The Eye of the World_51 Flashcards
1
Q
Lan’s [ken] sprang from its [saya] too fast for Rand’s [me] to follow.
A
Lan’s sword sprang from its scabbard too fast for Rand’s eye to follow.
2
Q
Yet the [kanshu] hesitated, [me] flickering to Moiraine, to Nynaeve.
A
Yet the Warder hesitated, eyes flickering to Moiraine, to Nynaeve.
3
Q
The two [josei] stood [yoku] apart; to put himself between either of them and the Forsaken would put him further from the [sonota].
A
The two women stood well apart; to put himself between either of them and the Forsaken would put him further from the other.
4
Q
Only for a heartbeat the [tamerai] lasted, [shikashi] as the [kanshu]’s [ashi] moved, Aginor raised his [te].
A
Only for a heartbeat the hesitation lasted, but as the Warder’s feet moved, Aginor raised his hand.
5
Q
It was a scornful [jesuchā], a flipping of his gnarled [yubi] as [baai] to shoo away a [furai].
A
It was a scornful gesture, a flipping of his gnarled fingers as if to shoo away a fly.
6
Q
The [kanshu] flew backwards through the [kūki] as though a huge [kobushi] had caught him.
A
The Warder flew backwards through the air as though a huge fist had caught him.
7
Q
With a [nibui] [dosa] Lan struck the [ishi] [āchi], hanging there for an instant before dropping in a flaccid [hīpu], his [ken] lying near his outstretched [te].
A
With a dull thud Lan struck the stone arch, hanging there for an instant before dropping in a flaccid heap, his sword lying near his outstretched hand.
8
Q
“NO!”
A
“NO!”
9
Q
Nynaeve screamed.
A
Nynaeve screamed.
10
Q
“Be still!”
A
“Be still!”
11
Q
Moiraine commanded, [shikashi] before anyone else could [ugokasu] the [chie]’s [naifu] had left her [beruto], and she was running toward the Forsaken, her small [ha] upraised.
A
Moiraine commanded, but before anyone else could move the Wisdom’s knife had left her belt, and she was running toward the Forsaken, her small blade upraised.
12
Q
“The [hikari] blind you,”
A
“The Light blind you,”
13
Q
she [saken da], striking at Aginor’s [mune].
A
she cried, striking at Aginor’s chest.
14
Q
The [sonota] Forsaken moved like a [dokuhebi].
A
The other Forsaken moved like a viper.
15
Q
[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] her [dageki] still fell, Balthamel’s [kawa]-cased [te] darted out to seize her [ago], [yubi] sinking into one [hō] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] [oyayubi] [hotta] into the [sonota], [unten] the [chi] out with their [atsuryoku] and raising the [furesshu] in pale [one].
A
While her blow still fell, Balthamel’s leather-cased hand darted out to seize her chin, fingers sinking into one cheek while thumb dug into the other, driving the blood out with their pressure and raising the flesh in pale ridges.
16
Q
A [keiren] wracked Nynaeve from [atama] to [tsumasaki], as [baai] she had been cracked like a [muchi].
A
A convulsion wracked Nynaeve from head to toe, as if she had been cracked like a whip.
17
Q
Her [naifu] dropped uselessly from dangling [yubi] as Balthamel lifted her by his [gurippu], brought her up to where the [kawa] [masuku] stared into her still-quivering [kao].
A
Her knife dropped uselessly from dangling fingers as Balthamel lifted her by his grip, brought her up to where the leather mask stared into her still-quivering face.
18
Q
Her [tsumasaki] spasmed a [ashi] above the [gurando]; [hana] rained from her [kami].
A
Her toes spasmed a foot above the ground; flowers rained from her hair.
19
Q
“I have almost forgotten the [yorokobi] of the [furesshu].”
A
“I have almost forgotten the pleasures of the flesh.”
20
Q
Aginor’s [shita] crossed his withered [kuchibiru], sounding like [ishi] on rough [kawa].
A
Aginor’s tongue crossed his withered lips, sounding like stone on rough leather.
21
Q
“[shikashi] Balthamel remembers much.”
A
“But Balthamel remembers much.”
22
Q
The [warai] of the [masuku] seemed to grow wilder, and the [nageki] that left Nynaeve burned Rand’s [mimi] like [zetsubō] ripped from her living [kokoro].
A
The laughter of the mask seemed to grow wilder, and the wail that left Nynaeve burned Rand’s ears like despair ripped from her living heart.
23
Q
Suddenly Egwene moved, and Rand [mimashita] that she was going to [tasukeru] Nynaeve.
A
Suddenly Egwene moved, and Rand saw that she was going to help Nynaeve.
24
Q
“Egwene, no!”
A
“Egwene, no!”
25
he shouted, **[shikashi] she did not [teishi].**
he shouted, but she did not stop.
26
His **[te] had gone to his [ken] at Nynaeve’s [sakebi], [shikashi] now he abandoned it and threw himself at Egwene.**
His hand had gone to his sword at Nynaeve’s cry, but now he abandoned it and threw himself at Egwene.
27
He thudded into her before she took her third **[suteppu], carrying them both to the [gurando].**
He thudded into her before she took her third step, carrying them both to the ground.
28
Egwene landed under him with a gasp, immediately thrashing to get **[muryō desu].**
Egwene landed under him with a gasp, immediately thrashing to get free.
29
**[tanin] were moving, too, he realized.**
Others were moving, too, he realized.
30
Perrin’s **[ono] whirled into his [te], and his [me] glowed golden and fierce.**
Perrin’s axe whirled into his hands, and his eyes glowed golden and fierce.
31
"**[chie]!"**
“Wisdom!”
32
Mat howled, the **[dagā] from Shadar Logoth in his [kobushi].**
Mat howled, the dagger from Shadar Logoth in his fist.
33
“No!”
“No!”
34
Rand called.
Rand called.
35
"You can’t **[tatakai] the Forsaken!"**
“You can’t fight the Forsaken!”
36
**[shikashi] they hashitta past him as [baai] they had not heard, their [me] on Nynaeve and the two Forsaken.**
But they ran past him as if they had not heard, their eyes on Nynaeve and the two Forsaken.
37
Aginor glanced at them, unconcernedly...
Aginor glanced at them, unconcernedly...
38
and smiled.
and smiled.
39
Rand **[kanjita] the [kūki] [kakimazeru] above him like the [kiretsu] of a [kyojin]’s [muchi].**
Rand felt the air stir above him like the crack of a giant’s whip.
40
Mat and Perrin, not even halfway to the Forsaken, stopped as **[baai] they had [jikkō] into a [kabe], bounced back to sprawl on the [gurando].**
Mat and Perrin, not even halfway to the Forsaken, stopped as if they had run into a wall, bounced back to sprawl on the ground.
41
"**[yoi],"**
“Good,”
42
Aginor said.
Aginor said.
43
"A fitting **[basho] for you.**
“A fitting place for you.
44
**[baai] you learn to abase yourself properly in [reihai] of us, I might let you live."**
If you learn to abase yourself properly in worship of us, I might let you live.”
45
Hastily Rand scrambled to his **[ashi].**
Hastily Rand scrambled to his feet.
46
Perhaps he could not **[tatakai] the Forsaken – no ordinary [ningen] could – [shikashi] he would not let them [shinjiru] for a [bun] that he was groveling before them.**
Perhaps he could not fight the Forsaken – no ordinary human could – but he would not let them believe for a minute that he was groveling before them.
47
He tried to **[tasukeru] Egwene up, [shikashi] she slapped his [te] away and stood by herself, angrily brushing off her [doresu].**
He tried to help Egwene up, but she slapped his hands away and stood by herself, angrily brushing off her dress.
48
Mat and Perrin had also stubbornly pushed themselves unsteadily erect.
Mat and Perrin had also stubbornly pushed themselves unsteadily erect.
49
“You will learn,”
“You will learn,”
50
Aginor said, "**[baai] you want to live.**
Aginor said, “if you want to live.
51
Now that I have found what I must”
Now that I have found what I need”
52
– his **[me] went to the [ishi] [āchi] – "I may take the [jikan] to [oshieru] you."**
– his eyes went to the stone archway – “I may take the time to teach you.”
53
“This shall not be!”
“This shall not be!”
54
The **[midori] [otoko] strode out of the [kigi] with a [koe] like [keiryō-ka] striking an [kodai] [ōku zai].**
The Green Man strode out of the trees with a voice like lightning striking an ancient oak.
55
"You do not **[zokushite imasu] here!"**
“You do not belong here!”
56
Aginor spared him a brief, contemptuous **[ichimoku].**
Aginor spared him a brief, contemptuous glance.
57
“Begone!
“Begone!
58
Your **[jikan] is ended, all your [shinsetsu] [shikashi] you long since [hokori].**
Your time is ended, all your kind but you long since dust.
59
Live what **[jinsei] is left to you and be glad you are beneath our [chūi shite kudasai]."**
Live what life is left to you and be glad you are beneath our notice.”
60
"This is my **[basho],"**
“This is my place,”
61
the **[midori] [otoko] said, "and you shall [kizutsuketa] no living [koto] here."**
the Green Man said, “and you shall hurt no living thing here.”
62
Balthamel tossed Nynaeve aside like a **[boro], and like a crumpled [boro] she fell, [me] staring, limp as [baai] all her [hone] had melted.**
Balthamel tossed Nynaeve aside like a rag, and like a crumpled rag she fell, eyes staring, limp as if all her bones had melted.
63
One **[kawa]-clad [te] lifted, and the [midori] [otoko] roared as [kemuri] [jōshō shita] from the [budō] that wove him.**
One leather-clad hand lifted, and the Green Man roared as smoke rose from the vines that wove him.
64
The **[kaze] in the [kigi] echoed his [itami].**
The wind in the trees echoed his pain.
65
Aginor turned back to Rand and the **[tanin], as [baai] the [midori] [otoko] had been dealt with, [shikashi] one long [sutoraido] and massive, leafy [ude] wrapped themselves around Balthamel, raising him high, crushing him against a [mune] of thick [tsuru], [kuro] [kawa] [masuku] laughing into [hēzerunattsu] [me] [kurai] with [ikari].**
Aginor turned back to Rand and the others, as if the Green Man had been dealt with, but one long stride and massive, leafy arms wrapped themselves around Balthamel, raising him high, crushing him against a chest of thick creepers, black leather mask laughing into hazelnut eyes dark with anger.
66
Like **[hebi] Balthamel’s [ude] writhed [muryō desu], his gloved [te] grasping the [midori] [otoko]’s [atama] as though he would [renchi] it off.**
Like serpents Balthamel’s arms writhed free, his gloved hands grasping the Green Man’s head as though he would wrench it off.
67
**[honoo] [shotto] up where those [te] touched, [budō] withering, leaves falling.**
Flames shot up where those hands touched, vines withering, leaves falling.
68
The **[midori] [otoko] bellowed as thick, [kurai] [kemuri] poured out between the [budō] of his [bodi].**
The Green Man bellowed as thick, dark smoke poured out between the vines of his body.
69
On and on he roared, as **[baai] all of him were coming out of his [kuchi no naka] with the [kemuri] that billowed between his [kuchibiru].**
On and on he roared, as if all of him were coming out of his mouth with the smoke that billowed between his lips.
70
Suddenly Balthamel jerked in the **[midori] [otoko]’s [tsukamimasu].**
Suddenly Balthamel jerked in the Green Man’s grasp.
71
The Forsaken’s **[te] tried to [pusshu] him away instead of clutching him.**
The Forsaken’s hands tried to push him away instead of clutching him.
72
One gloved **[te] flung wide...**
One gloved hand flung wide...
73
and a tiny **[kurīpā] [bāsuto] through the [kuro] [kawa].**
and a tiny creeper burst through the black leather.
74
A **[kin], such as [ringu] [kigi] in the [fukai] [kage] of the [mori], ringed his [āmu], sprang from nowhere to full-[zōshoku saseta], swelling to [kabā] the [nagasa] of it.**
A fungus, such as rings trees in the deep shadows of the forest, ringed his arm, sprang from nowhere to full-grown, swelling to cover the length of it.
75
Balthamel thrashed, and a **[shūto] of [kusai kusa] ripped [ōpun] his carapace, [chii rui] [hotta] in their [rūtsu] and split tiny [kiretsu] across the [kawa] of his [kao], [irakusa] broke the [me] of his [masuku], deathshead [kinoko] tore [ōpun] the [kuchi no naka].**
Balthamel thrashed, and a shoot of stinkweed ripped open his carapace, lichens dug in their roots and split tiny cracks across the leather of his face, nettles broke the eyes of his mask, deathshead mushrooms tore open the mouth.
76
The **[midori] [otoko] threw the Forsaken down.**
The Green Man threw the Forsaken down.
77
Balthamel twisted and jerked as all the **[monogoto] that grew in the [kurai] [basho], all the [monogoto] with spores, all the [monogoto] that loved the dank, swelled and grew, tore [nuno] and [kawa] and [furesshu]—Was it [furesshu], seen in that brief [shunkan] of verdant [gekido]?—to tattered [zutazuta] and covered him until only a [maundo] remained, indistinguishable from many in the shaded [fukasa] of the [midori] [mori], and the [maundo] moved no more than they.**
Balthamel twisted and jerked as all the things that grew in the dark places, all the things with spores, all the things that loved the dank, swelled and grew, tore cloth and leather and flesh—Was it flesh, seen in that brief moment of verdant rage?—to tattered shreds and covered him until only a mound remained, indistinguishable from many in the shaded depths of the green forest, and the mound moved no more than they.
78
With a **[umekigoe] like a [teashi] breaking under too great a [omosa], the [midori] [otoko] crashed to the [gurando].**
With a groan like a limb breaking under too great a weight, the Green Man crashed to the ground.
79
**[hanbun] his [atama] was charred [kuro].**
Half his head was charred black.
80
**[makihi ge] of [kemuri] still [jōshō shita] from him, like [gurē] [tsuru].**
Tendrils of smoke still rose from him, like gray creepers.
81
Burned leaves fell from his **[āmu] as he painfully stretched out his blackened [te] to gently [chawan] an [donguri].**
Burned leaves fell from his arm as he painfully stretched out his blackened hand to gently cup an acorn.
82
The **[chikyū] rumbled as an [ōku zai] [nae] pushed up between his [yubi].**
The earth rumbled as an oak seedling pushed up between his fingers.
83
The **[midori] [otoko]’s [atama] fell, [shikashi] the [nae] reached for the [nichi], straining.**
The Green Man’s head fell, but the seedling reached for the sun, straining.
84
**[rūtsu] [shotto] out and thickened, delved beneath the [gurando] and [jōshō shita] again, thickened more as they sank.**
Roots shot out and thickened, delved beneath the ground and rose again, thickened more as they sank.
85
The **[toranku] broadened and stretched upward, [juhi] turning [gurē] and fissured and [kodai].**
The trunk broadened and stretched upward, bark turning gray and fissured and ancient.
86
**[teashi] spread and grew heavy, as big as [ude], as big as [dansei], and lifted to caress the [sora], thick with [midori] leaves, dense with acorns.**
Limbs spread and grew heavy, as big as arms, as big as men, and lifted to caress the sky, thick with green leaves, dense with acorns.
87
The massive **[webu] of [rūtsu] turned the [chikyū] like [purau] as it spread; the already huge [toranku] shivered, grew wider, round as a [hausu].**
The massive web of roots turned the earth like plows as it spread; the already huge trunk shivered, grew wider, round as a house.
88
**[shizukesa] came.**
Stillness came.
89
And an **[ōku zai] that could have stood five hundred [toshi] covered the [supotto] where the [midori] [otoko] had been, [mākingu] the [haka] of a [densetsu].**
And an oak that could have stood five hundred years covered the spot where the Green Man had been, marking the tomb of a legend.
90
Nynaeve lay on the gnarled **[rūtsu], [zōshoku saseta] curved to her [keijō], to make a [shindai] for her to [nokori] upon.**
Nynaeve lay on the gnarled roots, grown curved to her shape, to make a bed for her to rest upon.
91
The **[kaze] sighed through the [ōku zai]’s [eda]; it seemed to [zatsuon] [o-wakare].**
The wind sighed through the oak’s branches; it seemed to murmur farewell.
92
Even Aginor seemed stunned.
Even Aginor seemed stunned.
93
Then his **[atama] lifted, cavernous [me] [moeru] with [kirai].**
Then his head lifted, cavernous eyes burning with hate.
94
“Enough!
“Enough!
95
It is past **[jikan] to [owari] this!"**
It is past time to end this!”
96
“Yes, Forsaken,”
“Yes, Forsaken,”
97
Moiraine said, her **[koe] as [samui] as [fukai fuyu] [kōri].**
Moiraine said, her voice as cold as deep-winter ice.
98
"Past **[jikan]!"**
“Past time!”
99
The Aes Sedai’s **[te] [jōshō shita], and the [gurando] fell away beneath Aginor’s [ashi].**
The Aes Sedai’s hand rose, and the ground fell away beneath Aginor’s feet.
100
**[honoo] roared from the [wareme], whipped to a [gyakujō] by [kaze] howling in from every [hōkō], sucking a [dai konran] of leaves into the [kasai], which seemed to solidify into a [akai]-streaked [kiiro] [zerī] of pure [netsu].**
Flame roared from the chasm, whipped to a frenzy by wind howling in from every direction, sucking a maelstrom of leaves into the fire, which seemed to solidify into a red-streaked yellow jelly of pure heat.
101
In the **[mannaka] of it Aginor stood, his [ashi] supported only by [kūki].**
In the middle of it Aginor stood, his feet supported only by air.
102
The Forsaken looked startled, **[shikashi] then he smiled and took a [suteppu] forward.**
The Forsaken looked startled, but then he smiled and took a step forward.
103
It was a **[osoi] [suteppu], as [baai] the [kasai] tried to [rūto] him to the [supotto], [shikashi] he took it, and then another.**
It was a slow step, as if the fire tried to root him to the spot, but he took it, and then another.
104
"**[jikkō]!"**
“Run!”
105
Moiraine commanded.
Moiraine commanded.
106
Her **[kao] was [shiroi] with [hizumi].**
Her face was white with strain.
107
"All of you **[jikkō]!"**
“All of you run!”
108
Aginor stepped across the **[kūki], toward the [hashi] of the [honoo].**
Aginor stepped across the air, toward the edge of the flames.
109
Rand was aware of **[tanin] moving, Mat and Perrin dashing away at the [hashi] of his [bijon], Loial’s long [ashi] carrying him into the [kigi], [shikashi] all he could really see was Egwene.**
Rand was aware of others moving, Mat and Perrin dashing away at the edge of his vision, Loial’s long legs carrying him into the trees, but all he could really see was Egwene.
110
She stood there rigid, **[kao] pale and [me] closed.**
She stood there rigid, face pale and eyes closed.
111
It was not **[kyōfu] that held her, he realized.**
It was not fear that held her, he realized.
112
She was trying to, throw her puny, untrained wielding of the **[dengen o on ni shimasu] against the Forsaken.**
She was trying to, throw her puny, untrained wielding of the Power against the Forsaken.
113
Roughly he grabbed her **[āmu] and pulled her around to [kao] him.**
Roughly he grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him.
114
"**[jikkō]!"**
“Run!”
115
he shouted at her.
he shouted at her.
116
Her **[me] opened, staring at him, angry with him for interfering, [ekitai] with [kirai] for Aginor, with [kyōfu] of the Forsaken.**
Her eyes opened, staring at him, angry with him for interfering, liquid with hate for Aginor, with fear of the Forsaken.
117
"**[jikkō],"**
“Run,”
118
he said, pushing her toward the **[kigi] hard enough to [kaishi, hajimeru] her.**
he said, pushing her toward the trees hard enough to start her.
119
"**[jikkō]!"**
“Run!”
120
Once started, she did **[jikkō].**
Once started, she did run.
121
**[shikashi] Aginor’s withered [kao] turned toward him, toward the running Egwene behind him, as the Forsaken walked through the [honoo], as [baai] what the Aes Sedai was doing did not [kenen] Aginor at all.**
But Aginor’s withered face turned toward him, toward the running Egwene behind him, as the Forsaken walked through the flames, as if what the Aes Sedai was doing did not concern Aginor at all.
122
Toward Egwene.
Toward Egwene.
123
“Not her!”
“Not her!”
124
Rand shouted.
Rand shouted.
125
"The **[hikari] [yakedo] you, not her!"**
“The Light burn you, not her!”
126
He snatched up a **[iwa] and threw it, [imi] to [dorō] Aginor’s [chūi].**
He snatched up a rock and threw it, meaning to draw Aginor’s attention.
127
Halfway to the Forsaken’s **[kao], the [ishi] turned to a [ichi nigiri] of [hokori].**
Halfway to the Forsaken’s face, the stone turned to a handful of dust.
128
He hesitated only a **[shunkan], long enough to [ichimoku] over his [kata] and see that Egwene was hidden in the [kigi].**
He hesitated only a moment, long enough to glance over his shoulder and see that Egwene was hidden in the trees.
129
The **[honoo] still surrounded Aginor, [pacchi] of his [gaitō] smoldering, [shikashi] he walked as [baai] he had all the [jikan] in the [sekai], and the [kasai]’s [rimu] was near.**
The flames still surrounded Aginor, patches of his cloak smoldering, but he walked as if he had all the time in the world, and the fire’s rim was near.
130
Rand turned and hashitta.
Rand turned and ran.
131
Behind him he heard Moiraine begin to **[himei].**
Behind him he heard Moiraine begin to scream.
132
**[akira] 51**
Chapter 51
133
Against the **[kage]**
Against the Shadow
134
The **[tochi] tended upward the [michi] Rand went, [shikashi] [kyōfu] [kashita] his [ashi] [tsuyosa] and they ate [gurando] in long [zenshin], tearing his [michi] through flowering [busshu] and [no motsure] of [wairudorōzu], scattering [hanabira], not caring [baai] [toge] ripped his [fuku] or even his [furesshu].**
The land tended upward the way Rand went, but fear lent his legs strength and they ate ground in long strides, tearing his way through flowering bushes and tangles of wildrose, scattering petals, not caring if thorns ripped his clothes or even his flesh.
135
Moiraine had stopped screaming.
Moiraine had stopped screaming.
136
It seemed as **[baai] the [kanakirigoe] had gone on forever, each one more [nodo]-wrenching than the [saigo], [shikashi] he knew they had lasted only [shunkan] altogether.**
It seemed as if the shrieks had gone on forever, each one more throat-wrenching than the last, but he knew they had lasted only moments altogether.
137
**[shunkan] before Aginor would be on his [toreiru].**
Moments before Aginor would be on his trail.
138
He knew it would be him that Aginor followed.
He knew it would be him that Aginor followed.
139
He had seen the **[kakujitsu] in the Forsaken’s [nakazora] [me], in that [saigo] [ni] before [kyōfu] whipped his [ashi] to [jikkō].**
He had seen the certainty in the Forsaken’s hollow eyes, in that last second before terror whipped his feet to run.
140
The **[tochi] grew ever steeper, [shikashi] he scrambled on, pulling himself forward by [nigiri] of [shitakusa], [iwa] and [yogore] and leaves spilling down the [surōpu] from under his [ashi], finally crawling on [te] and [hiza] when the [suranto] became too great.**
The land grew ever steeper, but he scrambled on, pulling himself forward by handfuls of undergrowth, rocks and dirt and leaves spilling down the slope from under his feet, finally crawling on hands and knees when the slant became too great.
141
Ahead, above, it leveled out a little.
Ahead, above, it leveled out a little.
142
Panting, he scrabbled his **[michi] the [saigo] few [supan], got to his [ashi], and stopped, wanting to [hauru] aloud.**
Panting, he scrabbled his way the last few spans, got to his feet, and stopped, wanting to howl aloud.
143
Ten **[hochō] in [furonto] of him, the [oka no ue] dropped away sharply.**
Ten paces in front of him, the hilltop dropped away sharply.
144
He knew what he would see before he reached it, **[shikashi] he took the [suteppu] anyway, each heavier than the one before, hoping there might be some [torakku], a [yagi] [michisuji], anything.**
He knew what he would see before he reached it, but he took the steps anyway, each heavier than the one before, hoping there might be some track, a goat path, anything.
145
At the **[hashi] he looked down a sheer [hyaku ashi] [otosu, shizuku], a [ishi] [kabe] as smooth as planed [mokuzai].**
At the edge he looked down a sheer hundred-foot drop, a stone wall as smooth as planed timber.
146
There has to be some **[michi].**
There has to be some way.
147
I’ll go back and find a **[michi] around.**
I’ll go back and find a way around.
148
go back and —When he turned, Aginor was there, just reaching the crest.
Go back and —When he turned, Aginor was there, just reaching the crest.
149
The Forsaken topped the **[oka] without any [muzukashisa], walking up the steep [surōpu] as [baai] it were [reberu] [gurando].**
The Forsaken topped the hill without any difficulty, walking up the steep slope as if it were level ground.
150
**[fukai]-sunken [me] burned at him from that drawn [yōhishi] [kao]; somehow, it seemed less withered than before, more fleshed, as [baai] Aginor had fed [yoku] on something.**
Deep-sunken eyes burned at him from that drawn parchment face; somehow, it seemed less withered than before, more fleshed, as if Aginor had fed well on something.
151
Those **[me] were fixed on him, yet when Aginor spoke, it was almost to himself.**
Those eyes were fixed on him, yet when Aginor spoke, it was almost to himself.
152
"Ba’alzamon will give rewards beyond **[shisu] dreaming for the one who brings you to Shayol Ghul.**
“Ba’alzamon will give rewards beyond mortal dreaming for the one who brings you to Shayol Ghul.
153
Yet my dreams have always been beyond those of **[sonota] [dansei], and I left [shibō] behind millennia ago.**
Yet my dreams have always been beyond those of other men, and I left mortality behind millennia ago.
154
What **[chigai] [baai] you serve the Great [omo] of the [Kurai] alive or [shin da]?**
What difference if you serve the Great Lord of the Dark alive or dead?
155
None, to the spread of the **[kage].**
None, to the spread of the Shadow.
156
Why should I **[kyōyū shite imasu] [dengen o on ni shimasu] with you?**
Why should I share power with you?
157
Why should I **[mage] [hiza] to you?**
Why should I bend knee to you?
158
I, who faced Lews Therin Telamon in the **[hōru] of the [kōmuin] itself.**
I, who faced Lews Therin Telamon in the Hall of the Servants itself.
159
I, who threw my might against the **[omo] of the [asa] and met him [sutorōku] for [sutorōku].**
I, who threw my might against the Lord of the Morning and met him stroke for stroke.
160
I think not.”
I think not.”
161
Rand’s **[kuchi no naka] dried like [hokori]; his [shita] [kanjita] as shriveled as Aginor.**
Rand’s mouth dried like dust; his tongue felt as shriveled as Aginor.
162
The **[hashi] of the [zeppeki] grated under his [kakato], [ishi] falling away.**
The edge of the precipice grated under his heels, stone falling away.
163
He did not dare **[hyōjō] back, [shikashi] he heard the [iwa] bounding and rebounding from the sheer [kabe], just as his [bodi] would [baai] he moved another [inchi].**
He did not dare look back, but he heard the rocks bounding and rebounding from the sheer wall, just as his body would if he moved another inch.
164
It was the **[saisho] he knew that he had been backing up, away from the Forsaken.**
It was the first he knew that he had been backing up, away from the Forsaken.
165
His **[hada] crawled until he [shikō] he must see it writhing [baai] he looked, [baai] he could only take his [me] off the Forsaken.**
His skin crawled until he thought he must see it writhing if he looked, if he could only take his eyes off the Forsaken.
166
There has to be some **[michi] to get away from him.**
There has to be some way to get away from him.
167
Some **[michi] to [dasshutsu]!**
Some way to escape!
168
There has to be!
There has to be!
169
Some **[michi]!**
Some way!
170
Suddenly he **[kanjita] something, [mimashita] it, though he knew it was not there to see.**
Suddenly he felt something, saw it, though he knew it was not there to see.
171
A glowing **[rōpu] hashitta off from Aginor, behind him, [shiroi] like [nikkō] seen through the purest [kumo], heavier than a [tanya ya]’s [āmu], lighter than [kūki], connecting the Forsaken to something distant beyond knowing, something within the [tacchi] of Rand’s [te].**
A glowing rope ran off from Aginor, behind him, white like sunlight seen through the purest cloud, heavier than a blacksmith’s arm, lighter than air, connecting the Forsaken to something distant beyond knowing, something within the touch of Rand’s hand.
172
The **[rōpu] pulsed, and with every throb Aginor grew stronger, more fully fleshed, a [otoko] as tall and strong as himself, a [otoko] harder than the [kanshu], more deadly than the [kōhai].**
The rope pulsed, and with every throb Aginor grew stronger, more fully fleshed, a man as tall and strong as himself, a man harder than the Warder, more deadly than the Blight.
173
Yet beside that shining **[kōdo], the Forsaken seemed almost not to exist.**
Yet beside that shining cord, the Forsaken seemed almost not to exist.
174
The **[kōdo] was all.**
The cord was all.
175
It hummed.
It hummed.
176
It sang.
It sang.
177
It called Rand’s **[tamashī].**
It called Rand’s soul.
178
One bright **[yubi kusari] lifted away, drifted, touched him, and he gasped.**
One bright finger-strand lifted away, drifted, touched him, and he gasped.
179
**[hikari] filled him, and [netsu] that should have burned yet only warmed as [baai] it took the [samusa] of the [haka] from his [hone].**
Light filled him, and heat that should have burned yet only warmed as if it took the chill of the grave from his bones.
180
The **[suto rando] thickened.**
The strand thickened.
181
I have to get away!
I have to get away!
182
“No!”
“No!”
183
Aginor shouted.
Aginor shouted.
184
“You shall not have it!
“You shall not have it!
185
It is mine!”
It is mine!”
186
Rand did not **[ugokasu], and neither did the Forsaken, yet they fought as surely as [baai] they grappled in the [hokori].**
Rand did not move, and neither did the Forsaken, yet they fought as surely as if they grappled in the dust.
187
**[ase] beaded on Aginor’s [kao], no longer withered, no longer old, that of a strong [otoko] in his prime.**
Sweat beaded on Aginor’s face, no longer withered, no longer old, that of a strong man in his prime.
188
Rand pulsed with the beating in the **[kōdo], like the heartbeat of the [sekai].**
Rand pulsed with the beating in the cord, like the heartbeat of the world.
189
It filled his **[kōfuku].**
It filled his being.
190
**[hikari] filled his [kokoro], till only a [kōnā] was left for what was himself.**
Light filled his mind, till only a corner was left for what was himself.
191
He wrapped the void around that **[nūku]; sheltered in [kūkyo].**
He wrapped the void around that nook; sheltered in emptiness.
192
“Away!
“Away!
193
mine!”
Mine!”
194
Aginor **[saken da].**
Aginor cried.
195
“mine!”
“Mine!”
196
**[atataka] built in Rand, the [atataka] of the [nichi], the [kagayaki] of the [nichi], bursting, the awful [kagayaki] of [hikari], of the [hikari].**
Warmth built in Rand, the warmth of the sun, the radiance of the sun, bursting, the awful radiance of light, of the Light.
197
Away!
Away!
198
“mine!”
“Mine!”
199
**[honoo] [shotto] from Aginor’s [kuchi no naka], broke through his [me] like [yari] of [kasai], and he screamed.**
Flame shot from Aginor’s mouth, broke through his eyes like spears of fire, and he screamed.
200
Away!
Away!
201
And Rand was no longer on the **[oka no ue].**
And Rand was no longer on the hilltop.
202
He quivered with the **[hikari] that suffused him.**
He quivered with the Light that suffused him.
203
His **[kokoro] would not [shigoto]; [hikari] and [netsu] blinded it.**
His mind would not work; light and heat blinded it.
204
The **[hikari].**
The Light.
205
In the **[tadanaka] of the void, the [hikari] blinded his [kokoro], stunned him with awe.**
In the midst of the void, the Light blinded his mind, stunned him with awe.
206
He stood in a broad **[yama] pass, surrounded by jagged [kuro] [chōten] like the [ha] of the [Kurai] One.**
He stood in a broad mountain pass, surrounded by jagged black peaks like the teeth of the Dark One.
207
It was real; he was there.
It was real; he was there.
208
He **[kanjita] the [iwa] under his [būtsu], the icy [soyokaze] on his [kao].**
He felt the rocks under his boots, the icy breeze on his face.
209
**[tatakai] surrounded him, or the [o] [owari] of [tatakai].**
Battle surrounded him, or the tail end of battle.
210
Armored **[dansei] on armored [uma], shining [hagane] dusty now, slashed and stabbed at snarling Trollocs wielding spiked axes and [kama]-like [ken].**
Armored men on armored horses, shining steel dusty now, slashed and stabbed at snarling Trollocs wielding spiked axes and scythe-like swords.
211
Some **[dansei] fought afoot, their [uma] down, and barded [uma] galloped through the [tatakai] with empty [sadoru].**
Some men fought afoot, their horses down, and barded horses galloped through the fight with empty saddles.
212
Fades moved among them all, **[yoru, kishi\_knt]-[kuro] [gaitō] hanging still however their [kurai] mounts galloped, and wherever their [hikari]-eating [ken] swung, [dansei] died.**
Fades moved among them all, night-black cloaks hanging still however their dark mounts galloped, and wherever their light-eating swords swung, men died.
213
**[saundo] [bīto] at Rand, [bīto] at him and bounced from the [iwakan] that had him by the [nodo].**
Sound beat at Rand, beat at him and bounced from the strangeness that had him by the throat.
214
The **[shōtotsu] of [hagane] against [hagane], the panting and grunting of [dansei] and Trollocs striving, the [himei] of [dansei] and Trollocs dying.**
The clash of steel against steel, the panting and grunting of men and Trollocs striving, the screams of men and Trollocs dying.
215
Over the din, **[banā] waved in [hokori]-filled [kūki].**
Over the din, banners waved in dust-filled air.
216
The **[kuro] [hōku] of [faru] Dara, the [shiroi] [hāto] of Shienar, [tanin].**
The Black Hawk of Fal Dara, the White Hart of Shienar, others.
217
And Trolloc **[banā].**
And Trolloc banners.
218
In just the little **[supēsu] around him he [mimashita] the horned [zugaikotsu] of the Dha’[maki], the [chi]-[akai] [toraidento] of the Ko’bal, the [tetsu] [kobushi] of the Dhai’mon.**
In just the little space around him he saw the horned skull of the Dha’vol, the blood-red trident of the Ko’bal, the iron fist of the Dhai’mon.
219
Yet it was indeed the **[o] [owari] of [tatakai], a pausing, as [ningen] and Trollocs alike fell back to [sai gurūpu-ka].**
Yet it was indeed the tail end of battle, a pausing, as humans and Trollocs alike fell back to regroup.
220
None seemed to **[chūi shite kudasai] Rand as they paid a few [saigo] [sutorōku] and broke away, galloping, or running in a [kuichigai], to the [shūryō] of the pass.**
None seemed to notice Rand as they paid a few last strokes and broke away, galloping, or running in a stagger, to the ends of the pass.
221
Rand found himself facing the **[owari] of the pass where the [ningen] were re-forming, [penanto] stirring beneath gleaming lancepoints.**
Rand found himself facing the end of the pass where the humans were re-forming, pennants stirring beneath gleaming lancepoints.
222
Wounded **[dansei] wavered in their [sadoru].**
Wounded men wavered in their saddles.
223
Riderless **[uma] reared and galloped.**
Riderless horses reared and galloped.
224
Plainly they could not stand another **[kaigi], yet just as plainly they readied themselves for one final [tantō].**
Plainly they could not stand another meeting, yet just as plainly they readied themselves for one final charge.
225
Some of them **[mimashita] him now; [dansei] stood in their [abumi] to [pointo] at him.**
Some of them saw him now; men stood in their stirrups to point at him.
226
Their **[sakebu] came to him as tiny piping.**
Their shouts came to him as tiny piping.
227
Staggering, he turned.
Staggering, he turned.
228
The **[chikara] of the [Kurai] One filled the [sonota] [owari] of the pass, bristling [kuro] [paiku] and spearpoints swelling up onto [yama] [shamen] made blacker still by the great [masu] of Trollocs that dwarfed the [guntai] of Shienar.**
The forces of the Dark One filled the other end of the pass, bristling black pikes and spearpoints swelling up onto mountain slopes made blacker still by the great mass of Trollocs that dwarfed the army of Shienar.
229
Fades in hundreds rode across the **[furonto] of the horde, the fierce, muzzled [kao] of Trollocs turning away in [kyōfu] as they passed, huge [bodi] pulling back to make [michi].**
Fades in hundreds rode across the front of the horde, the fierce, muzzled faces of Trollocs turning away in fear as they passed, huge bodies pulling back to make way.
230
Overhead, Draghkar wheeled on **[kawa] [pinion], [kanakirigoe] challenging the [kaze].**
Overhead, Draghkar wheeled on leathery pinions, shrieks challenging the wind.
231
Halfmen **[mimashita] him now, too, pointed, and Draghkar spun and [hato].**
Halfmen saw him now, too, pointed, and Draghkar spun and dove.
232
Two.
Two.
233
Three.
Three.
234
Six of them, crying shrilly as they plummeted toward him.
Six of them, crying shrilly as they plummeted toward him.
235
He stared at them.
He stared at them.
236
**[netsu] filled him, the [moeru] [netsu] of the touched [nichi].**
Heat filled him, the burning heat of the touched sun.
237
He could see the Draghkar clearly, soulless **[me] in pale [dansei]’s [kao] on winged [bodi] that had nothing of [jinrui] about them.**
He could see the Draghkar clearly, soulless eyes in pale men’s faces on winged bodies that had nothing of humanity about them.
238
Terrible **[netsu].**
Terrible heat.
239
Crackling **[netsu].**
Crackling heat.
240
From the clear **[sora] [keiryō-ka] came, each [boruto] crisp and sharp, searing his [me], each [boruto] striking a winged [kuro] [keijō].**
From the clear sky lightning came, each bolt crisp and sharp, searing his eyes, each bolt striking a winged black shape.
241
Hunting **[sakebi] became [kanakirigoe] of [shi], and charred forms fell to [kyūka] the [sora] clean again.**
Hunting cries became shrieks of death, and charred forms fell to leave the sky clean again.
242
The **[netsu].**
The heat.
243
The terrible **[netsu] of the [hikari].**
The terrible heat of the Light.
244
He fell to his **[hiza]; he [shikō] he could hear his [namida] sizzling on his [hō].**
He fell to his knees; he thought he could hear his tears sizzling on his cheeks.
245
“No!”
“No!”
246
He clutched at **[bō] of wiry [kusa] for some hold on [genjitsu]; the [kusa] [bāsuto] in [honoo].**
He clutched at tufts of wiry grass for some hold on reality; the grass burst in flame.
247
“Please, nooooooo!”
“Please, nooooooo!”
248
The **[kaze] [jōshō shita] with his [koe], howled with his [koe], roared with his [koe] down the pass, whipping the [honoo] to a [kabe] of [kasai] that sped away from him and toward the Trolloc [hosuto] faster than a [uma] could [jikkō].**
The wind rose with his voice, howled with his voice, roared with his voice down the pass, whipping the flames to a wall of fire that sped away from him and toward the Trolloc host faster than a horse could run.
249
**[kasai] burned into the Trollocs, and the [yama] trembled with their [himei], [himei] almost as loud as the [kaze] and his [koe].**
Fire burned into the Trollocs, and the mountains trembled with their screams, screams almost as loud as the wind and his voice.
250
"It has to **[owari]!"**
“It has to end!”
251
He **[bīto] at the [gurando] with his [kobushi], and the [chikyū] tolled like a [gongu].**
He beat at the ground with his fist, and the earth tolled like a gong.
252
He bruised his **[te] on stony [dojō], and the [chikyū] trembled.**
He bruised his hands on stony soil, and the earth trembled.
253
**[hamon] hashitta through the [gurando] ahead of him in ever-rising [nami], [nami] of [yogore] and [iwa] towering over Trollocs and Fades, breaking over them as the [yama] shattered under their hooved [ashi].**
Ripples ran through the ground ahead of him in ever-rising waves, waves of dirt and rock towering over Trollocs and Fades, breaking over them as the mountains shattered under their hooved feet.
254
A boiling **[masu] of [furesshu] and [gareki] churned across the Trolloc [guntai].**
A boiling mass of flesh and rubble churned across the Trolloc army.
255
What was left standing was still a mighty **[hosuto], [shikashi] now no more than twice the [ningen] [guntai] in [sūji], and milling in fright and [konran].**
What was left standing was still a mighty host, but now no more than twice the human army in numbers, and milling in fright and confusion.
256
The **[kaze] died.**
The wind died.
257
The **[himei] died.**
The screams died.
258
The **[chikyū] was still.**
The earth was still.
259
**[hokori] and [kemuri] swirled back down the pass to surround him.**
Dust and smoke swirled back down the pass to surround him.
260
"The **[hikari] blind you, Ba’alzamon!**
“The Light blind you, Ba’alzamon!
261
This has to **[owari]!"**
This has to end!”
262
IT IS NOT HERE.
IT IS NOT HERE.
263
It was not Rand’s **[shikō], [tsukuri] his [zugaikotsu] vibrate.**
It was not Rand’s thought, making his skull vibrate.
264
I will TAKE NO **[ichibu].**
I WILL TAKE NO PART.
265
ONLY THE CHOSEN ONE can DO WHAT must BE DONE, **[baai] HE will.**
ONLY THE CHOSEN ONE CAN DO WHAT MUST BE DONE, IF HE WILL.
266
“Where?”
“Where?”
267
He did not want to say it, **[shikashi] he could not [teishi] himself.**
He did not want to say it, but he could not stop himself.
268
“Where?”
“Where?”
269
The **[heizu] [shūi] him parted, leaving a [dōmu] of clear, clean [kūki] ten [supan] high, walled by billowing [kemuri] and [hokori].**
The haze surrounding him parted, leaving a dome of clear, clean air ten spans high, walled by billowing smoke and dust.
270
**[suteppu] [jōshō shita] before him, each standing alone and unsupported, stretching up into the murk that obscured the [nichi].**
Steps rose before him, each standing alone and unsupported, stretching up into the murk that obscured the sun.
271
NOT HERE.
NOT HERE.
272
Through the **[misuto], as from the far [owari] of the [chikyū], came a [sakebi].**
Through the mist, as from the far end of the earth, came a cry.
273
"The **[hikari] [yuigon] it!"**
“The Light wills it!”
274
The **[gurando] rumbled with the [kaminari] of hooves as the [chikara] of [jinrui] launched their [saigo] [tantō].**
The ground rumbled with the thunder of hooves as the forces of humankind launched their last charge.
275
Within the void, his **[kokoro] knew a [shunkan] of [panikku].**
Within the void, his mind knew a moment of panic.
276
The charging **[kishu] could not see him in the [hokori]; their [tantō] would trample [migi] over him.**
The charging horsemen could not see him in the dust; their charge would trample right over him.
277
The greater **[ichibu] of him ignored the shaking [gurando] as a petty [koto] beneath [kenen].**
The greater part of him ignored the shaking ground as a petty thing beneath concern.
278
**[nibui] [ikari] [unten] his [ashi], he mounted the [saisho] [suteppu].**
Dull anger driving his feet, he mounted the first steps.
279
It has to be ended!
It has to be ended!
280
**[yami] surrounded him, the utter [kurosa] of total nothing.**
Darkness surrounded him, the utter blackness of total nothing.
281
The **[suteppu] were still there, hanging in the [kuro], under his [ashi] and ahead.**
The steps were still there, hanging in the black, under his feet and ahead.
282
When he looked back, those behind were gone, faded away to nothing, into the **[kyomu] around him.**
When he looked back, those behind were gone, faded away to nothing, into the nothingness around him.
283
**[shikashi] the [kōdo] was yet there, stretching behind him, the glowing [rain] dwindling and vanishing into the [kyori].**
But the cord was yet there, stretching behind him, the glowing line dwindling and vanishing into the distance.
284
It was not so thick as before, **[shikashi] it still pulsed, [ponpu] [tsuyosa] into him, [ponpu] [jinsei], filling him with the [hikari].**
It was not so thick as before, but it still pulsed, pumping strength into him, pumping life, filling him with the Light.
285
He climbed.
He climbed.
286
It seemed forever that he climbed.
It seemed forever that he climbed.
287
Forever, and **[bun].**
Forever, and minutes.
288
**[jikan] stood still in [kyomu].**
Time stood still in nothingness.
289
**[jikan] hashitta faster.**
Time ran faster.
290
He climbed until suddenly a **[tobira] stood before him, its [hyōmen] rough and splintered and old, a [tobira] [yoku] remembered.**
He climbed until suddenly a door stood before him, its surface rough and splintered and old, a door well remembered.
291
He touched it, and it **[bāsuto] to [danpen].**
He touched it, and it burst to fragments.
292
**[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] they still fell, he stepped through, [bitto] of shattered [mokuzai] falling from his [kata].**
While they still fell, he stepped through, bits of shattered wood falling from his shoulders.
293
The **[shitsu], too, was as he remembered, the mad, striated [sora] beyond the [barukonī], the melted [kabe], the polished [hyō], the terrible [danro] with its roaring, heatless [honoo].**
The chamber, too, was as he remembered, the mad, striated sky beyond the balcony, the melted walls, the polished table, the terrible fireplace with its roaring, heatless flames.
294
Some of those **[kao] that made the [danro], writhing in [kutsū], shrieking in [chinmoku], tugged at his [memori] as [baai] he knew them, [shikashi] he held the void [tojiru], floated within himself in [kūkyo].**
Some of those faces that made the fireplace, writhing in torment, shrieking in silence, tugged at his memory as if he knew them, but he held the void close, floated within himself in emptiness.
295
He was alone.
He was alone.
296
When he looked at the **[mirā] on the [kabe], his [kao] was there as clear as [baai] it was him.**
When he looked at the mirror on the wall, his face was there as clear as if it was him.
297
There is calm in the void.
There is calm in the void.
298
“Yes,”
“Yes,”
299
Ba’alzamon said from in **[furonto] of the [danro], "I [shikō] Aginor’s greed would overcome him.**
Ba’alzamon said from in front of the fireplace, “I thought Aginor’s greed would overcome him.
300
**[shikashi] it makes no [chigai] in the [owari].**
But it makes no difference in the end.
301
A long **[kensaku], [shikashi] ended now.**
A long search, but ended now.
302
You are here, and I know you.”
You are here, and I know you.”
303
In the **[tadanaka] of the [hikari] the void drifted, and in the [tadanaka] of the void floated Rand.**
In the midst of the Light the void drifted, and in the midst of the void floated Rand.
304
He reached for the **[dojō] of his home, and [kanjita] hard [iwa], unyielding and [dorai], [ishi] without [zannen], where only the strong could survive, only those as hard as the [yama].**
He reached for the soil of his home, and felt hard rock, unyielding and dry, stone without pity, where only the strong could survive, only those as hard as the mountains.
305
“I am tired of running.”
“I am tired of running.”
306
He could not **[shinjiru] his [koe] was so calm.**
He could not believe his voice was so calm.
307
"Tired of you threatening my **[yūjin].**
“Tired of you threatening my friends.
308
I will **[jikkō] no more."**
I will run no more.”
309
Ba’alzamon had a **[kōdo], too, he [mimashita].**
Ba’alzamon had a cord, too, he saw.
310
A **[kuro] [kōdo], thicker by far than his own, so wide it should have dwarfed the [ningen] [bodi], yet dwarfed by Ba’alzamon, instead.**
A black cord, thicker by far than his own, so wide it should have dwarfed the human body, yet dwarfed by Ba’alzamon, instead.
311
Each **[parusu] along that [kuro] [jōmyaku] ate [hikari].**
Each pulse along that black vein ate light.
312
"You think it makes any **[chigai], whether you [jikkō] or [taizai]?"**
“You think it makes any difference, whether you run or stay?”
313
The **[honoo] of Ba’alzamon’s [kuchi no naka] laughed.**
The flames of Ba’alzamon’s mouth laughed.
314
The **[kao] in the [irori] wept at their [shujin]’s [warai].**
The faces in the hearth wept at their master’s mirth.
315
"You have fled from me many **[kai], and each [jikan] I [jikkō] you down and make you eat your [puraido] with sniveling [namida] for [supaisu].**
“You have fled from me many times, and each time I run you down and make you eat your pride with sniveling tears for spice.
316
Many **[kai] you have stood and fought, then groveled in [haiboku], begging [jihi].**
Many times you have stood and fought, then groveled in defeat, begging mercy.
317
You have this **[sentaku], [wāmu], and this [sentaku] only: kneel at my [ashi] and serve me [yoku], and I will give you [dengen o on ni shimasu] above [ōza]; or be [tāru] Valon’s [ningyō] [baka] and [himei] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] you are [gurando] into the [hokori] of [jikan]."**
You have this choice, worm, and this choice only: kneel at my feet and serve me well, and I will give you power above thrones; or be Tar Valon’s puppet fool and scream while you are ground into the dust of time.”
318
Rand shifted, glancing back through the **[tobira] as [baai] seeking a [michi] to [dasshutsu].**
Rand shifted, glancing back through the door as if seeking a way to escape.
319
Let the **[Kurai] One think that.**
Let the Dark One think that.
320
Beyond the **[toguchi] was still the [kuro] of nothing, split by the shining [sureddo] that hashitta from his [bodi].**
Beyond the doorway was still the black of nothing, split by the shining thread that ran from his body.
321
And out there Ba’alzamon’s heavier **[kōdo] hashitta as [yoku], so [kuro] that it stood out in the [kurai] as [baai] against [yuki].**
And out there Ba’alzamon’s heavier cord ran as well, so black that it stood out in the dark as if against snow.
322
The two **[kōdo] [bīto] like [kokoro]-[jōmyaku] in [kauntā ji], against each [sonota], the [hikari] barely resisting the [nami] of [kurai].**
The two cords beat like heart-veins in counter-time, against each other, the light barely resisting the waves of dark.
323
"There are **[sonota] [sentakushi],"**
“There are other choices,”
324
Rand said.
Rand said.
325
"The **[hoīru] weaves the [moyō], not you.**
“The Wheel weaves the Pattern, not you.
326
Every **[torappu] you’ve laid for me, I have escaped.**
Every trap you’ve laid for me, I have escaped.
327
I’ve escaped your Fades and Trollocs, escaped your **[Kurai-yūjin]**.
I’ve escaped your Fades and Trollocs, escaped your Darkfriends.
328
I tracked you here, and destroyed your **[guntai] on the [michi].**
I tracked you here, and destroyed your army on the way.
329
You do not weave the **[moyō]."**
You do not weave the Pattern.”
330
Ba’alzamon’s **[me] roared like two [ro].**
Ba’alzamon’s eyes roared like two furnaces.
331
His **[kuchibiru] did not [ugokasu], [shikashi] Rand [shikō] he heard a [noroi] screamed at Aginor.**
His lips did not move, but Rand thought he heard a curse screamed at Aginor.
332
Then the fires died, and that ordinary **[ningen] [kao] smiled at him in a [michi] that chilled even through the [atataka] of the [hikari].**
Then the fires died, and that ordinary human face smiled at him in a way that chilled even through the warmth of the Light.
333
"**[sonota] [guntai] can be raised, [baka].**
“Other armies can be raised, fool.
334
**[guntai] you have not dreamed of will yet come.**
Armies you have not dreamed of will yet come.
335
And you tracked me?
And you tracked me?
336
You **[namekuji] under a [iwa], [torakku] me?**
You slug under a rock, track me?
337
I began the setting of your **[michisuji] the [ichi nichi] you were born, a [michisuji] to [rīdo] you to your [haka], or here.**
I began the setting of your path the day you were born, a path to lead you to your grave, or here.
338
Aiel allowed to flee, and one to live, to speak the **[kotoba] that would [ekō] down the [toshi].**
Aiel allowed to flee, and one to live, to speak the words that would echo down the years.
339
Jain Farstrider, a **[hīrō],"**
Jain Farstrider, a hero,”
340
he twisted the **[kotoba] to a [reishō], "whom I painted like a [baka] and sent to the Ogier thinking he was [muryō desu] of me.**
he twisted the word to a sneer, “whom I painted like a fool and sent to the Ogier thinking he was free of me.
341
The **[kuro] Ajah, wriggling like [wāmu] on their [hara] across the [sekai] to [kensaku] you out.**
The Black Ajah, wriggling like worms on their bellies across the world to search you out.
342
I **[puru] the [moji retsu] and the Amyrlin [shīto] [dansu] and thinks she controls [ibento]."**
I pull the strings and the Amyrlin Seat dances and thinks she controls events.”
343
The void trembled; hastily Rand firmed it again.
The void trembled; hastily Rand firmed it again.
344
He knows it all.
He knows it all.
345
He could have done.
He could have done.
346
It could be the **[michi] he says.**
It could be the way he says.
347
The **[hikari] warmed the void.**
The Light warmed the void.
348
**[utagai] [saken da] out and was stilled, till only the [shīdo] remained.**
Doubt cried out and was stilled, till only the seed remained.
349
He struggled, not knowing whether he wanted to bury the **[shīdo] or make it grow.**
He struggled, not knowing whether he wanted to bury the seed or make it grow.
350
The void steadied, smaller than before, and he floated in calm.
The void steadied, smaller than before, and he floated in calm.
351
Ba’alzamon seemed to **[chūi shite kudasai] nothing.**
Ba’alzamon seemed to notice nothing.
352
"It **[jikō] little [baai] I have you alive or [shin da], except to you, and to what [dengen o on ni shimasu] you might have.**
“It matters little if I have you alive or dead, except to you, and to what power you might have.
353
You will serve me, or your **[tamashī] will.**
You will serve me, or your soul will.
354
**[shikashi] I would rather have you kneel to me alive than [shin da].**
But I would rather have you kneel to me alive than dead.
355
A **[shinguru] [kobushi] of Trollocs sent to your [mura] when I could have sent a thousand.**
A single fist of Trollocs sent to your village when I could have sent a thousand.
356
One **[Kurai-yūjin]** to **[kao] you where a hundred could come on you asleep.**
One Darkfriend to face you where a hundred could come on you asleep.
357
And you, **[baka], you don’t even know them all, neither those ahead, nor those behind, nor those by your [saido].**
And you, fool, you don’t even know them all, neither those ahead, nor those behind, nor those by your side.
358
You are mine, have always been mine, my **[inu] on a [rīshu], and I brought you here to kneel to your [shujin] or [dai] and let your [tamashī] kneel."**
You are mine, have always been mine, my dog on a leash, and I brought you here to kneel to your master or die and let your soul kneel.”
359
“I deny you.
“I deny you.
360
You have no **[dengen o on ni shimasu] over me, and I will not kneel to you, alive or [shin da]."**
You have no power over me, and I will not kneel to you, alive or dead.”
361
"**[hyōjō],"**
“Look,”
362
Ba’alzamon said.
Ba’alzamon said.
363
"**[hyōjō]."**
“Look.”
364
Unwilling, Rand yet turned his **[atama].**
Unwilling, Rand yet turned his head.
365
Egwene stood there, and Nynaeve, pale and frightened, with **[hana] in their [kami].**
Egwene stood there, and Nynaeve, pale and frightened, with flowers in their hair.
366
And another **[onna], little older than the [chie], [gurē]-eyed and beautiful, clothed in a Two [kawa] [doresu], bright [hana] embroidered round the [kubi].**
And another woman, little older than the Wisdom, gray-eyed and beautiful, clothed in a Two Rivers dress, bright blossoms embroidered round the neck.
367
"**[haha]?"**
“Mother?”
368
he breathed, and she smiled, a hopeless **[egao].**
he breathed, and she smiled, a hopeless smile.
369
His **[haha]’s [egao].**
His mother’s smile.
370
“No!
“No!
371
My **[haha] is [shin da], and the [sonota] two are safe away from here.**
My mother is dead, and the other two are safe away from here.
372
I deny you!”
I deny you!”
373
Egwene and Nynaeve blurred, became **[ukiagari] [misuto], dissipated.**
Egwene and Nynaeve blurred, became wafting mist, dissipated.
374
Kari al’Thor still stood there, her **[me] big with [kyōfu].**
Kari al’Thor still stood there, her eyes big with fear.
375
“She, at least,”
“She, at least,”
376
Ba’alzamon said, “is mine to do with as I will.”
Ba’alzamon said, “is mine to do with as I will.”
377
Rand shook his **[atama].**
Rand shook his head.
378
“I deny you.”
“I deny you.”
379
He had to **[chikara] the [kotoba] out.**
He had to force the words out.
380
"She is **[shin da], and safe from you in the [hikari]."**
“She is dead, and safe from you in the Light.”
381
His **[haha]’s [kuchibiru] trembled.**
His mother’s lips trembled.
382
**[namida] trickled down her [hō]; each one burned him like acid.**
Tears trickled down her cheeks; each one burned him like acid.
383
"The **[omo] of the [haka] is stronger than he once was, my [musuko],"**
“The Lord of the Grave is stronger than he once was, my son,”
384
she said.
she said.
385
"His **[rīchi] is longer.**
“His reach is longer.
386
The **[chichioya] of Lies has a honeyed [shita] for unwary [tamashī].**
The Father of Lies has a honeyed tongue for unwary souls.
387
My **[musuko].**
My son.
388
My only, **[dārin] [musuko].**
My only, darling son.
389
I would spare you **[baai] I could, [shikashi] he is my [shujin], now, his [kimagure], the [hōritsu] of my [sonzai].**
I would spare you if I could, but he is my master, now, his whim, the law of my existence.
390
I can **[shikashi] obey him, and [pekopeko] for his [sansei].**
I can but obey him, and grovel for his favor.
391
Only you can **[muryō desu] me.**
Only you can free me.
392
Please, my **[musuko].**
Please, my son.
393
Please **[tasukeru] me.**
Please help me.
394
**[tasukeru] me.**
Help me.
395
**[tasukeru] me!**
Help me!
396
PLEASE!”
PLEASE!”
397
The **[nageki] ripped out of her as barefaced Fades, pale and eyeless, closed round.**
The wail ripped out of her as barefaced Fades, pale and eyeless, closed round.
398
Her **[fuku] ripped away in their bloodless [te], [te] that wielded [penchi] and [kuranpu] and [monogoto] that stung and burned and whipped against her naked [furesshu].**
Her clothes ripped away in their bloodless hands, hands that wielded pincers and clamps and things that stung and burned and whipped against her naked flesh.
399
Her **[himei] would not [owari].**
Her scream would not end.
400
Rand’s **[himei] echoed hers.**
Rand’s scream echoed hers.
401
The void boiled in his **[kokoro].**
The void boiled in his mind.
402
His **[ken] was in his [te].**
His sword was in his hand.
403
Not the **[heron]-[māku] [ha], [shikashi] a [ha] of [hikari], a [ha] of the [hikari].**
Not the heron-mark blade, but a blade of light, a blade of the Light.
404
Even as he raised it, a fiery **[shiroi] [boruto] [shotto] from the [pointo], as [baai] the [ha] itself had reached out.**
Even as he raised it, a fiery white bolt shot from the point, as if the blade itself had reached out.
405
It touched the nearest Fade, and blinding **[hakunetsu] filled the [shitsu], shining through the Halfmen like a [kyandoru] through [kami], [moeru] through them, blinding his [me] to the [shīn].**
It touched the nearest Fade, and blinding candescence filled the chamber, shining through the Halfmen like a candle through paper, burning through them, blinding his eyes to the scene.
406
From the **[tadanaka] of the [kagayaki], he heard a [sasayaku].**
From the midst of the brilliance, he heard a whisper.
407
"Thank you, my **[musuko].**
“Thank you, my son.
408
The **[hikari].**
The Light.
409
The blessed **[hikari]."**
The blessed Light.”
410
The **[furasshu] faded, and he was alone in the [shitsu] with Ba’alzamon.**
The flash faded, and he was alone in the chamber with Ba’alzamon.
411
Ba’alzamon’s **[me] burned like the [pitto] of [dūmu], [shikashi] he shied back from the [ken] as [baai] it truly were the [hikari] itself.**
Ba’alzamon’s eyes burned like the Pit of Doom, but he shied back from the sword as if it truly were the Light itself.
412
"**[baka]!**
“Fool!
413
You will destroy yourself!
You will destroy yourself!
414
You cannot wield it so, not yet!
You cannot wield it so, not yet!
415
Not until I **[oshieru] you!"**
Not until I teach you!”
416
“It is ended,”
“It is ended,”
417
Rand said, and he swung the **[ken] at Ba’alzamon’s [kuro] [kōdo].**
Rand said, and he swung the sword at Ba’alzamon’s black cord.
418
Ba’alzamon screamed as the **[ken] fell, screamed till the [ishi] [kabe] trembled, and the endless [hauru] redoubled as the [ha] of [hikari] severed the [kōdo].**
Ba’alzamon screamed as the sword fell, screamed till the stone walls trembled, and the endless howl redoubled as the blade of Light severed the cord.
419
The cut **[shūryō] rebounded apart as [baai] they had been under [kinchō].**
The cut ends rebounded apart as if they had been under tension.
420
The **[owari] stretching into the [kyomu] [soto ni] began to shrivel as it sprang away; the [sonota] whipped back into Ba’alzamon, hurling him against the [danro].**
The end stretching into the nothingness outside began to shrivel as it sprang away; the other whipped back into Ba’alzamon, hurling him against the fireplace.
421
There was silent **[warai] in the soundless [kanakirigoe] of the tortured [kao].**
There was silent laughter in the soundless shrieks of the tortured faces.
422
The **[kabe] shivered and cracked; the [yuka] heaved, and [chanku] of [ishi] crashed to the [yuka] from the [tenjō].**
The walls shivered and cracked; the floor heaved, and chunks of stone crashed to the floor from the ceiling.
423
As all broke apart around him, Rand pointed the **[ken] at Ba’alzamon’s [kokoro].**
As all broke apart around him, Rand pointed the sword at Ba’alzamon’s heart.
424
“It is ended!”
“It is ended!”
425
**[hikari] lanced from the [ha], coruscating in a [shawā] of fiery [supākusu] like [shizuku] of molten, [shiroi] [kinzoku].**
Light lanced from the blade, coruscating in a shower of fiery sparks like droplets of molten, white metal.
426
Wailing, Ba’alzamon threw up his **[ude] in a vain [doryoku] to [shīrudo] himself.**
Wailing, Ba’alzamon threw up his arms in a vain effort to shield himself.
427
**[honoo] shrieked in his [me], joining with [sonota] [honoo] as the [ishi] ignited, the [ishi] of the cracking [kabe], the [ishi] of the pitching [yuka], the [ishi] showering from the [tenjō].**
Flames shrieked in his eyes, joining with other flames as the stone ignited, the stone of the cracking walls, the stone of the pitching floor, the stone showering from the ceiling.
428
Rand **[kanjita] the bright [sureddo] attached to him thinning, till only the [kagayaki] itself remained, [shikashi] he strained harder, not knowing what he did, or how, only that this had to be ended.**
Rand felt the bright thread attached to him thinning, till only the glow itself remained, but he strained harder, not knowing what he did, or how, only that this had to be ended.
429
It has to be ended!
It has to be ended!
430
**[kasai] filled the [shitsu], a [kotai] [honoo].**
Fire filled the chamber, a solid flame.
431
He could see Ba’alzamon withering like a **[rīfu], hear him howling, feel the [kanakirigoe] grating on his [hone].**
He could see Ba’alzamon withering like a leaf, hear him howling, feel the shrieks grating on his bones.
432
The **[honoo] became pure, [shiroi] [hikari], brighter than the [nichi].**
The flame became pure, white light, brighter than the sun.
433
Then the **[saigo] [furikkā] of the [sureddo] was gone, and he was falling through endless [kuro] and Ba’alzamon’s fading [hauru].**
Then the last flicker of the thread was gone, and he was falling through endless black and Ba’alzamon’s fading howl.
434
Something struck him with tremendous **[chikara], turning him to [zerī], and the [zerī] shook and screamed from the [kasai] raging [uchigawa], the hungry [samui] [moeru] without [owari].**
Something struck him with tremendous force, turning him to jelly, and the jelly shook and screamed from the fire raging inside, the hungry cold burning without end.
435
**[akira] 52**
Chapter 52
436
Neither **[hajime] Nor [owari]**
Neither Beginning Nor End
437
He became aware of the **[nichi], [saisho], moving across a cloudless [sora], filling his unblinking [me].**
He became aware of the sun, first, moving across a cloudless sky, filling his unblinking eyes.
438
It seemed to go by fits and starts, standing still for **[hi], then darting ahead in a [renshō] of [hikari], jerking toward the far [chiheisen], [ichi nichi] falling with it.**
It seemed to go by fits and starts, standing still for days, then darting ahead in a streak of light, jerking toward the far horizon, day falling with it.
439
**[hikari].**
Light.
440
That should mean something.
That should mean something.
441
**[shikō] was a new [koto].**
Thought was a new thing.
442
I can think.
I can think.
443
I means me.
I means me.
444
**[itami] came next, the [memori] of raging [hatsunetsu], the [aza] where shaking chills had thrown him around like a [boro] [ningyō].**
Pain came next, the memory of raging fever, the bruises where shaking chills had thrown him around like a rag doll.
445
And a stink.
And a stink.
446
A greasy, burned **[nioi], filling his [hana no ana], and his [atama].**
A greasy, burned smell, filling his nostrils, and his head.
447
With aching **[kinniku], he heaved himself over, pushed up to [te] and [hiza].**
With aching muscles, he heaved himself over, pushed up to hands and knees.
448
Uncomprehending, he stared at the oily **[hai] in which he had been lying, [hai] scattered and smeared over the [ishi] of the [oka no ue].**
Uncomprehending, he stared at the oily ashes in which he had been lying, ashes scattered and smeared over the stone of the hilltop.
449
**[bitto] of [kurai] [midori] [nuno] lay mixed in the char, [hashi]-blackened [sukurappu] that had escaped the [honoo].**
Bits of dark green cloth lay mixed in the char, edge-blackened scraps that had escaped the flames.
450
Aginor.
Aginor.
451
His **[i] heaved and twisted.**
His stomach heaved and twisted.
452
Trying to **[burashi] [kuro] [shima] of [hai] from his [fuku], he lurched away from the remains of the Forsaken.**
Trying to brush black streaks of ash from his clothes, he lurched away from the remains of the Forsaken.
453
His **[te] flapped feebly, not [tsukuri] much [zenshin].**
His hands flapped feebly, not making much headway.
454
He tried to **[shiyō] both [te] and fell forward.**
He tried to use both hands and fell forward.
455
A sheer **[otosu, shizuku] loomed under his [kao], a smooth [iwa] [kabe] spinning in his [me], [fukasa] pulling him.**
A sheer drop loomed under his face, a smooth rock wall spinning in his eyes, depth pulling him.
456
His **[atama] swam, and he vomited over the [hashi] of the [gake].**
His head swam, and he vomited over the edge of the cliff.
457
Trembling, he crawled backwards on his **[hara] until there was [kotai] [ishi] under his [me], then flopped over onto his [senaka], panting for [iki].**
Trembling, he crawled backwards on his belly until there was solid stone under his eyes, then flopped over onto his back, panting for breath.
458
With an **[doryoku] he fumbled his [ken] from its [saya].**
With an effort he fumbled his sword from its scabbard.
459
Only a few **[hai] remained from the [akai] [nuno].**
Only a few ashes remained from the red cloth.
460
His **[te] shook when he held it up in [furonto] of his [kao]; it took both [te].**
His hands shook when he held it up in front of his face; it took both hands.
461
It was a **[heron]-[māku] [ha] – [heron]-[māku]?**
It was a heron-mark blade – Heron-mark?
462
Yes.
Yes.
463
Tam.
Tam.
464
My **[chichioya] – [shikashi] only [hagane] for that.**
My father – but only steel for that.
465
He needed three wavering tries to sheathe it again.
He needed three wavering tries to sheathe it again.
466
It had been something else.
It had been something else.
467
Or there was another **[ken].**
Or there was another sword.
468
"My **[namae],"**
“My name,”
469
he said after a **[dōjini, tsutsu, issun], "is Rand al’Thor."**
he said after a while, “is Rand al’Thor.”
470
More **[memori] crashed back into his [atama] like a [rīdo] [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl], and he groaned.**
More memory crashed back into his head like a lead ball, and he groaned.
471
"The **[Kurai] One,"**
“The Dark One,”
472
he whispered to himself.
he whispered to himself.
473
"The **[Kurai] One is [shin da]."**
“The Dark One is dead.”
474
There was no more must for **[chūi].**
There was no more need for caution.
475
"Shai’**[hiyake] is [shin da]."**
“Shai’tan is dead.”
476
The **[sekai] seemed to lurch.**
The world seemed to lurch.
477
He shook in silent **[warai] until [namida] poured from his [me].**
He shook in silent mirth until tears poured from his eyes.
478
"Shai’**[hiyake] is [shin da]!"**
“Shai’tan is dead!”
479
He laughed at the **[sora].**
He laughed at the sky.
480
**[sonota] [omoide].**
Other memories.
481
“Egwene!”
“Egwene!”
482
That **[namae] meant something important.**
That name meant something important.
483
Painfully he got to his **[ashi], wavering like a [yanagi] in a high [kaze], and staggered past Aginor’s [hai] without looking at them.**
Painfully he got to his feet, wavering like a willow in a high wind, and staggered past Aginor’s ashes without looking at them.
484
Not important anymore.
Not important anymore.
485
He fell more than climbed down that **[saisho], steep [ichibu] of the [surōpu], tumbling and sliding from [busshu] to [busshu].**
He fell more than climbed down that first, steep part of the slope, tumbling and sliding from bush to bush.
486
By the **[jikan] he reached more [reberu] [gurando], his [aza] ached twice as much, [shikashi] he found [tsuyosa] enough to stand, barely.**
By the time he reached more level ground, his bruises ached twice as much, but he found strength enough to stand, barely.
487
Egwene.
Egwene.
488
He broke into a shambling **[jikkō].**
He broke into a shambling run.
489
Leaves and **[hana] [hanabira] showered around him as he blundered through the [shitakusa].**
Leaves and flower petals showered around him as he blundered through the undergrowth.
490
Have to find her.
Have to find her.
491
Who is she?
Who is she?
492
His **[ude] and [ashi] seemed to [fureiru] about more like long [ha] of [kusa] than go as he wanted them to.**
His arms and legs seemed to flail about more like long blades of grass than go as he wanted them to.
493
Tottering, he fell against a **[tsurī], slamming against the [toranku] so hard that he grunted.**
Tottering, he fell against a tree, slamming against the trunk so hard that he grunted.
494
**[kōyō] rained on his [atama] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he pressed his [kao] to the rough [juhi], clutching to [kīpu] from falling.**
Foliage rained on his head while he pressed his face to the rough bark, clutching to keep from falling.
495
Egwene.
Egwene.
496
He pushed himself away from the **[tsurī] and hurried on.**
He pushed himself away from the tree and hurried on.
497
Almost immediately he tilted again, falling, **[shikashi] he forced his [ashi] to [shigoto] faster, to [jikkō] into the [aki] so that he was staggering along at a [yoi] clip, all the [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] one [suteppu] from falling [furatto] on his [kao].**
Almost immediately he tilted again, falling, but he forced his legs to work faster, to run into the fall so that he was staggering along at a good clip, all the while one step from falling flat on his face.
498
Moving made his **[ashi] begin to obey him more.**
Moving made his legs begin to obey him more.
499
Slowly, he found himself running **[chokuritsu], [ude] [ponpu], long [ashi] pulling him down the [surōpu] in leaps.**
Slowly, he found himself running upright, arms pumping, long legs pulling him down the slope in leaps.
500
He bounded into the **[kuria], [hanbun]-filled now by the great [ōku zai] [mākingu] the [midori] [otoko]’s [haka].**
He bounded into the clearing, half-filled now by the great oak marking the Green Man’s grave.
