The Eye of the World_49 Flashcards
“He escaped, and he did not,”
“He escaped, and he did not,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“The [kuro] [kaze] caught him – and he claimed to understand the [koe].
“The Black Wind caught him – and he claimed to understand the voices.
Some greeted him as like to them; [tanin] feared him.
Some greeted him as like to them; others feared him.
No sooner did the [kaze] envelop Fain than it fled.”
No sooner did the Wind envelop Fain than it fled.”
“The [hikari] [hozon suru] us.”
“The Light preserve us.”
Loial’s [sasayaku] rumbled like a [kyojin] [maruhanabachi].
Loial’s whisper rumbled like a giant bumblebee.
“Pray that it does,”
“Pray that it does,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“There is much yet hidden about Padan Fain, much I must learn.
“There is much yet hidden about Padan Fain, much I must learn.
The [aku] goes deeper in him, and stronger, than in any [otoko] I have yet seen.
The evil goes deeper in him, and stronger, than in any man I have yet seen.
It may be that the [Kurai] One, in doing what he did to Fain, impressed some [ichibu] of himself on the [otoko], perhaps even, unknowing, some [ichibu] of his [ito].
It may be that the Dark One, in doing what he did to Fain, impressed some part of himself on the man, perhaps even, unknowing, some part of his intent.
When I mentioned the [me] of the [sekai], Fain clamped his [ago] shut, [shikashi] I [kanjita] something knowing behind the [chinmoku].
When I mentioned the Eye of the World, Fain clamped his jaws shut, but I felt something knowing behind the silence.
[baai] only I had the [jikan] now.
If only I had the time now.
[shikashi] we cannot [taiki].”
But we cannot wait.”
“[baai] this [otoko] knows something,”
“If this man knows something,”
Agelmar said, “I can get it out of him.”
Agelmar said, “I can get it out of him.”
His [kao] held no [jihi] for [Kurai-yūjin]; his [koe] promised no [zannen] for Fain.
His face held no mercy for Darkfriends; his voice promised no pity for Fain.
“[baai] you can learn even a [ichibu] of what you will [kao] in the [kōhai], it’s [kachi ga aru] an extra [ichi nichi].
“If you can learn even a part of what you will face in the Blight, it’s worth an extra day.
[tatakai] have been lost for not knowing what the [teki] intends.”
Battles have been lost for not knowing what the enemy intends.”
Moiraine sighed and shook her [atama] ruefully.
Moiraine sighed and shook her head ruefully.
“My [omo], [baai] we did not must at least one [yoi] [yoru, kishi_knt]’s [suimin] before facing the [kōhai], I would [noru] within the [jikan], though it meant the [risuku] of [kaigi] a Trolloc raid in the [kurai].
“My lord, if we did not need at least one good night’s sleep before facing the Blight, I would ride within the hour, though it meant the risk of meeting a Trolloc raid in the dark.
Consider what I did learn from Fain.
Consider what I did learn from Fain.
Three [toshi] ago the [Kurai] One had to have Fain brought to Shayol Ghul to [tacchi] him, despite the [jijitsu] that Fain is a [Kurai-yūjin] dedicated to his [kotsuzui].
Three years ago the Dark One had to have Fain brought to Shayol Ghul to touch him, despite the fact that Fain is a Darkfriend dedicated to his marrow.
One [toshi] ago, the [Kurai] One could [komando] Fain, the [Kurai-yūjin], through his dreams.
One year ago, the Dark One could command Fain, the Darkfriend, through his dreams.
This [toshi], Ba’alzamon [aruku] in the dreams of those who live in the [hikari], and actually appears, [baai] with [muzukashisa], at Shadar Logoth.
This year, Ba’alzamon walks in the dreams of those who live in the Light, and actually appears, if with difficulty, at Shadar Logoth.
Not in his own [bodi], of [mochiron], [shikashi] even a [tōei] of the [Kurai] One’s [kokoro], even a [tōei] that [tenmetsu shimasu] and cannot hold, is more deathly dangerous to the [sekai] than all the Trolloc hordes combined.
Not in his own body, of course, but even a projection of the Dark One’s mind, even a projection that flickers and cannot hold, is more deathly dangerous to the world than all the Trolloc hordes combined.
The [shīru] on Shayol Ghul are weakening desperately, [omo] Agelmar.
The seals on Shayol Ghul are weakening desperately, Lord Agelmar.
There is no [jikan].”
There is no time.”
Agelmar bowed his [atama] in [mokunin], [shikashi] when he raised it again there was still a stubborn set to his [kuchi no naka].
Agelmar bowed his head in acquiescence, but when he raised it again there was still a stubborn set to his mouth.
“Aes Sedai, I can accept that when I [rīdo] the [ransu] to Tarwin’s [kangeki] we will be no more than a [ryūyō], or a [kozeriai] on the [kōgai] of the real [tatakai].
“Aes Sedai, I can accept that when I lead the lances to Tarwin’s Gap we will be no more than a diversion, or a skirmish on the outskirts of the real battle.
[gimu] takes [dansei] where it will as surely as does the [moyō], and neither [yakusoku] that what we do will have [idaisa].
Duty takes men where it will as surely as does the Pattern, and neither promises that what we do will have greatness.
[shikashi] our [kozeriai] will be useless, even should we [shōri], [baai] you lose the [tatakai].
But our skirmish will be useless, even should we win, if you lose the battle.
[baai] you say your [pātī] must be small, I say [yoku] and [yoi], [shikashi] I beg you to make every [doryoku] to see that you can [shōri].
If you say your party must be small, I say well and good, but I beg you to make every effort to see that you can win.
[kyūka] these young [dansei] here, Aes Sedai.
Leave these young men here, Aes Sedai.
I swear to you that I can find three experienced [dansei] with no [shikō] of [eikō] in their [heddo] to [kōkan shite kudasai] them, [yoi] [kenshi] who are almost as [benri] in the [kōhai] as Lan.
I swear to you that I can find three experienced men with no thought of glory in their heads to replace them, good swordsmen who are almost as handy in the Blight as Lan.
Let me [noru] to the [kangeki] knowing that I have done what I can to [tasukeru] you be victorious.”
Let me ride to the Gap knowing that I have done what I can to help you be victorious.”
“I must take them and no [tanin], [omo] Agelmar,”
“I must take them and no others, Lord Agelmar,”
Moiraine said gently.
Moiraine said gently.
“They are the ones who will [tatakai] the [tatakai] at the [me] of the [sekai].”
“They are the ones who will fight the battle at the Eye of the World.”
Agelmar’s [ago] dropped, and he stared at Rand and Mat and Perrin.
Agelmar’s jaw dropped, and he stared at Rand and Mat and Perrin.
Suddenly the [omo] of [faru] Dara took a [suteppu] back, his [te] groping unconsciously for the [ken] he never wore [uchigawa] the [yōsai].
Suddenly the Lord of Fal Dara took a step back, his hand groping unconsciously for the sword he never wore inside the fortress.
“They aren’t…
“They aren’t…
You are not [akai] Ajah, Moiraine Sedai, [shikashi] surely not even you would…“
You are not Red Ajah, Moiraine Sedai, but surely not even you would…”
Sudden [ase] glistened on his shaven [atama].
Sudden sweat glistened on his shaven head.
“They are tanin’veren,”
“They are ta’veren,”
Moiraine said soothingly.
Moiraine said soothingly.
“The [moyō] weaves itself around them.
“The Pattern weaves itself around them.
Already the [Kurai] One has tried to kill each of them more than once.
Already the Dark One has tried to kill each of them more than once.
Three tanin’veren in one [basho] are enough to [henkō] the [jinsei] around them as surely as a [wārupūru] [henka] the [michisuji] of a [wara].
Three ta’veren in one place are enough to change the life around them as surely as a whirlpool changes the path of a straw.
When the [basho] is the [me] of the [sekai], the [moyō] might weave even the [chichioya] of Lies into itself, and make him harmless again.”
When the place is the Eye of the World, the Pattern might weave even the Father of Lies into itself, and make him harmless again.”
Agelmar stopped trying to find his [ken], [shikashi] he still looked at Rand and the [tanin] doubtfully.
Agelmar stopped trying to find his sword, but he still looked at Rand and the others doubtfully.
“Moiraine Sedai, [baai] you say they are, then they are, [shikashi] I cannot see it.
“Moiraine Sedai, if you say they are, then they are, but I cannot see it.
Farmboys.
Farmboys.
Are you certain, Aes Sedai?”
Are you certain, Aes Sedai?”
“The old [chi],”
“The old blood,”
Moiraine said, “split out like a [kawa] breaking into a thousand [kai] a thousand [sutorīmu], [shikashi] sometimes [sutorīmu] [sanka shimasu] together to make a [kawa] again.
Moiraine said, “split out like a river breaking into a thousand times a thousand streams, but sometimes streams join together to make a river again.
The old [chi] of Manetheren is strong and pure in almost all these young [dansei].
The old blood of Manetheren is strong and pure in almost all these young men.
can you [utagai] the [tsuyosa] of Manetheren’s [chi], [omo] Agelmar?”
Can you doubt the strength of Manetheren’s blood, Lord Agelmar?”
Rand glanced sideways at the Aes Sedai.
Rand glanced sideways at the Aes Sedai.
Almost all.
Almost all.
He risked a [hyōjō] at Nynaeve; she had turned back to [udedokei] as [yoku] as listen, though she still avoided looking at Lan.
He risked a look at Nynaeve; she had turned back to watch as well as listen, though she still avoided looking at Lan.
He caught the [chie]’s [me].
He caught the Wisdom’s eye.
She shook her [atama]; she had not told the Aes Sedai that he was not Two [kawa] born.
She shook her head; she had not told the Aes Sedai that he was not Two Rivers born.
What does Moiraine know?
What does Moiraine know?
“Manetheren,”
“Manetheren,”
Agelmar said slowly, nodding.
Agelmar said slowly, nodding.
“I would not [utagai] that [chi].”
“I would not doubt that blood.”
Then, more quickly, “The [hoīru] brings strange [kai].
Then, more quickly, “The Wheel brings strange times.
Farmboys carry the [meiyo] of Manetheren into the [kōhai], yet [baai] any [chi] can [sutoraiki] a fell [dageki] at the [Kurai] One, it would be the [chi] of Manetheren.
Farmboys carry the honor of Manetheren into the Blight, yet if any blood can strike a fell blow at the Dark One, it would be the blood of Manetheren.
It shall be done as you [negai], Aes Sedai.”
It shall be done as you wish, Aes Sedai.”
“Then let us go to our [heya],”
“Then let us go to our rooms,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“We must [kyūka] with the [nichi], for [jikan] grows short.
“We must leave with the sun, for time grows short.
The young [dansei] must [suimin] [tojiru] to me.
The young men must sleep close to me.
[jikan] is too short before the [tatakai] to allow the [Kurai] One another [sutoraiki] at them.
Time is too short before the battle to allow the Dark One another strike at them.
Too short.”
Too short.”
Rand [kanjita] her [me] on him, studying him and his [yūjin], weighing their [tsuyosa], and he shivered.
Rand felt her eyes on him, studying him and his friends, weighing their strength, and he shivered.
Too short.
Too short.
[akira] 48
Chapter 48
The [kōhai]
The Blight
The [kaze] whipped Lan’s [gaitō], sometimes [tsukuri] him hard to see even in the [nikkō], and Ingtar and the hundred [ransu] [omo] Agelmar had sent to [goei] them to the [bōdā], in case they met a Trolloc raid, made a brave display in [daburu] [koramu] with their [yoroi] and their [akai] [penanto] and their [hagane]-clad [uma] led by Ingtar’s [gurē] [fukurō] [banā].
The wind whipped Lan’s cloak, sometimes making him hard to see even in the sunlight, and Ingtar and the hundred lances Lord Agelmar had sent to escort them to the Border, in case they met a Trolloc raid, made a brave display in double column with their armor and their red pennants and their steel-clad horses led by Ingtar’s Gray Owl banner.
They were easily as grand as a hundred of the [joō]’s [keibi], [shikashi] it was the [tō] just in [kōkei] ahead of them that Rand studied.
They were easily as grand as a hundred of the Queen’s Guards, but it was the towers just in sight ahead of them that Rand studied.
He had had all [asa] to [udedokei] the Shienaran [ransu].
He had had all morning to watch the Shienaran lances.
Each [tawā] stood tall and [kotai] atop a [oka], [hanbun] a [mairu] from its [rinjin].
Each tower stood tall and solid atop a hill, half a mile from its neighbor.
[higashi] and [nishi] [tanin] [jōshō shita], and more beyond those.
East and west others rose, and more beyond those.
A broad, walled [ranpu] spiralled around each [ishi] [shafuto], winding all the [michi] around by the [jikan] it reached the heavy [mon] halfway to the crenellated [chōten].
A broad, walled ramp spiralled around each stone shaft, winding all the way around by the time it reached the heavy gates halfway to the crenellated top.
A [shutsugeki] from the [chūton-chi] would be protected by the [kabe] until it reached the [gurando], [shikashi] [teki] striving to [rīchi] the [mon] would [noboru] under a hail of [yajirushi] and [ishi] and [atsui] [abura] from the big [ketoru] poised on the outward flaring [jōheki] above.
A sortie from the garrison would be protected by the wall until it reached the ground, but enemies striving to reach the gate would climb under a hail of arrows and stones and hot oil from the big kettles poised on the outward flaring ramparts above.
A large [hagane] [mirā], carefully turned down, away from the [nichi], now, glittered atop each [tawā] below the high [tetsu] [chawan] where [shingō] fires could be lit when the [nichi] did not shine.
A large steel mirror, carefully turned down, away from the sun, now, glittered atop each tower below the high iron cup where signal fires could be lit when the sun did not shine.
The [shingō] would be flashed, to [tō] further from the [bōdā], and by those to still [tanin], and so relayed to the heartland [yōsai], from where the [ransu] would [noru] to [tān] back the raid.
The signal would be flashed, to towers further from the Border, and by those to still others, and so relayed to the heartland fortresses, from where the lances would ride to turn back the raid.
Were [kai] normal, they would.
Were times normal, they would.
From the two nearest [tawā] [toppusu] [dansei] watched them [apurōchi].
From the two nearest tower tops men watched them approach.
Just a few [dansei] on each, peering curiously through the crenels.
Just a few men on each, peering curiously through the crenels.
In the best of [kai] the [tō] were only manned enough for [jiko]-[bōei], depending more on [ishi] [kabe] than strong [ude] to survive, [shikashi] every [otoko] who could be spared, and more, was riding to Tarwin’s [kangeki].
In the best of times the towers were only manned enough for self-defense, depending more on stone walls than strong arms to survive, but every man who could be spared, and more, was riding to Tarwin’s Gap.
The [aki] of the [tō] would not [mondai] [baai] the [ransu] failed to hold the [kangeki].
The fall of the towers would not matter if the lances failed to hold the Gap.
Rand shivered as they rode between the [tō].
Rand shivered as they rode between the towers.
It was almost as [baai] he had ridden through a [kabe] of colder [kūki].
It was almost as if he had ridden through a wall of colder air.
This was the [bōdā].
This was the Border.
The [tochi] beyond looked no different from Shienar, [shikashi] out there, somewhere beyond the leafless [kigi], was the [kōhai].
The land beyond looked no different from Shienar, but out there, somewhere beyond the leafless trees, was the Blight.
Ingtar lifted a [hagane] [kobushi] to [teishi] the [ransu] short of a [heiya] [ishi] [posuto] in [kōkei] of the [tō].
Ingtar lifted a steel fist to halt the lances short of a plain stone post in sight of the towers.
A [kyōkai seki], [mākingu] the [kyōkai] between Shienar and what once was Malkier.
A borderpost, marking the boundary between Shienar and what once was Malkier.
“Your [onsha], Moiraine Aes Sedai.
“Your pardon, Moiraine Aes Sedai.
[onsha], Dai Shan.
Pardon, Dai Shan.
[onsha], [birudā].
Pardon, Builder.
[omo] Agelmar commanded me to go no further.”
Lord Agelmar commanded me to go no further.”
He sounded unhappy about it, disgruntled at [jinsei] in [ippan teki].
He sounded unhappy about it, disgruntled at life in general.
“That is as we planned, [omo] Agelmar and I,”
“That is as we planned, Lord Agelmar and I,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
Ingtar grunted sourly.
Ingtar grunted sourly.
“[onsha], Aes Sedai,”
“Pardon, Aes Sedai,”
he apologized, not sounding as [baai] he meant it.
he apologized, not sounding as if he meant it.
“To [goei] you here means we may not [rīchi] the [kangeki] before the [tatakai] is done.
“To escort you here means we may not reach the Gap before the fighting is done.
I am robbed of the [kikai] to stand with the [nokori], and at the same [jikan] I am commanded not to [noru] one [suteppu] beyond the [kyōkai seki], as [baai] I had never before been in the [kōhai].
I am robbed of the chance to stand with the rest, and at the same time I am commanded not to ride one step beyond the borderpost, as if I had never before been in the Blight.
And My [omo] Agelmar will not tell me why.”
And My Lord Agelmar will not tell me why.”
Behind the [bā] of his [feisu keibi], his [me] turned the [saigo] [kotoba] into a [shitsumon] to the Aes Sedai.
Behind the bars of his face-guard, his eyes turned the last word into a question to the Aes Sedai.
He scorned to [hyōjō] at Rand and the [tanin]; he had learned they would accompany Lan into the [kōhai].
He scorned to look at Rand and the others; he had learned they would accompany Lan into the Blight.
“He can have my [basho],”
“He can have my place,”
Mat muttered to Rand.
Mat muttered to Rand.
Lan gave them both a sharp [hyōjō].
Lan gave them both a sharp look.
Mat dropped his [me], his [kao] turning [akai].
Mat dropped his eyes, his face turning red.
“Each of us has his [ichibu] in the [moyō], Ingtar,”
“Each of us has his part in the Pattern, Ingtar,”
Moiraine said firmly.
Moiraine said firmly.
“From here we must [sureddo] ours alone.”
“From here we must thread ours alone.”
Ingtar’s [bou] was stiffer than his [yoroi] made it.
Ingtar’s bow was stiffer than his armor made it.
“As you [negai] it, Aes Sedai.
“As you wish it, Aes Sedai.
I must [kyūka] you, now, and [noru] hard in [ōdā] to [rīchi] Tarwin’s [kangeki].
I must leave you, now, and ride hard in order to reach Tarwin’s Gap.
At least I will be…
At least I will be…
allowed…
allowed…
to [kao] Trollocs there.”
to face Trollocs there.”
“Are you truly that eager?”
“Are you truly that eager?”
Nynaeve asked.
Nynaeve asked.
“To [tatakai] Trollocs?”
“To fight Trollocs?”
Ingtar gave her a puzzled [hyōjō], then glanced at Lan as [baai] the [kanshu] might explain.
Ingtar gave her a puzzled look, then glanced at Lan as if the Warder might explain.
“That is what I do, [josei],”
“That is what I do, Lady,”
he said slowly.
he said slowly.
“That is why I am.”
“That is why I am.”
He raised a gauntleted [te] to Lan, [ōpun] [tenohira] toward the [kanshu].
He raised a gauntleted hand to Lan, open palm toward the warder.
“Suravye ninto manshima taishite, Dai Shan.
“Suravye ninto manshima taishite, Dai Shan.
[heiwa] [sansei] your [ken].”
Peace favor your sword.”
Pulling his [uma] around, Ingtar rode [higashi] with his [banāman] and his hundred [ransu].
Pulling his horse around, Ingtar rode east with his bannerman and his hundred lances.
They went at a [sanpo], [shikashi] a steady [hochō], as fast as armored [uma] could manage with a far [kyori] yet to go.
They went at a walk, but a steady pace, as fast as armored horses could manage with a far distance yet to go.
“What a strange [koto] to say,”
“What a strange thing to say,”
Egwene said.
Egwene said.
“Why do they [shiyō] it like that?
“Why do they use it like that?
[heiwa].”
Peace.”
“When you have never known a [koto] except to [yume],”
“When you have never known a thing except to dream,”
Lan replied, heeling Mandarb forward, “it becomes more than a [tarisuman].”
Lan replied, heeling Mandarb forward, “it becomes more than a talisman.”
As Rand followed the [kanshu] past the [ishi] [kyōkai seki], he turned in his [sadoru] to [hyōjō] back, watching Ingtar and the [ransu] disappear behind barren [kigi], and the [kyōkai seki] vanish, and [saigo] of all the [tō] on their hilltops, looking over the [kigi].
As Rand followed the Warder past the stone borderpost, he turned in his saddle to look back, watching Ingtar and the lances disappear behind barren trees, and the borderpost vanish, and last of all the towers on their hilltops, looking over the trees.
All too soon they were alone, riding [kita] under the leafless [kyanopī] of the [mori].
All too soon they were alone, riding north under the leafless canopy of the forest.
Rand sank into watchful [chinmoku], and for once even Mat had nothing to say.
Rand sank into watchful silence, and for once even Mat had nothing to say.
That [asa] the [mon] of [faru] Dara had opened with the [yoake].
That morning the gates of Fal Dara had opened with the dawn.
[omo] Agelmar, armored and helmeted now like his [heishi], rode with the [kuro] [hōku] [banā] and the Three [kitsune] from the [higashi] [mon] toward the [nichi], still only a [akai] [suraibā] above the [kigi].
Lord Agelmar, armored and helmeted now like his soldiers, rode with the Black Hawk banner and the Three Foxes from the East Gate toward the sun, still only a red sliver above the trees.
Like a [hagane] [hebi] undulating to mounted [ketoru doramu], the [koramu] [kizu] its [michi] out of the [machi] four abreast, Agelmar at its [atama] hidden in the [mori] before its [o] left [faru] Dara [kīpu].
Like a steel snake undulating to mounted kettle-drums, the column wound its way out of the town four abreast, Agelmar at its head hidden in the forest before its tail left Fal Dara keep.
There were no [kansei] in the [machi] to [supīdo] them on their [michi], only their own [doramu] and their [penanto]’ cracking in the [kaze], [shikashi] their [me] looked toward the rising [nichi] with [mokuteki].
There were no cheers in the streets to speed them on their way, only their own drums and their pennants’ cracking in the wind, but their eyes looked toward the rising sun with purpose.
Eastward they would [sanka shimasu] [sonota] [hagane] [hebi], from [faru] Moran, behind [ō] Easar himself with his [musuko] at his [saido], and from Ankor Dail, that held the Eastern Marches and guarded the [sebone] of the [sekai]; from Mos Shirare and [faru] Sion and Camron Caan, and all the [sonota] [yōsai] in Shienar, great and small.
Eastward they would join other steel serpents, from Fal Moran, behind King Easar himself with his sons at his side, and from Ankor Dail, that held the Eastern Marches and guarded the Spine of the World; from Mos Shirare and Fal Sion and Camron Caan, and all the other fortresses in Shienar, great and small.
Joined into a greater [hebi], they would [tān] [kita] to Tarwin’s [kangeki].
Joined into a greater serpent, they would turn north to Tarwin’s Gap.
Another exodus had begun at the same [jikan], using the [ō]’s [mon] that led out on the [michi] to [faru] Moran.
Another exodus had begun at the same time, using the King’s Gate that led out on the way to Fal Moran.
[kāto] and [wagon], [hitobito] mounted and [hitobito] afoot, [unten] their livestock, carrying [kodomo tachi] on their [bakkuappu shimasu], [kao] as long as the [asa] [kage].
Carts and wagons, people mounted and people afoot, driving their livestock, carrying children on their backs, faces as long as the morning shadows.
[fu honi] to [kyūka] their [jūtaku], perhaps forever, slowed their [ashi], yet [kyōfu] of what was coming spurred them, so that they went in bursts, [ashi] dragging, then breaking into a [jikkō] for a dozen [hochō] only to [aki] back, once more, to shuffling through the [hokori].
Reluctance to leave their homes, perhaps forever, slowed their feet, yet fear of what was coming spurred them, so that they went in bursts, feet dragging, then breaking into a run for a dozen paces only to fall back, once more, to shuffling through the dust.
A few paused [soto ni] the [machi] to [udedokei] the [heishi]’ armored [rain] winding into the [mori].
A few paused outside the town to watch the soldiers’ armored line winding into the forest.
[kibō] blossomed in some [me], and [inori] were muttered, [inori] for the [heishi], [inori] for themselves, before they turned [minami] again, trudging.
Hope blossomed in some eyes, and prayers were muttered, prayers for the soldiers, prayers for themselves, before they turned south again, trudging.
The smallest [koramu] went out of the Malkier [mon].
The smallest column went out of the Malkier Gate.
Left behind were a few who would remain, [heishi] and a sprinkling of older [dansei], their [tsuma] [shin da] and their [zōshoku saseta] [kodomo tachi] [tsukuri] the [osoi] [michi] [minami].
Left behind were a few who would remain, soldiers and a sprinkling of older men, their wives dead and their grown children making the slow way south.
A [saigo] [ichi nigiri] so that whatever happened in Tarwin’s [kangeki], [faru] Dara would not [aki] undefended.
A last handful so that whatever happened in Tarwin’s Gap, Fal Dara would not fall undefended.
Ingtar’s [gurē] [fukurō] led the [michi], [shikashi] it was Moiraine who took them [kita].
Ingtar’s Gray Owl led the way, but it was Moiraine who took them north.
The most important [koramu] of all, and the most desperate.
The most important column of all, and the most desperate.
For at least an [jikan] after they passed the [kyōkai seki] there was no [henkō] in [tochi] or [mori].
For at least an hour after they passed the borderpost there was no change in land or forest.
The [kanshu] kept them at a hard [hochō], as fast a [sanpo] as the [uma] could maintain, [shikashi] Rand kept wondering when they would [rīchi] the [kōhai].
The Warder kept them at a hard pace, as fast a walk as the horses could maintain, but Rand kept wondering when they would reach the Blight.
The [oka] became a little higher, [shikashi] the [kigi], and the [tsuru], and the [shitakusa] were no different than what he had seen in Shienar, [gurē] and all [shikashi] leafless.
The hills became a little higher, but the trees, and the creepers, and the underbrush were no different than what he had seen in Shienar, gray and all but leafless.
He began to feel warmer, [atatakai] enough to [suringu] his [gaitō] across the [tsukagashira] of his [sadoru].
He began to feel warmer, warm enough to sling his cloak across the pommel of his saddle.
“This is the best [tenkō] we’ve seen all [toshi],”
“This is the best weather we’ve seen all year,”
Egwene said, shrugging out of her own [gaitō].
Egwene said, shrugging out of her own cloak.
Nynaeve shook her [atama], frowning as [baai] listening to the [kaze].
Nynaeve shook her head, frowning as if listening to the wind.
“It feels wrong.”
“It feels wrong.”
Rand nodded.
Rand nodded.
He could feel it, too, though he could not say what it was exactly he was [kanji].
He could feel it, too, though he could not say what it was exactly he was feeling.
The [iwakan] went beyond the [saisho] [atataka] he could remember out of [tobira] this [toshi]; it was more than the simple [jijitsu] that it should not be so [atatakai] this far [kita].
The wrongness went beyond the first warmth he could remember out of doors this year; it was more than the simple fact that it should not be so warm this far north.
It must be the [kōhai], [shikashi] the [tochi] was the same.
It must be the Blight, but the land was the same.
The [nichi] climbed high, a [akai] [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] that could not give so much [atataka] despite the cloudless [sora].
The sun climbed high, a red ball that could not give so much warmth despite the cloudless sky.
A little [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] later he unbuttoned his [kōto].
A little while later he unbuttoned his coat.
[ase] trickled down his [kao].
Sweat trickled down his face.
He was not the only one.
He was not the only one.
Mat took his [kōto] off, openly displaying the [gōrudo]-and-[rubī] [dagā], and wiped his [kao] with the [owari] of his [sukāfu].
Mat took his coat off, openly displaying the gold-and-ruby dagger, and wiped his face with the end of his scarf.
Blinking, he [makimodoshi] the [sukāfu] into a [semai] [obi] [hikui] over his [me].
Blinking, he rewound the scarf into a narrow band low over his eyes.
Nynaeve and Egwene fanned themselves; they rode slumped as [baai] they were wilting.
Nynaeve and Egwene fanned themselves; they rode slumped as if they were wilting.
Loial undid his high-collared [chunikku] all the [michi] down, and his [shatsu] as [yoku]; the Ogier had a [semai] [sutorippu] of [kami] up the [mannaka] of his [mune], as thick as [kegawa].
Loial undid his high-collared tunic all the way down, and his shirt as well; the Ogier had a narrow strip of hair up the middle of his chest, as thick as fur.
He muttered [shazai] all around.
He muttered apologies all around.
“You must forgive me.
“You must forgive me.
Stedding Shangtai is in the [yama], and cool.”
Stedding Shangtai is in the mountains, and cool.”
His broad [hana no ana] flared, [zumen] in [kūki] that was becoming warmer by the [bun].
His broad nostrils flared, drawing in air that was becoming warmer by the minute.
“I don’t like this [netsu], and damp.”
“I don’t like this heat, and damp.”
It was damp, Rand realized.
It was damp, Rand realized.
It [kanjita] like the [shitsugen] in the [fukasa] of [natsu], back in the Two [kawa].
It felt like the Mire in the depths of summer, back in the Two Rivers.
In that boggy [numa] every [iki] came as [baai] through a [wuru] [mōfu] soaked in [atsui] [mizu].
In that boggy swamp every breath came as if through a wool blanket soaked in hot water.
There was no soggy [gurando] here – only a few [ike] and [sutorīmu], trickles to [dare-ka] used to the Waterwood – [shikashi] the [kūki] was like that in the [shitsugen].
There was no soggy ground here – only a few ponds and streams, trickles to someone used to the Waterwood – but the air was like that in the Mire.
Only Perrin, still in his [kōto], was breathing easily.
Only Perrin, still in his coat, was breathing easily.
Perrin and the [kanshu].
Perrin and the Warder.
There were a few leaves now, on [kigi] that were not [ebāgurīn].
There were a few leaves now, on trees that were not evergreen.
Rand reached out to [tacchi] a [eda], and stopped with his [te] short of the leaves.
Rand reached out to touch a branch, and stopped with his hand short of the leaves.
Sickly [kiiro] mottled the [akai] of the new [seichō], and [kuro] [hanten] like [byōki].
Sickly yellow mottled the red of the new growth, and black flecks like disease.
“I told you not to [tacchi] anything.”
“I told you not to touch anything.”
The [kanshu]’s [koe] was [furatto].
The Warder’s voice was flat.
He still wore his shifting [gaitō], as [baai] [netsu] made no more [inshō] on him than [samui]; it almost made his angular [kao] seem to [furōto] unsupported above Mandarb’s back.
He still wore his shifting cloak, as if heat made no more impression on him than cold; it almost made his angular face seem to float unsupported above Mandarb’s back.
“[hana] can kill in the [kōhai], and leaves maim.
“Flowers can kill in the Blight, and leaves maim.
There’s a little [koto] called a [sutikku] that likes to hide where the leaves are thickest, looking like its [namae], waiting for something to [tacchi] it.
There’s a little thing called a Stick that likes to hide where the leaves are thickest, looking like its name, waiting for something to touch it.
When something does, it bites.
When something does, it bites.
Not [doku].
Not poison.
The [jūsu] begins to digest the [sutikku]’s [emono] for it.
The juice begins to digest the Stick’s prey for it.
The only [koto] that can [hozon shimasu] you is to cut off the [āmu] or [ashi] that was bitten.
The only thing that can save you is to cut off the arm or leg that was bitten.
[shikashi] a [sutikku] won’t [hitokuchi] unless you [tacchi] it.
But a Stick won’t bite unless you touch it.
[sonota] [monogoto] in the [kōhai] will.”
Other things in the Blight will.”
Rand jerked his [te] back, leaves untouched, and wiped it on his [pantsu] [ashi].
Rand jerked his hand back, leaves untouched, and wiped it on his pants leg.
“Then we’re in the [kōhai]?”
“Then we’re in the Blight?”
Perrin said.
Perrin said.
Strangely, he did not [saundo] frightened.
Strangely, he did not sound frightened.
“Just the [furinji],”
“Just the fringe,”
Lan said grimly.
Lan said grimly.
His [taneuma] kept moving forward, and he spoke over his [kata].
His stallion kept moving forward, and he spoke over his shoulder.
“The real [kōhai] still lies ahead.
“The real Blight still lies ahead.
There are [monogoto] in the [kōhai] that [kari] by [saundo], and some may have wandered this far [minami].
There are things in the Blight that hunt by sound, and some may have wandered this far south.
Sometimes they [kurosu] the [yama] of Dhoom.
Sometimes they cross the Mountains of Dhoom.
Much worse than Sticks.
Much worse than Sticks.
[kīpu] [shizuka] and [kīpu] up, [baai] you want to [taizai] alive.”
Keep quiet and keep up, if you want to stay alive.”
He continued to set a hard [hochō], not waiting for an [kotae].
He continued to set a hard pace, not waiting for an answer.
[mairu] by [mairu] the [fuhai] of the [kōhai] became more apparent.
Mile by mile the corruption of the Blight became more apparent.
Leaves covered the [kigi] in ever greater [hōfu], [shikashi] stained and spotted with [kiiro] and [kuro], with livid [akai] [shima] like [chi] poisoning.
Leaves covered the trees in ever greater profusion, but stained and spotted with yellow and black, with livid red streaks like blood poisoning.
Every [rīfu] and [kurīpā] seemed bloated, ready to [bāsuto] at a [tacchi].
Every leaf and creeper seemed bloated, ready to burst at a touch.
[hana] hung on [kigi] and [zassō] in a [parodi] of [haru, haneagaru], sickly pale and pulpy, waxen [monogoto] that appeared to be rotting [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Rand watched.
Flowers hung on trees and weeds in a parody of spring, sickly pale and pulpy, waxen things that appeared to be rotting while Rand watched.
When he breathed through his [hana], the [amai] [akushū] of [hōkai], heavy and thick, sickened him; when he tried breathing through his [kuchi no naka], he almost gagged.
When he breathed through his nose, the sweet stench of decay, heavy and thick, sickened him; when he tried breathing through his mouth, he almost gagged.
The [kūki] tasted like a [hitokuchi] of spoiled [niku].
The air tasted like a mouthful of spoiled meat.
The [uma]’ hooves made a soft squishing as rotten-ripe [monogoto] broke [ōpun] under them.
The horses’ hooves made a soft squishing as rotten-ripe things broke open under them.
Mat leaned out of his [sadoru] and spewed until his [i] was empty.
Mat leaned out of his saddle and spewed until his stomach was empty.
Rand sought the void, [shikashi] [reisei] was little [tasukeru] against the [moeru] [tanjū] that kept creeping up his [nodo].
Rand sought the void, but calmness was little help against the burning bile that kept creeping up his throat.
Empty or not, Mat heaved again a [mairu] later, bringing up nothing, and yet again after that.
Empty or not, Mat heaved again a mile later, bringing up nothing, and yet again after that.
Egwene looked as [baai] she wanted to be sick, too, swallowing constantly, and Nynaeve’s [kao] was a [shiroi] [masuku] of [ketsui], her [ago] set and her [me] fixed on Moiraine’s back.
Egwene looked as if she wanted to be sick, too, swallowing constantly, and Nynaeve’s face was a white mask of determination, her jaw set and her eyes fixed on Moiraine’s back.
The [chie] would not admit to [kanji] [byōki] unless the Aes Sedai did, [saisho], [shikashi] Rand did not think she would have to [taiki] long.
The Wisdom would not admit to feeling ill unless the Aes Sedai did, first, but Rand did not think she would have to wait long.
Moiraine’s [me] were tight, and her [kuchibiru] pale.
Moiraine’s eyes were tight, and her lips pale.
Despite the [netsu] and damp, Loial wrapped a [sukāfu] around his [hana] and [kuchi no naka].
Despite the heat and damp, Loial wrapped a scarf around his nose and mouth.
When he met Rand’s [shisen], the Ogier’s [ikari] and [keno kan] were [heiya] in his [me].
When he met Rand’s gaze, the Ogier’s outrage and disgust were plain in his eyes.
“I had heard .”
“I had heard–”
he began, his [koe] muffled by the [wuru], then stopped to clear his [nodo] with a [shikamettsura].
he began, his voice muffled by the wool, then stopped to clear his throat with a grimace.
“[fun!]!
“Faugh!
It [aji ga suru] like…
It tastes like…
[fun!]!
Faugh!
I had heard and read about the [kōhai], [shikashi] nothing could describe…“
I had heard and read about the Blight, but nothing could describe…”
His [jesuchā] somehow took in the [nioi] as [yoku] as the [me]-sickening [seichō].
His gesture somehow took in the smell as well as the eye-sickening growth.
“That even the [Kurai] One should do this to [kigi]!
“That even the Dark One should do this to trees!
[fun!]!”
Faugh!”
The [kanshu] was not affected, of [mochiron], at least not that Rand could see, [shikashi] to his [odoroki] neither was Perrin.
The Warder was not affected, of course, at least not that Rand could see, but to his surprise neither was Perrin.
Or rather, not in the [michi] the [nokori] of them were.
Or rather, not in the way the rest of them were.
The big [wakamono] glared at the obscene [mori] through which they rode as he might have at an [teki], or the [banā] of an [teki].
The big youth glared at the obscene forest through which they rode as he might have at an enemy, or the banner of an enemy.
He caressed the [ono] at his [beruto] as [baai] unaware of what he was doing, and muttered to himself, [hanbun] growling in a [michi] that made the [kami] on Rand’s [kubi] [kakimazeru].
He caressed the axe at his belt as if unaware of what he was doing, and muttered to himself, half growling in a way that made the hair on Rand’s neck stir.
Even in full [nikkō] his [me] glowed, golden and fierce.
Even in full sunlight his eyes glowed, golden and fierce.
The [netsu] did not abate as the bloody [nichi] fell toward the [chiheisen].
The heat did not abate as the bloody sun fell toward the horizon.
In the [kyori] to the [kita], [yama] [jōshō shita], higher than the [yama] of [misuto], [kuro] against the [sora].
In the distance to the north, mountains rose, higher than the Mountains of Mist, black against the sky.
Sometimes an icy [kaze] from the sharp [chōten] gusted far enough to [rīchi] them.
Sometimes an icy wind from the sharp peaks gusted far enough to reach them.
The torrid [shitsudo] leached away most of the [yama] [samusa], [shikashi] what remained was [fuyu]-[samui] compared to the [atsu sa ni maitte iru jōtai] it replaced, [baai] just for a [shunkan].
The torrid humidity leached away most of the mountain chill, but what remained was winter-cold compared to the swelter it replaced, if just for a moment.
The [ase] on Rand’s [kao] seemed to [furasshu] into [bīzu] of [kōri]; as the [kaze] died, the [bīzu] melted again, running angry [rain] down his [hō], and the thick [netsu] returned harder than before by [hikaku].
The sweat on Rand’s face seemed to flash into beads of ice; as the wind died, the beads melted again, running angry lines down his cheeks, and the thick heat returned harder than before by comparison.
For the instant the [kaze] surrounded them, it swept away the [kōshū], yet he would have done without that, too, [baai] he could have.
For the instant the wind surrounded them, it swept away the fetor, yet he would have done without that, too, if he could have.
The [samui] was the [samusa] of the [haka], and it carried the dusty must of an old [haka] newly opened.
The cold was the chill of the grave, and it carried the dusty must of an old tomb newly opened.
“We cannot [rīchi] the [yama] by [higure],”
“We cannot reach the mountains by nightfall,”
Lan said, “and it is dangerous to [ugokasu] at [yoru, kishi_knt], even for a [kanshu] alone.”
Lan said, “and it is dangerous to move at night, even for a Warder alone.”
“There is a [basho] not far off,”
“There is a place not far off,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“It will be a [yoi] [zenchō] for us to [kyanpu] there.”
“It will be a good omen for us to camp there.”
The [kanshu] gave her a [furatto] [hyōjō], then nodded reluctantly.
The Warder gave her a flat look, then nodded reluctantly.
“Yes.
“Yes.
We must [kyanpu] somewhere.
We must camp somewhere.
It might as [yoku] be there.”
It might as well be there.”
“The [me] of the [sekai] was beyond the high passes when I found it,”
“The Eye of the World was beyond the high passes when I found it,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“[yori yoi] to [kurosu] the [yama] of Dhoom in full [natsujikan], at [shōgo], when the [Kurai] One’s [pawāzu] in this [sekai] are weakest.”
“Better to cross the Mountains of Dhoom in full daylight, at noon, when the Dark One’s powers in this world are weakest.”
“You [hanashi] as [baai] the [me] isn’t always in the same [basho].”
“You talk as if the Eye isn’t always in the same place.”
Egwene spoke to the Aes Sedai, [shikashi] it was Loial who answered.
Egwene spoke to the Aes Sedai, but it was Loial who answered.
“No two among the Ogier have found it in exactly the same [basho].
“No two among the Ogier have found it in exactly the same place.
The [midori] [otoko] seems to be found where he is needed.
The Green Man seems to be found where he is needed.
[shikashi] it has always been beyond the high passes.
But it has always been beyond the high passes.
They are treacherous, the high passes, and haunted by [ikimono] of the [Kurai] One.”
They are treacherous, the high passes, and haunted by creatures of the Dark One.”
“We must [rīchi] the passes before we must [shinpai] about them,”
“We must reach the passes before we need worry about them,”
Lan said.
Lan said.
“Tomorrow we will be truly into the [kōhai].”
“Tomorrow we will be truly into the Blight.”
Rand looked at the [mori] around him, every [rīfu] and [hana] diseased, every [kurīpā] decaying as it grew, and he could not repress a [miburui].
Rand looked at the forest around him, every leaf and flower diseased, every creeper decaying as it grew, and he could not repress a shudder.
[baai] this isn’t truly the [kōhai], what is?
If this isn’t truly the Blight, what is?
Lan turned them westward, at an [kakudo] to the sinking [nichi].
Lan turned them westward, at an angle to the sinking sun.
The [kanshu] maintained the [hochō] he had set before, [shikashi] there was [fu honi] in the set of his [kata].
The Warder maintained the pace he had set before, but there was reluctance in the set of his shoulders.
The [nichi] was a sullen [akai] [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] just touching the [kozue] when they crested a [oka] and the [kanshu] drew [tazuna].
The sun was a sullen red ball just touching the treetops when they crested a hill and the Warder drew rein.
Beyond them to the [nishi] lay a [nettowāku] of lakes, the [kaiiki] glittering [kurai]ly in the slanting [nikkō], like [bīzu] of [randamu] [saizu] on a [nekkuresu] of many [moji retsu].
Beyond them to the west lay a network of lakes, the waters glittering darkly in the slanting sunlight, like beads of random size on a necklace of many strings.
In the [kyori], circled by the lakes, stood jagged-topped [oka], thick in the creeping [kage] of [yūgata].
In the distance, circled by the lakes, stood jagged-topped hills, thick in the creeping shadows of evening.
For one brief instant the [nichi]’s [kōsen] caught the shattered [toppusu], and Rand’s [iki] stilled.
For one brief instant the sun’s rays caught the shattered tops, and Rand’s breath stilled.
Not [oka].
Not hills.
The broken [zantō] of seven [tō].
The broken remnants of seven towers.
He was not sure [baai] anyone else had seen it; the [kōkei] was gone as quickly as it came.
He was not sure if anyone else had seen it; the sight was gone as quickly as it came.
The [kanshu] was dismounting, his [kao] as lacking in [kanjō] as a [ishi].
The Warder was dismounting, his face as lacking in emotion as a stone.
“Couldn’t we [kyanpu] down by the lakes?”
“Couldn’t we camp down by the lakes?”
Nynaeve asked, patting her [kao] with her [hankachi].
Nynaeve asked, patting her face with her kerchief.
“It must be cooler down by the [mizu].”
“It must be cooler down by the water.”
“[hikari],”
“Light,”
Mat said, “I’d just like to [sutikku] my [atama] in one of them.
Mat said, “I’d just like to stick my head in one of them.
I might never take it out.”
I might never take it out.”
Just then something roiled the [kaiiki] of the nearest [mizuumi], the [kurai] [mizu] phosphorescing as a huge [bodi] rolled beneath the [hyōmen].
Just then something roiled the waters of the nearest lake, the dark water phosphorescing as a huge body rolled beneath the surface.
[nagasa] on [otoko]-thick [nagasa] sent [hamon] spreading, rolling on and on until at [saigo] a [o] [jōshō shita], waving a [pointo] like a [suzumebachi]’s [sutingā] for an instant in the [towaihikari], at least five [supan] into the [kūki].
Length on man-thick length sent ripples spreading, rolling on and on until at last a tail rose, waving a point like a wasp’s stinger for an instant in the twilight, at least five spans into the air.
All along that [nagasa] [shibō] [shokushu] writhed like monstrous [wāmu], as many as a [mukade]’s [ashi].
All along that length fat tentacles writhed like monstrous worms, as many as a centipede’s legs.
It slid slowly beneath the [hyōmen] and was gone, only the fading [hamon] to say it had ever been.
It slid slowly beneath the surface and was gone, only the fading ripples to say it had ever been.
Rand closed his [kuchi no naka] and exchanged a [hyōjō] with Perrin.
Rand closed his mouth and exchanged a look with Perrin.
Perrin’s [kiiro] [me] were as disbelieving as he knew his own must be.
Perrin’s yellow eyes were as disbelieving as he knew his own must be.
Nothing that big could live in a [mizuumi] that [saizu].
Nothing that big could live in a lake that size.
Those couldn’t have been [te] on those [shokushu].
Those couldn’t have been hands on those tentacles.
They couldn’t have been.
They couldn’t have been.
“On [ni] [shikō],”
“On second thought,”
Mat said faintly, “I like it [migi] here just [bakkin].”
Mat said faintly, “I like it right here just fine.”
“I will set guarding [byōtō] around this [oka],”
“I will set guarding wards around this hill,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
She had already dismounted from Aldieb.
She had already dismounted from Aldieb.
“A true [baria] would [dorō] the [chūi] we do not want like [hae] to [hachimitsu], [shikashi] [baai] any [sōzō] of the [Kurai] One or anything that serves the [kage] comes within a [mairu] of us, I will know.”
“A true barrier would draw the attention we do not want like flies to honey, but if any creation of the Dark One or anything that serves the Shadow comes within a mile of us, I will know.”
“I’d be happier with the [baria],”
“I’d be happier with the barrier,”
Mat said as his [būtsu] touched the [gurando], “just as long as it kept that, that…
Mat said as his boots touched the ground, “just as long as it kept that, that…
[koto] on the [sonota] [saido].”
thing on the other side.”
“Oh, do be [shizuka], Mat,”
“Oh, do be quiet, Mat,”
Egwene said curtly, at the same [jikan] as Nynaeve spoke.
Egwene said curtly, at the same time as Nynaeve spoke.
“And have them waiting for us when we [kyūka] in the [asa]?
“And have them waiting for us when we leave in the morning?
You are a [baka], Matrim Cauthon.”
You are a fool, Matrim Cauthon.”
Mat glowered at the two [josei] as they climbed down, [shikashi] he kept his [kuchi no naka] shut.
Mat glowered at the two women as they climbed down, but he kept his mouth shut.
As he took Bela’s [tazuna], Rand shared a grin with Perrin.
As he took Bela’s reins, Rand shared a grin with Perrin.
For a [shunkan] it was almost like [kōfuku] home, having Mat saying what he should not at the worst possible [jikan].
For a moment it was almost like being home, having Mat saying what he should not at the worst possible time.
Then the [egao] faded from Perrin’s [kao]; in the [towaihikari] his [me] did [kagayaki], as [baai] they had a [kiiro] [hikari] behind them.
Then the smile faded from Perrin’s face; in the twilight his eyes did glow, as if they had a yellow light behind them.
Rand’s grin slipped away, too.
Rand’s grin slipped away, too.
It isn’t like home at all.
It isn’t like home at all.
Rand and Mat and Perrin helped Lan [kura o hazusu] and [ashi o hikizutte aruku] the [uma] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] the [tanin] began setting up the [kyanpu].
Rand and Mat and Perrin helped Lan unsaddle and hobble the horses while the others began setting up the camp.
Loial muttered to himself as he set up the [kanshu]’s tiny [sutōbu], [shikashi] his thick [yubi] moved deftly.
Loial muttered to himself as he set up the Warder’s tiny stove, but his thick fingers moved deftly.
Egwene was humming as she filled the [ocha] [yaka n] from a bulging waterbag.
Egwene was humming as she filled the tea kettle from a bulging waterbag.
Rand no longer wondered why the [kanshu] had insisted on bringing so many full waterskins.
Rand no longer wondered why the Warder had insisted on bringing so many full waterskins.
Setting the [bei]’s [sadoru] in [rain] with the [tanin], he unfastened his [sadoru] and blanketroll from the [sumi], turned, and stopped with a tingle of [kyōfu].
Setting the bay’s saddle in line with the others, he unfastened his saddlebags and blanketroll from the cantle, turned, and stopped with a tingle of fear.
The Ogier and the [josei] were gone.
The Ogier and the women were gone.
So was the [sutōbu] and all the [tō] [pania] from the [niuma].
So was the stove and all the wicker panniers from the packhorse.
The [oka no ue] was empty except for [yūgata] [kage].
The hilltop was empty except for evening shadows.
With a numb [te] he fumbled for his [ken], dimly [kōchō kai] Mat [noroi].
With a numb hand he fumbled for his sword, dimly hearing Mat curse.
Perrin had his [ono] out, his shaggy [atama] swiveling to find the [kiken].
Perrin had his axe out, his shaggy head swiveling to find the danger.
“[hitsuji kai],”
“Sheepherders,”
Lan muttered.
Lan muttered.
Unconcernedly the [kanshu] strode across the [oka no ue], and at his third [suteppu], he vanished.
Unconcernedly the Warder strode across the hilltop, and at his third step, he vanished.
Rand exchanged wide-eyed [rukkusu] with Mat and Perrin, and then they were all darting for where the [kanshu] had disappeared.
Rand exchanged wide-eyed looks with Mat and Perrin, and then they were all darting for where the Warder had disappeared.
Abruptly Rand skidded to a [teishi], taking another [suteppu] when Mat hashitta into his [senaka].
Abruptly Rand skidded to a halt, taking another step when Mat ran into his back.
Egwene looked up from setting the [yaka n] atop the tiny [sutōbu].
Egwene looked up from setting the kettle atop the tiny stove.
Nynaeve was closing the [mantoru] on a [ni] lit [rantan].
Nynaeve was closing the mantle on a second lit lantern.
They were all there, Moiraine sitting [kurosu]-legged, Lan lounging on an [hiji], Loial taking a [hon] out of his [pakku].
They were all there, Moiraine sitting cross-legged, Lan lounging on an elbow, Loial taking a book out of his pack.
Cautiously Rand looked behind him.
Cautiously Rand looked behind him.
The hillside was there as it had been, the shadowed [kigi], the lakes beyond sinking into [yami].
The hillside was there as it had been, the shadowed trees, the lakes beyond sinking into darkness.
He was afraid to [suteppu] back, afraid they would all disappear again and perhaps this [jikan] he would not be able to find them.
He was afraid to step back, afraid they would all disappear again and perhaps this time he would not be able to find them.
Edging carefully around him, Perrin let out a long [iki].
Edging carefully around him, Perrin let out a long breath.
Moiraine noticed the three of them standing there, gaping.
Moiraine noticed the three of them standing there, gaping.
Perrin looked abashed, and slipped his [ono] back into the heavy [beruto] [rūpu] as [baai] he [shikō] no one might [chūi shite kudasai].
Perrin looked abashed, and slipped his axe back into the heavy belt loop as if he thought no one might notice.
A [egao] touched her [kuchibiru].
A smile touched her lips.
“It is a simple [koto],”
“It is a simple thing,”
she said, “a bending, so any [me] looking at us sees around us, instead.
she said, “a bending, so any eye looking at us sees around us, instead.
We cannot have the [me] that will be out there [mite] our [tentō shimasu] tonight, and the [kōhai] is no [basho] to be in the [kurai].”
We cannot have the eyes that will be out there seeing our lights tonight, and the Blight is no place to be in the dark.”
“Moiraine Sedai says I might be able to do it.”
“Moiraine Sedai says I might be able to do it.”
Egwene’s [me] were bright.
Egwene’s eyes were bright.
“She says I can [handoru] enough of the One [dengen o on ni shimasu] [migi] now.”
“She says I can handle enough of the One Power right now.”
“Not without training, [ko],”
“Not without training, child,”
Moiraine cautioned.
Moiraine cautioned.
“The simplest [mondai] concerning the One [dengen o on ni shimasu] can be dangerous to the untrained, and to those around them.”
“The simplest matter concerning the One Power can be dangerous to the untrained, and to those around them.”
Perrin snorted, and Egwene looked so uncomfortable that Rand wondered [baai] she had already been trying her [nōryoku].
Perrin snorted, and Egwene looked so uncomfortable that Rand wondered if she had already been trying her abilities.
Nynaeve set down the [rantan].
Nynaeve set down the lantern.
Together with the tiny [honoo] of the [sutōbu], the [pea] of [rantan] gave a generous [hikari].
Together with the tiny flame of the stove, the pair of lanterns gave a generous light.
“When you go to [tāru] Valon, Egwene,”
“When you go to Tar Valon, Egwene,”
she said carefully, “perhaps I’ll go with you.”
she said carefully, “perhaps I’ll go with you.”
The [hyōjō] she gave Moiraine was strangely defensive.
The look she gave Moiraine was strangely defensive.
“It will do her [yoi] to see a familiar [kao] among [gaijin].
“It will do her good to see a familiar face among strangers.
She’ll must [dare-ka] to advise her besides Aes Sedai.”
She’ll need someone to advise her besides Aes Sedai.”
“Perhaps that would be for the best, [chie],”
“Perhaps that would be for the best, Wisdom,”
Moiraine said simply.
Moiraine said simply.
Egwene laughed and clapped her [te].
Egwene laughed and clapped her hands.
“Oh, that will be wonderful.
“Oh, that will be wonderful.
And you, Rand.
And you, Rand.
You’ll come, too, won’t you?”
You’ll come, too, won’t you?”
He paused in the [kōi] of sitting across the [sutōbu] from her, then slowly lowered himself.
He paused in the act of sitting across the stove from her, then slowly lowered himself.
He [shikō] her [me] had never been bigger, or brighter, or more like [pūru] that he could lose himself in.
He thought her eyes had never been bigger, or brighter, or more like pools that he could lose himself in.
[supotto] of [iro] appeared in her [hō], and she gave a smaller [warai].
Spots of color appeared in her cheeks, and she gave a smaller laugh.
“Perrin, Mat, you two will come, won’t you?
“Perrin, Mat, you two will come, won’t you?
We’ll all be together.”
We’ll all be together.”
Mat gave a [isaki] that could have signified anything, and Perrin only shrugged, [shikashi] she took it for [nattoku].
Mat gave a grunt that could have signified anything, and Perrin only shrugged, but she took it for assent.
“You see, Rand.
“You see, Rand.
We’ll all be together.”
We’ll all be together.”
[hikari], [shikashi] a [otoko] could drown in those [me] and be happy doing it.
Light, but a man could drown in those eyes and be happy doing it.
Embarrassed, he cleared his [nodo].
Embarrassed, he cleared his throat.
“Do they have [hitsuji] in [tāru] Valon?
“Do they have sheep in Tar Valon?
That’s all I know, herding [hitsuji] and growing [tabakku].”
That’s all I know, herding sheep and growing tabac.”
“I [shinjiru],”
“I believe,”
Moiraine said, “that I can find something for you to do in [tāru] Valon.
Moiraine said, “that I can find something for you to do in Tar Valon.
For all of you.
For all of you.
Not herding [hitsuji], perhaps, [shikashi] something you will find interesting.”
Not herding sheep, perhaps, but something you will find interesting.”
“There,”
“There,”
Egwene said as [baai] it were settled.
Egwene said as if it were settled.
“I know.
“I know.
I will make you my [kanshu], when I’m an Aes Sedai.
I will make you my Warder, when I’m an Aes Sedai.
You would like [kōfuku] a [kanshu], wouldn’t you?
You would like being a Warder, wouldn’t you?
My [kanshu]?”
My Warder?”
She sounded sure, [shikashi] he [mimashita] the [shitsumon] in her [me].
She sounded sure, but he saw the question in her eyes.
She wanted an [kotae], needed it.
She wanted an answer, needed it.
“I’d like [kōfuku] your [kanshu],”
“I’d like being your Warder,”
he said.
he said.
She’s not for you, nor you for her.
She’s not for you, nor you for her.
Why did [min] have to tell me that?
Why did Min have to tell me that?
[yami] came down heavily, and everyone was tired.
Darkness came down heavily, and everyone was tired.
Loial was the [saisho] to [rōru] over and ready himself for [suimin], [shikashi] [tanin] followed soon after.
Loial was the first to roll over and ready himself for sleep, but others followed soon after.
No one used their [mōfu], except for a [makura].
No one used their blankets, except for a pillow.
Moiraine had put something in the [abura] of the [ranpu] that dispelled the [akushū] of the [kōhai] from the [oka no ue], [shikashi] nothing diminished the [netsu].
Moiraine had put something in the oil of the lamps that dispelled the stench of the Blight from the hilltop, but nothing diminished the heat.
The [mūn] gave a wavering, watery [hikari], [shikashi] the [nichi] might have been at its [zenisu] for all the cool the [yoru, kishi_knt] had.
The moon gave a wavering, watery light, but the sun might have been at its zenith for all the cool the night had.
Rand found [suimin] impossible, even with the Aes Sedai stretched out not a [supan] away to [shīrudo] his dreams.
Rand found sleep impossible, even with the Aes Sedai stretched out not a span away to shield his dreams.
It was the thick [kūki] that kept him awake.
It was the thick air that kept him awake.
Loial’s soft [ibiki] were a rumble that made Perrin’s seem nonexistent, [shikashi] they did not [teishi] [tsukare] from claiming the [tanin].
Loial’s soft snores were a rumble that made Perrin’s seem nonexistent, but they did not stop weariness from claiming the others.
The [kanshu] was still awake, seated not far from him with his [ken] across his [hiza], watching the [yoru, kishi_knt].
The Warder was still awake, seated not far from him with his sword across his knees, watching the night.
To Rand’s [odoroki], so was Nynaeve.
To Rand’s surprise, so was Nynaeve.
The [chie] looked at Lan silently for a long [jikan], then poured a [chawan] of [ocha] and brought it to him.
The Wisdom looked at Lan silently for a long time, then poured a cup of tea and brought it to him.
When he reached out with a [zatsuon] of [arigatō gozaimasu], she did not let go [migi] away.
When he reached out with a murmur of thanks, she did not let go right away.
“I should have known you would be a [ō],”
“I should have known you would be a king,”
she said quietly.
she said quietly.
Her [me] were steady on the [kanshu]’s [kao], [shikashi] her [koe] trembled slightly.
Her eyes were steady on the Warder’s face, but her voice trembled slightly.
Lan looked back at her just as intently.
Lan looked back at her just as intently.
It seemed to Rand that the [kanshu]’s [kao] actually softened.
It seemed to Rand that the Warder’s face actually softened.
“I am not a [ō], Nynaeve.
“I am not a king, Nynaeve.
Just a [otoko].
Just a man.
A [otoko] without as much to his [namae] as even the meanest [nōka]’s [kurofuto].”
A man without as much to his name as even the meanest farmer’s croft.”
Nynaeve’s [koe] steadied.
Nynaeve’s voice steadied.
“Some [josei] don’t ask for [tochi], or [gōrudo].
“Some women don’t ask for land, or gold.
Just the [otoko].”
Just the man.”
“And the [otoko] who would ask her to accept so little would not be worthy of her.
“And the man who would ask her to accept so little would not be worthy of her.
You are a remarkable [onna], as beautiful as the [hinode], as fierce as a [no senshi].
You are a remarkable woman, as beautiful as the sunrise, as fierce as a warrior.
You are a [mesu raion], [chie].”
You are a lioness, Wisdom.”
“A [chie] seldom weds.”
“A Wisdom seldom weds.”
She paused to take a [fukai] [iki], as [baai] [hagane-ka] herself.
She paused to take a deep breath, as if steeling herself.
“[shikashi] [baai] I go to [tāru] Valon, it may be that I will be something [sonota] than a [chie].”
“But if I go to Tar Valon, it may be that I will be something other than a Wisdom.”
“Aes Sedai marry as seldom as [chie].
“Aes Sedai marry as seldom as Wisdoms.
Few [dansei] can live with so much [dengen o on ni shimasu] in a [tsuma], dimming them by her [kagayaki] whether she wishes to or not.”
Few men can live with so much power in a wife, dimming them by her radiance whether she wishes to or not.”
“Some [dansei] are strong enough.
“Some men are strong enough.
I know one such.”
I know one such.”
[baai] there could have been any [utagai], her [hyōjō] left none as to whom she meant.
If there could have been any doubt, her look left none as to whom she meant.
“All I have is a [ken], and a [sensō] I cannot [shōri], [shikashi] can never [teishi] [tatakai].”
“All I have is a sword, and a war I cannot win, but can never stop fighting.”
“I’ve told you I [kaigo] nothing for that.
“I’ve told you I care nothing for that.
[hikari], you’ve made me say more than is proper already.
Light, you’ve made me say more than is proper already.
will you [haji] me to the [pointo] of asking you?”
Will you shame me to the point of asking you?”
“I will never [haji] you.”
“I will never shame you.”
The gentle [kuchō], like a caress, sounded odd to Rand’s [mimi] in the [kanshu]’s [koe], [shikashi] it made Nynaeve’s [me] brighten.
The gentle tone, like a caress, sounded odd to Rand’s ears in the Warder’s voice, but it made Nynaeve’s eyes brighten.
“I will [kirai] the [otoko] you choose because he is not me, and [ai] him [baai] he makes you [egao].
“I will hate the man you choose because he is not me, and love him if he makes you smile.
No [onna] deserves the sure [chishiki] of [mibōjin]’s [kuro] as her brideprice, you least of all.”
No woman deserves the sure knowledge of widow’s black as her brideprice, you least of all.”
He set the untouched [chawan] on the [gurando] and [jōshō shita].
He set the untouched cup on the ground and rose.
“I must [chekku] the [uma].”
“I must check the horses.”
Nynaeve remained there, kneeling, after he had gone.
Nynaeve remained there, kneeling, after he had gone.
[suimin] or no, Rand closed his [me].
Sleep or no, Rand closed his eyes.
He did not think the [chie] would like it [baai] he watched her [sakebi].
He did not think the Wisdom would like it if he watched her cry.
[akira] 49
Chapter 49
The [Kurai] One [kakitateru]
The Dark One Stirs
[yoake] woke Rand with a [kaishi, hajimeru], the sullen [nichi] pricking his [mabuta] as it peeked reluctantly over the [kozue] of the [kōhai].
Dawn woke Rand with a start, the sullen sun pricking his eyelids as it peeked reluctantly over the treetops of the Blight.
Even so early, [netsu] covered the spoiled [tochi] in a heavy [mōfu].
Even so early, heat covered the spoiled lands in a heavy blanket.
He lay on his [senaka] with his [atama] pillowed on his blanketroll, staring at the [sora].
He lay on his back with his head pillowed on his blanketroll, staring at the sky.
It was still [aoi], the [sora].
It was still blue, the sky.
Even here, that, at least, was untouched.
Even here, that, at least, was untouched.
He was surprised to realize that he had slept.
He was surprised to realize that he had slept.
For a [bun] the dim [memori] of a [kaiwa] overheard seemed like [ichibu] of some [yume].
For a minute the dim memory of a conversation overheard seemed like part of some dream.
Then he [mimashita] Nynaeve’s [akai]-rimmed [me]; she had not slept, obviously.
Then he saw Nynaeve’s red-rimmed eyes; she had not slept, obviously.
Lan’s [kao] was harder than ever, as [baai] he had resumed a [masuku] and did not intend to let it [surippu] again.
Lan’s face was harder than ever, as if he had resumed a mask and did not intend to let it slip again.
Egwene went over and crouched beside the [chie], her [kao] concerned.
Egwene went over and crouched beside the Wisdom, her face concerned.
He could not make out what they said.
He could not make out what they said.
Egwene spoke, and Nynaeve shook her [atama].
Egwene spoke, and Nynaeve shook her head.
Egwene said something else, and the [chie] waved her away dismissively.
Egwene said something else, and the Wisdom waved her away dismissively.
Instead of going, Egwene [magatta] her [atama] closer, and for a few [bun] the two [josei] talked even more softly, with Nynaeve still shaking her [atama].
Instead of going, Egwene bent her head closer, and for a few minutes the two women talked even more softly, with Nynaeve still shaking her head.
The [chie] ended it with a [warai], hugging Egwene and, by her [shiki], [tsukuri] soothing [hanashi].
The Wisdom ended it with a laugh, hugging Egwene and, by her expression, making soothing talk.
When Egwene stood, though, she glared at the [kanshu].
When Egwene stood, though, she glared at the Warder.
Lan did not seem to [chūi shite kudasai]; he did not [hyōjō] in Nynaeve’s [hōkō] at all.
Lan did not seem to notice; he did not look in Nynaeve’s direction at all.
Shaking his [atama], Rand gathered his [monogoto], and gave his [te] and [kao] and [ha] a hasty [wosshu] with the little [mizu] Lan allowed for such [monogoto].
Shaking his head, Rand gathered his things, and gave his hands and face and teeth a hasty wash with the little water Lan allowed for such things.
He wondered [baai] [josei] had a [michi] of [dokusho] [dansei]’s [kokoro].
He wondered if women had a way of reading men’s minds.
It was an unsettling [shikō].
It was an unsettling thought.
All [josei] are Aes Sedai.
All women are Aes Sedai.
[uranai] himself he was letting the [kōhai] get to him, he rinsed out his [kuchi no naka] and hurried to get the [bei] saddled.
Telling himself he was letting the Blight get to him, he rinsed out his mouth and hurried to get the bay saddled.
It was more than a little disconcerting, having the campsite disappear before he reached the [uma], [shikashi] by the [jikan] his [sadoru] [dōmawari] was tight everything on the [oka] winked back into [iken].
It was more than a little disconcerting, having the campsite disappear before he reached the horses, but by the time his saddle girth was tight everything on the hill winked back into view.
Everyone was hurrying.
Everyone was hurrying.
The seven [tō] stood [heiya] in the [asa] [hikari], distant broken [kirikabu], like huge, rough [oka] that merely hinted at [sōdaisa] gone.
The seven towers stood plain in the morning light, distant broken stumps, like huge, rough hills that merely hinted at grandeur gone.
The hundred lakes were a smooth, unruffled [aoi].
The hundred lakes were a smooth, unruffled blue.
Nothing broke the [hyōmen] this [asa].
Nothing broke the surface this morning.
When he looked at the lakes and the ruined [tō], he could almost ignore the sickly [monogoto] growing around the [oka].
When he looked at the lakes and the ruined towers, he could almost ignore the sickly things growing around the hill.
Lan did not seem to be avoiding looking at the [tō], any more than he seemed to be avoiding Nynaeve, [shikashi] somehow he never did as he concentrated on getting them ready to go.
Lan did not seem to be avoiding looking at the towers, any more than he seemed to be avoiding Nynaeve, but somehow he never did as he concentrated on getting them ready to go.
After the [tō] [pania] were fastened on the [niuma], after every [sukurappu] and [yogore] and [torakku] were gone and everyone else was mounted, the Aes Sedai stood in the [mannaka] of the [oka no ue] with her [me] closed, not even seeming to breathe.
After the wicker panniers were fastened on the packhorse, after every scrap and smudge and track were gone and everyone else was mounted, the Aes Sedai stood in the middle of the hilltop with her eyes closed, not even seeming to breathe.
Nothing happened that Rand could see, except that Nynaeve and Egwene shivered despite the [netsu] and rubbed their [ude] briskly.
Nothing happened that Rand could see, except that Nynaeve and Egwene shivered despite the heat and rubbed their arms briskly.
Egwene’s [te] suddenly froze on her [ude], and she opened her [kuchi no naka], staring at the [chie].
Egwene’s hands suddenly froze on her arms, and she opened her mouth, staring at the Wisdom.
Before she could speak, Nynaeve also ceased her rubbing and gave her a sharp [hyōjō].
Before she could speak, Nynaeve also ceased her rubbing and gave her a sharp look.
The two [josei] looked at one another, then Egwene nodded and grinned, and after a [shunkan] Nynaeve did, too, though her [egao] was only halfhearted.
The two women looked at one another, then Egwene nodded and grinned, and after a moment Nynaeve did, too, though her smile was only halfhearted.
Rand scrubbed his [yubi] through his [kami], already more damp with [ase] than with the [mizu] he had splashed in his [kao].
Rand scrubbed his fingers through his hair, already more damp with sweat than with the water he had splashed in his face.
He was sure there was something in the silent [kōkan] that he should understand, [shikashi] that [fezā hikari] [burashi] across his [kokoro] vanished before he could [tsukamimasu] it.
He was sure there was something in the silent exchange that he should understand, but that feather-light brush across his mind vanished before he could grasp it.
“What are we waiting for?”
“What are we waiting for?”
Mat demanded, the [hikui] [obi] of his [sukāfu] across his [gaku].
Mat demanded, the low band of his scarf across his forehead.
He had his [bou] across the [tsukagashira] of his [sadoru] with an [yajirushi] nocked, and his [yazutsu] pulled around on his [beruto] for an easy [rīchi].
He had his bow across the pommel of his saddle with an arrow nocked, and his quiver pulled around on his belt for an easy reach.
Moiraine opened her [me] and started down the [oka].
Moiraine opened her eyes and started down the hill.
“For me to [sakujo shimasu] the [saigo] [konseki] of what I did here [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt].
“For me to remove the last vestige of what I did here last night.
The [zan moto] would have dissipated on their own in a [ichi nichi], [shikashi] I will not take any [risuku] I can avoid now.
The residues would have dissipated on their own in a day, but I will not take any risk I can avoid now.
We are too [tojiru], and the [kage] is too strong here.
We are too close, and the Shadow is too strong here.
Lan?”
Lan?”
The [kanshu] only waited for her to settle in Aldieb’s [sadoru] before he led them [kita], toward the [yama] of Dhoom, looming in the near [kyori].
The Warder only waited for her to settle in Aldieb’s saddle before he led them north, toward the Mountains of Dhoom, looming in the near distance.
Even under the [hinode] the [chōten] [jōshō shita] [kuro] and lifeless, like jagged [ha].
Even under the sunrise the peaks rose black and lifeless, like jagged teeth.
In a [kabe] they stretched, [higashi] and [nishi] as far as the [me] could see.
In a wall they stretched, east and west as far as the eye could see.
“will we [rīchi] the [me] today, Moiraine Sedai?”
“Will we reach the Eye today, Moiraine Sedai?”
