The Eye of the World_6 Flashcards
he said dully.
he said dully.
“The [hoīru] weaves as the [hoīru] [yuigon],”
“The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills,”
[shujin] Luhhan said uneasily.
Master Luhhan said uneasily.
“[baai] they come back…
“If they come back…
[yoku], they’re gone, now.
Well, they’re gone, now.
So we pick up the [ko], build up what’s been torn down.”
So we pick up the pieces, build up what’s been torn down.”
He sighed, his [kao] going slack as he knuckled the small of his [senaka].
He sighed, his face going slack as he knuckled the small of his back.
For the [saisho] [jikan] Rand realized that the heavyset [otoko] was as tired as he was himself, [baai] not more so.
For the first time Rand realized that the heavyset man was as tired as he was himself, if not more so.
The [tanya ya] looked at the [mura], shaking his [atama].
The blacksmith looked at the village, shaking his head.
“I don’t suppose today will be much of a Bel [kōdinēto].
“I don’t suppose today will be much of a Bel Tine.
[shikashi] we’ll make it through.
But we’ll make it through.
We always have.”
We always have.”
Abruptly he took up his [ono], and his [kao] firmed.
Abruptly he took up his axe, and his face firmed.
“There’s [shigoto] waiting for me.
“There’s work waiting for me.
don’t you [shinpai], [wakamono].
Don’t you worry, lad.
The [chie] will take [yoi] [kaigo] of him, and the [hikari] will take [kaigo] of us all.
The Wisdom will take good care of him, and the Light will take care of us all.
And [baai] the [hikari] doesn’t, [yoku], we’ll just take [kaigo] of ourselves.
And if the Light doesn’t, well, we’ll just take care of ourselves.
Remember, we’re Two [kawa] [fōku].”
Remember, we’re Two Rivers folk.”
Still on his [hiza], Rand looked at the [mura] as the [tanya ya] walked away, really looked for the [saisho] [jikan].
Still on his knees, Rand looked at the village as the blacksmith walked away, really looked for the first time.
[shujin] Luhhan was [migi], he [shikō], and was surprised that he was not surprised by what he [mimashita].
Master Luhhan was right, he thought, and was surprised that he was not surprised by what he saw.
[hitobito] still [hotta] in the [iseki] of their [jūtaku], [shikashi] even in the short [jikan] he had been there more of them had begun to [ugokasu] with a [kankaku] of [mokuteki].
People still dug in the ruins of their homes, but even in the short time he had been there more of them had begun to move with a sense of purpose.
He could almost feel the growing [ketsui].
He could almost feel the growing determination.
[shikashi] he wondered.
But he wondered.
They had seen Trollocs; had they seen the [kuro]-cloaked [raidā]?
They had seen Trollocs; had they seen the black-cloaked rider?
Had they [kanjita] his [nikushimi]?
Had they felt his hatred?
Nynaeve and Egwene appeared from the Calder [hausu], and he sprang to his [ashi].
Nynaeve and Egwene appeared from the Calder house, and he sprang to his feet.
Or rather, he tried to [haru, haneagaru] to his [ashi]; it was more of a stumbling lurch that almost put him on his [kao] in the [hokori].
Or rather, he tried to spring to his feet; it was more of a stumbling lurch that almost put him on his face in the dust.
The [chie] dropped to her [hiza] beside the [gomi] without giving him so much as a [ichimoku].
The Wisdom dropped to her knees beside the litter without giving him so much as a glance.
Her [kao] and [doresu] were even dirtier than Egwene’s, and the same [kurai] [sākuru] fined her [me], though her [te], too, were clean.
Her face and dress were even dirtier than Egwene’s, and the same dark circles fined her eyes, though her hands, too, were clean.
She [kanjita] Tam’s [kao] and thumbed [ōpun] his [mabuta].
She felt Tam’s face and thumbed open his eyelids.
With a [shikame men] she pulled down the [shikimono] and eased the [hōtai] aside to [hyōjō] at the [kizu].
With a frown she pulled down the coverings and eased the bandage aside to look at the wound.
Before Rand could see what lay underneath she had replaced the wadded [nuno].
Before Rand could see what lay underneath she had replaced the wadded cloth.
Sighing, she smoothed the [mōfu] and [gaitō] back up to Tam’s [kubi] with a gentle [tacchi], as [baai] tucking a [ko] in for the [yoru, kishi_knt].”
Sighing, she smoothed the blanket and cloak back up to Tam’s neck with a gentle touch, as if tucking a child in for the night.”
“There’s nothing I can do,”
“There’s nothing I can do,”
she said.
she said.
She had to put her [te] on her [hiza] to straighten up.
She had to put her hands on her knees to straighten up.
“I’m sorry, Rand.”
“I’m sorry, Rand.”
For a [shunkan] he stood, not understanding, as she started back to the [hausu], then he scrambled after her and pulled her around to [kao] him.
For a moment he stood, not understanding, as she started back to the house, then he scrambled after her and pulled her around to face him.
“He’s dying,”
“He’s dying,”
he [saken da].
he cried.
“I know,”
“I know,”
she said simply, and he sagged with the [mondai]-of-factness of it.
she said simply, and he sagged with the matter-of-factness of it.
“You have to do something.
“You have to do something.
You have to.
You have to.
You’re the [chie].”
You’re the Wisdom.”
[itami] twisted her [kao], [shikashi] only for an instant, then she was all [nakazora]-eyed resolve again, her [koe] emotionless and firm.
Pain twisted her face, but only for an instant, then she was all hollow-eyed resolve again, her voice emotionless and firm.
“Yes, I am.
“Yes, I am.
I know what I can do with my [iyakuhin], and I know when it’s too late.
I know what I can do with my medicines, and I know when it’s too late.
don’t you think I would do something [baai] I could?
Don’t you think I would do something if I could?
[shikashi] I can’t.
But I can’t.
I can’t, Rand.
I can’t, Rand.
And there are [tanin] who must me.
And there are others who need me.
[hitobito] I can [tasukeru].”
People I can help.”
“I brought him to you as quickly as I could,”
“I brought him to you as quickly as I could,”
he mumbled.
he mumbled.
Even with the [mura] in [iseki], there had been the [chie] for [kibō].
Even with the village in ruins, there had been the Wisdom for hope.
With that gone, he was empty.
With that gone, he was empty.
“I know you did,”
“I know you did,”
she said gently.
she said gently.
She touched his [hō] with her [te].
She touched his cheek with her hand.
“It isn’t your [koshō].
“It isn’t your fault.
You did the best anyone could.
You did the best anyone could.
I am sorry, Rand, [shikashi] I have [tanin] to tend to.
I am sorry, Rand, but I have others to tend to.
Our [meiwaku] are just [hajime], I’m afraid.”
Our troubles are just beginning, I’m afraid.”
Vacantly he stared after her until the [tobira] of the [hausu] closed behind her.
Vacantly he stared after her until the door of the house closed behind her.
He could not make any [shikō] come except that she would not [tasukeru].
He could not make any thought come except that she would not help.
Suddenly he was knocked back a [suteppu] as Egwene cannoned into him, throwing her [ude] around him.
Suddenly he was knocked back a step as Egwene cannoned into him, throwing her arms around him.
Her [hōyō] was hard enough to bring a [isaki] from him any [sonota] [jikan]; now he only looked silently at the [tobira] behind which his [kitai shite iru] had vanished.
Her hug was hard enough to bring a grunt from him any other time; now he only looked silently at the door behind which his hopes had vanished.
“I’m so sorry, Rand,”
“I’m so sorry, Rand,”
she said against his [mune].
she said against his chest.
“[hikari], I [negai] there was something I could do.”
“Light, I wish there was something I could do.”
Numbly he put his [ude] around her.
Numbly he put his arms around her.
“I know.
“I know.
I…
I…
I have to do something, Egwene.
I have to do something, Egwene.
I don’t know what, [shikashi] I can’t just let him…“
I don’t know what, but I can’t just let him…”
His [koe] broke, and she hugged him harder.
His voice broke, and she hugged him harder.
“Egwene!”
“Egwene!”
At Nynaeve’s [sakebu] from the [hausu], Egwene jumped.
At Nynaeve’s shout from the house, Egwene jumped.
“Egwene, I must you!
“Egwene, I need you!
And [wosshu] your [te] again!”
And wash your hands again!”
She pushed herself [muryō desu] from Rand’s [ude].
She pushed herself free from Rand’s arms.
“She needs my [tasukeru], Rand.”
“She needs my help, Rand.”
“Egwene!”
“Egwene!”
He [shikō] he heard a sob as she spun away from him.
He thought he heard a sob as she spun away from him.
Then she was gone, and he was left alone beside the [gomi].
Then she was gone, and he was left alone beside the litter.
For a [shunkan] he looked down at Tam, [kanji] nothing [shikashi] [nakazora] [muryoku].
For a moment he looked down at Tam, feeling nothing but hollow helplessness.
Suddenly his [kao] hardened.
Suddenly his face hardened.
“The [shichō] will know what to do,”
“The Mayor will know what to do,”
he said, lifting the [shafuto] once more.
he said, lifting the shafts once more.
“The [shichō] will know.”
“The Mayor will know.”
Bran al’Vere always knew what to do.
Bran al’Vere always knew what to do.
With weary [ganko] he set out for the Winespring [in].
With weary obstinacy he set out for the Winespring Inn.
Another of the Dhurran [tane boba] passed him, its [hānesu] [suto rappu] tied around the [ashikubi] of a big [keijō] draped with a dirty [mōfu].
Another of the Dhurran stallions passed him, its harness straps tied around the ankles of a big shape draped with a dirty blanket.
[ude] covered with coarse [kami] dragged in the [yogore] behind the [mōfu], and one [kōnā] was pushed up to reveal a [yagi]’s [hōn].
Arms covered with coarse hair dragged in the dirt behind the blanket, and one corner was pushed up to reveal a goat’s horn.
The Two [kawa] was no [basho] for [ie] to become horribly real.
The Two Rivers was no place for stories to become horribly real.
[baai] Trollocs belonged anywhere it was in the [sekai] [soto ni], for [basho] where they had Aes Sedai and false [doragonzu] and the [hikari] alone knew what else come to [jinsei] out of the [monogatari] of gleemen.
If Trollocs belonged anywhere it was in the world outside, for places where they had Aes Sedai and false Dragons and the Light alone knew what else come to life out of the tales of gleemen.
Not the Two [kawa].
Not the Two Rivers.
Not Emond’s [ryōiki].
Not Emond’s Field.
As he made his [michi] down the [midori], [hitobito] called to him, some from the [iseki] of their [jūtaku], asking [baai] they could [tasukeru].
As he made his way down the Green, people called to him, some from the ruins of their homes, asking if they could help.
He heard them only as [zatsuon] in the [haikei], even when they walked alongside him for a [kyori] as they spoke.
He heard them only as murmurs in the background, even when they walked alongside him for a distance as they spoke.
Without really thinking about it he managed [kotoba] that said he needed no [tasukeru], that everything was [kōfuku] taken [kaigo] of.
Without really thinking about it he managed words that said he needed no help, that everything was being taken care of.
When they left him, with worried [rukkusu], and sometimes a [komento] about sending Nynaeve to him, he noticed that just as little.
When they left him, with worried looks, and sometimes a comment about sending Nynaeve to him, he noticed that just as little.
All he let himself be aware of was the [mokuteki] he had fixed in his [atama].
All he let himself be aware of was the purpose he had fixed in his head.
Bran al’Vere could do something to [tasukeru] Tam.
Bran al’Vere could do something to help Tam.
What that could be he tried not to dwell on.
What that could be he tried not to dwell on.
[shikashi] the [shichō] would be able to do something, to think of something.
But the Mayor would be able to do something, to think of something.
The [in] had almost completely escaped the [hakai] that had taken [hanbun] the [mura].
The inn had almost completely escaped the destruction that had taken half the village.
A few scorch [māku] marred its [kabe], [shikashi] the [akai] [yane] [tairu] glittered in the [nikkō] as brightly as ever.
A few scorch marks marred its walls, but the red roof tiles glittered in the sunlight as brightly as ever.
All that was left of the [gyōshō jin]’s [wagon], though, were blackened [tetsu] [hoīru rimu] leaning against the charred [wagon] [bokkusu], now on the [gurando].
All that was left of the peddler’s wagon, though, were blackened iron wheel-rims leaning against the charred wagon box, now on the ground.
The big round [fūpu] that had held up the [kyanbasu] [kabā] slanted crazily, each at a different [kakudo].
The big round hoops that had held up the canvas cover slanted crazily, each at a different angle.
Thom Merrilin sat [kurosu]-legged on the old [zaidan] [ishi], carefully snipping singed [hashi] from the [pacchi] on his [gaitō] with a [pea] of small [hasami].
Thom Merrilin sat cross-legged on the old foundation stones, carefully snipping singed edges from the patches on his cloak with a pair of small scissors.
He set down [gaitō] and [hasami] when Rand drew near.
He set down cloak and scissors when Rand drew near.
Without asking [baai] Rand needed or wanted [tasukeru], he hopped down and picked up the [rimen] of the [gomi].
Without asking if Rand needed or wanted help, he hopped down and picked up the back of the litter.
“[uchigawa]?
“Inside?
Of [mochiron], of [mochiron].
Of course, of course.
don’t you [shinpai], [otokonoko].
Don’t you worry, boy.
Your [chie] will take [kaigo] of him.
Your Wisdom will take care of him.
I’ve watched her [shigoto], since [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt], and she has a deft [tacchi] and a sure [sukiru].
I’ve watched her work, since last night, and she has a deft touch and a sure skill.
It could be a [takusan] worse.
It could be a lot worse.
Some died [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt].
Some died last night.
Not many, perhaps, [shikashi] any at all are too many for me.
Not many, perhaps, but any at all are too many for me.
Old Fain just disappeared, and that’s the worst of all.
Old Fain just disappeared, and that’s the worst of all.
Trollocs will eat anything.
Trollocs will eat anything.
You should thank the [hikari] your [chichioya]’s still here, and alive for the [chie] to heal.”
You should thank the Light your father’s still here, and alive for the Wisdom to heal.”
Rand blotted out the [kotoba] – He is my [chichioya]!
Rand blotted out the words – He is my father!
– reducing the [koe] to meaningless [saundo] that he noticed no more than a [furai]’s buzzing.
– reducing the voice to meaningless sound that he noticed no more than a fly’s buzzing.
He could not [kuma] any more [dōjō], any more [kokoromi] to [būsuto] his [seirei].
He could not bear any more sympathy, any more attempts to boost his spirits.
Not now.
Not now.
Not until Bran al’Vere told him how to [tasukeru] Tam.
Not until Bran al’Vere told him how to help Tam.
Suddenly he found himself facing something scrawled on the [in] [tobira], a curving [rain] scratched with a charred [sutikku], a [mokutan] [tiadoroppu] balanced on its [pointo].
Suddenly he found himself facing something scrawled on the inn door, a curving line scratched with a charred stick, a charcoal teardrop balanced on its point.
So much had happened that it hardly surprised him to find the [doragon]’s [kiba] marked on the [tobira] of the Winespring [in].
So much had happened that it hardly surprised him to find the Dragon’s Fang marked on the door of the Winespring Inn.
Why anyone would want to accuse the [yadoya no shujin] or his [kazoku] of [aku], or bring the [in] bad [un], was beyond him, [shikashi] the [yoru, kishi_knt] had convinced him of one [koto].
Why anyone would want to accuse the innkeeper or his family of evil, or bring the inn bad luck, was beyond him, but the night had convinced him of one thing.
Anything was possible.
Anything was possible.
Anything at all.
Anything at all.
At a [pusshu] from the [ginyūshijin] he lifted the [racchi], and went in.
At a push from the gleeman he lifted the latch, and went in.
The common [heya] was empty except for Bran al’Vere, and [samui], too, for no one had found [jikan] to lay a [kasai].
The common room was empty except for Bran al’Vere, and cold, too, for no one had found time to lay a fire.
The [shichō] sat at one of the [hyō], dipping his [pen] in an [sumi ire] with a [shikame men] of [nōdo] on his [kao] and his [gurē]-fringed [atama] [magatta] over a [shīto] of [yōhishi].
The Mayor sat at one of the tables, dipping his pen in an inkwell with a frown of concentration on his face and his gray-fringed head bent over a sheet of parchment.
[yoru, kishi_knt shatsu] tucked hastily into his [zubon] and bagging around his considerable [koshi], he absently scratched at one bare [ashi] with the [tsumasaki] of the [sonota].
Nightshirt tucked hastily into his trousers and bagging around his considerable waist, he absently scratched at one bare foot with the toes of the other.
His [ashi] were dirty, as [baai] he had been [soto ni] more than once without bothering about [būtsu], despite the [samui].
His feet were dirty, as if he had been outside more than once without bothering about boots, despite the cold.
“What’s your [meiwaku]?”
“What’s your trouble?”
he demanded without looking up.
he demanded without looking up.
“Be quick with it.
“Be quick with it.
I have two dozen [monogoto] to do [migi] this [bun], and more that should have been done an [jikan] ago.
I have two dozen things to do right this minute, and more that should have been done an hour ago.
So I have little [jikan] or [nintai].
So I have little time or patience.
[yoku]?
Well?
Out with it!”
Out with it!”
“[shujin] al’Vere?”
“Master al’Vere?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“It’s my [chichioya].”
“It’s my father.”
The [shichō]’s [atama] jerked up.
The Mayor’s head jerked up.
“Rand?
“Rand?
Tam!”
Tam!”
He threw down the [pen] and knocked over his [isu] as he leaped up.
He threw down the pen and knocked over his chair as he leaped up.
“Perhaps the [hikari] hasn’t abandoned us altogether.
“Perhaps the Light hasn’t abandoned us altogether.
I was afraid you were both [shin da].
I was afraid you were both dead.
Bela galloped into the [mura] an [jikan] after the Trollocs left, lathered and blowing as [baai] she’d [jikkō] all the [michi] from the [nōjō], and I [shikō]…
Bela galloped into the village an hour after the Trollocs left, lathered and blowing as if she’d run all the way from the farm, and I thought…
No [jikan] for that, now.
No time for that, now.
We’ll take him upstairs.”
We’ll take him upstairs.”
He seized the [ria] of the [gomi], shouldering the [ginyūshijin] out of the [michi].
He seized the rear of the litter, shouldering the gleeman out of the way.
“You go get the [chie], [shujin] Merrilin.
“You go get the Wisdom, Master Merrilin.
And tell her I said [isoi], or I’ll know the [riyū] why!
And tell her I said hurry, or I’ll know the reason why!
[nokori] easy, Tam.
Rest easy, Tam.
We’ll soon have you in a [yoi], soft [shindai].
We’ll soon have you in a good, soft bed.
go, [ginyūshijin], go!”
Go, gleeman, go!”
Thom Merrilin vanished through the [toguchi] before Rand could speak.
Thom Merrilin vanished through the doorway before Rand could speak.
“Nynaeve wouldn’t do anything.
“Nynaeve wouldn’t do anything.
She said she couldn’t [tasukeru] him.
She said she couldn’t help him.
I knew…
I knew…
I hoped you’d think of something.”
I hoped you’d think of something.”
[shujin] al’Vere looked at Tam more sharply, then shook his [atama].
Master al’Vere looked at Tam more sharply, then shook his head.
“We will see, [otokonoko].
“We will see, boy.
We will see.”
We will see.”
[shikashi] he no longer sounded confident.
But he no longer sounded confident.
“Let’s get him into a [shindai].
“Let’s get him into a bed.
He can [nokori] easy, at least.”
He can rest easy, at least.”
Rand let himself be prodded toward the [kaidan] at the [rimen] of the common [heya].
Rand let himself be prodded toward the stairs at the back of the common room.
He tried hard to [kīpu] his [kakujitsu] that somehow Tam would be all [migi], [shikashi] it had been thin to begin with, he realized, and the sudden [utagai] in the [shichō]’s [koe] shook him.
He tried hard to keep his certainty that somehow Tam would be all right, but it had been thin to begin with, he realized, and the sudden doubt in the Mayor’s voice shook him.
On the [ni] [yuka] of the [in], at the [furonto], were [hanbun] a dozen snug, [yoku]-appointed [heya] with windows overlooking the [midori].
On the second floor of the inn, at the front, were half a dozen snug, well-appointed rooms with windows overlooking the Green.
Mostly they were used by the [gyōshō jin], or [hitobito] down from [udedokei] [oka] or up from Deven [noru], [shikashi] the [shōnin] who came each [toshi] were often surprised to find such comfortable [heya].
Mostly they were used by the peddlers, or people down from Watch Hill or up from Deven Ride, but the merchants who came each year were often surprised to find such comfortable rooms.
Three of them were taken now, and the [shichō] hurried Rand to one of the unused ones.
Three of them were taken now, and the Mayor hurried Rand to one of the unused ones.
Quickly the down [kakebuton] and [mōfu] were stripped back on the wide [shindai], and Tam was transferred to the thick [hane] [mattoresu], with [gachō]-down [makura] tucked under his [atama].
Quickly the down comforter and blankets were stripped back on the wide bed, and Tam was transferred to the thick feather mattress, with goose-down pillows tucked under his head.
He made no [saundo] beyond hoarse breathing as he was moved, not even a [umekigoe], [shikashi] the [shichō] brushed away Rand’s [kenen], [uranai] him to set a [kasai] to take the [samusa] off the [heya].
He made no sound beyond hoarse breathing as he was moved, not even a groan, but the Mayor brushed away Rand’s concern, telling him to set a fire to take the chill off the room.
[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Rand [hotta] [mokuzai] and kindling from the [takigi bako] next to the [danro], Bran threw back the [kāten] on the [windō], letting in the [asa] [hikari], then began to gently [wosshu] Tam’s [kao].
While Rand dug wood and kindling from the woodbox next to the fireplace, Bran threw back the curtains on the window, letting in the morning light, then began to gently wash Tam’s face.
By the [jikan] the [ginyūshijin] returned, the blaze on the [irori] was warming the [heya].
By the time the gleeman returned, the blaze on the hearth was warming the room.
“She will not come,”
“She will not come,”
Thom Merrilin announced as he stalked into the [heya].
Thom Merrilin announced as he stalked into the room.
He glared at Rand, his bushy [shiroi] [mayu] [zumen] down sharply.
He glared at Rand, his bushy white brows drawing down sharply.
“You didn’t tell me she had seen him already.
“You didn’t tell me she had seen him already.
She almost took my [atama] off.”
She almost took my head off.”
“I [shikō]…
“I thought…
I don’t know…
I don’t know…
maybe the [shichō] could do something, could make her see…“
maybe the Mayor could do something, could make her see…
[te] clenched in anxious [kobushi], Rand turned from the [danro] to Bran.
“ Hands clenched in anxious fists, Rand turned from the fireplace to Bran.
“[shujin] al’Vere, what can I do?”
“Master al’Vere, what can I do?”
The rotund [otoko] shook his [atama] helplessly.
The rotund man shook his head helplessly.
He laid a freshly dampened [nuno] on Tam’s [gaku] and avoided [kaigi] Rand’s [me].
He laid a freshly dampened cloth on Tam’s forehead and avoided meeting Rand’s eye.
“I can’t just [udedokei] him [dai], [shujin] al’Vere.
“I can’t just watch him die, Master al’Vere.
I have to do something.”
I have to do something.”
The [ginyūshijin] shifted as [baai] to speak.
The gleeman shifted as if to speak.
Rand rounded on him eagerly..
Rand rounded on him eagerly.
“Do you have an [kangae]?
“Do you have an idea?
I’ll try anything.”
I’ll try anything.”
“I was just wondering,”
“I was just wondering,”
Thom said, tamping his long-stemmed [paipu] with his [oyayubi], “[baai] the [shichō] knew who scrawled the [doragon]’s [kiba] on his [tobira].”
Thom said, tamping his long-stemmed pipe with his thumb, “if the Mayor knew who scrawled the Dragon’s Fang on his door.”
He peered into the [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl], then looked at Tam and replaced the unlit [paipu] between his [ha] with a [tameiki].
He peered into the bowl, then looked at Tam and replaced the unlit pipe between his teeth with a sigh.
“[dare-ka] seems not to like him anymore.
“Someone seems not to like him anymore.
Or maybe it’s his [okyakusama] they don’t like.”
Or maybe it’s his guests they don’t like.”
Rand gave him a disgusted [hyōjō] and turned away to [gyōshi] into the [kasai].
Rand gave him a disgusted look and turned away to stare into the fire.
His [shikō] danced like the [honoo], and like the [honoo] they concentrated fixedly on one [koto].
His thoughts danced like the flames, and like the flames they concentrated fixedly on one thing.
He would not give up.
He would not give up.
He could not just stand there and [udedokei] Tam [dai].
He could not just stand there and watch Tam die.
My [chichioya], he [shikō] fiercely.
My father, he thought fiercely.
My [chichioya].
My father.
Once the [hatsunetsu] was gone, that could be cleared up as [yoku].
Once the fever was gone, that could be cleared up as well.
[shikashi] the [hatsunetsu] [saisho].
But the fever first.
Only, how?
Only, how?
Bran al’Vere’s [kuchi no naka] tightened as he looked at Rand’s back, and the glare he directed at the [ginyūshijin] would have given a [kuma] [ichiji teishi], [shikashi] Thom just waited expectantly as [baai] he had not noticed it.
Bran al’Vere’s mouth tightened as he looked at Rand’s back, and the glare he directed at the gleeman would have given a bear pause, but Thom just waited expectantly as if he had not noticed it.
“It’s probably the [shigoto] of one of the Congars, or a [kopurin],”
“It’s probably the work of one of the Congars, or a Coplin,”
the [shichō] said finally, “though the [hikari] alone knows which.
the Mayor said finally, “though the Light alone knows which.
They’re a large [hina], and [baai] there’s [byōki] to be said of [dare-ka], or even [baai] there isn’t, they’ll say it.
They’re a large brood, and if there’s ill to be said of someone, or even if there isn’t, they’ll say it.
They make Cenn Buie [saundo] [hachimitsu]-tongued.”
They make Cenn Buie sound honey-tongued.”
“That wagonload who came in just before [yoake]?”
“That wagonload who came in just before dawn?”
the [ginyūshijin] asked.
the gleeman asked.
“They hadn’t so much as smelled a Trolloc, and all they wanted to know was when [matsuri] was going to [kaishi, hajimeru], as [baai] they couldn’t see [hanbun] the [mura] in [hai].”
“They hadn’t so much as smelled a Trolloc, and all they wanted to know was when Festival was going to start, as if they couldn’t see half the village in ashes.”
[shujin] al’Vere nodded grimly.
Master al’Vere nodded grimly.
“One [eda] of the [kazoku].
“One branch of the family.
[shikashi] none of them are [hijō ni] different.
But none of them are very different.
That [baka] Darl [kopurin] spent [hanbun] the [yoru, kishi_knt] demanding I put [shufu] Moiraine and [shujin] Lan out of the [in], out of the [mura], as [baai] there would be any [mura] at all left without them.”
That fool Darl Coplin spent half the night demanding I put Mistress Moiraine and Master Lan out of the inn, out of the village, as if there would be any village at all left without them.”
Rand had only [hanbun] listened to the [kaiwa], [shikashi] this [saigo] tugged him to speak.
Rand had only half listened to the conversation, but this last tugged him to speak.
“What did they do?”
“What did they do?”
“Why, she called [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] [keiryō-ka] out of a clear [yoru, kishi_knt] [sora],”
“Why, she called ball lightning out of a clear night sky,”
[shujin] al’Vere replied.
Master al’Vere replied.
“Sent it darting straight at the Trollocs.
“Sent it darting straight at the Trollocs.
You’ve seen [kigi] shattered by it.
You’ve seen trees shattered by it.
The Trollocs stood it no [yori yoi].”
The Trollocs stood it no better.”
“Moiraine?”
“Moiraine?”
Rand said incredulously, and the [shichō] nodded.
Rand said incredulously, and the Mayor nodded.
“[shufu] Moiraine.
“Mistress Moiraine.
And [shujin] Lan was a [senpū] with that [ken] of his.
And Master Lan was a whirlwind with that sword of his.
His [ken]?
His sword?
The [otoko] himself is a [buki], and in ten [basho] at once, or so it seemed.
The man himself is a weapon, and in ten places at once, or so it seemed.
[yakedo] me, [shikashi] I still wouldn’t [shinjiru] it [baai] I couldn’t [suteppu] [soto ni] and see…“
Burn me, but I still wouldn’t believe it if I couldn’t step outside and see…”
He rubbed a [te] over his bald [atama].
He rubbed a hand over his bald head.
“Winternight visits just [hajime], our [te] full of presents and honeycakes and our [heddo] [aki] of [Kajitsu-sake], then the [inu] snarling, and suddenly the two of them [bāsuto] out of the [in], running through the [mura], shouting about Trollocs.
“Winternight visits just beginning, our hands full of presents and honeycakes and our heads fall of wine, then the dogs snarling, and suddenly the two of them burst out of the inn, running through the village, shouting about Trollocs.
I [shikō] they’d had too much [Kajitsu-sake].
I thought they’d had too much wine.
After all…
After all…
Trollocs?
Trollocs?
Then, before anyone knew what was [dekigoto], those…
Then, before anyone knew what was happening, those…
those [monogoto] were [migi] in the [machi] with us, slashing at [hitobito] with their [ken], torching [hausu], howling to [tōketsu] a [otoko]’s [chi].”
those things were right in the streets with us, slashing at people with their swords, torching houses, howling to freeze a man’s blood.”
He made a [saundo] of [keno kan] in his [nodo].
He made a sound of disgust in his throat.
“We just hashitta like [niwatori] with a [fokkusu] in the henyard till [shujin] Lan put some [bakkubōn] into us.”
“We just ran like chickens with a fox in the henyard till Master Lan put some backbone into us.”
“No must to be so hard,”
“No need to be so hard,”
Thom said.
Thom said.
“You did as [yoku] as anyone could.
“You did as well as anyone could.
Not every Trolloc lying out there fell to the two of them.”
Not every Trolloc lying out there fell to the two of them.”
“Umm…
“Umm…
yes, [yoku].”
yes, well.”
[shujin] al’Vere gave himself a [furu].
Master al’Vere gave himself a shake.
“It’s still almost too much to [shinjiru].
“It’s still almost too much to believe.
An Aes Sedai in Emond’s [ryōiki].
An Aes Sedai in Emond’s Field.
And [shujin] Lan is a [kanshu].”
And Master Lan is a Warder.”
“An Aes Sedai?”
“An Aes Sedai?”
Rand whispered.
Rand whispered.
“She can’t be.
“She can’t be.
I talked to her.
I talked to her.
She isn’t…
She isn’t…
She doesn’t…”
She doesn’t…”
“Did you think they wore [kanban]?”
“Did you think they wore signs?”
the [shichō] said wryly.
the Mayor said wryly.
“’Aes Sedai’ painted across their [bakkuappu shimasu], and maybe, ’[kiken], [taizai] away’?”
“’Aes Sedai’ painted across their backs, and maybe, ’Danger, stay away’?”
Suddenly he slapped his [gaku].
Suddenly he slapped his forehead.
“Aes Sedai.
“Aes Sedai.
I’m an old [baka], and losing my [chie].
I’m an old fool, and losing my wits.
There’s a [kikai], Rand, [baai] you’re willing to take it.
There’s a chance, Rand, if you’re willing to take it.
I can’t tell you to do it, and I don’t know [baai] I’d have the [shinkei], [baai] it were me.”
I can’t tell you to do it, and I don’t know if I’d have the nerve, if it were me.”
“A [kikai]?”
“A chance?”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“I’ll take any [kikai], [baai] it’ll [tasukeru]–”
“I’ll take any chance, if it’ll help–”
“Aes Sedai can heal, Rand.
“Aes Sedai can heal, Rand.
[yakedo] me, [wakamono], you’ve heard the [ie].
Burn me, lad, you’ve heard the stories.
They can [chiryō hō] where [iyakuhin] [shippai].
They can cure where medicines fail.
[ginyūshijin], you should have remembered that [yori yoi] than I.
Gleeman, you should have remembered that better than I.
Gleemen’s [monogatari] are full of Aes Sedai.
Gleemen’s tales are full of Aes Sedai.
Why didn’t you speak up, instead of letting me [fureiru] around?”
Why didn’t you speak up, instead of letting me flail around?”
“I’m a [gaijin] here,”
“I’m a stranger here,”
Thom said, looking longingly at his unlit [paipu], “and [guddoman] [kopurin] isn’t the only one who [nozon de iru] nothing to do with Aes Sedai.
Thom said, looking longingly at his unlit pipe, “and Goodman Coplin isn’t the only one who wants nothing to do with Aes Sedai.
Best the [kangae] came from you.”
Best the idea came from you.”
“An Aes Sedai,”
“An Aes Sedai,”
Rand muttered, trying to make the [onna] who had smiled at him fit the [ie].
Rand muttered, trying to make the woman who had smiled at him fit the stories.
[tasukeru] from an Aes Sedai was sometimes worse than no [tasukeru] at all, so the [ie] said, like [doku] in a [pai], and their [okurimono] always had a [fukku] in them, like fishbait.
Help from an Aes Sedai was sometimes worse than no help at all, so the stories said, like poison in a pie, and their gifts always had a hook in them, like fishbait.
Suddenly the [koin] in his [poketto], the [koin] Moiraine had given him, seemed like a [moeru] [sekitan].
Suddenly the coin in his pocket, the coin Moiraine had given him, seemed like a burning coal.
It was all he could do not to rip it out of his [kōto] and throw it out the [windō].
It was all he could do not to rip it out of his coat and throw it out the window.
“Nobody [nozon de iru] to get involved with Aes Sedai, [wakamono],”
“Nobody wants to get involved with Aes Sedai, lad,”
the [shichō] said slowly.
the Mayor said slowly.
“It is the only [kikai] I can see, [shikashi] it’s still no small [ketsudan].
“It is the only chance I can see, but it’s still no small decision.
I cannot make it for you, [shikashi] I have seen nothing [shikashi] [yoi] from [shufu] Moiraine…
I cannot make it for you, but I have seen nothing but good from Mistress Moiraine…
Moiraine Sedai, I should [kōru] her, I suppose.
Moiraine Sedai, I should call her, I suppose.
Sometimes”
Sometimes”
– he gave a meaningful took at Tam – “you have to take a [kikai], even [baai] it’s a poor one.”
– he gave a meaningful took at Tam – “you have to take a chance, even if it’s a poor one.”
“Some of the [ie] are exaggerated, in a [michi],”
“Some of the stories are exaggerated, in a way,”
Thom added, as [baai] the [kotoba] were [kōfuku] dragged from him.
Thom added, as if the words were being dragged from him.
“Some of them.
“Some of them.
Besides, [otokonoko], what [sentaku] do you have?”
Besides, boy, what choice do you have?”
“None,”
“None,”
Rand sighed.
Rand sighed.
Tam still had not moved a [kinniku]; his [me] were sunken as [baai] he had been sick a [shū].
Tam still had not moved a muscle; his eyes were sunken as if he had been sick a week.
“I’ll…
“I’ll…
I’ll go find her.”
I’ll go find her.”
“The [sonota] [saido] of the [hashi],”
“The other side of the bridges,”
the [ginyūshijin] said, “where they are…
the gleeman said, “where they are…
disposing of the [shin da] Trollocs.
disposing of the dead Trollocs.
[shikashi] be careful, [otokonoko].
But be careful, boy.
Aes Sedai do what they do for [riyū ga arimasu] of their own, and they aren’t always the [riyū ga arimasu] [tanin] think.”
Aes Sedai do what they do for reasons of their own, and they aren’t always the reasons others think.”
The [saigo] was a [sakebu] that followed Rand through the [tobira].
The last was a shout that followed Rand through the door.
He had to hold onto the [ken] [moyō] to [kīpu] the [saya] from tangling in his [ashi] as he hashitta, [shikashi] he would not take the [jikan] to [sakujo shimasu] it.
He had to hold onto the sword hilt to keep the scabbard from tangling in his legs as he ran, but he would not take the time to remove it.
He clattered down the [kaidan] and dashed out of the [in], [hirō kan] forgotten for the [shunkan].
He clattered down the stairs and dashed out of the inn, tiredness forgotten for the moment.
A [kikai] for Tam, however small, was enough to overcome a [yoru, kishi_knt] without [suimin], for a [jikan] at least.
A chance for Tam, however small, was enough to overcome a night without sleep, for a time at least.
That the [kikai] came from an Aes Sedai, or what the [kakaku] of it might be, he did not want to consider.
That the chance came from an Aes Sedai, or what the price of it might be, he did not want to consider.
And as for actually facing an Aes Sedai…
And as for actually facing an Aes Sedai…
He took a [fukai] [iki] and tried to [ugokasu] faster.
He took a deep breath and tried to move faster.
The [kagaribi] stood [yoku] beyond the [saigo] [hausu] to the [kita], on the Westwood [saido] of the [dōro] to [udedokei] [oka].
The bonfires stood well beyond the last houses to the north, on the Westwood side of the road to Watch Hill.
The [kaze] still carried the oily [kuro] [retsu] of [kemuri] away from the [mura], [shikashi] even so a sickly [amai] stink filled the [kūki], like a [rōsuto] left [jikan] too long on the [kushi].
The wind still carried the oily black columns of smoke away from the village, but even so a sickly sweet stink filled the air, like a roast left hours too long on the spit.
Rand gagged at the [nioi], then swallowed hard when he realized its [sōsu].
Rand gagged at the smell, then swallowed hard when he realized its source.
A [bakkin] [koto] to do with Bel [kōdinēto] fires.
A fine thing to do with Bel Tine fires.
The [dansei] tending the fires had [nuno] tied over their [hana] and [kuchi], [shikashi] their [shikamettsura] made it [heiya] the [su] dampening the [nuno] was not enough.
The men tending the fires had cloths tied over their noses and mouths, but their grimaces made it plain the vinegar dampening the cloths was not enough.
Even [baai] it did kill the [akushū], they still knew the [akushū] was there, and they still knew what they were doing.
Even if it did kill the stench, they still knew the stench was there, and they still knew what they were doing.
Two of the [dansei] were untying the [hānesu] [suto rappu] of one of the big Dhurrans from a Trolloc’s [ashikubi].
Two of the men were untying the harness straps of one of the big Dhurrans from a Trolloc’s ankles.
Lan, squatting beside the [bodi], had tossed back the [mōfu] enough to reveal the Trolloc’s [kata] and [yagi]-snouted [atama].
Lan, squatting beside the body, had tossed back the blanket enough to reveal the Trolloc’s shoulders and goat-snouted head.
As Rand trotted up, the [kanshu] unfastened a [kinzoku] [bajji], a [chi]-[akai] enamelled [toraidento], from one spiked [kata] of the Trolloc’s [shatsu] of [kuro] [mēru].
As Rand trotted up, the Warder unfastened a metal badge, a blood-red enamelled trident, from one spiked shoulder of the Trolloc’s shirt of black mail.
“Ko’bal,”
“Ko’bal,”
he announced.
he announced.
He bounced the [bajji] on his [tenohira] and snatched it out of the [kūki] with a growl.
He bounced the badge on his palm and snatched it out of the air with a growl.
“That makes seven [obi] so far.”
“That makes seven bands so far.”
Moiraine, seated [kurosu]-legged on the [gurando] a short [kyori] off, shook her [atama] tiredly.
Moiraine, seated cross-legged on the ground a short distance off, shook her head tiredly.
A walking [sutaffu], covered from [owari] to [owari] in carved [budō] and [hana], lay across her [hiza], and her [doresu] had the rumpled [hyōjō] of having been worn too long.
A walking staff, covered from end to end in carved vines and flowers, lay across her knees, and her dress had the rumpled look of having been worn too long.
“Seven [obi].
“Seven bands.
Seven!
Seven!
That many have not acted together since the Trolloc [sensō].
That many have not acted together since the Trolloc Wars.
Bad [nyūsu] [yama] on bad [nyūsu].
Bad news piles on bad news.
I am afraid, Lan.
I am afraid, Lan.
I [shikō] we had gained a [kōshin], [shikashi] we may be further behind than ever.”
I thought we had gained a march, but we may be further behind than ever.”
Rand stared at her, unable to speak.
Rand stared at her, unable to speak.
An Aes Sedai.
An Aes Sedai.
He had been trying to [nattoku] himself that she would not [hyōjō] any different now that he knew whom…
He had been trying to convince himself that she would not look any different now that he knew whom…
what he was looking at, and to his [odoroki] she did not.
what he was looking at, and to his surprise she did not.
She was no longer quite so pristine, not with [tanabiku] of her [kami] sticking out in all [hōkō] and a faint [renshō] of [susu] across her [hana], yet not really different, either.
She was no longer quite so pristine, not with wisps of her hair sticking out in all directions and a faint streak of soot across her nose, yet not really different, either.
Surely there must be something about an Aes Sedai to [māku] her for what she was.
Surely there must be something about an Aes Sedai to mark her for what she was.
On the [sonota] [te], [baai] outward [gaikan] reflected what was [uchigawa], and [baai] the [ie] were true, then she should [hyōjō] closer to a Trolloc than to a more than handsome [onna] whose [songen] was not dented by sitting in the [yogore].
On the other hand, if outward appearance reflected what was inside, and if the stories were true, then she should look closer to a Trolloc than to a more than handsome woman whose dignity was not dented by sitting in the dirt.
And she could [tasukeru] Tam.
And she could help Tam.
Whatever the [kosuto], there was that before anything else.
Whatever the cost, there was that before anything else.
He took a [fukai] [iki].
He took a deep breath.
“[shufu] Moiraine…
“Mistress Moiraine…
I mean, Moiraine Sedai.”
I mean, Moiraine Sedai.”
Both turned to [hyōjō] at him, and he froze under her [shisen].
Both turned to look at him, and he froze under her gaze.
Not the calm, smiling [shisen] he remembered from the [midori].
Not the calm, smiling gaze he remembered from the Green.
Her [kao] was tired, [shikashi] her [kurai] [me] were a [hōku]’s [me].
Her face was tired, but her dark eyes were a hawk’s eyes.
Aes Sedai.
Aes Sedai.
[burēkā] of the [sekai].
Breakers of the world.
[ningyō] who pulled [moji retsu] and made [ōza] and [kokka] [dansu] in [sekkei shite imasu] only the [josei] from [tāru] Valon knew.
Puppeteers who pulled strings and made thrones and nations dance in designs only the women from Tar Valon knew.
“A little more [hikari] in the [yami],”
“A little more light in the darkness,”
the Aes Sedai murmured.
the Aes Sedai murmured.
She raised her [koe].
She raised her voice.
“How are your dreams, Rand al’Thor?”
“How are your dreams, Rand al’Thor?”
He stared at her.
He stared at her.
“My dreams?”
“My dreams?”
“A [yoru, kishi_knt] like that can give a [otoko] bad dreams, Rand.
“A night like that can give a man bad dreams, Rand.
[baai] you have [akumu], you must tell me of it.
If you have nightmares, you must tell me of it.
I can [tasukeru] with bad dreams, sometimes.”
I can help with bad dreams, sometimes.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my…
“There’s nothing wrong with my…
It’s my [chichioya].
It’s my father.
He’s [kizutsuketa].
He’s hurt.
It’s not much more than a [kizu], [shikashi] the [hatsunetsu] is [moeru] him up.
It’s not much more than a scratch, but the fever is burning him up.
The [chie] won’t [tasukeru].
The Wisdom won’t help.
She says she can’t.
She says she can’t.
[shikashi] the [ie] .”
But the stories–”
She raised an [mayu], and he stopped and swallowed hard.
She raised an eyebrow, and he stopped and swallowed hard.
[hikari], is there a [monogatari] with an Aes Sedai where she isn’t a [akuyaku]?
Light, is there a story with an Aes Sedai where she isn’t a villain?
He looked at the [kanshu], [shikashi] Lan appeared more interested in the [shin da] Trolloc than in anything Rand might say.
He looked at the Warder, but Lan appeared more interested in the dead Trolloc than in anything Rand might say.
[bukiyō] his [michi] under her [me], he went on.
Fumbling his way under her eyes, he went on.
“I…
“I…
ah…
ah…
it’s said Aes Sedai can heal.
it’s said Aes Sedai can heal.
[baai] you can [tasukeru] him…
If you can help him…
anything you can do for him…
anything you can do for him…
whatever the [kosuto]…
whatever the cost…
I mean…”
I mean…”
He took a [fukai] [iki] and finished up in a [rasshu].
He took a deep breath and finished up in a rush.
“I’ll [yūryō] any [kakaku] in my [dengen o on ni shimasu] [baai] you [tasukeru] him.
“I’ll pay any price in my power if you help him.
Anything.”
Anything.”
“Any [kakaku],”
“Any price,”
Moiraine mused, [hanbun] to herself.
Moiraine mused, half to herself.
“We will speak of prices later, Rand, [baai] at all.
“We will speak of prices later, Rand, if at all.
I can make no [yakusoku].
I can make no promises.
Your [chie] knows what she is about.
Your Wisdom knows what she is about.
I will do what I can, [shikashi] it is beyond my [dengen o on ni shimasu] to [teishi] the [hoīru] from turning.”
I will do what I can, but it is beyond my power to stop the Wheel from turning.”
“[shi] comes sooner or later to everyone,”
“Death comes sooner or later to everyone,”
the [kanshu] said grimly, “unless they serve the [Kurai] One, and only [orokamono] are willing to [yūryō] that [kakaku].”
the Warder said grimly, “unless they serve the Dark One, and only fools are willing to pay that price.”
Moiraine made a clucking [saundo].
Moiraine made a clucking sound.
“Do not be so gloomy, Lan.
“Do not be so gloomy, Lan.
We have some [riyū] to celebrate.
We have some reason to celebrate.
A small one, [shikashi] a [riyū].”
A small one, but a reason.”
She used the [sutaffu] to [puru] herself to her [ashi].
She used the staff to pull herself to her feet.
“Take me to your [chichioya], Rand.
“Take me to your father, Rand.
I will [tasukeru] him as much as I am able.
I will help him as much as I am able.
Too many here have refused to let me [tasukeru] at all.
Too many here have refused to let me help at all.
They have heard the [ie], too,”
They have heard the stories, too,”
she added dryly.
she added dryly.
“He’s at the [in],”
“He’s at the inn,”
Rand said.
Rand said.
“This [michi].
“This way.
And thank you.
And thank you.
Thank you!”
Thank you!”
They followed, [shikashi] his [hochō] took him quickly ahead.
They followed, but his pace took him quickly ahead.
He slowed impatiently for them to [kyacchi] up, then darted ahead again and had to [taiki] again.
He slowed impatiently for them to catch up, then darted ahead again and had to wait again.
“Please [isoi],”
“Please hurry,”
he urged, so caught up in actually getting [tasukeru] for Tam that he never considered the [mukō mi zu] of prodding an Aes Sedai.
he urged, so caught up in actually getting help for Tam that he never considered the temerity of prodding an Aes Sedai.
“The [hatsunetsu] is [moeru] him up.”
“The fever is burning him up.”
Lan glared at him.
Lan glared at him.
“can’t you see she’s tired?
“Can’t you see she’s tired?
Even with an angreal, what she did [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt] was like running around the [mura] with a [fukuro] of [ishi] on her [senaka].
Even with an angreal, what she did last night was like running around the village with a sack of stones on her back.
I don’t know that you are [kachi ga aru] it, [hitsuji kai], no [mondai] what she says.”
I don’t know that you are worth it, sheepherder, no matter what she says.”
Rand blinked and held his [shita].
Rand blinked and held his tongue.
“Gently, my [yūjin],”
“Gently, my friend,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
Without slowing her [hochō], she reached up to pat the [kanshu]’s [kata].
Without slowing her pace, she reached up to pat the Warder’s shoulder.
He towered over her protectively, as [baai] he could give her [tsuyosa] just by [kōfuku] [tojiru].
He towered over her protectively, as if he could give her strength just by being close.
“You think only of taking [kaigo] of me.
“You think only of taking care of me.
Why should he not think the same of his [chichioya]?”
Why should he not think the same of his father?”
Lan scowled, [shikashi] fell silent.
Lan scowled, but fell silent.
“I am coming as quickly as I can, Rand, I [yakusoku] you.”
“I am coming as quickly as I can, Rand, I promise you.”
The [hageshisa] of her [me], or the calm of her [koe] – not gentle, exactly; more firmly in [komando] – Rand did not know which to [shinjiru].
The fierceness of her eyes, or the calm of her voice – not gentle, exactly; more firmly in command – Rand did not know which to believe.
Or perhaps they did go together.
Or perhaps they did go together.
Aes Sedai.
Aes Sedai.
He was committed, now.
He was committed, now.
He matched his [sutoraido] to theirs, and tried not to think of what the [kakaku] might be that they would [hanashi] about later.
He matched his stride to theirs, and tried not to think of what the price might be that they would talk about later.
[akira] 8
Chapter 8
A [basho] of [anzen]
A Place of Safety
[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he was still coming through the [tobira] Rand’s [me] went to his [chichioya] – his [chichioya] no [mondai] what anyone said.
While he was still coming through the door Rand’s eyes went to his father – his father no matter what anyone said.
Tam had not moved an [inchi]; his [me] were still shut, and his [iki] came in labored [aegi], [hikui] and rasping.
Tam had not moved an inch; his eyes were still shut, and his breath came in labored gasps, low and rasping.
The [shiroi]-haired [ginyūshijin] cut off a [kaiwa] with the [shichō] – who was [magatta] over the [shindai] again, tending Tam – and gave Moiraine an uneasy [hyōjō].
The white-haired gleeman cut off a conversation with the Mayor – who was bent over the bed again, tending Tam – and gave Moiraine an uneasy look.
The Aes Sedai ignored him.
The Aes Sedai ignored him.
Indeed, she ignored everyone except for Tam, [shikashi] at him she stared with an [ito] [shikame men].
Indeed, she ignored everyone except for Tam, but at him she stared with an intent frown.
Thom stuck his unlit [paipu] between his [ha], then snatched it out again and glowered at it.
Thom stuck his unlit pipe between his teeth, then snatched it out again and glowered at it.
“[otoko] cannot even [kemuri] in [heiwa],”
“Man cannot even smoke in peace,”
he muttered.
he muttered.
“I had [yori yoi] make sure some [nōka] doesn’t steal my [gaitō] to [kīpu] his [ushi] [atatakai].
“I had better make sure some farmer doesn’t steal my cloak to keep his cow warm.
At least I can have my [paipu] out there.”
At least I can have my pipe out there.”
He hurried out of the [heya].
He hurried out of the room.
Lan stared after him, his angular [kao] as expressionless as a [iwa].
Lan stared after him, his angular face as expressionless as a rock.
“I do not like that [otoko].
“I do not like that man.
There is something about him I don’t trust.
There is something about him I don’t trust.
I did not see a [kami] of him [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt].”
I did not see a hair of him last night.”
“He was there,”
“He was there,”
Bran said, watching Moiraine uncertainly.
Bran said, watching Moiraine uncertainly.
“He must have been.
“He must have been.
His [gaitō] did not get singed in [furonto] of the [danro].”
His cloak did not get singed in front of the fireplace.”
Rand did not [kaigo] [baai] the [ginyūshijin] had spent the [yoru, kishi_knt] hiding in the [antei shita].
Rand did not care if the gleeman had spent the night hiding in the stable.
“My [chichioya]?”
“My father?”
he said to Moiraine pleadingly.
he said to Moiraine pleadingly.
Bran opened his [kuchi no naka], [shikashi] before he could speak Moiraine said, “[kyūka] me with him, [shujin] al’Vere.
Bran opened his mouth, but before he could speak Moiraine said, “Leave me with him, Master al’Vere.
There is nothing you can do here now except get in my [michi].”
There is nothing you can do here now except get in my way.”
For a [bun] Bran hesitated, torn between [kirai] of [kōfuku] ordered about in his own [in] and [fu honi] to disobey an Aes Sedai.
For a minute Bran hesitated, torn between dislike of being ordered about in his own inn and reluctance to disobey an Aes Sedai.
Finally, he straightened to clap Rand on the [kata].
Finally, he straightened to clap Rand on the shoulder.
“Come along, [otokonoko].
“Come along, boy.
Let us [kyūka] Moiraine Sedai to her…
Let us leave Moiraine Sedai to her…
ah…
ah…
her…
her…
There’s [takusan] you can give me a [te] with downstairs.
There’s plenty you can give me a hand with downstairs.
Before you know it Tam will be shouting for his [paipu] and a [magukappu] of [ēru].”
Before you know it Tam will be shouting for his pipe and a mug of ale.”
“can I [taizai]?”
“Can I stay?”
Rand spoke to Moiraine, though she did not really seem to be aware of anyone besides Tam.
Rand spoke to Moiraine, though she did not really seem to be aware of anyone besides Tam.
Bran’s [te] tightened, [shikashi] Rand ignored him.
Bran’s hand tightened, but Rand ignored him.
“Please?
“Please?
I’ll [kīpu] out of your [michi].
I’ll keep out of your way.
You won’t even know I am here.
You won’t even know I am here.
He’s my [chichioya],”
He’s my father,”
he added with a [hageshisa] that startled him and widened the [shichō]’s [me] in [odoroki].
he added with a fierceness that startled him and widened the Mayor’s eyes in surprise.
Rand hoped the [tanin] put it down to [hirō kan], or the [hizumi] of dealing with an Aes Sedai.
Rand hoped the others put it down to tiredness, or the strain of dealing with an Aes Sedai.
“Yes, yes,”
“Yes, yes,”
Moiraine said impatiently.
Moiraine said impatiently.
She had tossed her [gaitō] and [sutaffu] carelessly across the only [isu] in the [heya], and now she pushed up the [sode] of her [gaun], baring her [ude] to her [hiji].
She had tossed her cloak and staff carelessly across the only chair in the room, and now she pushed up the sleeves of her gown, baring her arms to her elbows.
Her [chūi] never really left Tam, even [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] she spoke.
Her attention never really left Tam, even while she spoke.
“Sit over there.
“Sit over there.
And you, too, Lan.”
And you, too, Lan.”
She gestured vaguely in the [hōkō] of a long [endai] against the [kabe].
She gestured vaguely in the direction of a long bench against the wall.
Her [me] traveled slowly from Tam’s [ashi] to his [atama], [shikashi] Rand had the prickly [kanji] that she was looking beyond him in some [fasshon].
Her eyes traveled slowly from Tam’s feet to his head, but Rand had the prickly feeling that she was looking beyond him in some fashion.
“You may [hanashi] [baai] you [negai],”
“You may talk if you wish,”
she went on absently, “[shikashi] do it quietly.
she went on absently, “but do it quietly.
Now, you go, [shujin] al’Vere.
Now, you go, Master al’Vere.
This is a [byōshitsu], not a gathering [hōru].
This is a sickroom, not a gathering hall.
See that I am not disturbed.”
See that I am not disturbed.”
The [shichō] grumbled under his [iki], though not loudly enough to [kyacchi] her [chūi], of [mochiron], squeezed Rand’s [kata] again, then obediently, [baai] reluctantly, closed the [tobira] behind him.
The Mayor grumbled under his breath, though not loudly enough to catch her attention, of course, squeezed Rand’s shoulder again, then obediently, if reluctantly, closed the door behind him.
Muttering to herself, the Aes Sedai knelt beside the [shindai] and rested her [te] lightly on Tam’s [mune].
Muttering to herself, the Aes Sedai knelt beside the bed and rested her hands lightly on Tam’s chest.
She closed her [me], and for a long [jikan] she neither moved nor made a [saundo].
She closed her eyes, and for a long time she neither moved nor made a sound.
In the [ie] Aes Sedai [fushigi] were always accompanied by flashes and thunderclaps, or [sonota] [kanban] to indicate mighty [sakuhin] and great [pawāzu].
In the stories Aes Sedai wonders were always accompanied by flashes and thunderclaps, or other signs to indicate mighty works and great powers.
The [dengen o on ni shimasu].
The Power.
The One [dengen o on ni shimasu], drawn from the True [sōsu] that [unten shita] the [hoīru] of [jikan].
The One Power, drawn from the True Source that drove the Wheel of Time.
That was not something Rand wanted to think about, the [dengen o on ni shimasu] involved with Tam, himself in the same [heya] where the [dengen o on ni shimasu] might be used.
That was not something Rand wanted to think about, the Power involved with Tam, himself in the same room where the Power might be used.
In the same [mura] was bad enough.
In the same village was bad enough.
