The Eye of the World_39 Flashcards
Byar, who hated [Kurai-yūjin] worse than he did the [Kurai] One himself.
Byar, who hated Darkfriends worse than he did the Dark One himself.
Byar, who looked for any [īwake] to [genin] him [itami] because he had killed two Whitecloaks.
Byar, who looked for any excuse to cause him pain because he had killed two Whitecloaks.
Byar wanted them to [dasshutsu]?
Byar wanted them to escape?
[baai] he had [shikō] his [kokoro] was [rēsu] before, now it sped like an [nadare].
If he had thought his mind was racing before, now it sped like an avalanche.
Despite the [samui], [ase] hashitta down his [kao] in [ogawa].
Despite the cold, sweat ran down his face in rivulets.
He glanced at the [keibi].
He glanced at the guards.
They were only [kage] of pale [gurē], [shikashi] it seemed to him that they were poised, waiting.
They were only shadows of pale gray, but it seemed to him that they were poised, waiting.
[baai] he and Egwene were killed trying to [dasshutsu], and their [rōpu] had been cut on a [iwa] that could have been lying there by [kikai]…
If he and Egwene were killed trying to escape, and their ropes had been cut on a rock that could have been lying there by chance…
The [omo] [senchō]’s [jirenma] would be solved, all [migi].
The Lord Captain’s dilemma would be solved, all right.
And Byar would have them [shin da], the [michi] he wanted them.
And Byar would have them dead, the way he wanted them.
The gaunt [otoko] picked up his [herumetto] from beside the [rantan] and started to stand.
The gaunt man picked up his helmet from beside the lantern and started to stand.
“[taiki],”
“Wait,”
Perrin said hoarsely.
Perrin said hoarsely.
His [shikō] tumbled over and over as he searched in vain for some [michi] out.
His thoughts tumbled over and over as he searched in vain for some way out.
“[taiki], I want to [hanashi].
“Wait, I want to talk.
I–”
I–”
[tasukeru] comes!
Help comes!
The [shikō] blossomed in his [kokoro], a clear [bāsuto] of [hikari] in the [tadanaka] of [kaosu], so startling that for a [shunkan] he forgot everything else, even where he was.
The thought blossomed in his mind, a clear burst of light in the midst of chaos, so startling that for a moment he forgot everything else, even where he was.
[ma dara] was alive.
Dapple was alive.
Elyas, he [shikō] at the [ōkami], demanding without [kotoba] to know [baai] the [otoko] was alive.
Elyas, he thought at the wolf, demanding without words to know if the man was alive.
An [gazō] came back.
An image came back.
Elyas, lying on a [shindai] of [ebāgurīn] [eda] beside a small [kasai] in a [dōkutsu], tending a [kizu] in his [saido].
Elyas, lying on a bed of evergreen branches beside a small fire in a cave, tending a wound in his side.
It all took only an instant.
It all took only an instant.
He gaped at Byar, and his [kao] broke into a foolish grin.
He gaped at Byar, and his face broke into a foolish grin.
Elyas was alive.
Elyas was alive.
[ma dara] was alive.
Dapple was alive.
[tasukeru] was coming.
Help was coming.
Byar paused, risen only to a crouch, looking at him.
Byar paused, risen only to a crouch, looking at him.
“Some [shikō] has come to you, Perrin of the Two [kawa], and I would know what it is.”
“Some thought has come to you, Perrin of the Two Rivers, and I would know what it is.”
For a [shunkan] Perrin [shikō] he meant the [shikō] from [ma dara].
For a moment Perrin thought he meant the thought from Dapple.
[panikku] fled across his [kao], followed by [ando].
Panic fled across his face, followed by relief.
Byar could not possibly know.
Byar could not possibly know.
Byar watched his [henka] of [shiki], and for the [saisho] [jikan] the Whitecloak’s [me] went to the [iwa] he had tossed on the [gurando].
Byar watched his changes of expression, and for the first time the Whitecloak’s eyes went to the rock he had tossed on the ground.
He was reconsidering, Perrin realized.
He was reconsidering, Perrin realized.
[baai] he changed his [kokoro] about the [iwa], would he dare [risuku] leaving them alive to [hanashi]?
If he changed his mind about the rock, would he dare risk leaving them alive to talk?
[rōpu] could be frayed after the [hitobito] wearing them were [shin da], even [baai] it made for [risuku] of [hakken].
Ropes could be frayed after the people wearing them were dead, even if it made for risk of discovery.
He looked into Byar’s [me] – the shadowed [kubomi] of the [otoko]’s [me] [soketto] made them appear to [gyōshi] at him from [kurai] [dōkutsu] – and he [mimashita] [shi] decided.
He looked into Byar’s eyes – the shadowed hollows of the man’s eye sockets made them appear to stare at him from dark caves – and he saw death decided.
Byar opened his [kuchi no naka], and as Perrin waited for [bun] to be pronounced, [monogoto] began to happen too fast for [shikō].
Byar opened his mouth, and as Perrin waited for sentence to be pronounced, things began to happen too fast for thought.
Suddenly one of the [keibi] vanished.
Suddenly one of the guards vanished.
One [bun] there were two dim shapes, the next the [yoru, kishi_knt] swallowed one of them.
One minute there were two dim shapes, the next the night swallowed one of them.
The [ni] [keibi] turned, the [hajime] of a [sakebi] on his [kuchibiru], [shikashi] before the [saisho] [onsetsu] was uttered there was a [kotai] tchunk and he toppled over like a felled [tsurī].
The second guard turned, the beginning of a cry on his lips, but before the first syllable was uttered there was a solid tchunk and he toppled over like a felled tree.
Byar spun, swift as a striking [dokuhebi], the [ono] whirling in his [te] so fast that it hummed.
Byar spun, swift as a striking viper, the axe whirling in his hands so fast that it hummed.
Perrin’s [me] bulged as the [yoru, kishi_knt] seemed to flow into the [rantan] [hikari].
Perrin’s eyes bulged as the night seemed to flow into the lantern light.
His [kuchi no naka] opened to [ēru], [shikashi] his [nodo] locked tight with [kyōfu].
His mouth opened to yell, but his throat locked tight with fear.
For an instant he even forgot that Byar wanted to kill them.
For an instant he even forgot that Byar wanted to kill them.
The Whitecloak was another [ningen] [kōfuku], and the [yoru, kishi_knt] had come alive to take them all.
The Whitecloak was another human being, and the night had come alive to take them all.
Then the [yami] invading the [hikari] became Lan, [gaitō] swirling through [iroai] of [gurē] and [kuro] as he moved.
Then the darkness invading the light became Lan, cloak swirling through shades of gray and black as he moved.
The [ono] in Byar’s [te] lashed out like [keiryō-ka]…
The axe in Byar’s hands lashed out like lightning…
and Lan seemed to lean casually aside, letting the [ha] pass so [tojiru] he must have [kanjita] the [kaze] of it.
and Lan seemed to lean casually aside, letting the blade pass so close he must have felt the wind of it.
Byar’s [me] widened as the [chikara] of his [dageki] carried him off [baransu], as the [kanshu] struck with [te] and [ashi] in [kyūsoku na] [renzoku], so quick that Perrin was not sure what he had just seen.
Byar’s eyes widened as the force of his blow carried him off balance, as the Warder struck with hands and feet in rapid succession, so quick that Perrin was not sure what he had just seen.
What he was sure of was Byar collapsing like a [ningyō].
What he was sure of was Byar collapsing like a puppet.
Before the falling Whitecloak had finished settling to the [gurando], the [kanshu] was on his [hiza] extinguishing the [rantan].
Before the falling Whitecloak had finished settling to the ground, the Warder was on his knees extinguishing the lantern.
In the sudden [ritān] to [yami], Perrin stared blindly.
In the sudden return to darkness, Perrin stared blindly.
Lan seemed to have vanished again.
Lan seemed to have vanished again.
“Is it really…?”
“Is it really…?”
Egwene gave a stifled sob.
Egwene gave a stifled sob.
“We [shikō] you were [shin da].
“We thought you were dead.
We [shikō] you were all [shin da].”
We thought you were all dead.”
“Not yet.”
“Not yet.”
The [kanshu]’s [fukai] [sasayaku] was tinged with [amyūzumento].
The Warder’s deep whisper was tinged with amusement.
[te] touched Perrin, found his [saiken].
Hands touched Perrin, found his bonds.
A [naifu] sliced through the [rōpu] with barely a tug, and he was [muryō desu].
A knife sliced through the ropes with barely a tug, and he was free.
Aching [kinniku] protested as he sat up.
Aching muscles protested as he sat up.
Rubbing his [tekubi], he peered at the graying [maundo] that marked Byar.
Rubbing his wrists, he peered at the graying mound that marked Byar.
“Did you…?
“Did you…?
Is he…?”
Is he…?”
“No,”
“No,”
Lan’s [koe] answered quietly from the [yami].
Lan’s voice answered quietly from the darkness.
“I do not kill unless I mean to.
“I do not kill unless I mean to.
[shikashi] he won’t bother anyone for a [dōjini, tsutsu, issun].
But he won’t bother anyone for a while.
[teishi] asking [shitsumon] and get a [pea] of their [gaitō].
Stop asking questions and get a pair of their cloaks.
We do not have much [jikan].”
We do not have much time.”
Perrin crawled to where Byar lay.
Perrin crawled to where Byar lay.
It took an [doryoku] to [tacchi] the [otoko], and when he [kanjita] the Whitecloak’s [mune] rising and falling he almost jerked his [te] away.
It took an effort to touch the man, and when he felt the Whitecloak’s chest rising and falling he almost jerked his hands away.
His [hada] crawled as he made himself unfasten the [shiroi] [gaitō] and [puru] it off.
His skin crawled as he made himself unfasten the white cloak and pull it off.
Despite what Lan said, he could imagine the [zugaikotsu]-faced [otoko] suddenly rearing up.
Despite what Lan said, he could imagine the skull-faced man suddenly rearing up.
Hastily he fumbled around till he found his [ono], then crawled to another [keibi].
Hastily he fumbled around till he found his axe, then crawled to another guard.
It seemed strange, at [saisho], that he [kanjita] no [fu honi] to [tacchi] this unconscious [otoko], [shikashi] the [riyū] came to him.
It seemed strange, at first, that he felt no reluctance to touch this unconscious man, but the reason came to him.
All the Whitecloaks hated him, [shikashi] that was a [ningen] [kanjō].
All the Whitecloaks hated him, but that was a human emotion.
Byar [kanjita] nothing beyond that he should [dai]; there was no [kirai] in it, no [kanjō] at all.
Byar felt nothing beyond that he should die; there was no hate in it, no emotion at all.
Gathering the two [gaitō] in his [ude], he turned – and [panikku] grabbed him.
Gathering the two cloaks in his arms, he turned – and panic grabbed him.
In the [yami] he suddenly had no [kankaku] of [hōkō], of how to find his [michi] back to Lan and the [tanin].
In the darkness he suddenly had no sense of direction, of how to find his way back to Lan and the others.
His [ashi] rooted to the [gurando], afraid to [ugokasu].
His feet rooted to the ground, afraid to move.
Even Byar was hidden by the [yoru, kishi_knt] without his [shiroi] [gaitō].
Even Byar was hidden by the night without his white cloak.
There was nothing by which to [oriento] himself.
There was nothing by which to orient himself.
Any [michi] he went might be out into the [kyanpu].
Any way he went might be out into the camp.
“Here.”
“Here.”
He stumbled toward Lan’s [sasayaku] until [te] stopped him.
He stumbled toward Lan’s whisper until hands stopped him.
Egwene was a dim [kage], and Lan’s [kao] was a [bokashi]; the [nokori] of the [kanshu] seemed not to be there at all.
Egwene was a dim shadow, and Lan’s face was a blur; the rest of the Warder seemed not to be there at all.
He could feel their [me] on him, and he wondered [baai] he should explain.
He could feel their eyes on him, and he wondered if he should explain.
“Put on the [gaitō],”
“Put on the cloaks,”
Lan said softly.
Lan said softly.
“Quickly.
“Quickly.
[bandoru] your own.
Bundle your own.
And make no [saundo].
And make no sound.
You aren’t safe yet.”
You aren’t safe yet.”
Hurriedly Perrin passed one of the [gaitō] to Egwene, relieved at [kōfuku] saved from having to tell of his [kyōfu].
Hurriedly Perrin passed one of the cloaks to Egwene, relieved at being saved from having to tell of his fear.
He made his own [gaitō] into a [bandoru] to carry, and swung the [shiroi] [gaitō] around his [kata] in its [basho].
He made his own cloak into a bundle to carry, and swung the white cloak around his shoulders in its place.
He [kanjita] a [yū toge] as it settled around his [kata], a [sasu] of [shinpai] between his [kata] [ha].
He felt a prickle as it settled around his shoulders, a stab of worry between his shoulder blades.
Was it Byar’s [gaitō] he had ended up with?
Was it Byar’s cloak he had ended up with?
He almost [shikō] he could [nioi] the gaunt [otoko] on it.
He almost thought he could smell the gaunt man on it.
Lan directed them to hold [te], and Perrin gripped his [ono] in one [te] and Egwene’s [te] with the [sonota], wishing the [kanshu] would get on with their [dasshutsu] so he could [teishi] his [sōzō ryoku] from running wild.
Lan directed them to hold hands, and Perrin gripped his axe in one hand and Egwene’s hand with the other, wishing the Warder would get on with their escape so he could stop his imagination from running wild.
[shikashi] they just stood there, surrounded by the [tento] of the [kodomo tachi], two shapes in [shiroi] [gaitō] and one that was sensed [shikashi] not seen.
But they just stood there, surrounded by the tents of the Children, two shapes in white cloaks and one that was sensed but not seen.
“Soon,”
“Soon,”
Lan whispered.
Lan whispered.
“[hijō ni] soon.”
“Very soon.”
[keiryō-ka] broke the [yoru, kishi_knt] above the [kyanpu], so [tojiru] that Perrin [kanjita] the [kami] on his [ude], his [atama], lifting as the [boruto] charged the [kūki].
Lightning broke the night above the camp, so close that Perrin felt the hair on his arms, his head, lifting as the bolt charged the air.
Just beyond the [tento] the [chikyū] erupted from the [dageki], the [bakuhatsu] on the [gurando] merging with that in the [sora].
Just beyond the tents the earth erupted from the blow, the explosion on the ground merging with that in the sky.
Before the [hikari] faded Lan was leading them forward.
Before the light faded Lan was leading them forward.
At their [saisho] [suteppu] another [sutoraiki] sliced [ōpun] the [kurosa].
At their first step another strike sliced open the blackness.
[keiryō-ka] came like hail, so that the [yoru, kishi_knt] flickered as [baai] the [yami] were coming in momentary flashes.
Lightning came like hail, so that the night flickered as if the darkness were coming in momentary flashes.
[kaminari] drummed wildly, one [gōon] rumbling into the next, one continuous, [rippu ringu] [todoroku].
Thunder drummed wildly, one roar rumbling into the next, one continuous, rippling peal.
[kyōfu]-stricken [uma] screamed, their whinnies drowned except for [shunkan] when the [kaminari] faded.
Fear-stricken horses screamed, their whinnies drowned except for moments when the thunder faded.
[dansei] tumbled out of their [tento], some in their [shiroi] [gaitō], some only [hanbun] clothed, some dashing to and fro, some standing as [baai] stunned.
Men tumbled out of their tents, some in their white cloaks, some only half clothed, some dashing to and fro, some standing as if stunned.
Through the [mannaka] of it Lan pulled them at a [kobashiri], Perrin bringing up the [ria].
Through the middle of it Lan pulled them at a trot, Perrin bringing up the rear.
Whitecloaks looked at them, wild-eyed, as they passed.
Whitecloaks looked at them, wild-eyed, as they passed.
A few shouted at them, the [sakebu] lost in the pounding from the [ten], [shikashi] with their [shiroi] [gaitō] gathered around them no one tried to [teishi] them.
A few shouted at them, the shouts lost in the pounding from the heavens, but with their white cloaks gathered around them no one tried to stop them.
Through the [tento], out of the [kyanpu] and into the [yoru, kishi_knt], and no one raised a [te] against them.
Through the tents, out of the camp and into the night, and no one raised a hand against them.
The [gurando] turned uneven under Perrin’s [ashi], and [burashi] slapped at him as he let himself be drawn along.
The ground turned uneven under Perrin’s feet, and brush slapped at him as he let himself be drawn along.
The [keiryō-ka] flickered fitfully and was gone.
The lightning flickered fitfully and was gone.
[ekō] of [kaminari] rolled across the [sora] before they, too, faded away.
Echoes of thunder rolled across the sky before they, too, faded away.
Perrin looked over his [kata].
Perrin looked over his shoulder.
A [ichi nigiri] of fires burned back there, among the [tento].
A handful of fires burned back there, among the tents.
Some of the [keiryō-ka] must have struck home, or perhaps [dansei] had knocked over [ranpu] in their [panikku].
Some of the lightning must have struck home, or perhaps men had knocked over lamps in their panic.
[dansei] still shouted, [koe] tiny in the [yoru, kishi_knt], trying to restore [ōdā], to find out what had happened.
Men still shouted, voices tiny in the night, trying to restore order, to find out what had happened.
The [tochi] began to [surōpu] upwards, and [tento] and fires and shouting were left behind.
The land began to slope upwards, and tents and fires and shouting were left behind.
Suddenly he almost trod on Egwene’s [kakato] as Lan stopped.
Suddenly he almost trod on Egwene’s heels as Lan stopped.
Ahead in the [gekkō] stood three [uma].
Ahead in the moonlight stood three horses.
A [kage] stirred, and Moiraine’s [koe] came, weighted with [shigeki].
A shadow stirred, and Moiraine’s voice came, weighted with irritation.
“Nynaeve has not returned.
“Nynaeve has not returned.
I [kyōfu] that young [onna] has done something foolish.”
I fear that young woman has done something foolish.”
Lan spun on his [hīru] as [baai] to [ritān] the [michi] they had come, [shikashi] a [shinguru] [muchi kiretsu] [kotoba] from Moiraine halted him.
Lan spun on his heel as if to return the way they had come, but a single whip-crack word from Moiraine halted him.
“No!”
“No!”
He stood looking at her sideways, only his [kao] and [te] truly visible, and they [shikashi] dimly shadowed [bokashimasu].
He stood looking at her sideways, only his face and hands truly visible, and they but dimly shadowed blurs.
She went on in a gentler [kuchō]; gentler [shikashi] no less firm.
She went on in a gentler tone; gentler but no less firm.
“Some [monogoto] are more important than [tanin].
“Some things are more important than others.
You know that.”
You know that.”
The [kanshu] did not [ugokasu], and her [koe] hardened again.
The Warder did not move, and her voice hardened again.
“Remember your [chikai], al’Lan Mandragoran, [omo] of the Seven [Tō]!
“Remember your oaths, al’Lan Mandragoran, Lord of the Seven Towers!
What of the [sensei] of a Diademed [tatakai] [omo] of the Malkieri?”
What of the oath of a Diademed Battle Lord of the Malkieri?”
Perrin blinked.
Perrin blinked.
Lan was all of that?
Lan was all of that?
Egwene was murmuring, [shikashi] he could not take his [me] off the [taburō] in [furonto] of him, Lan standing like a [ōkami] from [ma dara]’s [pakku], a [ōkami] at [bei] before the diminutive Aes Sedai and vainly seeking [dasshutsu] from [dūmu].
Egwene was murmuring, but he could not take his eyes off the tableau in front of him, Lan standing like a wolf from Dapple’s pack, a wolf at bay before the diminutive Aes Sedai and vainly seeking escape from doom.
The frozen [shīn] was broken by a [kurasshu] of breaking [eda] in the [hayashi].
The frozen scene was broken by a crash of breaking branches in the woods.
In two long [zenshin] Lan was between Moiraine and the [saundo], the pale [gekkō] [rippu ringu] along his [ken].
In two long strides Lan was between Moiraine and the sound, the pale moonlight rippling along his sword.
To the [kurakkuru] and snap of [shitakusa] a [pea] of [uma] [bāsuto] from the [kigi], one with a [raidā].
To the crackle and snap of underbrush a pair of horses burst from the trees, one with a rider.
“Bela!”
“Bela!”
Egwene exclaimed at the same [jikan] that Nynaeve said from the shaggy [māre]’s back, “I almost didn’t find you again.
Egwene exclaimed at the same time that Nynaeve said from the shaggy mare’s back, “I almost didn’t find you again.
Egwene!
Egwene!
Thank the [hikari] you’re alive!”
Thank the Light you’re alive!”
She slid down off Bela, [shikashi] as she started toward the Emond’s Fielders Lan caught her [āmu] and she stopped short, staring up at him.
She slid down off Bela, but as she started toward the Emond’s Fielders Lan caught her arm and she stopped short, staring up at him.
“We must go, Lan,”
“We must go, Lan,”
Moiraine said, once more sounding unruffled, and the [kanshu] released his [gurippu].
Moiraine said, once more sounding unruffled, and the Warder released his grip.
Nynaeve rubbed her [āmu] as she hurried to [hōyō] Egwene, [shikashi] Perrin [shikō] he heard her give a [hikui] [warai], too.
Nynaeve rubbed her arm as she hurried to hug Egwene, but Perrin thought he heard her give a low laugh, too.
It puzzled him because he did not think it had anything to do with her [shiawase] at [mite] them again.
It puzzled him because he did not think it had anything to do with her happiness at seeing them again.
“Where are Rand and Mat?”
“Where are Rand and Mat?”
he asked.
he asked.
“Elsewhere,”
“Elsewhere,”
Moiraine replied, and Nynaeve muttered something in a sharp [kuchō] that made Egwene gasp.
Moiraine replied, and Nynaeve muttered something in a sharp tone that made Egwene gasp.
Perrin blinked; he had caught the [hashi] of a wagoneer’s [sensei], and a coarse one.
Perrin blinked; he had caught the edge of a wagoneer’s oath, and a coarse one.
“The [hikari] send they are [yoku],”
“The Light send they are well,”
the Aes Sedai went on as [baai] she had not noticed.
the Aes Sedai went on as if she had not noticed.
“We will none of us be [yoku],”
“We will none of us be well,”
Lan said, “[baai] the Whitecloaks find us.
Lan said, “if the Whitecloaks find us.
[henkō] your [gaitō], and get mounted.”
Change your cloaks, and get mounted.”
Perrin scrambled up onto the [uma] Nynaeve had brought behind Bela.
Perrin scrambled up onto the horse Nynaeve had brought behind Bela.
The [fusoku] of a [sadoru] did not [basuketto] him; he did not [noru] often at home, [shikashi] when he did it was more likely [kondōmu o tsuke nai] than not.
The lack of a saddle did not hamper him; he did not ride often at home, but when he did it was more likely bareback than not.
He still carried the [shiroi] [gaitō], now rolled up and tied to his [beruto].
He still carried the white cloak, now rolled up and tied to his belt.
The [kanshu] said they must [kyūka] no more [torēsu] for the [kodomo tachi] to find than they could [tasukeru].
The Warder said they must leave no more traces for the Children to find than they could help.
He still [shikō] he could [nioi] Byar on it.
He still thought he could smell Byar on it.
As they started out, the [kanshu] leading on his tall [kuro] [taneuma], Perrin [kanjita] [ma dara]’s [tacchi] on his [kokoro] once more.
As they started out, the Warder leading on his tall black stallion, Perrin felt Dapple’s touch on his mind once more.
One [ichi nichi] again.
One day again.
More a [kanji] than [kotoba], it sighed with the [yakusoku] of a [kaigi] foreordained, with [mikoshi] of what was to come, with [jinin] to what was to come, all streaked in [reiyā].
More a feeling than words, it sighed with the promise of a meeting foreordained, with anticipation of what was to come, with resignation to what was to come, all streaked in layers.
He tried to ask when and why, [bukiyō] in [sokkō] and sudden [kyōfu].
He tried to ask when and why, fumbling in haste and sudden fear.
The [torēsu] of the [ōkami] grew fainter, fading.
The trace of the wolves grew fainter, fading.
His frantic [shitsumon] brought only the same heavy-laden [kotae].
His frantic questions brought only the same heavy-laden answer.
One [ichi nichi] again.
One day again.
It hung haunting in his [kokoro] long after [ishiki] of the [ōkami] winked out.
It hung haunting in his mind long after awareness of the wolves winked out.
Lan pressed southward slowly [shikashi] steadily.
Lan pressed southward slowly but steadily.
The [yoru, kishi_knt]-draped [arano], all rolling [gurando] and [shitakusa] hidden until it was underfoot, shadowed [kigi] thick against the [sora], allowed no great [supīdo] in any case.
The night-draped wilderness, all rolling ground and underbrush hidden until it was underfoot, shadowed trees thick against the sky, allowed no great speed in any case.
Twice the [kanshu] left them, riding back toward the slivered [mūn], he and Mandarb becoming one with the [yoru, kishi_knt] behind.
Twice the Warder left them, riding back toward the slivered moon, he and Mandarb becoming one with the night behind.
Both [kai] he returned to [repōto] no [sain] of [tsuikyū].
Both times he returned to report no sign of pursuit.
Egwene stayed [tojiru] beside Nynaeve.
Egwene stayed close beside Nynaeve.
Soft-spoken [sukurappu] of excited [hanashi] floated back to Perrin.
Soft-spoken scraps of excited talk floated back to Perrin.
Those two were as buoyed up as [baai] they had found home again.
Those two were as buoyed up as if they had found home again.
He hung back at the [o] of their little [koramu].
He hung back at the tail of their little column.
Sometimes the [chie] turned in her [sadoru] to [hyōjō] back at him, and each [jikan] he gave her a [nami], as [baai] to say that he was all [migi], and stayed where he was.
Sometimes the Wisdom turned in her saddle to look back at him, and each time he gave her a wave, as if to say that he was all right, and stayed where he was.
He had a [takusan] to think about, though he could not get any of it straight in his [atama].
He had a lot to think about, though he could not get any of it straight in his head.
What was to come.
What was to come.
What was to come?
What was to come?
Perrin [shikō] it could not be much short of [yoake] when Moiraine finally called a [teishi].
Perrin thought it could not be much short of dawn when Moiraine finally called a halt.
Lan found a [gari] where he could build a [kasai] hidden within a [nakazora] in one of the [ginkō].
Lan found a gully where he could build a fire hidden within a hollow in one of the banks.
Finally they were allowed to rid themselves of the [shiroi] [gaitō], burying them in a [ana] [hotta] near the [kasai].
Finally they were allowed to rid themselves of the white cloaks, burying them in a hole dug near the fire.
As he was about to toss in the [gaitō] he had used, the embroidered golden [nichi] on the [nyūgan] caught his [me], and the two golden [hoshi] beneath.
As he was about to toss in the cloak he had used, the embroidered golden sun on the breast caught his eye, and the two golden stars beneath.
He dropped the [gaitō] as [baai] it stung and walked away, scrubbing his [te] on his [kōto], to sit alone.
He dropped the cloak as if it stung and walked away, scrubbing his hands on his coat, to sit alone.
“Now,”
“Now,”
Egwene said, once Lan was shoveling [yogore] into the [ana], “will somebody tell me where Rand and Mat are?”
Egwene said, once Lan was shoveling dirt into the hole, “will somebody tell me where Rand and Mat are?”
“I [shinjiru] they are in Caemlyn,”
“I believe they are in Caemlyn,”
Moiraine said carefully, “or on their [michi] there.”
Moiraine said carefully, “or on their way there.”
Nynaeve gave a loud, disparaging [isaki], [shikashi] the Aes Sedai went on as [baai] she had not been interrupted.
Nynaeve gave a loud, disparaging grunt, but the Aes Sedai went on as if she had not been interrupted.
“[baai] they are not, I will yet find them.
“If they are not, I will yet find them.
That I [yakusoku].”
That I promise.”
They made a [shizuka] [shokuji] on [pan] and [chīzu] and [atsui] [ocha].
They made a quiet meal on bread and cheese and hot tea.
Even Egwene’s [netsui] succumbed to [tsukare].
Even Egwene’s enthusiasm succumbed to weariness.
The [chie] produced an [nankō] from her [baggu] for the weals the [rōpu] had left on Egwene’s [tekubi], and a different one for her [sonota] [aza].
The Wisdom produced an ointment from her bag for the weals the ropes had left on Egwene’s wrists, and a different one for her other bruises.
When she came to where Perrin sat on the [hashi] of the [hi akari], he did not [hyōjō] up.
When she came to where Perrin sat on the edge of the firelight, he did not look up.
She stood looking at him silently for a [jikan], then squatted with her [baggu] beside her, saying briskly, “Take your [kōto] and [shatsu] off, Perrin.
She stood looking at him silently for a time, then squatted with her bag beside her, saying briskly, “Take your coat and shirt off, Perrin.
They tell me one of the Whitecloaks took a [kirai] to you.”
They tell me one of the Whitecloaks took a dislike to you.”
He complied slowly, still [hanbun] lost in [ma dara]’s [messēji], until Nynaeve gasped.
He complied slowly, still half lost in Dapple’s message, until Nynaeve gasped.
Startled, he stared at her, then at his own bare [mune].
Startled, he stared at her, then at his own bare chest.
It was a [masu] of [iro], the newer, [murasaki] [shimi] overlaying older ones faded into [iroai] of [chairo] and [kiiro].
It was a mass of color, the newer, purple blotches overlaying older ones faded into shades of brown and yellow.
Only thick [surabu] of [kinniku] earned by [jikan] at [shujin] Luhhan’s forge had saved him from broken [ribu].
Only thick slabs of muscle earned by hours at Master Luhhan’s forge had saved him from broken ribs.
With his [kokoro] filled by the [ōkami], he had managed to forget the [itami], [shikashi] he was reminded of it now, and it came back gladly.
With his mind filled by the wolves, he had managed to forget the pain, but he was reminded of it now, and it came back gladly.
Involuntarily he took a [fukai] [iki], and clamped his [kuchibiru] on a [umekigoe].
Involuntarily he took a deep breath, and clamped his lips on a groan.
“How could he have disliked you so much?”
“How could he have disliked you so much?”
Nynaeve asked wonderingly.
Nynaeve asked wonderingly.
I killed two [dansei].
I killed two men.
Aloud, he said, “I don’t know.”
Aloud, he said, “I don’t know.”
She rummaged in her [baggu], and he flinched when she began spreading a greasy [nankō] over his [aza].
She rummaged in her bag, and he flinched when she began spreading a greasy ointment over his bruises.
“[gurando] [tsuta], five-[yubi], and [sanbāsuto] [rūto],”
“Ground ivy, five-finger, and sunburst root,”
she said.
she said.
It was [atsui] and [samui] at the same [jikan], [tsukuri] him [furue] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he broke into a [ase], [shikashi] he did not [kōgi].
It was hot and cold at the same time, making him shiver while he broke into a sweat, but he did not protest.
He had had [keiken] of Nynaeve’s [nankō] and [pappu zai] before.
He had had experience of Nynaeve’s ointments and poultices before.
As her [yubi] gently rubbed the [kongō butsu] in, the [netsu] and [samui] vanished, taking the [itami] with them.
As her fingers gently rubbed the mixture in, the heat and cold vanished, taking the pain with them.
The [murasaki] [hanten] faded to [chairo], and the [chairo] and [kiiro] paled, some disappearing altogether.
The purple splotches faded to brown, and the brown and yellow paled, some disappearing altogether.
Experimentally, he took a [fukai] [iki]; there was barely a [zukizuki suru itami].
Experimentally, he took a deep breath; there was barely a twinge.
“You [hyōjō] surprised,”
“You look surprised,”
Nynaeve said.
Nynaeve said.
She looked a little surprised herself, and strangely frightened.
She looked a little surprised herself, and strangely frightened.
“Next [jikan], you can go to her.”
“Next time, you can go to her.”
“Not surprised,”
“Not surprised,”
he said soothingly, “just glad.”
he said soothingly, “just glad.”
Sometimes Nynaeve’s [nankō] worked fast and sometimes [osoi], [shikashi] they always worked.
Sometimes Nynaeve’s ointments worked fast and sometimes slow, but they always worked.
“What…
“What…
what happened to Rand and Mat?”
what happened to Rand and Mat?”
Nynaeve began stuffing her [baiaru] and [potto] back into her [baggu], jamming each one in as [baai] she were thrusting it through a [baria].
Nynaeve began stuffing her vials and pots back into her bag, jamming each one in as if she were thrusting it through a barrier.
“She says they’re all [migi].
“She says they’re all right.
She says we’ll find them.
She says we’ll find them.
In Caemlyn, she says.
In Caemlyn, she says.
She says it’s too important for us not to, whatever that means.
She says it’s too important for us not to, whatever that means.
She says a great many [monogoto].”
She says a great many things.”
Perrin grinned in [ni mo kakawara zu] of himself.
Perrin grinned in spite of himself.
Whatever else had changed, the [chie] was still herself, and she and the Aes Sedai were still far from fast [yūjin].
Whatever else had changed, the Wisdom was still herself, and she and the Aes Sedai were still far from fast friends.
Abruptly Nynaeve stiffened, staring at his [kao].
Abruptly Nynaeve stiffened, staring at his face.
Dropping her [baggu], she pressed the [bakkuappu shimasu] of her [te] to his [hō] and [gaku].
Dropping her bag, she pressed the backs of her hands to his cheeks and forehead.
He tried to [puru] back, [shikashi] she caught his [atama] in both [te] and thumbed back his [mabuta], peering into his [me] and muttering to herself.
He tried to pull back, but she caught his head in both hands and thumbed back his eyelids, peering into his eyes and muttering to herself.
Despite her small [saizu] she held his [kao] easily; it was never easy to get away from Nynaeve when she did not want you to.
Despite her small size she held his face easily; it was never easy to get away from Nynaeve when she did not want you to.
“I don’t understand,”
“I don’t understand,”
she said finally, releasing him and settling back to sit on her [kakato].
she said finally, releasing him and settling back to sit on her heels.
“[baai] it was yelloweye [hatsunetsu], you wouldn’t be able to stand.
“If it was yelloweye fever, you wouldn’t be able to stand.
[shikashi] you don’t have any [hatsunetsu], and the [hakujin] of your [me] aren’t yellowed, just the irises.”
But you don’t have any fever, and the whites of your eyes aren’t yellowed, just the irises.”
“[kiiro]?”
“Yellow?”
Moiraine said, and Perrin and Nynaeve both jumped where they sat.
Moiraine said, and Perrin and Nynaeve both jumped where they sat.
The Aes Sedai’s [apurōchi] had been utterly silent.
The Aes Sedai’s approach had been utterly silent.
Egwene was asleep by the [kasai], wrapped in her [gaitō], Perrin [mimashita].
Egwene was asleep by the fire, wrapped in her cloaks, Perrin saw.
His own [mabuta] wanted to slide closed.
His own eyelids wanted to slide closed.
“It isn’t anything,”
“It isn’t anything,”
he said, [shikashi] Moiraine put a [te] under his [ago] and turned his [kao] up so she could [pia] into his [me] the [michi] Nynaeve had.
he said, but Moiraine put a hand under his chin and turned his face up so she could peer into his eyes the way Nynaeve had.
He jerked away, prickling.
He jerked away, prickling.
The two [josei] were handling him as [baai] he were a [ko].
The two women were handling him as if he were a child.
“I said it isn’t anything.”
“I said it isn’t anything.”
“There was no foretelling this.”
“There was no foretelling this.”
Moiraine spoke as [baai] to herself.
Moiraine spoke as if to herself.
Her [me] seemed to [hyōjō] at something beyond him.
Her eyes seemed to look at something beyond him.
“Something ordained to be woven, or a [henkō] in the [moyō]?
“Something ordained to be woven, or a change in the Pattern?
[baai] a [henkō], by what [te]?
If a change, by what hand?
The [hoīru] weaves as the [hoīru] [yuigon].
The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.
It must be that.”
It must be that.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“Do you know what it is?”
Nynaeve asked reluctantly, then hesitated.
Nynaeve asked reluctantly, then hesitated.
“can you do something for him?
“Can you do something for him?
Your [iyashi]?”
Your Healing?”
The [rikuesuto] for [enjo], the [nyūjō] that she could do nothing, came out of her as [baai] dragged.
The request for aid, the admission that she could do nothing, came out of her as if dragged.
Perrin glared at both the [josei].
Perrin glared at both the women.
“[baai] you’re going to [hanashi] about me, [hanashi] to me.
“If you’re going to talk about me, talk to me.
I’m sitting [migi] here.”
I’m sitting right here.
Neither looked at him.
“ Neither looked at him.
“[iyashi]?”
“Healing?”
Moiraine smiled.
Moiraine smiled.
“[iyashi] can do nothing about this.
“Healing can do nothing about this.
It is not an [byōki], and it will not…“
It is not an illness, and it will not…”
She hesitated briefly.
She hesitated briefly.
She did [ichimoku] at Perrin, then, a quick [hyōjō] that regretted many [monogoto].
She did glance at Perrin, then, a quick look that regretted many things.
The [hyōjō] did not include him, though, and he muttered sourly as she turned back to Nynaeve.
The look did not include him, though, and he muttered sourly as she turned back to Nynaeve.
“I was going to say it will not [gai] him, [shikashi] who can say what the [owari] will be?
“I was going to say it will not harm him, but who can say what the end will be?
At least I can say it will not [gai] him directly.”
At least I can say it will not harm him directly.”
Nynaeve stood, dusting off her [hiza], and confronted the Aes Sedai [me] to [me].
Nynaeve stood, dusting off her knees, and confronted the Aes Sedai eye to eye.
“That’s not [yoi] enough.
“That’s not good enough.
[baai] there’s something wrong with—”
If there’s something wrong with —”
“What is, is.
“What is, is.
What is woven already is past changing.”
What is woven already is past changing.”
Moiraine turned away abruptly.
Moiraine turned away abruptly.
“We must [suimin] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] we can and [kyūka] at [saisho] [hikari].
“We must sleep while we can and leave at first light.
[baai] the [Kurai] One’s [te] grows too strong…
If the Dark One’s hand grows too strong…
We must [rīchi] Caemlyn quickly.”
We must reach Caemlyn quickly.”
Angrily, Nynaeve snatched up her [baggu] and stalked off before Perrin could speak.
Angrily, Nynaeve snatched up her bag and stalked off before Perrin could speak.
He started to growl an [sensei], [shikashi] a [shikō] [hitto] him like a [dageki] and he sat there gaping silently.
He started to growl an oath, but a thought hit him like a blow and he sat there gaping silently.
Moiraine knew.
Moiraine knew.
The Aes Sedai knew about the [ōkami].
The Aes Sedai knew about the wolves.
And she [shikō] it could be the [Kurai] One’s doing.
And she thought it could be the Dark One’s doing.
A [furue] hashitta through him.
A shiver ran through him.
Hastily he shrugged back into his [shatsu], tucking it in awkwardly, and pulled his [kōto] and [gaitō] back on.
Hastily he shrugged back into his shirt, tucking it in awkwardly, and pulled his coat and cloak back on.
The clothing did not [tasukeru] [hijō ni] much; he [kanjita] chilled [migi] down to his [hone], his [kotsuzui] like frozen [zerī].
The clothing did not help very much; he felt chilled right down to his bones, his marrow like frozen jelly.
Lan dropped to the [gurando] [kurosu]-legged, tossing back his [gaitō].
Lan dropped to the ground cross-legged, tossing back his cloak.
Perrin was glad of that.
Perrin was glad of that.
It was unpleasant, looking at the [kanshu] and having his [me] slide past.
It was unpleasant, looking at the Warder and having his eyes slide past.
For a long [shunkan] they simply stared at one another.
For a long moment they simply stared at one another.
The hard [hikōki] of the [kanshu]’s [kao] were unreadable, [shikashi] in his [me] Perrin [shikō] he [mimashita] something.
The hard planes of the Warder’s face were unreadable, but in his eyes Perrin thought he saw something.
[dōjō]?
Sympathy?
[kōki shin]?
Curiosity?
Both?
Both?
“You know?”
“You know?”
he said, and Lan nodded.
he said, and Lan nodded.
“I know some, not all.
“I know some, not all.
Did it just come to you, or did you meet a [gaido], an [chūkai]?”
Did it just come to you, or did you meet a guide, an intermediary?”
“There was a [otoko],”
“There was a man,”
Perrin said slowly.
Perrin said slowly.
He knows, [shikashi] does he think the same as Moiraine?
He knows, but does he think the same as Moiraine?
“He said his [namae] was Elyas.
“He said his name was Elyas.
Elyas Machera.”
Elyas Machera.”
Lan drew a [fukai] [iki], and Perrin looked at him sharply.
Lan drew a deep breath, and Perrin looked at him sharply.
“You know him?”
“You know him?”
“I knew him.
“I knew him.
He taught me much, about the [kōhai], and about this.”
He taught me much, about the Blight, and about this.”
Lan touched his [ken] [moyō].
Lan touched his sword hilt.
“He was a [kanshu], before…
“He was a Warder, before…
before what happened.
before what happened.
The [akai] Ajah…“
The Red Ajah…”
He glanced to where Moiraine was, lying before the [kasai].
He glanced to where Moiraine was, lying before the fire.
It was the [saisho] [jikan] Perrin could remember any [fu kakujitsu sei] in the [kanshu].
It was the first time Perrin could remember any uncertainty in the Warder.
At Shadar Logoth Lan had been sure and strong, and when he was facing Fades and Trollocs.
At Shadar Logoth Lan had been sure and strong, and when he was facing Fades and Trollocs.
He was not afraid now – Perrin was convinced of that – [shikashi] he was wary, as [baai] he might say too much.
He was not afraid now – Perrin was convinced of that – but he was wary, as if he might say too much.
As [baai] what he said could be dangerous.
As if what he said could be dangerous.
“I’ve heard of the [akai] Ajah,”
“I’ve heard of the Red Ajah,”
he told Lan.
he told Lan.
“And most of what you’ve heard is wrong, no [utagai].
“And most of what you’ve heard is wrong, no doubt.
You must understand, there are…
You must understand, there are…
[habatsu] within [tāru] Valon.
factions within Tar Valon.
Some would [tatakai] the [Kurai] One one [michi], some another.
Some would fight the Dark One one way, some another.
The [mokuhyō] is the same, [shikashi] the [chigai]…
The goal is the same, but the differences…
the [chigai] can mean [inochi] changed, or ended.
the differences can mean lives changed, or ended.
The [inochi] of [dansei] or [kokka].
The lives of men or nations.
He is [yoku], Elyas?”
He is well, Elyas?”
“I think so.
“I think so.
The Whitecloaks said they killed him, [shikashi] [ma dara] .”
The Whitecloaks said they killed him, but Dapple–”
Perrin glanced at the [kanshu] uncomfortably.
Perrin glanced at the Warder uncomfortably.
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
Lan seemed to accept that he did not, reluctantly, and it emboldened him to go on.
Lan seemed to accept that he did not, reluctantly, and it emboldened him to go on.
“This communicating with the [ōkami].
“This communicating with the wolves.
Moiraine seems to think it’s something the…
Moiraine seems to think it’s something the…
something the [Kurai] One did.
something the Dark One did.
It isn’t, is it?”
It isn’t, is it?”
He would not [shinjiru] Elyas was a [Kurai-yūjin].
He would not believe Elyas was a Darkfriend.
[shikashi] Lan hesitated, and [ase] started on Perrin’s [kao], [samusa] [bīzu] made colder by the [yoru, kishi_knt].
But Lan hesitated, and sweat started on Perrin’s face, chill beads made colder by the night.
They were sliding down his [hō] by the [jikan] the [kanshu] spoke.
They were sliding down his cheeks by the time the Warder spoke.
“Not in itself, no.
“Not in itself, no.
Some [shinjiru] it is, [shikashi] they are wrong; it was old and lost long before the [Kurai] One was found.
Some believe it is, but they are wrong; it was old and lost long before the Dark One was found.
[shikashi] what of the [kikai] involved, [tanya ya]?
But what of the chance involved, blacksmith?
Sometimes the [moyō] has a [randamu sei] to it – to our [me], at least – [shikashi] what [kikai] that you should meet a [otoko] who could [gaido] you in this [koto], and you one who could follow the [gaido]?
Sometimes the Pattern has a randomness to it – to our eyes, at least – but what chance that you should meet a man who could guide you in this thing, and you one who could follow the guiding?
The [moyō] is forming a Great [webu], what some [kōru] the [rēsu] of [toshi], and you [wakamono] are central to it.
The Pattern is forming a Great Web, what some call the Lace of Ages, and you lads are central to it.
I don’t think there is much [kikai] left in your [inochi], now.
I don’t think there is much chance left in your lives, now.
Have you been chosen out, then?
Have you been chosen out, then?
And [baai] so, by the [hikari], or by the [kage]?”
And if so, by the Light, or by the Shadow?”
“The [Kurai] One can’t [tacchi] us unless we [namae] him.”
“The Dark One can’t touch us unless we name him.”
Immediately Perrin [shikō] of the dreams of Ba’alzamon, the dreams that were more than dreams.
Immediately Perrin thought of the dreams of Ba’alzamon, the dreams that were more than dreams.
He scrubbed the [ase] off his [kao].
He scrubbed the sweat off his face.
“He can’t.”
“He can’t.”
“[iwa]-hard stubborn,”
“Rock-hard stubborn,”
the [kanshu] mused.
the Warder mused.
“Maybe stubborn enough to [hozon shimasu] yourself, in the [owari].
“Maybe stubborn enough to save yourself, in the end.
Remember the [kai] we live in, [tanya ya].
Remember the times we live in, blacksmith.
Remember what Moiraine Sedai told you.
Remember what Moiraine Sedai told you.
In these [kai] many [monogoto] are dissolving, and breaking apart.
In these times many things are dissolving, and breaking apart.
Old [shōheki] weaken, old [kabe] crumble.
Old barriers weaken, old walls crumble.
The [shōheki] between what is and what was, between what is and what will be.”
The barriers between what is and what was, between what is and what will be.”
His [koe] turned grim.
His voice turned grim.
“The [kabe] of the [Kurai] One’s [keimusho].
“The walls of the Dark One’s prison.
This may be the [owari] of an [jidai].
This may be the end of an Age.
We may see a new [jidai] born before we [dai].
We may see a new Age born before we die.
Or perhaps it is the [owari] of [toshi], the [owari] of [jikan] itself.
Or perhaps it is the end of Ages, the end of time itself.
The [owari] of the [sekai].”
The end of the world.”
Suddenly he grinned, [shikashi] his grin was as [kurai] as a scowl; his [me] sparkled merrily, laughing at the [ashi] of the [kōshu dai].
Suddenly he grinned, but his grin was as dark as a scowl; his eyes sparkled merrily, laughing at the foot of the gallows.
“[shikashi] that’s not for us to [shinpai] about, eh, [tanya ya]?
“But that’s not for us to worry about, eh, blacksmith?
We’ll [tatakai] the [kage] as long as we have [iki], and [baai] it overruns us, we’ll go under biting and clawing.
We’ll fight the Shadow as long as we have breath, and if it overruns us, we’ll go under biting and clawing.
You Two [kawa] [fōku] are too stubborn to surrender.
You Two Rivers folk are too stubborn to surrender.
don’t you [shinpai] whether the [Kurai] One has stirred in your [jinsei].
Don’t you worry whether the Dark One has stirred in your life.
You are back among [yūjin], now.
You are back among friends, now.
Remember, the [hoīru] weaves as the [hoīru] [yuigon], and even the [Kurai] One cannot [henkō] that, not with Moiraine to [udedokei] over you.
Remember, the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills, and even the Dark One cannot change that, not with Moiraine to watch over you.
[shikashi] we had [yori yoi] find your [yūjin] soon.”
But we had better find your friends soon.”
“What do you mean?”
“What do you mean?”
“They have no Aes Sedai touching the True [sōsu] to protect them.
“They have no Aes Sedai touching the True Source to protect them.
[tanya ya], perhaps the [kabe] have weakened enough for the [Kurai] One himself to [tacchi] [ibento].
Blacksmith, perhaps the walls have weakened enough for the Dark One himself to touch events.
Not with a [muryō desu] [te], or we’d be done already, [shikashi] maybe tiny [kai no shifuto] in the [sureddo].
Not with a free hand, or we’d be done already, but maybe tiny shiftings in the threads.
A [kikai] turning of one [kōnā] instead of another, a [kikai] [kaigi], a [kikai] [kotoba], or what seems like [kikai], and they could be so far under the [kage] not even Moiraine could bring them back.”
A chance turning of one corner instead of another, a chance meeting, a chance word, or what seems like chance, and they could be so far under the Shadow not even Moiraine could bring them back.”
“We have to find them,”
“We have to find them,”
Perrin said, and the [kanshu] gave a [isaki] of a [warai].
Perrin said, and the Warder gave a grunt of a laugh.
“What have I been saying?
“What have I been saying?
Get some [suimin], [tanya ya].”
Get some sleep, blacksmith.”
Lan’s [gaitō] swung back around him as he stood.
Lan’s cloak swung back around him as he stood.
In the faint [hikari] from [kasai] and [mūn] he seemed almost [ichibu] of the [kage] beyond.
In the faint light from fire and moon he seemed almost part of the shadows beyond.
“We have a hard few [hi] to Caemlyn.
“We have a hard few days to Caemlyn.
Just you pray we find them there.”
Just you pray we find them there.”
“[shikashi] Moiraine…
“But Moiraine…
she can find them anywhere, can’t she?
she can find them anywhere, can’t she?
She says she can.”
She says she can.”
“[shikashi] can she find them in [jikan]?
“But can she find them in time?
[baai] the [Kurai] One is strong enough to take a [te] himself, [jikan] is running out.
If the Dark One is strong enough to take a hand himself, time is running out.
You pray we find them in Caemlyn, [tanya ya], or we may all be lost.”
You pray we find them in Caemlyn, blacksmith, or we may all be lost.”
[akira] 39
Chapter 39
[ori] of the [webu]
Weaving of the Web
Rand looked down on the [gunshū] from the high [windō] of his [heya] in The [joō]’s [shukufuku].
Rand looked down on the crowds from the high window of his room in The Queen’s Blessing.
They hashitta shouting along the [sutorīto], all streaming in the same [hōkō], waving [penanto] and [banā], the [shiroi] [raion] standing [keibi] on a thousand [ryōiki] of [akai].
They ran shouting along the street, all streaming in the same direction, waving pennants and banners, the white lion standing guard on a thousand fields of red.
Caemlyners and outlanders, they hashitta together, and for a [henkō] no one appeared to want to bash anyone else’s [atama].
Caemlyners and outlanders, they ran together, and for a change no one appeared to want to bash anyone else’s head.
Today, maybe, there was only one [habatsu].
Today, maybe, there was only one faction.
He turned from the [windō] grinning.
He turned from the window grinning.
Next to the [ichi nichi] when Egwene and Perrin walked in, alive and laughing over what they had seen, this was the [ichi nichi] he had been waiting for most.
Next to the day when Egwene and Perrin walked in, alive and laughing over what they had seen, this was the day he had been waiting for most.
“Are you coming?”
“Are you coming?”
he asked again.
he asked again.
Mat glowered from where he lay curled up in a [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] on his [shindai].
Mat glowered from where he lay curled up in a ball on his bed.
“Take that Trolloc you’re so friendly with.”
“Take that Trolloc you’re so friendly with.”
“[chi] and [hai], Mat, he’s not a Trolloc.
“Blood and ashes, Mat, he’s not a Trolloc.
You’re just [kōfuku] stubborn stupid.
You’re just being stubborn stupid.
How many [kai] do you want to have this [hikisū]?
How many times do you want to have this argument?
[hikari], it’s not as [baai] you’d never heard of Ogier before.”
Light, it’s not as if you’d never heard of Ogier before.”
“I never heard they looked like Trollocs.”
“I never heard they looked like Trollocs.”
Mat pushed his [kao] into his [makura] and curled himself tighter.
Mat pushed his face into his pillow and curled himself tighter.
“Stubborn stupid,”
“Stubborn stupid,”
Rand muttered.
Rand muttered.
“How long are you going to hide up here?
“How long are you going to hide up here?
I’m not going to [kīpu] bringing you your [shokuji] up all those [kaidan] forever.
I’m not going to keep bringing you your meals up all those stairs forever.
You could do with a [furo], too.”
You could do with a bath, too.”
Mat shrugged around on the [shindai] as [baai] he were trying to [barou] deeper into it.
Mat shrugged around on the bed as if he were trying to burrow deeper into it.
Rand sighed, then went to the [tobira].
Rand sighed, then went to the door.
“[saigo] [kikai] to go together, Mat.
“Last chance to go together, Mat.
I’m leaving now.”
I’m leaving now.”
He closed the [tobira] slowly, hoping that Mat would [henkō] his [kokoro], [shikashi] his [yūjin] did not [kakimazeru].
He closed the door slowly, hoping that Mat would change his mind, but his friend did not stir.
The [tobira] clicked shut.
The door clicked shut.
In the [rōka], he leaned against the [tobira furēmu].
In the hallway, he leaned against the doorframe.
[shujin] Gill said there was an old [onna] two [machi] over, [haha] Grubb, who sold [hābu] and [pappu zai], besides [shussan] [akachan], tending the sick, and [uranai] [unmei].
Master Gill said there was an old woman two streets over, Mother Grubb, who sold herbs and poultices, besides birthing babies, tending the sick, and telling fortunes.
She sounded a little like a [chie].
She sounded a little like a Wisdom.
Nynaeve was who Mat needed, or maybe Moiraine, [shikashi] [haha] Grubb was who he had.
Nynaeve was who Mat needed, or maybe Moiraine, but Mother Grubb was who he had.
Bringing her to The [joō]’s [shukufuku] might bring the wrong [shinsetsu] of [chūi] as [yoku], though, [baai] she would even come.
Bringing her to The Queen’s Blessing might bring the wrong kind of attention as well, though, if she would even come.
For her as [yoku] as for Mat and him.
For her as well as for Mat and him.
[hābarisuto] and [hejji ishi] were lying [hikui] in Caemlyn [migi] now; there was [hanashi] against anyone who did any [shinsetsu] of [iyashi], or fortunetelling.
Herbalists and hedge-doctors were lying low in Caemlyn right now; there was talk against anyone who did any kind of healing, or fortunetelling.
Every [yoru, kishi_knt] the [doragon]’s [kiba] was scrawled on [tobira] with a [muryō desu] [te], sometimes even in the [natsujikan], and [hitobito] might forget who had cured their [hatsunetsu] and poulticed their [shitsū] when the [sakebi] of [Kurai-yūjin] went up.
Every night the Dragon’s Fang was scrawled on doors with a free hand, sometimes even in the daylight, and people might forget who had cured their fevers and poulticed their toothaches when the cry of Darkfriend went up.
That was the [kishō] in the [toshi].
That was the temper in the city.
It was not as [baai] Mat were really sick.
It was not as if Mat were really sick.
He ate everything Rand carried up from the [kicchin] – he would take nothing from anyone else’s [te], though – and never complained about [itami] or [hatsunetsu].
He ate everything Rand carried up from the kitchen – he would take nothing from anyone else’s hand, though – and never complained about aches or fever.
He just refused to [kyūka] the [heya].
He just refused to leave the room.
[shikashi] Rand had been sure today would bring him out.
But Rand had been sure today would bring him out.
He settled his [gaitō] on his [kata] and hitched his [ken] [beruto] around so the [ken], and the [akai] [nuno] wrapped around it, was covered more.
He settled his cloak on his shoulders and hitched his sword belt around so the sword, and the red cloth wrapped around it, was covered more.
At the [ashi] of the [kaidan] he met [shujin] Gill just starting up.
At the foot of the stairs he met Master Gill just starting up.
“There’s [dare-ka] been asking after you in the [toshi],”
“There’s someone been asking after you in the city,”
the [yadoya no shujin] said around his [paipu].
the innkeeper said around his pipe.
Rand [kanjita] a [sāji] of [kibō].
Rand felt a surge of hope.
“Asking after you and those [yūjin] of yours, by [namae].
“Asking after you and those friends of yours, by name.
You younglings, anyway.
You younglings, anyway.
Seems to want you three [wakamono] most.”
Seems to want you three lads most.”
[fuan] replaced [kibō].
Anxiety replaced hope.
“Who?”
“Who?”
Rand asked.
Rand asked.
He still could not [tasukeru] glancing up and down the [hōru].
He still could not help glancing up and down the hall.
Except for they two, it was empty, from the [shūryō shimasu] into the [roji] to the common [heya] [tobira].
Except for they two, it was empty, from the exit into the alley to the common room door.
“don’t know his [namae].
“Don’t know his name.
Just heard about him.
Just heard about him.
I hear most [monogoto] in Caemlyn, eventually.
I hear most things in Caemlyn, eventually.
[kojiki].”
Beggar.”
The [yadoya no shujin] grunted.
The innkeeper grunted.
“[hanbun] mad, I hear.
“Half mad, I hear.
Even so, he could take the [joō]’s [baunti] at the [kyūden], even with [monogoto] as hard as they are.
Even so, he could take the Queen’s Bounty at the Palace, even with things as hard as they are.
On High [hi], the [joō] gives it out with her own [te], and there’s never anyone turned away for any [riyū].
On High Days, the Queen gives it out with her own hands, and there’s never anyone turned away for any reason.
No one needs to beg in Caemlyn.
No one needs to beg in Caemlyn.
Even a [otoko] under [reijō] can’t be arrested [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he’s taking the [joō]’s [baunti].”
Even a man under warrant can’t be arrested while he’s taking the Queen’s Bounty.”
“A [Kurai-yūjin]?”
“A Darkfriend?”
Rand said reluctantly.
Rand said reluctantly.
[baai] the [Kurai-yūjin] know our [namae]…
If the Darkfriends know our names…
“You’ve got [Kurai-yūjin] on the [nō], young [nakama].
“You’ve got Darkfriends on the brain, young fellow.
They’re around, certainly, [shikashi] just because the Whitecloaks have everybody stirred up is no [riyū] for you to think the [toshi]’s full of them.
They’re around, certainly, but just because the Whitecloaks have everybody stirred up is no reason for you to think the city’s full of them.
Do you know what [uwasa] those [baka] have started now?
Do you know what rumor those idiots have started now?
’Strange shapes.’ can you [shinjiru] it?
’Strange shapes.’ Can you believe it?
Strange shapes creeping around [soto ni] the [toshi] in the [yoru, kishi_knt].”
Strange shapes creeping around outside the city in the night.”
The [yadoya no shujin] chuckled till his [hara] shook.
The innkeeper chuckled till his belly shook.
Rand did not feel like laughing.
Rand did not feel like laughing.
Hyam Kinch had talked about strange shapes, and there had surely enough been a Fade back there.
Hyam Kinch had talked about strange shapes, and there had surely enough been a Fade back there.
“What [shinsetsu] of shapes?”
“What kind of shapes?”
“What [shinsetsu]?
“What kind?
I don’t know what [shinsetsu].
I don’t know what kind.
Strange shapes.
Strange shapes.
Trollocs, probably.
Trollocs, probably.
The [to Shadowman].
The Shadowman.
Lews Therin Kinslayer himself, come back fifty [ashi] high.
Lews Therin Kinslayer himself, come back fifty feet high.
What [shinsetsu] of shapes do you think [hitobito] will imagine now the [kangae]’s in their [heddo]?
What kind of shapes do you think people will imagine now the idea’s in their heads?
It’s none of our [shinpai].”
It’s none of our worry.”
[shujin] Gill eyed him for a [shunkan].
Master Gill eyed him for a moment.
“Going out, are you?
“Going out, are you?
[yoku], I can’t say I [kaigo] for it, myself, even today, [shikashi] there’s hardly anybody left here [shikashi] me.
Well, I can’t say I care for it, myself, even today, but there’s hardly anybody left here but me.
Not your [yūjin]?”
Not your friend?”
“Mat’s not [kanji] [hijō ni] [yoku].
“Mat’s not feeling very well.
Maybe later.”
Maybe later.”
“[yoku], be that as it may.
“Well, be that as it may.
