stepped back again.
“Forgive me,”
“Forgive me,”
he said smoothly.
he said smoothly.
“I have been quite a long [jikan] in the [kurai] [uchigawa].
“I have been quite a long time in the dark inside.
My [me] are not yet used to the [hikari].”
My eyes are not yet used to the light.”
“Who are you?”
“Who are you?”
Rand [shikō] the [otoko]’s [akusento] sounded odd, even after Baerlon; some [kotoba] he pronounced strangely, so Rand could barely understand them.
Rand thought the man’s accent sounded odd, even after Baerlon; some words he pronounced strangely, so Rand could barely understand them.
“What are you doing here?
“What are you doing here?
We [shikō] the [toshi] was empty.”
We thought the city was empty.”
“I am Mordeth.”
“I am Mordeth.”
He paused as [baai] expecting them to recognize the [namae].
He paused as if expecting them to recognize the name.
When none of them gave any [sain] of doing so, he muttered something under his [iki] and went on.
When none of them gave any sign of doing so, he muttered something under his breath and went on.
“I could ask the same [shitsumon] of you.
“I could ask the same questions of you.
There has been no one in Aridhol for a long [jikan].
There has been no one in Aridhol for a long time.
A long, long [jikan].
A long, long time.
I would not have [shikō] to find three young [dansei] wandering its [machi].”
I would not have thought to find three young men wandering its streets.”
“We’re on our [michi] to Caemlyn,”
“We’re on our way to Caemlyn,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“We stopped to take [hinan sho] for the [yoru, kishi_knt].”
“We stopped to take shelter for the night.”
“Caemlyn,”
“Caemlyn,”
Mordeth said slowly, rolling the [namae] around his [shita], then shook his [atama].
Mordeth said slowly, rolling the name around his tongue, then shook his head.
“[hinan sho] for the [yoru, kishi_knt], you say?
“Shelter for the night, you say?
Perhaps you will [sanka shimasu] me.”
Perhaps you will join me.”
“You still haven’t said what you’re doing here,”
“You still haven’t said what you’re doing here,”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
“Why, I am a [hōmotsu] [hantā], of [mochiron].”
“Why, I am a treasure hunter, of course.”
“Have you found any?”
“Have you found any?”
Mat demanded excitedly.
Mat demanded excitedly.
Rand [shikō] Mordeth smiled, [shikashi] in the [kage] he could not be sure.
Rand thought Mordeth smiled, but in the shadows he could not be sure.
“I have,”
“I have,”
the [otoko] said.
the man said.
“More than I expected.
“More than I expected.
Much more.
Much more.
More than I can carry away.
More than I can carry away.
I never expected to find three strong, healthy young [dansei].
I never expected to find three strong, healthy young men.
[baai] you will [tasukeru] me [ugokasu] what I can take to where my [uma] are, you may each have a [kyōyū shite imasu] of the [nokori].
If you will help me move what I can take to where my horses are, you may each have a share of the rest.
As much as you can carry.
As much as you can carry.
Whatever I [kyūka] will be gone, carried off by some [sonota] [hōmotsu] [hantā], before I can [ritān] for it.”
Whatever I leave will be gone, carried off by some other treasure hunter, before I can return for it.”
“I told you there must be [hōmotsu] in a [basho] like this,”
“I told you there must be treasure in a place like this,”
Mat exclaimed.
Mat exclaimed.
He darted up the [kaidan].
He darted up the stairs.
“We’ll [tasukeru] you carry it.
“We’ll help you carry it.
Just take us to it.”
Just take us to it.”
He and Mordeth moved deeper into the [kage] among the [retsu].
He and Mordeth moved deeper into the shadows among the columns.
Rand looked at Perrin.
Rand looked at Perrin.
“We can’t [kyūka] him.”
“We can’t leave him.”
Perrin glanced at the sinking [nichi], and nodded.
Perrin glanced at the sinking sun, and nodded.
They went up the [kaidan] warily, Perrin easing his [ono] in its [beruto] [rūpu].
They went up the stairs warily, Perrin easing his axe in its belt loop.
Rand’s [te] tightened on his [ken].
Rand’s hand tightened on his sword.
[shikashi] Mat and Mordeth were waiting among the [retsu], Mordeth with [ude] folded, Mat peering impatiently into the interior.
But Mat and Mordeth were waiting among the columns, Mordeth with arms folded, Mat peering impatiently into the interior.
“Come,”
“Come,”
Mordeth said.
Mordeth said.
“I will [shō] you the [hōmotsu].”
“I will show you the treasure.”
He slipped [uchigawa], and Mat followed.
He slipped inside, and Mat followed.
There was nothing for the [tanin] to do [shikashi] go on.
There was nothing for the others to do but go on.
The [hōru] [uchigawa] was shadowy, [shikashi] almost immediately Mordeth turned aside and took some [semai] [suteppu] that [kizu] around and down through deeper and deeper [kurai] until they fumbled their [michi] in [picchi kurosa].
The hall inside was shadowy, but almost immediately Mordeth turned aside and took some narrow steps that wound around and down through deeper and deeper dark until they fumbled their way in pitch-blackness.
Rand [kanjita] along the [kabe] with one [te], [wakara nai] there would be a [suteppu] below until his [ashi] met it.
Rand felt along the wall with one hand, unsure there would be a step below until his foot met it.
Even Mat began to feel uneasy, judging by his [koe] when he said, “It’s awfully [kurai] down here.”
Even Mat began to feel uneasy, judging by his voice when he said, “It’s awfully dark down here.”
“Yes, yes,”
“Yes, yes,”
Mordeth replied.
Mordeth replied.
The [otoko] seemed to be having no [meiwaku] at all with the [kurai].
The man seemed to be having no trouble at all with the dark.
“There are [tentō shimasu] below.
“There are lights below.
Come.”
Come.”
Indeed the winding [kaidan] abruptly gave [michi] to a [rōka] dimly lit by scattered, smoky [tōchi] set in [tetsu] [shokudai] on the [kabe].
Indeed the winding stairs abruptly gave way to a corridor dimly lit by scattered, smoky torches set in iron sconces on the walls.
The flickering [honoo] and [kage] gave Rand his [saisho] [yoi] [hyōjō] at Mordeth, who hurried on without pausing, motioning them to follow.
The flickering flames and shadows gave Rand his first good look at Mordeth, who hurried on without pausing, motioning them to follow.
There was something odd about him, Rand [shikō], [shikashi] he could not pick out what it was, exactly.
There was something odd about him, Rand thought, but he could not pick out what it was, exactly.
Mordeth was a sleek, somewhat overfed [otoko], with drooping [mabuta] that made him seem to be hiding behind something and staring.
Mordeth was a sleek, somewhat overfed man, with drooping eyelids that made him seem to be hiding behind something and staring.
Short, and completely bald, he walked as [baai] he were taller than any of them.
Short, and completely bald, he walked as if he were taller than any of them.
His [fuku] were certainly like nothing Rand had ever seen before, either.
His clothes were certainly like nothing Rand had ever seen before, either.
Tight [kuro] [zubon] and soft [akai] [būtsu] with the [toppusu] turned down at his [ashikubi].
Tight black breeches and soft red boots with the tops turned down at his ankles.
A long, [akai] [besuto] thickly embroidered in [gōrudo], and a snowy [shiroi] [shatsu] with wide [sode], the [pointo] of his [sodeguchi] hanging almost to his [hiza].
A long, red vest thickly embroidered in gold, and a snowy white shirt with wide sleeves, the points of his cuffs hanging almost to his knees.
Certainly not the [shinsetsu] of [fuku] in which to [jikkō] through a ruined [toshi] in [kensaku] of [hōmotsu].
Certainly not the kind of clothes in which to run through a ruined city in search of treasure.
[shikashi] it was not that which made him seem strange, either.
But it was not that which made him seem strange, either.
Then the [rōka] ended in a [tairu]-walled [heya], and he forgot about any [hentai kei] Mordeth might have.
Then the corridor ended in a tile-walled room, and he forgot about any oddities Mordeth might have.
His gasp was an [ekō] of his [yūjin].
His gasp was an echo of his friends.
Here, too, [hikari] came from a few [tōchi] staining the [tenjō] with their [kemuri] and giving everyone more than one [kage], [shikashi] that [hikari] was reflected a thousand [kai] by the [hōseki] and [gōrudo] piled on the [yuka], [tsuka] of [koin] and [juerī], [goburetto] and [purēto] and [ōzara], gilded, [ippin]-encrusted [ken] and [tanken], all heaped together carelessly in [koshi]-high [tsuka].
Here, too, light came from a few torches staining the ceiling with their smoke and giving everyone more than one shadow, but that light was reflected a thousand times by the gems and gold piled on the floor, mounds of coins and jewelry, goblets and plates and platters, gilded, gem-encrusted swords and daggers, all heaped together carelessly in waist-high mounds.
With a [sakebi] Mat hashitta forward and fell to his [hiza] in [furonto] of one of the [yama].
With a cry Mat ran forward and fell to his knees in front of one of the piles.
“[fukuro],”
“Sacks,”
he said breathlessly, pawing through the [gōrudo].
he said breathlessly, pawing through the gold.
“We’ll must [fukuro] to carry all of this.”
“We’ll need sacks to carry all of this.”
“We can’t carry it all,”
“We can’t carry it all,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
He looked around helplessly; all the [gōrudo] the [shōnin] brought to Emond’s [ryōiki] in a [toshi] would not have made the thousandth [ichibu] of just one of those [tsuka].
He looked around helplessly; all the gold the merchants brought to Emond’s Field in a year would not have made the thousandth part of just one of those mounds.
“Not now.
“Not now.
It’s almost [kurai].”
It’s almost dark.”
Perrin pulled an [ono] [muryō desu], carelessly tossing back the [gōrudo] [chēn] that had been tangled around it.
Perrin pulled an axe free, carelessly tossing back the gold chains that had been tangled around it.
[hōseki] glittered along its shiny [kuro] [handoru], and delicate [gōrudo] [uzumaki] covered the [futago] [ha].
Jewels glittered along its shiny black handle, and delicate gold scrollwork covered the twin blades.
“Tomorrow, then,”
“Tomorrow, then,”
he said, hefting the [ono] with a grin.
he said, hefting the axe with a grin.
“Moiraine and Lan will understand when we [shō] them this.”
“Moiraine and Lan will understand when we show them this.”
“You are not alone?”
“You are not alone?”
Mordeth said.
Mordeth said.
He had let them [rasshu] past him into the [hōmotsu] [heya], [shikashi] now he followed.
He had let them rush past him into the treasure room, but now he followed.
“Who else is with you?”
“Who else is with you?”
Mat, [tekubi] [fukai] in the [tomi] before him, answered absently.
Mat, wrist deep in the riches before him, answered absently.
“Moiraine and Lan.
“Moiraine and Lan.
And then there’s Nynaeve, and Egwene, and Thom.
And then there’s Nynaeve, and Egwene, and Thom.
He’s a [ginyūshijin].
He’s a gleeman.
We’re going to [tāru] Valon.”
We’re going to Tar Valon.”
Rand caught his [iki].
Rand caught his breath.
Then the [chinmoku] from Mordeth made him [hyōjō] at the [otoko].
Then the silence from Mordeth made him look at the man.
[gekido] twisted Mordeth’s [kao], and [kyōfu], too.
Rage twisted Mordeth’s face, and fear, too.
His [kuchibiru] pulled back from his [ha].
His lips pulled back from his teeth.
“[tāru] Valon!”
“Tar Valon!”
He shook clenched [kobushi] at them.
He shook clenched fists at them.
“[tāru] Valon!
“Tar Valon!
You said you were going to this…
You said you were going to this…
this…
this…
Caemlyn!
Caemlyn!
You lied to me!”
You lied to me!”
“[baai] you still want,”
“If you still want,”
Perrin said to Mordeth, “we’ll come back tomorrow and [tasukeru] you.”
Perrin said to Mordeth, “we’ll come back tomorrow and help you.”
Carefully he set the [ono] back on the [hīpu] of [ippin]-encrusted [hijiri hai] and [juerī].
Carefully he set the axe back on the heap of gem-encrusted chalices and jewelry.
“[baai] you want.”
“If you want.”
“No.
“No.
That is…”
That is…”
Panting, Mordeth shook his [atama] as [baai] he could not decide.
Panting, Mordeth shook his head as if he could not decide.
“Take what you want.
“Take what you want.
Except…
Except…
Except…”
Except…”
Suddenly Rand realized what had been nagging at him about the [otoko].
Suddenly Rand realized what had been nagging at him about the man.
The scattered [tōchi] in the [rōka] had given each of them a [ringu] of [kage], just as the [tōchi] in the [hōmotsu] [heya] did.
The scattered torches in the hallway had given each of them a ring of shadows, just as the torches in the treasure room did.
Only…
Only…
He was so shocked he said it out loud.
He was so shocked he said it out loud.
“You don’t have a [kage].”
“You don’t have a shadow.”
A [goburetto] fell from Mat’s [te] with a [kurasshu].
A goblet fell from Mat’s hand with a crash.
Mordeth nodded, and for the [saisho] [jikan] his fleshy [mabuta] opened all the [michi].
Mordeth nodded, and for the first time his fleshy eyelids opened all the way.
His sleek [kao] suddenly appeared pinched and hungry.
His sleek face suddenly appeared pinched and hungry.
“So.”
“So.”
He stood straighter, seeming taller.
He stood straighter, seeming taller.
“It is decided.”
“It is decided.”
Abruptly there was no seeming to it.
Abruptly there was no seeming to it.
Like a [barūn] Mordeth swelled, distorted, [atama] pressed against the [tenjō], [kata] butting the [kabe], filling the [owari] of the [heya], cutting off [dasshutsu].
Like a balloon Mordeth swelled, distorted, head pressed against the ceiling, shoulders butting the walls, filling the end of the room, cutting off escape.
[nakazora]-cheeked, [ha] bared in a rictus [unari goe], he reached out with [te] big enough to [makikomu] a [otoko]’s [atama].
Hollow-cheeked, teeth bared in a rictus snarl, he reached out with hands big enough to engulf a man’s head.
With a [ēru] Rand leaped back.
With a yell Rand leaped back.
His [ashi] tangled in a [gōrudo] [chēn], and he crashed to the [yuka], the [kaze] knocked out of him.
His feet tangled in a gold chain, and he crashed to the floor, the wind knocked out of him.
Struggling for [iki], he struggled at the same [jikan] for his [ken], [tatakai] his [gaitō], which had become wrapped around the [moyō].
Struggling for breath, he struggled at the same time for his sword, fighting his cloak, which had become wrapped around the hilt.
The [sakebi] of his [yūjin] filled the [heya], and the [shōtotsu] of [gōrudo] [ōzara] and [goburetto] clattering across the [yuka].
The yells of his friends filled the room, and the clash of gold platters and goblets clattering across the floor.
Suddenly an agonized [himei] shivered in Rand’s [mimi].
Suddenly an agonized scream shivered in Rand’s ears.
Almost sobbing, he managed to inhale at [saigo], just as he got the [ken] out of its [shīsu].
Almost sobbing, he managed to inhale at last, just as he got the sword out of its sheath.
Cautiously, he got to his [ashi], wondering which of his [yūjin] had given that [himei].
Cautiously, he got to his feet, wondering which of his friends had given that scream.
Perrin looked back at him wide-eyed from across the [heya], crouched and holding his [ono] back as [baai] about to chop down a [tsurī].
Perrin looked back at him wide-eyed from across the room, crouched and holding his axe back as if about to chop down a tree.
Mat peered around the [saido] of a [hōmotsu] [yama], clutching a [dagā] snatched from the trove.
Mat peered around the side of a treasure pile, clutching a dagger snatched from the trove.
Something moved in the deepest [ichibu] of the [kage] left by the [tōchi], and they all jumped.
Something moved in the deepest part of the shadows left by the torches, and they all jumped.
It was Mordeth, clutching his [hiza] to his [mune] and huddled as [fukai] into the furthest [kōnā] as he could get.
It was Mordeth, clutching his knees to his chest and huddled as deep into the furthest corner as he could get.
“He tricked us,”
“He tricked us,”
Mat panted.
Mat panted.
“It was some [shinsetsu] of [torikku].”
“It was some kind of trick.”
Mordeth threw back his [atama] and wailed; [hokori] sifted down as the [kabe] trembled.
Mordeth threw back his head and wailed; dust sifted down as the walls trembled.
“You are all [shin da]!”
“You are all dead!”
he [saken da].
he cried.
“All [shin da]!”
“All dead!”
And he leaped up, [daibingu] across the [heya].
And he leaped up, diving across the room.
Rand’s [ago] dropped, and he almost dropped the [ken] as [yoku].
Rand’s jaw dropped, and he almost dropped the sword as well.
As Mordeth [hato] through the [kūki], he stretched out and thinned, like a [makihi ge] of [kemuri].
As Mordeth dove through the air, he stretched out and thinned, like a tendril of smoke.
As thin as a [yubi] he struck a [kiretsu] in the [kabe] [tairu] and vanished into it.
As thin as a finger he struck a crack in the wall tiles and vanished into it.
A [saigo] [sakebi] hung in the [heya] as he vanished, fading slowly away after he was gone.
A last cry hung in the room as he vanished, fading slowly away after he was gone.
“You are all [shin da]!”
“You are all dead!”
“Let’s get out of here,”
“Let’s get out of here,”
Perrin said faintly, firming his [gurippu] on his [ono] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he tried to [kao] every [hōkō] at once.
Perrin said faintly, firming his grip on his axe while he tried to face every direction at once.
[gōrudo] [sōshoku-hin] and [hōseki] scattered unnoticed under his [ashi].
Gold ornaments and gems scattered unnoticed under his feet.
“[shikashi] the [hōmotsu],”
“But the treasure,”
Mat protested.
Mat protested.
“We can’t just [kyūka] it now.”
“We can’t just leave it now.”
“I don’t want anything of his,”
“I don’t want anything of his,”
Perrin said, still turning one [michi] after another.
Perrin said, still turning one way after another.
He raised his [koe] and shouted at the [kabe].
He raised his voice and shouted at the walls.
“It’s your [hōmotsu], you hear?
“It’s your treasure, you hear?
We are not taking any of it!”
We are not taking any of it!”
Rand stared angrily at Mat.
Rand stared angrily at Mat.
“Do you want him coming after us?
“Do you want him coming after us?
Or are you going to [taiki] here stuffing your [poketto] until he comes back with ten more like him?”
Or are you going to wait here stuffing your pockets until he comes back with ten more like him?”
Mat just gestured to all the [gōrudo] and [hōseki].
Mat just gestured to all the gold and jewels.
Before he could say anything, though, Rand seized one of his [ude] and Perrin grabbed the [sonota].
Before he could say anything, though, Rand seized one of his arms and Perrin grabbed the other.
They hustled him out of the [heya], Mat struggling and shouting about the [hōmotsu].
They hustled him out of the room, Mat struggling and shouting about the treasure.
Before they had gone ten [suteppu] down the [hōru], the already dim [hikari] behind them began to [shippai].
Before they had gone ten steps down the hall, the already dim light behind them began to fail.
The [tōchi] in the [hōmotsu] [heya] were going out.
The torches in the treasure room were going out.
Mat stopped shouting.
Mat stopped shouting.
They hastened their [suteppu].
They hastened their steps.
The [saisho] [tōchi] [soto ni] the [heya] winked out, then the next.
The first torch outside the room winked out, then the next.
By the [jikan] they reached the winding [kaidan] there was no must to [doraggu] Mat any longer.
By the time they reached the winding stairs there was no need to drag Mat any longer.
They were all running, with the [kurai] closing in behind them.
They were all running, with the dark closing in behind them.
Even the [picchi]-[kuro] of the [kaidan] only made them hesitate an instant, then they sped upwards, shouting at the [chōten] of their [hai].
Even the pitch-black of the stairs only made them hesitate an instant, then they sped upwards, shouting at the top of their lungs.
Shouting to scare anything that might be waiting; shouting to remind themselves they were still alive.
Shouting to scare anything that might be waiting; shouting to remind themselves they were still alive.
They [bāsuto] out into the [hōru] above, sliding and falling on the dusty [dairiseki], scrambling out through the [retsu], to tumble down the [kaidan] and [tochi] in a bruised [hīpu] in the [sutorīto].
They burst out into the hall above, sliding and falling on the dusty marble, scrambling out through the columns, to tumble down the stairs and land in a bruised heap in the street.
Rand untangled himself and picked Tam’s [ken] up from the [hosō], looking around uneasily.
Rand untangled himself and picked Tam’s sword up from the pavement, looking around uneasily.
Less than [hanbun] of the [nichi] still showed above the [yane].
Less than half of the sun still showed above the rooftops.
[kage] reached out like [kurai] [te], made blacker by the remaining [hikari], nearly filling the [sutorīto].
Shadows reached out like dark hands, made blacker by the remaining light, nearly filling the street.
He shivered.
He shivered.
The [kage] looked like Mordeth, reaching.
The shadows looked like Mordeth, reaching.
“At least we’re out of it.”
“At least we’re out of it.
Mat got up from the [ichiban-ka] of the [yama], dusting himself off in a shaky [mohō] of his usual [yarikata].
“ Mat got up from the bottom of the pile, dusting himself off in a shaky imitation of his usual manner.
“And at least I—”
“And at least I —”
“Are we?”
“Are we?”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
Rand knew it was not his [sōzō ryoku] this [jikan].
Rand knew it was not his imagination this time.
the [rimen] of his [kubi] prickled.
The back of his neck prickled.
Something was watching them from the [yami] in the [retsu].
Something was watching them from the darkness in the columns.
He spun around, staring at the [tatemono] across the [michi].
He spun around, staring at the buildings across the way.
He could feel [me] on him from there, too.
He could feel eyes on him from there, too.
His [gurippu] tightened on his [ken] [moyō], though he wondered what [yoi] it would be.
His grip tightened on his sword hilt, though he wondered what good it would be.
Watching [me] seemed to be everywhere.
Watching eyes seemed to be everywhere.
The [tanin] looked around warily; he knew they could feel it, too.
The others looked around warily; he knew they could feel it, too.
“We [taizai] in the [mannaka] of the [sutorīto],”
“We stay in the middle of the street,”
he said hoarsely.
he said hoarsely.
They met his [me]; they looked as frightened as he [kanjita].
They met his eyes; they looked as frightened as he felt.
He swallowed hard.
He swallowed hard.
“We [taizai] in the [mannaka] of the [sutorīto], [kīpu] out of [kage] as much as we can, and [sanpo] fast.”
“We stay in the middle of the street, keep out of shadows as much as we can, and walk fast.”
“[sanpo] [hijō ni] fast,”
“Walk very fast,”
Mat agreed fervently.
Mat agreed fervently.
The [wocchā] followed them.
The watchers followed them.
Or else there were [takusan] of [wocchā], [takusan] of [me] staring out of almost every [tatemono].
Or else there were lots of watchers, lots of eyes staring out of almost every building.
Rand could not see anything [ugokasu], hard as he tried, [shikashi] he could feel the [me], eager, hungry.
Rand could not see anything move, hard as he tried, but he could feel the eyes, eager, hungry.
He did not know which would be worse.
He did not know which would be worse.
Thousands of [me], or just a few, following them.
Thousands of eyes, or just a few, following them.
In the stretches where the [nichi] still reached them, they slowed, just a little, squinting nervously into the [yami] that always seemed to lay ahead.
In the stretches where the sun still reached them, they slowed, just a little, squinting nervously into the darkness that always seemed to lay ahead.
None of them was eager to enter the [kage]; no one was really sure something might not be waiting.
None of them was eager to enter the shadows; no one was really sure something might not be waiting.
The [wocchā]’ [mikoshi] was a palpable [koto] whenever [kage] stretched across the [sutorīto], barring their [michi].
The watchers’ anticipation was a palpable thing whenever shadows stretched across the street, barring their way.
They hashitta through those [kurai] [basho] shouting.
They ran through those dark places shouting.
Rand [shikō] he could hear [dorai], rustling [warai]…
Rand thought he could hear dry, rustling laughter…
At [saigo], with [towaihikari] falling, they came in [kōkei] of the [shiroi] [ishi] [tatemono] they had left what seemed like [hi] ago.
At last, with twilight falling, they came in sight of the white stone building they had left what seemed like days ago.
Suddenly the watching [me] departed.
Suddenly the watching eyes departed.
Between one [suteppu] and the next, they vanished in a blink.
Between one step and the next, they vanished in a blink.
Without a [kotoba] Rand broke into a [kobashiri], followed by his [yūjin], then a full [jikkō] that only ended when they hared through the [toguchi] and collapsed, panting.
Without a word Rand broke into a trot, followed by his friends, then a full run that only ended when they hared through the doorway and collapsed, panting.
A small [kasai] burned in the [mannaka] of the [tairu] [yuka], the [kemuri] vanishing through a [ana] in the [tenjō] in a [michi] that reminded Rand unpleasantly of Mordeth.
A small fire burned in the middle of the tile floor, the smoke vanishing through a hole in the ceiling in a way that reminded Rand unpleasantly of Mordeth.
Everyone except Lan was there, gathered around the [honoo], and their [hannō] varied considerably.
Everyone except Lan was there, gathered around the flames, and their reactions varied considerably.
Egwene, warming her [te] at the [kasai], gave a [kaishi, hajimeru] as the three [bāsuto] into the [heya], clutching her [te] to her [nodo]; when she [mimashita] who it was, a relieved [tameiki] spoiled her [kokoromi] at a withering [hyōjō].
Egwene, warming her hands at the fire, gave a start as the three burst into the room, clutching her hands to her throat; when she saw who it was, a relieved sigh spoiled her attempt at a withering look.
Thom merely muttered something around his [paipusutemu], [shikashi] Rand caught the [kotoba] “[orokamono]”
Thom merely muttered something around his pipestem, but Rand caught the word “fools”
before the [ginyūshijin] went back to poking the [honoo] with a [sutikku].
before the gleeman went back to poking the flames with a stick.
“You [wuru]-headed witlings!”
“You wool-headed witlings!”
the [chie] snapped.
the Wisdom snapped.
She bristled from [atama] to [ashi]; her [me] glittered, and bright [supotto] of [akai] burned on her [hō].
She bristled from head to foot; her eyes glittered, and bright spots of red burned on her cheeks.
“Why under the [hikari] did you [jikkō] off like that?
“Why under the Light did you run off like that?
Are you all [migi]?
Are you all right?
Have you no [kankaku] at all?
Have you no sense at all?
Lan is out looking for you now, and you’ll be luckier than you deserve [baai] he does not [pondo] some [kankaku] into the [takusan] of you when he gets back.”
Lan is out looking for you now, and you’ll be luckier than you deserve if he does not pound some sense into the lot of you when he gets back.”
The Aes Sedai’s [kao] betrayed no agitation at all, [shikashi] her [te] had loosed a [shiroi]-knuckled [gurippu] on her [doresu] at the [kōkei] of them.
The Aes Sedai’s face betrayed no agitation at all, but her hands had loosed a white-knuckled grip on her dress at the sight of them.
Whatever Nynaeve had given her must have helped, for she was on her [ashi].
Whatever Nynaeve had given her must have helped, for she was on her feet.
“You should not have done what you did,”
“You should not have done what you did,”
she said in a [koe] as clear and serene as a Waterwood [ike].
she said in a voice as clear and serene as a Waterwood pond.
“We will speak of it later.
“We will speak of it later.
Something happened out there, or you would not be falling all over one another like this.
Something happened out there, or you would not be falling all over one another like this.
Tell me.”
Tell me.”
“You said it was safe,”
“You said it was safe,”
Mat complained, scrambling to his [ashi].
Mat complained, scrambling to his feet.
“You said Aridhol was an [dōmei koku] of Manetheren, and Trollocs wouldn’t come into the [toshi], and—”
“You said Aridhol was an ally of Manetheren, and Trollocs wouldn’t come into the city, and —”
Moiraine stepped forward so suddenly that Mat cut off with his [kuchi no naka] [ōpun], and Rand and Perrin paused in getting up, halfway crouched or on their [hiza].
Moiraine stepped forward so suddenly that Mat cut off with his mouth open, and Rand and Perrin paused in getting up, halfway crouched or on their knees.
“Trollocs?
“Trollocs?
Did you see Trollocs [uchigawa] the [kabe]?”
Did you see Trollocs inside the walls?”
Rand swallowed.
Rand swallowed.
“Not Trollocs,”
“Not Trollocs,”
he said, and all three began talking excitedly, all at the same [jikan].
he said, and all three began talking excitedly, all at the same time.
Everyone began in a different [basho].
Everyone began in a different place.
Mat started with finding the [hōmotsu], sounding almost as [baai] he had done it alone, [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Perrin began explaining why they had gone off in the [saisho] [basho] without [uranai] anyone.
Mat started with finding the treasure, sounding almost as if he had done it alone, while Perrin began explaining why they had gone off in the first place without telling anyone.
Rand jumped [migi] to what he [shikō] was important, [kaigi] the [gaijin] among the [retsu].
Rand jumped right to what he thought was important, meeting the stranger among the columns.
[shikashi] they were all so excited that nobody told anything in the [ōdā] it happened; whenever one of them [shikō] of something, he blurted it out with no [kangae te imasu] for what came before or after, or for who was saying what.
But they were all so excited that nobody told anything in the order it happened; whenever one of them thought of something, he blurted it out with no regard for what came before or after, or for who was saying what.
The [wocchā].
The watchers.
They all babbled about the [wocchā].
They all babbled about the watchers.
It made the whole [monogatari] [tojiru] to incoherent, [shikashi] their [kyōfu] came through.
It made the whole tale close to incoherent, but their fear came through.
Egwene began casting uneasy [shisen] at the empty windows fronting the [sutorīto].
Egwene began casting uneasy glances at the empty windows fronting the street.
Out there the [saigo] [zantō] of [towaihikari] were fading; the [kasai] seemed [hijō ni] small and dim.
Out there the last remnants of twilight were fading; the fire seemed very small and dim.
Thom took his [paipu] from between his [ha] and listened with his [atama] cocked, frowning.
Thom took his pipe from between his teeth and listened with his head cocked, frowning.
Moiraine’s [me] showed [kenen], [shikashi] not an undue [kingaku].
Moiraine’s eyes showed concern, but not an undue amount.
Until…
Until…
Suddenly the Aes Sedai hissed, and grabbed Rand’s [hiji] in a tight [gurippu].
Suddenly the Aes Sedai hissed, and grabbed Rand’s elbow in a tight grip.
“Mordeth!
“Mordeth!
Are you sure of that [namae]?
Are you sure of that name?
Be [hijō ni] sure, all of you.
Be very sure, all of you.
Mordeth?”
Mordeth?”
They murmured a chorused “Yes,”
They murmured a chorused “Yes,”
taken aback by the Aes Sedai’s [kyōdo].
taken aback by the Aes Sedai’s intensity.
“Did he [tacchi] you?”
“Did he touch you?”
she asked them all.
she asked them all.
“Did he give you anything, or did you do anything for him?
“Did he give you anything, or did you do anything for him?
I must know.”
I must know.”
“No,”
“No,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“None of us.
“None of us.
None of those [monogoto].”
None of those things.”
Perrin nodded [gōi], and added, “All he did was try to kill us.
Perrin nodded agreement, and added, “All he did was try to kill us.
Isn’t that enough?
Isn’t that enough?
He swelled up until he filled [hanbun] the [heya], shouted that we were all [shin da] [dansei], then vanished.”
He swelled up until he filled half the room, shouted that we were all dead men, then vanished.”
He moved his [te] to demonstrate.
He moved his hand to demonstrate.
“Like [kemuri].”
“Like smoke.”
Egwene gave a [kishimu oto].
Egwene gave a squeak.
Mat twisted away petulantly.
Mat twisted away petulantly.
“Safe, you said.
“Safe, you said.
All that [hanashi] about Trollocs not coming here.
All that talk about Trollocs not coming here.
What were we supposed to think?”
What were we supposed to think?”
“Apparently you did not think at all,”
“Apparently you did not think at all,”
she said, coolly composed once more.
she said, coolly composed once more.
“Anyone who thinks would be wary of a [basho] that Trollocs are afraid to enter.”
“Anyone who thinks would be wary of a place that Trollocs are afraid to enter.”
“Mat’s doing,”
“Mat’s doing,”
Nynaeve said, [kakujitsu] in her [koe].
Nynaeve said, certainty in her voice.
“He’s always talking some [itazura] or [sonota], and the [tanin] lose the little [chie] they were born with when they’re around him.”
“He’s always talking some mischief or other, and the others lose the little wits they were born with when they’re around him.”
Moiraine nodded briefly, [shikashi] her [me] remained on Rand and his two [yūjin].
Moiraine nodded briefly, but her eyes remained on Rand and his two friends.
“Late in the Trolloc [sensō], an [guntai] camped within these [iseki] – Trollocs, [Kurai-yūjin], Myrddraal, Dreadlords, thousands in all.
“Late in the Trolloc Wars, an army camped within these ruins – Trollocs, Darkfriends, Myrddraal, Dreadlords, thousands in all.
When they did not come out, [sukauto] were sent [uchigawa] the [kabe].
When they did not come out, scouts were sent inside the walls.
The [sukauto] found [buki], [bitto] of [yoroi], and [chi] splattered everywhere.
The scouts found weapons, bits of armor, and blood splattered everywhere.
And [messēji] scratched on [kabe] in the Trolloc [shita], calling on the [Kurai] One to [enjo] them in their [saigo] [jikan].
And messages scratched on walls in the Trolloc tongue, calling on the Dark One to aid them in their last hour.
[dansei] who came later found no [torēsu] of the [chi] or the [messēji].
Men who came later found no trace of the blood or the messages.
They had been scoured away.
They had been scoured away.
Halfmen and Trollocs remember still.
Halfmen and Trollocs remember still.
That is what keeps them [soto ni] this [basho].”
That is what keeps them outside this place.”
“And this is where you picked for us to hide?”
“And this is where you picked for us to hide?”
Rand said in [shinjirare nai].
Rand said in disbelief.
“We’d be safer out there trying to outrun them.”
“We’d be safer out there trying to outrun them.”
“[baai] you had not gone running off,”
“If you had not gone running off,”
Moiraine said patiently, “you would know that I set [byōtō] around this [tatemono].
Moiraine said patiently, “you would know that I set wards around this building.
