The Eye of the World_29 Flashcards
he said, starting to stand, and a [mure] of [watarigarasu] [bāsuto] out of the [kigi] below, fifty, a hundred [kuro] [tori], spiraling into the [sora].
he said, starting to stand, and a flock of ravens burst out of the trees below, fifty, a hundred black birds, spiraling into the sky.
He froze in a crouch as they milled over the [kigi].
He froze in a crouch as they milled over the trees.
The [Kurai] One’s [me].
The Dark One’s Eyes.
Did they see me?
Did they see me?
[ase] trickled down his [kao].
Sweat trickled down his face.
As [baai] one [shikō] had suddenly sparked in a hundred tiny [kokoro], every [reivun] broke sharply in the same [hōkō].
As if one thought had suddenly sparked in a hundred tiny minds, every raven broke sharply in the same direction.
[minami].
South.
The [mure] disappeared over the next [jōshō], already descending.
The flock disappeared over the next rise, already descending.
To the [higashi] another [zōkibayashi] disgorged more [watarigarasu].
To the east another thicket disgorged more ravens.
The [kuro] [masu] wheeled twice and headed [minami].
The black mass wheeled twice and headed south.
Shaking, he lowered himself to the [gurando] slowly.
Shaking, he lowered himself to the ground slowly.
He tried to speak, [shikashi] his [kuchi no naka] was too [dorai].
He tried to speak, but his mouth was too dry.
After a [bun] he managed to [shigoto] up some [kushi].
After a minute he managed to work up some spit.
“Was that what you were afraid of?
“Was that what you were afraid of?
Why didn’t you say something?
Why didn’t you say something?
Why didn’t the [ōkami] see them?”
Why didn’t the wolves see them?”
“[ōkami] don’t [hyōjō] up in [kigi] much,”
“Wolves don’t look up in trees much,”
Elyas growled.
Elyas growled.
“And no, I wasn’t looking for this.
“And no, I wasn’t looking for this.
I told you, I didn’t know what…”
I told you, I didn’t know what…”
Far to the [nishi] a [kuro] [kumo] [jōshō shita] over yet another [gurōbu] and winged southward.
Far to the west a black cloud rose over yet another grove and winged southward.
They were too far off to make out [koko no] [tori].
They were too far off to make out individual birds.
“It isn’t a big [kari], thank the [hikari].
“It isn’t a big hunt, thank the Light.
They don’t know.
They don’t know.
Even after…”
Even after…”
He turned to [gyōshi] back the [michi] they had come.
He turned to stare back the way they had come.
Perrin swallowed.
Perrin swallowed.
Even after the [yume], Elyas had meant.
Even after the dream, Elyas had meant.
“Not big?”
“Not big?”
he said.
he said.
“back home you won’t see that many [watarigarasu] in a whole [toshi].”
“Back home you won’t see that many ravens in a whole year.”
Elyas shook his [atama].
Elyas shook his head.
“In the Borderlands I’ve seen sweeps with a thousand [watarigarasu] to the [mure].
“In the Borderlands I’ve seen sweeps with a thousand ravens to the flock.
Not too often – there’s a [baunti] on [watarigarasu] there – [shikashi] it has happened.”
Not too often – there’s a bounty on ravens there – but it has happened.”
He was still looking [kita].
He was still looking north.
“Hush, now.”
“Hush, now.”
Perrin [kanjita] it, then; the [doryoku] of reaching out to the distant [ōkami].
Perrin felt it, then; the effort of reaching out to the distant wolves.
Elyas wanted [ma dara] and her [dōkō] to [shūryō shimasu] scouting ahead, to [isoi] back and [chekku] their backtrail.
Elyas wanted Dapple and her companions to quit scouting ahead, to hurry back and check their backtrail.
His already gaunt [kao] tightened and thinned under the [hizumi].
His already gaunt face tightened and thinned under the strain.
The [ōkami] were so far away Perrin could not even feel them.
The wolves were so far away Perrin could not even feel them.
[isoi].
Hurry.
[udedokei] the [sora].
Watch the sky.
[isoi].
Hurry.
Faintly Perrin caught the [henji] from far to the [minami].
Faintly Perrin caught the reply from far to the south.
We come.
We come.
An [gazō] flashed in his [kokoro] – [ōkami] running, [guriguri] pointing into the [kaze] of their [sokkō], running as [baai] [yama kaji] raced behind, running-flashed and was gone in an instant.
An image flashed in his mind – wolves running, muzzles pointing into the wind of their haste, running as if wildfire raced behind, running-flashed and was gone in an instant.
Elyas slumped and drew a [fukai] [iki].
Elyas slumped and drew a deep breath.
Frowning, he peered over the [one], then back to the [kita], and muttered under his [iki].
Frowning, he peered over the ridge, then back to the north, and muttered under his breath.
“You think there are more [watarigarasu] behind us?”
“You think there are more ravens behind us?”
Perrin asked.
Perrin asked.
“Could be,”
“Could be,”
Elyas said vaguely.
Elyas said vaguely.
“They do it that [michi], sometimes.
“They do it that way, sometimes.
I know a [basho], [baai] we can [rīchi] it by [kurai].
I know a place, if we can reach it by dark.
We have to [kīpu] moving until full [kurai] anyway, even [baai] we don’t get there, [shikashi] we can’t go as fast as I would like.
We have to keep moving until full dark anyway, even if we don’t get there, but we can’t go as fast as I would like.
can’t afford to get too [tojiru] to the [watarigarasu] ahead of us.
Can’t afford to get too close to the ravens ahead of us.
[shikashi] [baai] they’re behind us, too…“
But if they’re behind us, too…”
“Why [kurai]?”
“Why dark?”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
“What [basho]?
“What place?
Somewhere safe from the [watarigarasu]?”
Somewhere safe from the ravens?”
“Safe from [watarigarasu],”
“Safe from ravens,”
Elyas said, “[shikashi] too many [hitobito] know…
Elyas said, “but too many people know…
[watarigarasu] [negura] for the [yoru, kishi_knt].
Ravens roost for the night.
We don’t have to [shinpai] about them finding us in the [kurai].
We don’t have to worry about them finding us in the dark.
The [hikari] send [watarigarasu] are all we have to [shinpai] about then.”
The Light send ravens are all we have to worry about then.”
With one more [hyōjō] over the crest, he [jōshō shita] and waved to Egwene to bring Bela up.
With one more look over the crest, he rose and waved to Egwene to bring Bela up.
“[shikashi] [kurai] is a long [michi] off.
“But dark is a long way off.
We have to get moving.”
We have to get moving.”
He started down the far [surōpu] in a shambling [jikkō], each [sutoraido] barely catching him on the [hashi] of falling.
He started down the far slope in a shambling run, each stride barely catching him on the edge of falling.
“[ugokasu], [yakedo] you!”
“Move, burn you!”
Perrin moved, [hanbun] running, [hanbun] sliding, after him.
Perrin moved, half running, half sliding, after him.
Egwene topped the [jōshō] behind them, kicking Bela to a [kobashiri].
Egwene topped the rise behind them, kicking Bela to a trot.
A grin of [ando] bloomed on her [kao] when she [mimashita] them.
A grin of relief bloomed on her face when she saw them.
“What’s going on?”
“What’s going on?”
she called, urging the shaggy [māre] to [kyacchi] up.
she called, urging the shaggy mare to catch up.
“When you disappeared like that, I [shikō]…
“When you disappeared like that, I thought…
What happened?”
What happened?”
Perrin saved his [iki] for running until she reached them.
Perrin saved his breath for running until she reached them.
He explained about the [watarigarasu] and Elyas’s safe [basho], [shikashi] it was a disjointed [monogatari].
He explained about the ravens and Elyas’s safe place, but it was a disjointed story.
After a strangled, “[watarigarasu]!”
After a strangled, “Ravens!”
she kept interrupting with [shitsumon] for which, as often as not, he had no answers.
she kept interrupting with questions for which, as often as not, he had no answers.
Between them, he did not [shiagari] until they reached the next [one].
Between them, he did not finish until they reached the next ridge.
Ordinarily – [baai] anything about the [tabi] could be called ordinary – they would have gone around this one rather than over, [shikashi] Elyas insisted on scouting anyway.
Ordinarily – if anything about the journey could be called ordinary – they would have gone around this one rather than over, but Elyas insisted on scouting anyway.
“You want to just saunter [migi] into the [mannaka] of them, [otokonoko]?”
“You want to just saunter right into the middle of them, boy?”
was his sour [komento].
was his sour comment.
Egwene stared at the crest of the [one], licking her [kuchibiru], as [baai] she wanted to go with Elyas this [jikan] and wanted to [taizai] where she was, too.
Egwene stared at the crest of the ridge, licking her lips, as if she wanted to go with Elyas this time and wanted to stay where she was, too.
Elyas was the only one who showed no [tamerai].
Elyas was the only one who showed no hesitation.
Perrin wondered [baai] the [watarigarasu] ever doubled back.
Perrin wondered if the ravens ever doubled back.
It would be a [bakkin] [koto] to [rīchi] the crest at the same [jikan] as a [mure] of [watarigarasu].
It would be a fine thing to reach the crest at the same time as a flock of ravens.
At the [chōten] he inched his [atama] up until he could just see, and heaved a [tameiki] of [ando] when all he [mimashita] was a [zōkibayashi] of [kigi] a little to the [nishi].
At the top he inched his head up until he could just see, and heaved a sigh of relief when all he saw was a copse of trees a little to the west.
There were no [watarigarasu] to be seen.
There were no ravens to be seen.
Abruptly a [fokkusu] [bāsuto] out of the [kigi], running hard.
Abruptly a fox burst out of the trees, running hard.
[watarigarasu] poured from the [eda] after it.
Ravens poured from the branches after it.
The [bīto] of their [tsubasa] almost drowned out a desperate whining from the [fokkusu].
The beat of their wings almost drowned out a desperate whining from the fox.
A [kuro] [senpū] [hato] and swirled around it.
A black whirlwind dove and swirled around it.
The [fokkusu]’s [ago] snapped at them, [shikashi] they darted in, and darted away untouched, [kuro] [kuchibashi] glistening wetly.
The fox’s jaws snapped at them, but they darted in, and darted away untouched, black beaks glistening wetly.
The [fokkusu] turned back toward the [kigi], seeking the [anzen] of its [den].
The fox turned back toward the trees, seeking the safety of its den.
It hashitta awkwardly now, [atama] [hikui], [kegawa] [kurai] and bloody, and the [watarigarasu] flapped around it, [mote] and more of them at once, the fluttering [masu] thickening until it hid the [fokkusu] completely.
It ran awkwardly now, head low, fur dark and bloody, and the ravens flapped around it, mote and more of them at once, the fluttering mass thickening until it hid the fox completely.
As suddenly as they had descended the [watarigarasu] [jōshō shita], wheeled, and vanished over the next [jōshō] to the [minami].
As suddenly as they had descended the ravens rose, wheeled, and vanished over the next rise to the south.
A misshapen [shikori] of torn [kegawa] marked what had been the [fokkusu].
A misshapen lump of torn fur marked what had been the fox.
Perrin swallowed hard.
Perrin swallowed hard.
[hikari]!
Light!
They could do that to us.
They could do that to us.
A hundred [watarigarasu].
A hundred ravens.
They could —
They could —
“[ugokasu],”
“Move,”
Elyas growled, jumping up.
Elyas growled, jumping up.
He waved to Egwene to come on, and without waiting set off at a [kobashiri] toward the [kigi].
He waved to Egwene to come on, and without waiting set off at a trot toward the trees.
“[ugokasu], [yakedo] you!”
“Move, burn you!”
he called over his [kata].
he called over his shoulder.
“[ugokasu]!”
“Move!”
Egwene galloped Bela over the [jōshō] and caught them before they reached the [ichiban-ka] of the [surōpu].
Egwene galloped Bela over the rise and caught them before they reached the bottom of the slope.
There was no [jikan] for [setsumei], [shikashi] her [me] picked out the [fokkusu] [migi] away.
There was no time for explanations, but her eyes picked out the fox right away.
Her [kao] went as [shiroi] as [yuki].
Her face went as white as snow.
Elyas reached the [kigi] and turned there, at the [hashi] of the [zōkibayashi], waving vigorously for them to [isoi].
Elyas reached the trees and turned there, at the edge of the copse, waving vigorously for them to hurry.
Perrin tried to [jikkō] faster and stumbled.
Perrin tried to run faster and stumbled.
[ude] [kaze]-milling, he barely caught himself short of going [furatto] on his [kao].
Arms wind-milling, he barely caught himself short of going flat on his face.
[chi] and [hai]!
Blood and ashes!
I’m running as fast as I can!
I’m running as fast as I can!
A lone [reivun] winged out of the [zōkibayashi].
A lone raven winged out of the copse.
It tilted toward them, screamed, and spun toward the [minami].
It tilted toward them, screamed, and spun toward the south.
Knowing he was already too late, Perrin fumbled his [suringu] from around his [koshi].
Knowing he was already too late, Perrin fumbled his sling from around his waist.
He was still trying to get a [ishi] from his [poketto] to the [suringu] when the [reivun] abruptly folded up in [kūchū] and plummeted to the [gurando].
He was still trying to get a stone from his pocket to the sling when the raven abruptly folded up in mid-air and plummeted to the ground.
His [kuchi no naka] dropped [ōpun], and then he [mimashita] the [suringu] hanging from Egwene’s [te].
His mouth dropped open, and then he saw the sling hanging from Egwene’s hand.
She grinned at him unsteadily.
She grinned at him unsteadily.
“don’t stand there counting your [tsumasaki]!”
“Don’t stand there counting your toes!”
Elyas called.
Elyas called.
With a [kaishi, hajimeru] Perrin hurried into the [kigi], then jumped out of the [michi] to avoid [kōfuku] trampled by Egwene and Bela.
With a start Perrin hurried into the trees, then jumped out of the way to avoid being trampled by Egwene and Bela.
Far to the [nishi], almost out of [kōkei], what seemed like a [kurai] [misuto] [jōshō shita] into the [kūki].
Far to the west, almost out of sight, what seemed like a dark mist rose into the air.
Perrin [kanjita] the [ōkami] passing in that [hōkō], heading [kita].
Perrin felt the wolves passing in that direction, heading north.
He [kanjita] them [chūi shite kudasai] [watarigarasu], to the left and [migi] of them, without slowing.
He felt them notice ravens, to the left and right of them, without slowing.
The [kurai] [misuto] swirled northward as [baai] pursuing the [ōkami], then abruptly broke off and flashed to the [minami].
The dark mist swirled northward as if pursuing the wolves, then abruptly broke off and flashed to the south.
“Do you think they [mimashita] us?”
“Do you think they saw us?”
Egwene asked.
Egwene asked.
“We were already in the [kigi], weren’t we?
“We were already in the trees, weren’t we?
They couldn’t see us at that [kyori].
They couldn’t see us at that distance.
Could they?
Could they?
Not that far off.”
Not that far off.”
“We [mimashita] them at that [kyori],”
“We saw them at that distance,”
Elyas said dryly.
Elyas said dryly.
Perrin shifted uneasily, and Egwene drew a frightened [iki].
Perrin shifted uneasily, and Egwene drew a frightened breath.
“[baai] they had seen us,”
“If they had seen us,”
Elyas growled, “they’d have been down on us like they were on that [fokkusu].
Elyas growled, “they’d have been down on us like they were on that fox.
Think, [baai] you want to [taizai] alive.
Think, if you want to stay alive.
[kyōfu] will kill you [baai] you don’t [kontorōru] it.”
Fear will kill you if you don’t control it.”
His penetrating [gyōshi] held on each of them for a [shunkan].
His penetrating stare held on each of them for a moment.
Finally he nodded.
Finally he nodded.
“They’re gone, now, and we should be, too.
“They’re gone, now, and we should be, too.
[kīpu] those [suringu] [benri].
Keep those slings handy.
might be useful again.”
Might be useful again.”
As they moved out of the [zōkibayashi], Elyas angled them westward from the [rain] of [kōshin] they had been following.
As they moved out of the copse, Elyas angled them westward from the line of march they had been following.
Perrin’s [iki] snagged in his [nodo]; it was as [baai] they were chasing after the [saigo] [watarigarasu] they had seen.
Perrin’s breath snagged in his throat; it was as if they were chasing after the last ravens they had seen.
Elyas kept on tirelessly, and there was nothing for them to do [shikashi] follow.
Elyas kept on tirelessly, and there was nothing for them to do but follow.
After all, Elyas knew a safe [basho].
After all, Elyas knew a safe place.
Somewhere.
Somewhere.
So he said.
So he said.
They hashitta to the next [oka], waited till the [watarigarasu] moved on, then hashitta again, waited, hashitta.
They ran to the next hill, waited till the ravens moved on, then ran again, waited, ran.
The steady [shinkō] they had been keeping had been tiring enough, [shikashi] all except Elyas quickly began to [furagu] under this jerky [hochō].
The steady progress they had been keeping had been tiring enough, but all except Elyas quickly began to flag under this jerky pace.
Perrin’s [mune] heaved, and he gulped [kūki] when he had a few [bun] to lie on a [oka no ue], leaving the [kensaku] to Elyas.
Perrin’s chest heaved, and he gulped air when he had a few minutes to lie on a hilltop, leaving the search to Elyas.
Bela stood [atama] down, [hana no ana] flaring, at every [teishi].
Bela stood head down, nostrils flaring, at every stop.
[kyōfu] lashed them on, and Perrin did not know [baai] it was controlled or not.
Fear lashed them on, and Perrin did not know if it was controlled or not.
He only wished the [ōkami] would tell them what was behind them, [baai] anything was, whatever it was.
He only wished the wolves would tell them what was behind them, if anything was, whatever it was.
Ahead were more [watarigarasu] than Perrin ever hoped to see again.
Ahead were more ravens than Perrin ever hoped to see again.
To the left and [migi] the [kuro] [tori] billowed up, and to the [minami].
To the left and right the black birds billowed up, and to the south.
A dozen [kai] they reached the hiding [basho] of a [gurōbu] or the scant [hinan sho] of a [surōpu] only [shunkan] before [watarigarasu] swept into the [sora].
A dozen times they reached the hiding place of a grove or the scant shelter of a slope only moments before ravens swept into the sky.
Once, with the [nichi] [hajime] to slide from its [shōgo] [takasa], they stood in the [ōpun], frozen as still as [zō], [hanbun] a [mairu] from the nearest [kabā], [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] a hundred of the [Kurai] One’s feathered spies flashed by a bare [mairu] to the [higashi].
Once, with the sun beginning to slide from its midday height, they stood in the open, frozen as still as statues, half a mile from the nearest cover, while a hundred of the Dark One’s feathered spies flashed by a bare mile to the east.
[ase] rolled down Perrin’s [kao] despite the [kaze], until the [saigo] [kuro] [keijō] dwindled to a [dotto] and vanished.
Sweat rolled down Perrin’s face despite the wind, until the last black shape dwindled to a dot and vanished.
He lost [kaunto] of the [rakugosha] they brought down with their [suringu].
He lost count of the stragglers they brought down with their slings.
He [mimashita] more than enough [shōko] lying in the [michisuji] the [watarigarasu] had covered to justify his [kyōfu].
He saw more than enough evidence lying in the path the ravens had covered to justify his fear.
He had stared with a queasy [miryoku] at a [usagi] that had been torn to [ko].
He had stared with a queasy fascination at a rabbit that had been torn to pieces.
The eyeless [atama] stood [chokuritsu], with the [sonota] [bitto] – [ashi], [naizō] – scattered in a rough [sākuru] around it.
The eyeless head stood upright, with the other bits – legs, entrails – scattered in a rough circle around it.
[tori], too, stabbed to shapeless [taishū] of [hane].
Birds, too, stabbed to shapeless masses of feathers.
And two more [kitsune].
And two more foxes.
He remembered something Lan had said.
He remembered something Lan had said.
All the [Kurai] One’s [ikimono] [yorokobi] in [satsugai].
All the Dark One’s creatures delight in killing.
The [Kurai] One’s [dengen o on ni shimasu] is [shi].
The Dark One’s power is death.
And [baai] the [watarigarasu] found them?
And if the ravens found them?
Pitiless [me] shining like [kuro] [bīzu].
Pitiless eyes shining like black beads.
Stabbing [kuchibashi] swirling around them.
Stabbing beaks swirling around them.
[hari]-sharp [kuchibashi] [zumen] [chi].
Needle-sharp beaks drawing blood.
A hundred of them.
A hundred of them.
Or can they [kōru] more of their [shinsetsu]?
Or can they call more of their kind?
Maybe all of them in the [kari]?
Maybe all of them in the hunt?
A sickening [gazō] built up in his [kokoro].
A sickening image built up in his mind.
A [yama] of [watarigarasu] as big as a [oka], seething like [uji], [tatakai] over a few bloody [zutazuta].
A pile of ravens as big as a hill, seething like maggots, fighting over a few bloody shreds.
Suddenly the [gazō] was swept away by [tanin], each one clear for an instant, then spinning and fading into another.
Suddenly the image was swept away by others, each one clear for an instant, then spinning and fading into another.
The [ōkami] had found [watarigarasu] to the [kita].
The wolves had found ravens to the north.
Screaming [tori] [hato] and whirled and [hato] again, [kuchibashi] [zumen] [chi] with every [kyūshū].
Screaming birds dove and whirled and dove again, beaks drawing blood with every swoop.
Snarling [ōkami] dodged and leaped, twisting in the [kūki], [ago] snapping.
Snarling wolves dodged and leaped, twisting in the air, jaws snapping.
Again and again Perrin tasted [hane] and the foul [aji] of fluttering [watarigarasu] crushed alive, [kanjita] the [itami] of oozing [fukai kizu] all over his [bodi], knew with a [zetsubō] that never touched on giving up that all his [doryoku] was not enough.
Again and again Perrin tasted feathers and the foul taste of fluttering ravens crushed alive, felt the pain of oozing gashes all over his body, knew with a despair that never touched on giving up that all his effort was not enough.
Suddenly the [watarigarasu] broke away, wheeling overhead for one [saigo] [himei] of [gekido] at the [ōkami].
Suddenly the ravens broke away, wheeling overhead for one last shriek of rage at the wolves.
[ōkami] did not [dai] as easily as [kitsune], and they had a [misshon].
Wolves did not die as easily as foxes, and they had a mission.
A [furappu] of [kuro] [tsubasa], and they were gone, a few [kuro] [hane] drifting down on their [shin da].
A flap of black wings, and they were gone, a few black feathers drifting down on their dead.
[kaze] licked at a [panku] on his left [zen ashi].
Wind licked at a puncture on his left foreleg.
There was something wrong with one of Hopper’s [me].
There was something wrong with one of Hopper’s eyes.
Ignoring her own hurts, [ma dara] gathered them and they settled into a painful [ro pe] in the [hōkō] the [watarigarasu] had gone.
Ignoring her own hurts, Dapple gathered them and they settled into a painful lope in the direction the ravens had gone.
[chi] matted their [kegawa].
Blood matted their fur.
We come.
We come.
[kiken] comes before us.
Danger comes before us.
Moving in a stumbling [kobashiri], Perrin exchanged a [ichimoku] with Elyas.
Moving in a stumbling trot, Perrin exchanged a glance with Elyas.
The [otoko]’s [kiiro] [me] were expressionless, [shikashi] he knew.
The man’s yellow eyes were expressionless, but he knew.
He said nothing, just watched Perrin and waited, all the [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] maintaining that effortless [ro pe].
He said nothing, just watched Perrin and waited, all the while maintaining that effortless lope.
Waiting for me.
Waiting for me.
Waiting for me to admit I feel the [ōkami].
Waiting for me to admit I feel the wolves.
“[watarigarasu],”
“Ravens,”
Perrin panted reluctantly.
Perrin panted reluctantly.
“Behind us.”
“Behind us.”
“He was [migi],”
“He was right,”
Egwene breathed.
Egwene breathed.
“You can [hanashi] to them.”
“You can talk to them.”
Perrin’s [ashi] [kanjita] like [shikori] of [tetsu] on the [shūryō] of wooden [posuto], [shikashi] he tried to make them [ugokasu] faster.
Perrin’s feet felt like lumps of iron on the ends of wooden posts, but he tried to make them move faster.
[baai] he could outrun their [me], outrun the [watarigarasu], outrun the [ōkami], [shikashi] above all Egwene’s [me], that knew him now for what he was.
If he could outrun their eyes, outrun the ravens, outrun the wolves, but above all Egwene’s eyes, that knew him now for what he was.
What are you?
What are you?
Tainted, the [hikari] blind me!
Tainted, the Light blind me!
Cursed!
Cursed!
His [nodo] burned as it never had from breathing the [kemuri] and [netsu] of [shujin] Luhhan’s forge.
His throat burned as it never had from breathing the smoke and heat of Master Luhhan’s forge.
He staggered and hung on to Egwene’s [abumi] until she climbed down and all [shikashi] pushed him into the [sadoru] despite his protests that he could [kīpu] going.
He staggered and hung on to Egwene’s stirrup until she climbed down and all but pushed him into the saddle despite his protests that he could keep going.
It was not long, though, before she was clutching the [abumi] as she hashitta, holding up her [sukāto] with her [sonota] [te], and only a little [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] after that until he dismounted, his [hiza] still wobbling.
It was not long, though, before she was clutching the stirrup as she ran, holding up her skirts with her other hand, and only a little while after that until he dismounted, his knees still wobbling.
He had to pick her up to make her take his [basho], [shikashi] she was too tired to [tatakai] him.
He had to pick her up to make her take his place, but she was too tired to fight him.
Elyas would not [yurumeru].
Elyas would not slow down.
He urged them, and taunted them, and kept them so [tojiru] behind the searching [watarigarasu] to the [minami] that Perrin [shikō] all it would take would be for one [tori] to [hyōjō] back.
He urged them, and taunted them, and kept them so close behind the searching ravens to the south that Perrin thought all it would take would be for one bird to look back.
“[kīpu] moving, [yakedo] you!
“Keep moving, burn you!
Think you’ll do any [yori yoi] than that [fokkusu] did, [baai] they [kyacchi] us?
Think you’ll do any better than that fox did, if they catch us?
The one with its [naibu] piled on its [atama]?”
The one with its insides piled on its head?”
Egwene swayed out of the [sadoru] and vomited noisily.
Egwene swayed out of the saddle and vomited noisily.
“I knew you’d remember.
“I knew you’d remember.
Just [kīpu] going a little more.
Just keep going a little more.
That’s all.
That’s all.
Just a little more.
Just a little more.
[yakedo] you, I [shikō] [nōjō] [wakamono] had [jikyū ryoku].
Burn you, I thought farm youngsters had endurance.
[shigoto] all [ichi nichi] and [dansu] all [yoru, kishi_knt].
Work all day and dance all night.
[suimin] all [ichi nichi] and [suimin] all [yoru, kishi_knt], [rukkusu] like to me.
Sleep all day and sleep all night, looks like to me.
[ugokasu] your bloody [ashi]!”
Move your bloody feet!”
They began coming down off the [oka] as soon as the [saigo] [reivun] vanished over the next one, then [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] the [saigo] [torērā] still flapped above the [oka no ue].
They began coming down off the hills as soon as the last raven vanished over the next one, then while the last trailers still flapped above the hilltop.
One [tori] looking back.
One bird looking back.
To [higashi] and [nishi] the [watarigarasu] searched [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] they hurried across the [ōpun] [supēsu] between.
To east and west the ravens searched while they hurried across the open spaces between.
One [tori] is all it will take.
One bird is all it will take.
The [watarigarasu] behind were coming fast.
The ravens behind were coming fast.
[ma dara] and the [sonota] [ōkami] worked their [michi] around them and were coming on without stopping to lick their [kizu], [shikashi] they had learned all the [ressun] they needed about watching the [sora].
Dapple and the other wolves worked their way around them and were coming on without stopping to lick their wounds, but they had learned all the lessons they needed about watching the sky.
How [tojiru]?
How close?
How long?
How long?
The [ōkami] had no [gainen] of [jikan] the [michi] [dansei] did, no [riyū ga arimasu] to divide a [ichi nichi] into [jikan].
The wolves had no notions of time the way men did, no reasons to divide a day into hours.
The [kisetsu] were [jikan] enough for them, and the [hikari] and the [kurai].
The seasons were time enough for them, and the light and the dark.
No must for more.
No need for more.
Finally Perrin worked out an [gazō] of where the [nichi] would stand in the [sora] when the [watarigarasu] overran them from behind.
Finally Perrin worked out an image of where the sun would stand in the sky when the ravens overran them from behind.
He glanced over his [kata] at the setting [nichi], and licked his [kuchibiru] with a [dorai] [shita].
He glanced over his shoulder at the setting sun, and licked his lips with a dry tongue.
In an [jikan] the [watarigarasu] would be on them, maybe less.
In an hour the ravens would be on them, maybe less.
An [jikan], and it was a [yoi] two [jikan] to [nichibotsu], at least two to full [kurai].
An hour, and it was a good two hours to sunset, at least two to full dark.
We’ll [dai] with the setting [nichi], he [shikō], staggering as he hashitta.
We’ll die with the setting sun, he thought, staggering as he ran.
Slaughtered like the [fokkusu].
Slaughtered like the fox.
He fingered his [ono], then moved to his [suringu].
He fingered his axe, then moved to his sling.
That would be more [shiyō].
That would be more use.
Not enough, though.
Not enough, though.
Not against a hundred [watarigarasu], a hundred darting [taishō to shite imasu], a hundred stabbing [kuchibashi].
Not against a hundred ravens, a hundred darting targets, a hundred stabbing beaks.
“It’s your [tān] to [noru], Perrin,”
“It’s your turn to ride, Perrin,”
Egwene said tiredly.
Egwene said tiredly.
“In a [sukoshi],”
“In a bit,”
he panted.
he panted.
“I’m [yoi] for [mairu], yet.”
“I’m good for miles, yet.”
She nodded, and stayed in the [sadoru].
She nodded, and stayed in the saddle.
She is tired.
She is tired.
Tell her?
Tell her?
Or let her think we still have a [kikai] to [dasshutsu]?
Or let her think we still have a chance to escape?
An [jikan] of [kibō], even [baai] it is desperate, or an [jikan] of [zetsubō]?
An hour of hope, even if it is desperate, or an hour of despair?
Elyas was watching him again, saying nothing.
Elyas was watching him again, saying nothing.
He must know, [shikashi] he did not speak.
He must know, but he did not speak.
Perrin looked at Egwene again and blinked away [atsui] [namida].
Perrin looked at Egwene again and blinked away hot tears.
He touched his [ono] and wondered [baai] he had the [yūki].
He touched his axe and wondered if he had the courage.
In the [saigo] [bun], when the [watarigarasu] descended on them, when all [kibō] was gone, would he have the [yūki] to spare her the [shi] the [fokkusu] had died?
In the last minutes, when the ravens descended on them, when all hope was gone, would he have the courage to spare her the death the fox had died?
[hikari] make me strong!
Light make me strong!
The [watarigarasu] ahead of them suddenly seemed to vanish.
The ravens ahead of them suddenly seemed to vanish.
Perrin could still make out [kurai], misty [kumo], far to the [higashi] and [nishi], [shikashi] ahead…
Perrin could still make out dark, misty clouds, far to the east and west, but ahead…
nothing.
nothing.
Where did they go?
Where did they go?
[hikari], [baai] we’ve overrun them…
Light, if we’ve overrun them …
Abruptly a [samusa] hashitta through him, one [samui], clean tingle as [baai] he had jumped into the Winespring [mizu] in [mafuyu].
Abruptly a chill ran through him, one cold, clean tingle as if he had jumped into the Winespring Water in midwinter.
It rippled through him and seemed to carry away some of his [hirō], a little of the [itami] in his [ashi] and the [moeru] of his [hai].
It rippled through him and seemed to carry away some of his fatigue, a little of the ache in his legs and the burning of his lungs.
It left behind…
It left behind…
something.
something.
He could not say what, only he [kanjita] different.
He could not say what, only he felt different.
He stumbled to a [teishi] and looked around, afraid.
He stumbled to a halt and looked around, afraid.
Elyas watched him, watched them all, with a gleam behind his [me].
Elyas watched him, watched them all, with a gleam behind his eyes.
He knew what it was, Perrin was sure of it, [shikashi] he only watched them.
He knew what it was, Perrin was sure of it, but he only watched them.
Egwene reined in Bela and looked around uncertainly, [hanbun] wondering and [hanbun] fearful.
Egwene reined in Bela and looked around uncertainly, half wondering and half fearful.
“It’s…
“It’s…
strange,”
strange,”
she whispered.
she whispered.
“I feel as [baai] I lost something.”
“I feel as if I lost something.”
Even the [māre] had her [atama] up expectantly, [hana no ana] flaring as [baai] they detected a faint [kusai] of new-mown [hoshikusa].
Even the mare had her head up expectantly, nostrils flaring as if they detected a faint odor of new-mown hay.
“What…
“What…
what was that?”
what was that?”
Perrin asked.
Perrin asked.
Elyas cackled suddenly.
Elyas cackled suddenly.
He [magatta] over, [kata] shaking, to [nokori] his [te] on his [hiza].
He bent over, shoulders shaking, to rest his hands on his knees.
“[anzen], that’s what.
“Safety, that’s what.
We made it, you bloody [orokamono].
We made it, you bloody fools.
No [reivun] will [kurosu] that [rain]…
No raven will cross that line…
not one that carries the [Kurai] One’s [me], anyways.
not one that carries the Dark One’s eyes, anyways.
A Trolloc would have to be driven across, and there’d must to be something fierce pushing the Myrddraal to make him do the [unten].
A Trolloc would have to be driven across, and there’d need to be something fierce pushing the Myrddraal to make him do the driving.
No Aes Sedai, either.
No Aes Sedai, either.
The One [dengen o on ni shimasu] won’t [shigoto] here; they can’t [tacchi] the True [sōsu].
The One Power won’t work here; they can’t touch the True Source.
can’t even feel the [sōsu], like it vanished.
Can’t even feel the Source, like it vanished.
Makes them itch [uchigawa], that does.
Makes them itch inside, that does.
Gives them the shakes like a seven-[ichi nichi] drunk.
Gives them the shakes like a seven-day drunk.
It’s [anzen].”
It’s safety.”
At [saisho], to Perrin’s [me], the [tochi] was unchanged from the rolling [oka] and [one] they had crossed the whole [ichi nichi].
At first, to Perrin’s eyes, the land was unchanged from the rolling hills and ridges they had crossed the whole day.
Then he noticed [midori] [satsuei shimasu] among the [kusa]; not many, and they were struggling, [shikashi] more than he had seen anywhere else.
Then he noticed green shoots among the grass; not many, and they were struggling, but more than he had seen anywhere else.
There were fewer [zassō] in the [kusa], too.
There were fewer weeds in the grass, too.
He could not imagine what it was, [shikashi] there was…
He could not imagine what it was, but there was…
something about this [basho].
something about this place.
And something in what Elyas said tickled his [memori].
And something in what Elyas said tickled his memory.
“What is it?”
“What is it?”
Egwene asked.
Egwene asked.
“I feel…
“I feel…
What is this [basho]?
What is this place?
I don’t think I like it.”
I don’t think I like it.”
“A stedding,”
“A stedding,”
Elyas roared.
Elyas roared.
“You never listen to [ie]?
“You never listen to stories?
Of [mochiron], there hasn’t been an Ogier here in three thousand odd [toshi], not since the Breaking of the [sekai], [shikashi] it’s the stedding makes the Ogier, not the Ogier make the stedding.”
Of course, there hasn’t been an Ogier here in three thousand odd years, not since the Breaking of the World, but it’s the stedding makes the Ogier, not the Ogier make the stedding.”
“Just a [densetsu],”
“Just a legend,”
Perrin stammered.
Perrin stammered.
In the [ie], the stedding were always [hinan sho], [basho] to hide, whether it was from Aes Sedai or from [ikimono] of the [chichioya] of Lies.
In the stories, the stedding were always havens, places to hide, whether it was from Aes Sedai or from creatures of the Father of Lies.
Elyas straightened; [baai] not exactly fresh, he gave no [sain] that he had spent most of a [ichi nichi] running.
Elyas straightened; if not exactly fresh, he gave no sign that he had spent most of a day running.
“Come on.
“Come on.
We’d [yori yoi] get deeper into this [densetsu].
We’d better get deeper into this legend.
The [watarigarasu] can’t follow, [shikashi] they can still see us this [tojiru] to the [hashi], and there could be enough of them to [udedokei] the whole [bōdā] of it.
The ravens can’t follow, but they can still see us this close to the edge, and there could be enough of them to watch the whole border of it.
Let them [kīpu] hunting [migi] on by it.”
Let them keep hunting right on by it.”
Perrin wanted to [taizai] [migi] there, now that he was stopped; his [ashi] trembled and told him to lie down for a [shū].
Perrin wanted to stay right there, now that he was stopped; his legs trembled and told him to lie down for a week.
Whatever [rifuresshu] he had [kanjita] had been momentary; all the [tsukare] and [itami] were back.
Whatever refreshment he had felt had been momentary; all the weariness and aches were back.
He forced himself to take one [suteppu], then another.
He forced himself to take one step, then another.
It did not get easier, [shikashi] he kept at it.
It did not get easier, but he kept at it.
Egwene flapped the [tazuna] to get Bela moving again.
Egwene flapped the reins to get Bela moving again.
Elyas settled into an effortless [ro pe], only slowing to a [sanpo] when it became apparent the [tanin] could not [kīpu] up.
Elyas settled into an effortless lope, only slowing to a walk when it became apparent the others could not keep up.
A fast [sanpo].
A fast walk.
“Why don’t we [taizai] here?”
“Why don’t we stay here?”
Perrin panted.
Perrin panted.
He was breathing through his [kuchi no naka], and he forced the [kotoba] out between [fukai], wracking [kokyū].
He was breathing through his mouth, and he forced the words out between deep, wracking breaths.
“[baai] it’s really – a stedding.
“If it’s really – a stedding.
We’d be safe.
We’d be safe.
No Trollocs.
No Trollocs.
No Aes Sedai.
No Aes Sedai.
Why don’t we just [taizai] here – until it’s all over?”
Why don’t we just stay here – until it’s all over?”
Maybe the [ōkami] won’t come here, either.
Maybe the wolves won’t come here, either.
“How long will that be?”
“How long will that be?”
Elyas looked over his [kata] with one [mayu] raised.
Elyas looked over his shoulder with one eyebrow raised.
“What would you eat?
“What would you eat?
[kusa], like the [uma]?
Grass, like the horse?
Besides, there’s [tanin] know about this [basho], and nothing keeps [dansei] out, not even the worst of them.
Besides, there’s others know about this place, and nothing keeps men out, not even the worst of them.
And there is only one [basho] where there’s still [mizu] to be found.”
And there is only one place where there’s still water to be found.”
Frowning uneasily, he turned in a complete [sākuru], scanning the [tochi].
Frowning uneasily, he turned in a complete circle, scanning the land.
When he was done, he shook his [atama] and muttered to himself.
When he was done, he shook his head and muttered to himself.
Perrin [kanjita] him calling to the [ōkami].
Perrin felt him calling to the wolves.
[isoi].
Hurry.
[isoi].
Hurry.
“We take our [kikai] on a [sentaku] of [aku], and the [watarigarasu] are sure.
“We take our chances on a choice of evils, and the ravens are sure.
Come on.
Come on.
It’s only another [mairu] or two.”
It’s only another mile or two.”
Perrin would have groaned [baai] he had been willing to spare the [iki].
Perrin would have groaned if he had been willing to spare the breath.
Huge [iwa] began to [dotto] the [hikui] [oka], irregular [shikori] of [gurē], [chii rui]-coated [ishi] [hanbun] buried in the [gurando], some as big as a [hausu].
Huge boulders began to dot the low hills, irregular lumps of gray, lichen-coated stone half buried in the ground, some as big as a house.
[ibara] webbed them, and [hikui] [burashi] [hanbun] hid most.
Brambles webbed them, and low brush half hid most.
Here and there amid the desiccated [chairo] of [ibara] and [burashi] a lone [midori] [shūto] announced that this was a special [basho].
Here and there amid the desiccated brown of brambles and brush a lone green shoot announced that this was a special place.
Whatever wounded the [tochi] beyond its [bōdā] [kizutsuketa] it, too, [shikashi] here the [kizu] did not go quite as [fukai].
Whatever wounded the land beyond its borders hurt it, too, but here the wound did not go quite as deep.
Eventually they straggled over one more [jōshō], and at the [bēsu] of this [oka] lay a [pūru] of [mizu].
Eventually they straggled over one more rise, and at the base of this hill lay a pool of water.
Any of them could have waded across it in two [zenshin], [shikashi] it was clear and clean enough to [shō] the sandy [ichiban-ka] like a [shīto] of [garasu].
Any of them could have waded across it in two strides, but it was clear and clean enough to show the sandy bottom like a sheet of glass.
Even Elyas hurried eagerly down the [surōpu].
Even Elyas hurried eagerly down the slope.
Perrin threw himself full [nagasa] on the [gurando] when he reached the [pūru] and plunged his [atama] in.
Perrin threw himself full length on the ground when he reached the pool and plunged his head in.
An instant later he was spluttering from the [samui] of [mizu] that had welled up from the [fukasa] of the [chikyū].
An instant later he was spluttering from the cold of water that had welled up from the depths of the earth.
He shook his [atama], his long [kami] spraying a [ame] of drops.
He shook his head, his long hair spraying a rain of drops.
Egwene grinned and splashed back at him.
Egwene grinned and splashed back at him.
Perrin’s [me] grew sober.
Perrin’s eyes grew sober.
She frowned and opened her [kuchi no naka], [shikashi] he stuck his [kao] back in the [mizu].
She frowned and opened her mouth, but he stuck his face back in the water.
No [shitsumon].
No questions.
Not now.
Not now.
No [setsumei].
No explanations.
Not ever.
Not ever.
[shikashi] a small [koe] taunted him.
But a small voice taunted him.
[shikashi] you would have done it, wouldn’t you?
But you would have done it, wouldn’t you?
Eventually Elyas called them away from the [pūru].
Eventually Elyas called them away from the pool.
“Anybody [nozon de iru] to eat, I want some [tasukeru].”
“Anybody wants to eat, I want some help.”
Egwene worked cheerfully, laughing and joking as they [go yōi shimashita] their scanty [shokuji].
Egwene worked cheerfully, laughing and joking as they prepared their scanty meal.
There was nothing left [shikashi] [chīzu] and dried [niku]; there had been no [kikai] to [kari].
There was nothing left but cheese and dried meat; there had been no chance to hunt.
At least there was still [ocha].
At least there was still tea.
Perrin did his [kyōyū shite imasu], [shikashi] silently.
Perrin did his share, but silently.
He [kanjita] Egwene’s [me] on him, [mimashita] growing [shinpai] on her [kao], [shikashi] he avoided [kaigi] her [me] as much as he could.
He felt Egwene’s eyes on him, saw growing worry on her face, but he avoided meeting her eyes as much as he could.
Her [warai] faded, and the [jōku] came further apart, each one more strained than the [saigo].
Her laughter faded, and the jokes came further apart, each one more strained than the last.
Elyas watched, saying nothing.
Elyas watched, saying nothing.
A somber [kibun] descended, and they began their [shokuji] in [chinmoku].
A somber mood descended, and they began their meal in silence.
The [nichi] grew [akai] in the [nishi], and their [kage] stretched out long and thin.
The sun grew red in the west, and their shadows stretched out long and thin.
Not quite an [jikan] till [kurai].
Not quite an hour till dark.
[baai] not for the stedding, all of you would be [shin da] now.
If not for the stedding, all of you would be dead now.
Would you have saved her?
Would you have saved her?
Would you have cut her down like so many [busshu]?
Would you have cut her down like so many bushes?
[busshu] don’t bleed, do they?
Bushes don’t bleed, do they?
Or [himei], and [hyōjō] in your [me] and ask, why?
Or scream, and look in your eyes and ask, why?
Perrin drew in on himself more.
Perrin drew in on himself more.
He could feel something laughing at him, [fukai] in the [rimen] of his [kokoro].
He could feel something laughing at him, deep in the back of his mind.
Something cruel.
Something cruel.
Not the [Kurai] One.
Not the Dark One.
He almost wished it was.
He almost wished it was.
Not the [Kurai] One; himself.
Not the Dark One; himself.
For once Elyas had broken his [rūru] about fires.
For once Elyas had broken his rule about fires.
There were no [kigi], [shikashi] he had snapped [shin da] [eda] from the [burashi] and built his [kasai] against a huge [chanku] of [iwa] sticking out of the hillside.
There were no trees, but he had snapped dead branches from the brush and built his fire against a huge chunk of rock sticking out of the hillside.
From the [reiyā] of [susu] staining the [ishi], Perrin [shikō] the [saito] must have been used by [sedai] after [sedai] of [ryokō].
From the layers of soot staining the stone, Perrin thought the site must have been used by generation after generation of travelers.
What showed above [gurando] of the big [iwa] was rounded somewhat, with a sharp [kyūkei] on one [saido] where [mosu], old and [chairo], covered the ragged [hyōmen].
What showed above ground of the big rock was rounded somewhat, with a sharp break on one side where moss, old and brown, covered the ragged surface.
The [mizo] and [kubomi] eroded in the rounded [ichibu] looked odd to Perrin, [shikashi] he was too absorbed in [kuragari] to [fushigi] about it.
The grooves and hollows eroded in the rounded part looked odd to Perrin, but he was too absorbed in gloom to wonder about it.
Egwene, though, studied it as she ate.
Egwene, though, studied it as she ate.
“That,”
“That,”
she said finally, “[rukkusu] like an [me].”
she said finally, “looks like an eye.”
Perrin blinked; it did [hyōjō] like an [me], under all that [susu].
Perrin blinked; it did look like an eye, under all that soot.
“It is,”
“It is,”
Elyas said.
Elyas said.
He sat with his [senaka] to the [kasai] and the [iwa], studying the [tochi] around them [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he chewed a [sutorippu] of dried [niku] almost as tough as [kawa].
He sat with his back to the fire and the rock, studying the land around them while he chewed a strip of dried meat almost as tough as leather.
“Artur Hawkwing’s [me].
“Artur Hawkwing’s eye.
The [me] of the High [ō] himself.
The eye of the High King himself.
This is what his [dengen o on ni shimasu] and [eikō] came to, in the [owari].”
This is what his power and glory came to, in the end.”
He said it absently.
He said it absently.
Even his chewing was absentminded; his [me] and his [chūi] were on the [oka].
Even his chewing was absentminded; his eyes and his attention were on the hills.
“Artur Hawkwing!”
“Artur Hawkwing!”
Egwene exclaimed.
Egwene exclaimed.
“You’re joking with me.
“You’re joking with me.
It isn’t an [me] at all.
It isn’t an eye at all.
Why would somebody [horu] Artur Hawkwing’s [me] on a [iwa] out here?”
Why would somebody carve Artur Hawkwing’s eye on a rock out here?”
Elyas glanced over his [kata] at her, muttering, “What do they [oshieru] you [mura] whelps?”
Elyas glanced over his shoulder at her, muttering, “What do they teach you village whelps?”
He snorted and straightened back to his watching, [shikashi] he went on talking.
He snorted and straightened back to his watching, but he went on talking.
“Artur Paendrag Tanreall, Artur Hawkwing, the High [ō], united all the [tochi] from the Great [kōhai] to the [umi] of [arashi], from the Aryth [ōshan] to the Aiel [muda], and even some beyond the [muda].
“Artur Paendrag Tanreall, Artur Hawkwing, the High King, united all the lands from the Great Blight to the Sea of Storms, from the Aryth Ocean to the Aiel Waste, and even some beyond the Waste.
He even sent [guntai] the [sonota] [saido] of the Aryth [ōshan].
He even sent armies the other side of the Aryth Ocean.
The [ie] say he ruled the whole [sekai], [shikashi] what he really did [rūru] was enough for any [otoko] [soto ni] of a [monogatari].
The stories say he ruled the whole world, but what he really did rule was enough for any man outside of a story.
And he brought [heiwa] and [seigi] to the [tochi].”
And he brought peace and justice to the land.”
“All stood [hitoshii] before the [hōritsu],”
“All stood equal before the law,”
Egwene said, “and no [otoko] raised his [te] against another.”
Egwene said, “and no man raised his hand against another.”
“So you’ve heard the [ie], at least.”
“So you’ve heard the stories, at least.”
Elyas chuckled, a [dorai] [saundo].
Elyas chuckled, a dry sound.
“Artur Hawkwing brought [heiwa] and [seigi], [shikashi] he did it with [kasai] and [ken].
“Artur Hawkwing brought peace and justice, but he did it with fire and sword.
A [ko] could [noru] alone with a [baggu] of [gōrudo] from the Aryth [ōshan] to the [sebone] of the [sekai] and never have a [shunkan]’s [kyōfu], [shikashi] the High [ō]’s [seigi] was as hard as that [iwa] there for anyone who challenged his [dengen o on ni shimasu], even [baai] it was just by [kōfuku] who they were, or by [hitobito] thinking they were a [chōsen].
A child could ride alone with a bag of gold from the Aryth Ocean to the Spine of the World and never have a moment’s fear, but the High King’s justice was as hard as that rock there for anyone who challenged his power, even if it was just by being who they were, or by people thinking they were a challenge.
The common [fōku] had [heiwa], and [seigi], and full [hara], [shikashi] he laid a twenty-[toshi] [hōi] to [tāru] Valon and put a [kakaku] of a thousand [gōrudo] [ōkan] on the [atama] of every Aes Sedai.”
The common folk had peace, and justice, and full bellies, but he laid a twenty-year siege to Tar Valon and put a price of a thousand gold crowns on the head of every Aes Sedai.”
“I [shikō] you didn’t like Aes Sedai,”
“I thought you didn’t like Aes Sedai,”
Egwene said.
Egwene said.
Elyas gave a [hiniku] [egao].
Elyas gave a wry smile.
“Doesn’t [mondai] what I like, [onnanoko].
“Doesn’t matter what I like, girl.
Artur Hawkwing was a proud [baka].
Artur Hawkwing was a proud fool.
An Aes Sedai [hīrā] could have saved him when he took sick – or was poisoned, as some say – [shikashi] every Aes Sedai still alive was penned up behind the Shining [kabe], using all their [dengen o on ni shimasu] to hold off an [guntai] that lit up the [yoru, kishi_knt] with their [kyanpufaiyā].
An Aes Sedai healer could have saved him when he took sick – or was poisoned, as some say – but every Aes Sedai still alive was penned up behind the Shining Walls, using all their Power to hold off an army that lit up the night with their campfires.
He wouldn’t have let one near him, anyway.
He wouldn’t have let one near him, anyway.
He hated Aes Sedai as much as he hated the [Kurai] One.”
He hated Aes Sedai as much as he hated the Dark One.”
Egwene’s [kuchi no naka] tightened, [shikashi] when she spoke, all she said was, “What does all that have to do with whether that’s Artur Hawkwing’s [me]?”
Egwene’s mouth tightened, but when she spoke, all she said was, “What does all that have to do with whether that’s Artur Hawkwing’s eye?”
“Just this, [onnanoko].
“Just this, girl.
With [heiwa] except for what was going on across the [ōshan], with the [hitobito] cheering him wherever he went – they really loved him, you see; he was a harsh [otoko], [shikashi] never with the common [fōku] – [yoku], with all of that, he decided it was [jikan] to build himself a [shuto].
With peace except for what was going on across the ocean, with the people cheering him wherever he went – they really loved him, you see; he was a harsh man, but never with the common folk – well, with all of that, he decided it was time to build himself a capital.
A new [toshi], not connected in any [otoko]’s [kokoro] with any old [genin] or [habatsu] or [raibaru].
A new city, not connected in any man’s mind with any old cause or faction or rivalry.
Here, he’d build it, at the [hijō ni] [sentā] of the [tochi] bordered by the [umi] and the [muda] and the [kōhai].
Here, he’d build it, at the very center of the land bordered by the seas and the Waste and the Blight.
Here, where no Aes Sedai would ever come willing, or could [shiyō] the [dengen o on ni shimasu] [baai] they did.
Here, where no Aes Sedai would ever come willing, or could use the Power if they did.
A [shuto] from which, one [ichi nichi], the whole [sekai] would receive [heiwa] and [seigi].
A capital from which, one day, the whole world would receive peace and justice.
When they heard the [fukoku], the common [hitobito] subscribed enough [okane] to build a [ishibumi] to him.
When they heard the proclamation, the common people subscribed enough money to build a monument to him.
Most of them looked on him as only a [suteppu] below the [kuriētā].
Most of them looked on him as only a step below the Creator.
A short [suteppu].
A short step.
It took five [toshi] to [horu] and build.
It took five years to carve and build.
A [chōzō] of Hawkwing, himself, a hundred [kai] bigger than the [otoko].
A statue of Hawkwing, himself, a hundred times bigger than the man.
They raised it [migi] here, and the [toshi] was to [jōshō] around it.”
They raised it right here, and the city was to rise around it.”
“There was never any [toshi] here,”
“There was never any city here,”
Egwene scoffed.
Egwene scoffed.
“There would have to be something left [baai] there was.
“There would have to be something left if there was.
Something.”
Something.”
Elyas nodded, still keeping his [udedokei].
Elyas nodded, still keeping his watch.
“Indeed there was not.
“Indeed there was not.
Artur Hawkwing died the [hijō ni] [ichi nichi] the [chōzō] was finished, and his [musuko] and the [nokori] of his [chi] fought over who would sit on Hawkwing’s [ōi].
Artur Hawkwing died the very day the statue was finished, and his sons and the rest of his blood fought over who would sit on Hawkwing’s throne.
The [chōzō] stood alone in the [tadanaka] of these [oka].
The statue stood alone in the midst of these hills.
The [musuko] and the [oi] and the [itoko] died, and the [saigo] of the Hawkwing’s [chi] vanished from the [chikyū] – except maybe for some of those who went over the Aryth [ōshan].
The sons and the nephews and the cousins died, and the last of the Hawkwing’s blood vanished from the earth – except maybe for some of those who went over the Aryth Ocean.
There were those who would have erased even the [memori] of him, [baai] they could.
There were those who would have erased even the memory of him, if they could.
[bukku] were burned just because they mentioned his [namae].
Books were burned just because they mentioned his name.
In the [owari] there was nothing left of him [shikashi] the [ie], and most of them wrong.
In the end there was nothing left of him but the stories, and most of them wrong.
That’s what his [eikō] came to.
That’s what his glory came to.
“The [tatakai] didn’t [teishi], of [mochiron], just because the Hawkwing and his [kanatake] were [shin da].
“The fighting didn’t stop, of course, just because the Hawkwing and his kin were dead.
There was still a [ōi] to be won, and every [omo] and [josei] who could muster [tatakai] [dansei] wanted it.
There was still a throne to be won, and every lord and lady who could muster fighting men wanted it.
It was the [hajime] of the [sensō] of the Hundred [toshi].
It was the beginning of the War of the Hundred Years.
Lasted a hundred and twenty-three, really, and most of the [rekishi] of that [jikan] is lost in the [kemuri] of [moeru] [machi].
Lasted a hundred and twenty-three, really, and most of the history of that time is lost in the smoke of burning towns.
Many got a [ichibu] of the [tochi], [shikashi] none got the whole, and sometime during those [toshi] the [chōzō] was pulled down.
Many got a part of the land, but none got the whole, and sometime during those years the statue was pulled down.
Maybe they couldn’t stand measuring themselves against it any longer.”
Maybe they couldn’t stand measuring themselves against it any longer.”
“[saisho] you [saundo] as [baai] you despise him,”
“First you sound as if you despise him,”
Egwene said, “and now you [saundo] as [baai] you admire him.”
Egwene said, “and now you sound as if you admire him.”
She shook her [atama].
She shook her head.
Elyas turned to [hyōjō] at her, a [furatto], unblinking [gyōshi].
Elyas turned to look at her, a flat, unblinking stare.
“Get some more [ocha] now, [baai] you want any.
“Get some more tea now, if you want any.
I want the [kasai] out before [kurai].”
I want the fire out before dark.”
Perrin could make out the [me] clearly now, despite the failing [hikari].
Perrin could make out the eye clearly now, despite the failing light.
It was bigger than a [otoko]’s [atama], and the [kage] falling across it made it seem like a [reivun]’s [me], hard and [kuro] and without [zannen].
It was bigger than a man’s head, and the shadows falling across it made it seem like a raven’s eye, hard and black and without pity.
He wished they were sleeping somewhere else.
He wished they were sleeping somewhere else.
[akira] 30
Chapter 30
[kodomo tachi] of [kage]
Children of Shadow
Egwene sat by the [kasai], staring up at the [furagumento] of [chōzō], [shikashi] Perrin went down by the [pūru] to be alone.
Egwene sat by the fire, staring up at the fragment of statue, but Perrin went down by the pool to be alone.
[ichi nichi] was fading, and the [yoru, kishi_knt] [kaze] was already rising out of the [higashi], ruffling the [hyōmen] of the [mizu].
Day was fading, and the night wind was already rising out of the east, ruffling the surface of the water.
He took the [ono] from the [rūpu] on his [beruto] and turned it over in his [te].
He took the axe from the loop on his belt and turned it over in his hands.
The [asshuuddo] [hafuto] was as long as his [āmu], and smooth and cool to the [tacchi].
The ashwood haft was as long as his arm, and smooth and cool to the touch.
He hated it.
He hated it.
He was ashamed of how proud he had been of the [ono] back in Emond’s [ryōiki].
He was ashamed of how proud he had been of the axe back in Emond’s Field.
Before he knew what he might be willing to do with it.
Before he knew what he might be willing to do with it.
“You [kirai] her that much?”
“You hate her that much?”
Elyas said behind him.
Elyas said behind him.
Startled, he jumped and [hanbun] raised the [ono] before he [mimashita] who it was.
Startled, he jumped and half raised the axe before he saw who it was.
“can…
“Can…
can you read my [kokoro], too?
Can you read my mind, too?
