The Eye of the World_9 Flashcards
“Without [tamerai], without [shikō] for the [kyori] they must [ryokō], they marched from the [hijō ni] [ryōiki] of [shōri], still covered in [hokori] and [ase] and [chi].
“Without hesitation, without thought for the distance they must travel, they marched from the very field of victory, still covered in dust and sweat and blood.
[ichi nichi] and [yoru, kishi_knt] they marched, for they had seen the [horā] a Trolloc [guntai] left behind it, and no [otoko] of them could [suimin] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] such a [kiken] threatened Manetheren.
Day and night they marched, for they had seen the horror a Trolloc army left behind it, and no man of them could sleep while such a danger threatened Manetheren.
They moved as [baai] their [ashi] had [tsubasa], marching further and faster than [yūjin] hoped or [teki] feared they could.
They moved as if their feet had wings, marching further and faster than friends hoped or enemies feared they could.
At any [sonota] [ichi nichi] that [kōshin] alone would have inspired [kyoku].
At any other day that march alone would have inspired songs.
When the [Kurai] One’s [guntai] swooped down upon the [tochi] of Manetheren, the [dansei] of the [yama] home stood before it, with their [bakkuappu shimasu] to the Tarendrelle.”
When the Dark One’s armies swooped down upon the lands of Manetheren, the men of the Mountain Home stood before it, with their backs to the Tarendrelle.”
Some [murabito] raised a small [ōen] then, [shikashi] Moiraine kept on as [baai] she had not heard.
Some villager raised a small cheer then, but Moiraine kept on as if she had not heard.
“The [hosuto] that faced the [dansei] of Manetheren was enough to daunt the bravest [kokoro].
“The host that faced the men of Manetheren was enough to daunt the bravest heart.
[watarigarasu] blackened the [sora]; Trollocs blackened the [tochi].
Ravens blackened the sky; Trollocs blackened the land.
Trollocs and their [ningen] [dōmei koku].
Trollocs and their human allies.
Trollocs and [Kurai-yūjin] in tens of tens of thousands, and Dreadlords to [komando].
Trollocs and Darkfriends in tens of tens of thousands, and Dreadlords to command.
At [yoru, kishi_knt] their cookfires outnumbered the [hoshi], and [yoake] revealed the [banā] of Ba’alzamon at their [atama].
At night their cookfires outnumbered the stars, and dawn revealed the banner of Ba’alzamon at their head.
Ba’alzamon, [kokoro] of the [Kurai].
Ba’alzamon, Heart of the Dark.
An [kodai] [namae] for the [chichioya] of Lies.
An ancient name for the Father of Lies.
The [Kurai] One could not have been [muryō desu] of his [keimusho] at Shayol Ghul, for [baai] he had been, not all the [chikara] of [jinrui] together could have stood against him, [shikashi] there was [dengen o on ni shimasu] there.
The Dark One could not have been free of his prison at Shayol Ghul, for if he had been, not all the forces of humankind together could have stood against him, but there was power there.
Dreadlords, and some [aku] that made that [hikari]-destroying [banā] seem no more than [migi] and sent a [samusa] into the [tamashī] of the [dansei] who faced it.
Dreadlords, and some evil that made that light-destroying banner seem no more than right and sent a chill into the souls of the men who faced it.
“Yet, they knew what they must do.
“Yet, they knew what they must do.
Their homeland lay just across the [kawa].
Their homeland lay just across the river.
They must [kīpu] that [hosuto], and the [dengen o on ni shimasu] with it, from the [yama] home.
They must keep that host, and the power with it, from the Mountain Home.
Aemon had sent out [messenjā].
Aemon had sent out messengers.
[enjo] was promised [baai] they could hold for [shikashi] three [hi] at the Tarendrelle.
Aid was promised if they could hold for but three days at the Tarendrelle.
Hold for three [hi] against [ozzu] that should overwhelm them in the [saisho] [jikan].
Hold for three days against odds that should overwhelm them in the first hour.
Yet somehow, through bloody [bōkō] and desperate [bōei], they held through an [jikan], and the [ni] [jikan], and the third.
Yet somehow, through bloody assault and desperate defense, they held through an hour, and the second hour, and the third.
For three [hi] they fought, and though the [tochi] became a [nikuya]’s [niwa], no crossing of the Tarendrelle did they yield.
For three days they fought, and though the land became a butcher’s yard, no crossing of the Tarendrelle did they yield.
By the third [yoru, kishi_knt] no [tasukeru] had come, and no [messenjā], and they fought on alone.
By the third night no help had come, and no messengers, and they fought on alone.
For six [hi].
For six days.
For nine.
For nine.
And on the tenth [ichi nichi] Aemon knew the bitter [aji] of [uragiri].
And on the tenth day Aemon knew the bitter taste of betrayal.
No [tasukeru] was coming, and they could hold the [kawa] [kōsa] no more.”
No help was coming, and they could hold the river crossings no more.”
“What did they do?”
“What did they do?”
Hari demanded.
Hari demanded.
Torchfires flickered in the [samusa] [yoru, kishi_knt] [soyokaze], [shikashi] no one made a [ugokasu] to [dorō] a [gaitō] tighter.
Torchfires flickered in the chill night breeze, but no one made a move to draw a cloak tighter.
“Aemon crossed the Tarendrelle,”
“Aemon crossed the Tarendrelle,”
Moiraine told them, “destroying the [hashi] behind him.
Moiraine told them, “destroying the bridges behind him.
And he sent [kotoba] throughout his [tochi] for the [hitobito] to flee, for he knew the [pawāzu] with the Trolloc horde would find a [michi] to bring it across the [kawa].
And he sent word throughout his land for the people to flee, for he knew the powers with the Trolloc horde would find a way to bring it across the river.
Even as the [kotoba] went out, the Trolloc crossing began, and the [heishi] of Manetheren took up the [tatakai] again, to buy with their [inochi] what [jikan] they could for their [hitobito] to [dasshutsu].
Even as the word went out, the Trolloc crossing began, and the soldiers of Manetheren took up the fight again, to buy with their lives what hours they could for their people to escape.
From the [toshi] of Manetheren, Eldrene organized the [hikō] of her [hitobito] into the deepest [mori] and the [kenrō] of the [yama].
From the city of Manetheren, Eldrene organized the flight of her people into the deepest forests and the fastness of the mountains.
“[shikashi] some did not flee.
“But some did not flee.
[saisho] in a trickle, then a [kawa], then a [kōzui], [dansei] went, not to [anzen], [shikashi] to [sanka shimasu] the [guntai] [tatakai] for their [tochi].
First in a trickle, then a river, then a flood, men went, not to safety, but to join the army fighting for their land.
[hitsuji kai] with [yumi], and [nōka] with [gādenfōkusu], and woodsmen with axes.
Shepherds with bows, and farmers with pitchforks, and woodsmen with axes.
[josei] went, too, shouldering what [buki] they could find and marching [saido] by [saido] with their [dansei].
Women went, too, shouldering what weapons they could find and marching side by side with their men.
No one made that [tabi] who did not know they would never [ritān].
No one made that journey who did not know they would never return.
[shikashi] it was their [tochi].
But it was their land.
It had been their [chichioya]’, and it would be their [kodomo tachi]’s, and they went to [yūryō] the [kakaku] of it.
It had been their fathers’, and it would be their children’s, and they went to pay the price of it.
Not a [suteppu] of [gurando] was given up until it was soaked in [chi], [shikashi] at the [saigo] the [guntai] of Manetheren was driven back, back to here, to this [basho] you now [kōru] Emond’s [ryōiki].
Not a step of ground was given up until it was soaked in blood, but at the last the army of Manetheren was driven back, back to here, to this place you now call Emond’s Field.
And here the Trolloc hordes surrounded them.”
And here the Trolloc hordes surrounded them.”
Her [koe] held the [saundo] of [samui] [namida].
Her voice held the sound of cold tears.
“Trolloc [shin da] and the [shitai] of [ningen] [hangyakusha] piled up in [tsuka], [shikashi] always more scrambled over those [nōkotsu dō] [hīpu] in [nami] of [shi] that had no [owari].
“Trolloc dead and the corpses of human renegades piled up in mounds, but always more scrambled over those charnel heaps in waves of death that had no end.
There could be [shikashi] one [shiagari].
There could be but one finish.
No [otoko] or [onna] who had stood beneath the [banā] of the [akai] [washi] at that [ichi nichi]’s [makuake] still lived when [yoru, kishi_knt] fell.
No man or woman who had stood beneath the banner of the Red Eagle at that day’s dawning still lived when night fell.
The [ken] that could not be broken was shattered.
The sword that could not be broken was shattered.
“In the [yama] of [misuto], alone in the emptied [toshi] of Manetheren, Eldrene [kanjita] Aemon [dai], and her [kokoro] died with him.
“In the Mountains of Mist, alone in the emptied city of Manetheren, Eldrene felt Aemon die, and her heart died with him.
And where her [kokoro] had been was left only a [nodo no kawaki] for [fukushū], [fukushū] for her [ai], [fukushū] for her [hitobito] and her [tochi].
And where her heart had been was left only a thirst for vengeance, vengeance for her love, vengeance for her people and her land.
Driven by [kanashimi] she reached out to the True [sōsu], and hurled the One [dengen o on ni shimasu] at the Trolloc [guntai].
Driven by grief she reached out to the True Source, and hurled the One Power at the Trolloc army.
And there the Dreadlords died wherever they stood, whether in their [himitsu] [kyōgi-kai] or exhorting their [heishi].
And there the Dreadlords died wherever they stood, whether in their secret councils or exhorting their soldiers.
In the passing of a [iki] the Dreadlords and the [shōgun] of the [Kurai] One’s [hosuto] [bāsuto] into [honoo].
In the passing of a breath the Dreadlords and the generals of the Dark One’s host burst into flame.
[kasai] consumed their [bodi], and [kyōfu] consumed their just-victorious [guntai].
Fire consumed their bodies, and terror consumed their just-victorious army.
“Now they hashitta like [shishi] before a [yama kaji] in the [mori], with no [shikō] for anything [shikashi] [dasshutsu].
“Now they ran like beasts before a wildfire in the forest, with no thought for anything but escape.
[kita] and [minami] they fled.
North and south they fled.
Thousands drowned attempting to [kurosu] the Tarendrelle without the [enjo] of the Dreadlords, and at the Manetherendrelle they tore down the [hashi] in their fright at what might be following them.
Thousands drowned attempting to cross the Tarendrelle without the aid of the Dreadlords, and at the Manetherendrelle they tore down the bridges in their fright at what might be following them.
Where they found [hitobito], they slew and burned, [shikashi] to flee was the must that gripped them.
Where they found people, they slew and burned, but to flee was the need that gripped them.
Until, at [saigo], no one of them remained in the [tochi] of Manetheren.
Until, at last, no one of them remained in the lands of Manetheren.
They were dispersed like [hokori] before the [senpū].
They were dispersed like dust before the whirlwind.
The final [fukushū] came more slowly, [shikashi] it came, when they were hunted down by [sonota] peoples, by [sonota] [guntai] in [sonota] [tochi].
The final vengeance came more slowly, but it came, when they were hunted down by other peoples, by other armies in other lands.
None was left alive of those who did [satsujin] at Aemon’s [ryōiki].
None was left alive of those who did murder at Aemon’s Field.
“[shikashi] the [kakaku] was high for Manetheren.
“But the price was high for Manetheren.
Eldrene had drawn to herself more of the One [dengen o on ni shimasu] than any [ningen] could ever [kibō] to wield unaided.
Eldrene had drawn to herself more of the One Power than any human could ever hope to wield unaided.
As the [teki] [shōgun] died, so did she [dai], and the fires that consumed her consumed the empty [toshi] of Manetheren, even the [ishi] of it, down to the living [iwa] of the [yama].
As the enemy generals died, so did she die, and the fires that consumed her consumed the empty city of Manetheren, even the stones of it, down to the living rock of the mountains.
Yet the [hitobito] had been saved.”
Yet the people had been saved.”
“Nothing was left of their [nōjō], their [mura], or their great [toshi].
“Nothing was left of their farms, their villages, or their great city.
Some would say there was nothing left for them, nothing [shikashi] to flee to [sonota] [tochi], where they could begin anew.
Some would say there was nothing left for them, nothing but to flee to other lands, where they could begin anew.
They did not say so.
They did not say so.
They had paid such a [kakaku] in [chi] and [kibō] for their [tochi] as had never been paid before, and now they were [ketsugō shita] to that [dojō] by [nekutai] stronger than [hagane].
They had paid such a price in blood and hope for their land as had never been paid before, and now they were bound to that soil by ties stronger than steel.
[sonota] [sensō] would [hibamata] them in [toshi] to come, until at [saigo] their [kōnā] of the [sekai] was forgotten and at [saigo] they had forgotten [sensō] and the [hōhō] of [sensō].
Other wars would wrack them in years to come, until at last their corner of the world was forgotten and at last they had forgotten wars and the ways of war.
Never again did Manetheren [jōshō].
Never again did Manetheren rise.
Its soaring [sentō] and splashing [funsui] became as a [yume] that slowly faded from the [kokoro] of its [hitobito].
Its soaring spires and splashing fountains became as a dream that slowly faded from the minds of its people.
[shikashi] they, and their [kodomo tachi], and their [kodomo tachi]’s [kodomo tachi], held the [tochi] that was theirs.
But they, and their children, and their children’s children, held the land that was theirs.
They held it when the long [nani seiki] had washed the why of it from their [omoide].
They held it when the long centuries had washed the why of it from their memories.
They held it until, today, there is you.
They held it until, today, there is you.
Weep for Manetheren.
Weep for Manetheren.
Weep for what is lost forever.”
Weep for what is lost forever.”
The fires on Moiraine’s [sutaffu] winked out, and she lowered it to her [saido] as [baai] it weighed a hundred [pondo].
The fires on Moiraine’s staff winked out, and she lowered it to her side as if it weighed a hundred pounds.
For a long [shunkan] the [umekigoe] of the [kaze] was the only [saundo].
For a long moment the moan of the wind was the only sound.
Then Paet al’Caar shouldered past the Coplins.
Then Paet al’Caar shouldered past the Coplins.
“I don’t know about your [monogatari],”
“I don’t know about your story,”
the long-jawed [nōka] said.
the long-jawed farmer said.
“I’m no [toge] to the [Kurai] One’s [ashi], nor ever likely to be, neither.
“I’m no thorn to the Dark One’s foot, nor ever likely to be, neither.
[shikashi] my Wil is walking because of you, and for that I am ashamed to be here.
But my Wil is walking because of you, and for that I am ashamed to be here.
I don’t know [baai] you can forgive me, [shikashi] whether you will or no, I’ll be going.
I don’t know if you can forgive me, but whether you will or no, I’ll be going.
And for me, you can [taizai] in Emond’s [ryōiki] as long as you like.”
And for me, you can stay in Emond’s Field as long as you like.”
With a quick [ahiru] of his [atama], almost a [bou], he pushed back through the [gunshū].
With a quick duck of his head, almost a bow, he pushed back through the crowd.
[tanin] began to [tsubuyaki] then, offering shamefaced penirence before they, too, slipped away one by one.
Others began to mutter then, offering shamefaced penirence before they, too, slipped away one by one.
The Coplins, sour-mouthed and scowling once more, looked at the [kao] around them and vanished into the [yoru, kishi_knt] without a [kotoba].
The Coplins, sour-mouthed and scowling once more, looked at the faces around them and vanished into the night without a word.
Bili [kongāru] had disappeared even before his [itoko].
Bili Congar had disappeared even before his cousins.
Lan pulled Rand back and shut the [tobira].
Lan pulled Rand back and shut the door.
“Let’s go, [otokonoko].”
“Let’s go, boy.”
The [kanshu] started for the [rimen] of the [in].
The Warder started for the back of the inn.
“Come along, both of you.
“Come along, both of you.
Quickly!”
Quickly!”
Rand hesitated, exchanging a wondering [ichimoku] with Mat.
Rand hesitated, exchanging a wondering glance with Mat.
[dōjini, tsutsu, issun] Moiraine had been [uranai] the [monogatari], [shujin] al’Vere’s Dhurrans could not have dragged him away, [shikashi] now something else held his [ashi].
While Moiraine had been telling the story, Master al’Vere’s Dhurrans could not have dragged him away, but now something else held his feet.
This was the real [hajime], leaving the [in] and following the [kanshu] into the [yoru, kishi_knt].
This was the real beginning, leaving the inn and following the Warder into the night.
He shook himself, and tried to firm his resolve.
He shook himself, and tried to firm his resolve.
He had no [sentaku] [shikashi] to go, [shikashi] he would come back to Emond’s [ryōiki], however far or long this [tabi] was.
He had no choice but to go, but he would come back to Emond’s Field, however far or long this journey was.
“What are you waiting for?”
“What are you waiting for?”
Lan asked from the [tobira] that led out of the [rimen] of the common [heya].
Lan asked from the door that led out of the back of the common room.
With a [kaishi, hajimeru] Mat hurried to him.
With a start Mat hurried to him.
Trying to [nattoku] himself that he was [hajime] a grand [bōken], Rand followed them through the [kurai]ened [kicchin] out into the stableyard.
Trying to convince himself that he was beginning a grand adventure, Rand followed them through the darkened kitchen out into the stableyard.
[akira] 10
Chapter 10
[kokubetsu]
Leavetaking
A [shinguru] [rantan], its [shattā] [hanbun] closed, hung from a [neiru] on a [sutōru] [posuto], casting a dim [hikari].
A single lantern, its shutters half closed, hung from a nail on a stall post, casting a dim light.
[fukai] [kage] swallowed most of the [yatai].
Deep shadows swallowed most of the stalls.
As Rand came through the [tobira] from the stableyard, hard on the [kakato] of Mat and the [kanshu], Perrin leaped up in a [sarasara] of [wara] from where he had been sitting with his [senaka] against a [sutōru] [tobira].
As Rand came through the doors from the stableyard, hard on the heels of Mat and the Warder, Perrin leaped up in a rustle of straw from where he had been sitting with his back against a stall door.
A heavy [gaitō] swathed him.
A heavy cloak swathed him.
Lan barely paused to [juyō], “Did you [hyōjō] the [michi] I told you, [tanya ya]?”
Lan barely paused to demand, “Did you look the way I told you, blacksmith?”
“I looked,”
“I looked,”
Perrin replied.
Perrin replied.
“There’s nobody here [shikashi] us.
“There’s nobody here but us.
Why would anybody hide–”
Why would anybody hide–”
“[kaigo] and a long [jinsei] go together, [tanya ya].”
“Care and a long life go together, blacksmith.”
The [kanshu] hashitta a quick [me] around the shadowed [antei shita] and the deeper [kage] of the hayloft above, then shook his [atama].
The Warder ran a quick eye around the shadowed stable and the deeper shadows of the hayloft above, then shook his head.
“No [jikan],”
“No time,”
he muttered, [hanbun] to himself.
he muttered, half to himself.
“[isoi], she says.”
“Hurry, she says.”
As [baai] to [sūtsu] his [kotoba], he strode quickly to where the five [uma] stood tethered, bridled and saddled at the [rimen] of the [pūru] of [hikari].
As if to suit his words, he strode quickly to where the five horses stood tethered, bridled and saddled at the back of the pool of light.
Two were the [kuro] [taneuma] and [shiroi] [māre] that Rand had seen before.
Two were the black stallion and white mare that Rand had seen before.
The [tanin], [baai] not quite so tall or so sleek, certainly appeared to be among the best the Two [kawa] had to [teikyō].
The others, if not quite so tall or so sleek, certainly appeared to be among the best the Two Rivers had to offer.
With hasty [kaigo] Lan began examining cinches and [dōmawari] [suto rappu], and the [kawa] [nekutai] that held [sadoru], [mizu sukin], and [mōfu]-[rōru] behind the [sadoru].
With hasty care Lan began examining cinches and girth straps, and the leather ties that held saddlebags, water-skins, and blanket-rolls behind the saddles.
Rand exchanged shaky [egao] with his [yūjin], trying hard to [hyōjō] as [baai] he really was eager to be off.
Rand exchanged shaky smiles with his friends, trying hard to look as if he really was eager to be off.
For the [saisho] [jikan] Mat noticed the [ken] at Rand’s [koshi], and pointed to it.
For the first time Mat noticed the sword at Rand’s waist, and pointed to it.
“You becoming a [kanshu]?”
“You becoming a Warder?”
He laughed, then swallowed it with a quick [ichimoku] at Lan.
He laughed, then swallowed it with a quick glance at Lan.
The [kanshu] apparently took no [chūi shite kudasai].
The Warder apparently took no notice.
“Or at least a [shōnin]’s [keibi],”
“Or at least a merchant’s guard,”
Mat went on with a grin that seemed only a little forced.
Mat went on with a grin that seemed only a little forced.
He hefted his [bou].
He hefted his bow.
“An honest [otoko]’s [buki] isn’t [yoi] enough for him.”
“An honest man’s weapon isn’t good enough for him.”
Rand [shikō] about flourishing the [ken]; [shikashi] Lan [kōfuku] there stopped him.
Rand thought about flourishing the sword; but Lan being there stopped him.
The [kanshu] was not even looking in his [hōkō], [shikashi] he was sure the [otoko] was aware of everything that went on around him.
The Warder was not even looking in his direction, but he was sure the man was aware of everything that went on around him.
Instead he said with exaggerated [sarige nasa], “It might be useful,”
Instead he said with exaggerated casualness, “It might be useful,”
as [baai] wearing a [ken] were nothing out of the ordinary.
as if wearing a sword were nothing out of the ordinary.
Perrin moved, trying to hide something under his [gaitō].
Perrin moved, trying to hide something under his cloak.
Rand glimpsed a wide [kawa] [beruto] encircling the [minarai] [tanya ya]’s [koshi], with the [handoru] of an [ono] [suiryoku] through a [rūpu] on the [beruto].
Rand glimpsed a wide leather belt encircling the apprentice blacksmith’s waist, with the handle of an axe thrust through a loop on the belt.
“What do you have there?”
“What do you have there?”
he asked.
he asked.
“[shōnin]’s [keibi], indeed,”
“Merchant’s guard, indeed,”
Mat hooted.
Mat hooted.
The shaggy-haired [wakamono] gave Mat a [shikame men] that suggested he had already had more than his fair [kyōyū shite imasu] of joking, then sighed heavily and tossed back his [gaitō] to uncover the [ono].
The shaggy-haired youth gave Mat a frown that suggested he had already had more than his fair share of joking, then sighed heavily and tossed back his cloak to uncover the axe.
It was no comrnon [mori no jūnin]’s [tsūru].
It was no comrnon woodsman’s tool.
A broad [hanbun]-[mūn] [ha] on one [saido] of the [atama] and a curved [supaiku] on the [sonota] made it every [sukoshi] as strange for the Two [kawa] as Rand’s [ken].
A broad half-moon blade on one side of the head and a curved spike on the other made it every bit as strange for the Two Rivers as Rand’s sword.
Perrin’s [te] rested on it with a [kankaku] of [shitashimi yasusa], though.
Perrin’s hand rested on it with a sense of familiarity, though.
“[shujin] Luhhan made it about two [toshi] ago, for a [wuru]-[kaite]’s [keibi].
“Master Luhhan made it about two years ago, for a wool-buyer’s guard.
[shikashi] when it was done the [nakama] wouldn’t [yūryō] what he had agreed, and [shujin] Luhhan would not take less.
But when it was done the fellow wouldn’t pay what he had agreed, and Master Luhhan would not take less.
He gave it to me when”
He gave it to me when”
– he cleared his [nodo], then [shotto] Rand the same warning [shikame men] he’d given Mat—
– he cleared his throat, then shot Rand the same warning frown he’d given Mat—
“when he found me practicing with it.
“when he found me practicing with it.
He said I might as [yoku] have it since he couldn’t make anything useful from it.”
He said I might as well have it since he couldn’t make anything useful from it.”
“Practicing,”
“Practicing,”
Mat snickered, [shikashi] held up his [te] soothingly when Perrin raised his [atama].
Mat snickered, but held up his hands soothingly when Perrin raised his head.
“As you say.
“As you say.
It’s just as [yoku] one of us knows how to [shiyō] a real [buki]”
It’s just as well one of us knows how to use a real weapon”
“That [bou] is a real [buki],”
“That bow is a real weapon,”
Lan said suddenly.
Lan said suddenly.
He dropped an [āmu] across the [sadoru] of his tall [kuro] and regarded hem gravely.
He dropped an arm across the saddle of his tall black and regarded hem gravely.
“So are the [suringu] I’ve seen you [mura] [otokonoko] with.
“So are the slings I’ve seen you village boys with.
Just because you never used them for anything [shikashi] hunting [usagi] or chasing a [ōkami] away from the [hitsuji] makes no [chigai].
Just because you never used them for anything but hunting rabbits or chasing a wolf away from the sheep makes no difference.
Anything can be a [buki], [baai] the [otoko] or [onna] who holds it has the [shinkei] and will to make it so.
Anything can be a weapon, if the man or woman who holds it has the nerve and will to make it so.
Trollocs aside, you had [yori yoi] have that clear in your [kokoro] before we [kyūka] the Two [kawa], before we [kyūka] Emond’s [ryōiki], [baai] you want to [rīchi] [tāru] Valon alive.”
Trollocs aside, you had better have that clear in your minds before we leave the Two Rivers, before we leave Emond’s Field, if you want to reach Tar Valon alive.”
His [kao] and [koe], [samui] as [shi] and hard as a rough-hewn [hakaishi], stifled their [egao] and their [shita].
His face and voice, cold as death and hard as a rough-hewn gravestone, stifled their smiles and their tongues.
Perrin grimaced and pulled his [gaitō] back over the [ono].
Perrin grimaced and pulled his cloak back over the axe.
Mat stared at his [ashi] and stirred the [wara] on the [antei shita] [yuka] with his [tsumasaki].
Mat stared at his feet and stirred the straw on the stable floor with his toe.
The [kanshu] grunted and went back to his checking, and the [chinmoku] lengthened.
The Warder grunted and went back to his checking, and the silence lengthened.
“It isn’t much like the [ie],”
“It isn’t much like the stories,”
Mat said, finally.
Mat said, finally.
“I don’t know,”
“I don’t know,”
Perrin said sourly.
Perrin said sourly.
“Trollocs, a [kanshu], an Aes Sedai.
“Trollocs, a Warder, an Aes Sedai.
What more could you ask?”
What more could you ask?”
“Aes Sedai,”
“Aes Sedai,”
Mat whispered, sounding as [baai] he were suddenly [samui].
Mat whispered, sounding as if he were suddenly cold.
“Do you [shinjiru] her, Rand?”
“Do you believe her, Rand?”
Perrin asked.
Perrin asked.
“I mean, what would Trollocs want with us?”
“I mean, what would Trollocs want with us?”
As one, they glanced at the [kanshu].
As one, they glanced at the Warder.
Lan appeared absorbed in the [shiroi] [māre]’s [sadoru] [dōmawari], [shikashi] the three of them moved back toward the [antei shita] [tobira], away from Lan.
Lan appeared absorbed in the white mare’s saddle girth, but the three of them moved back toward the stable door, away from Lan.
Even so, they huddled together and spoke softly.
Even so, they huddled together and spoke softly.
Rand shook his [atama].
Rand shook his head.
“I don’t know, [shikashi] she had it [migi] about our [nōjō] [kōfuku] the only ones attacked.
“I don’t know, but she had it right about our farms being the only ones attacked.
And they attacked [shujin] Luhhan’s [hausu] and the forge [saisho], here in the [mura].
And they attacked Master Luhhan’s house and the forge first, here in the village.
I asked the [shichō].
I asked the Mayor.
It’s as easy to [shinjiru] they are after us as anything else I can think of.”
It’s as easy to believe they are after us as anything else I can think of.
Suddenly he realized they were both staring at him.
“ Suddenly he realized they were both staring at him.
“You asked the [shichō]?”
“You asked the Mayor?”
Mat said incredulously.
Mat said incredulously.
“She said not to tell anybody.”
“She said not to tell anybody.”
“I didn’t tell him why I was asking,”
“I didn’t tell him why I was asking,”
Rand protested.
Rand protested.
“Do you mean you didn’t [hanashi] to anybody at all?
“Do you mean you didn’t talk to anybody at all?
You didn’t let anybody know you’re going?”
You didn’t let anybody know you’re going?”
Perrin shrugged defensively.
Perrin shrugged defensively.
“Moiraine Sedai said not anybody.”
“Moiraine Sedai said not anybody.”
“We left [nōto],”
“We left notes,”
Mat said.
Mat said.
“For our [kazoku].
“For our families.
They’ll find them in the [asa].
They’ll find them in the morning.
Rand, my [haha] thinks [tāru] Valon is the next [koto] to Shayol Ghul.”
Rand, my mother thinks Tar Valon is the next thing to Shayol Ghul.”
He gave a little [warai] to [shō] he did not [kyōyū shite imasu] her [iken].
He gave a little laugh to show he did not share her opinion.
It was not [hijō ni] convincing.
It was not very convincing.
“She’d try to [rokku] me in the [serā] [baai] she believed I was even thinking of going there.”
“She’d try to lock me in the cellar if she believed I was even thinking of going there.”
“[shujin] Luhhan is stubborn as [ishi],”
“Master Luhhan is stubborn as stone,”
Perrin added, “and [shufu] Luhhan is worse.
Perrin added, “and Mistress Luhhan is worse.
[baai] you’d seen her [kussaku] through what’s left of the [hausu], saying she hoped the Trollocs did come back so she could get her [te] on them…“
If you’d seen her digging through what’s left of the house, saying she hoped the Trollocs did come back so she could get her hands on them…”
“[yakedo] me, Rand,”
“Burn me, Rand,”
Mat said, “I know she’s an Aes Sedai and all, [shikashi] the Trollocs were really here.
Mat said, “I know she’s an Aes Sedai and all, but the Trollocs were really here.
She said not to tell anybody.
She said not to tell anybody.
[baai] an Aes Sedai doesn’t know what to do about some [koto] like this, who does?”
If an Aes Sedai doesn’t know what to do about some thing like this, who does?”
“I don’t know.”
“I don’t know.”
Rand rubbed at his [gaku].
Rand rubbed at his forehead.
His [atama] [kizutsuketa]; He could not get that [yume] out of his [kokoro].
His head hurt; He could not get that dream out of his mind.
“My [chichioya] believes her.
“My father believes her.
At least, he agreed that we had to go.”
At least, he agreed that we had to go.”
Suddenly Moiraine was in the [toguchi].
Suddenly Moiraine was in the doorway.
“You talked to your rather about this [tabi]?”
“You talked to your rather about this journey?”
She was clothed in [kurai] [gurē] from [rīdo] to [ashi], with a [sukāto] divided for riding astride, and the [hebi] [ringu] was the only [gōrudo] she wore now.
She was clothed in dark gray from lead to foot, with a skirt divided for riding astride, and the serpent ring was the only gold she wore now.
Rand eyed her walking [sutaffu]; despite the [honoo] he had seen, here was no [sain] of charring, or even [susu].
Rand eyed her walking staff; despite the flames he had seen, here was no sign of charring, or even soot.
“I couldn’t go off without letting him know.
“I couldn’t go off without letting him know.
“She eyed him for a [shunkan] with pursed [kuchibiru] before turning to the [tanin].
“She eyed him for a moment with pursed lips before turning to the others.
“And did you also decide that a [chūi shite kudasai] was not enough?”
“And did you also decide that a note was not enough?”
Mat and Perrin talked [no ue ni] each [sonota], assuring her they had only left [nōto], the [michi] she had said.
Mat and Perrin talked on top of each other, assuring her they had only left notes, the way she had said.
Nodding, she waved them to [chinmoku], and gave Rand a sharp [hyōjō].
Nodding, she waved them to silence, and gave Rand a sharp look.
“What’s done is already woven in the [moyō].
“What s done is already woven in the Pattern.
Lan?”
Lan?”
“The [uma] are ready,”
“The horses are ready,”
the [kanshu] said, “and we have enough [kitei] to [rīchi] Baerlon with some to spare.
the Warder said, “and we have enough provisions to reach Baerlon with some to spare.
We can [kyūka] at any [jikan].
We can leave at any time.
I suggest now.”
I suggest now.”
“Not without me.”
“Not without me.”
Egwene slipped into the [antei shita], a [shōru] wrapped [bandoru] in her [ude].
Egwene slipped into the stable, a shawl wrapped bundle in her arms.
Rand nearly fell over his own [ashi].
Rand nearly fell over his own feet.
Lan’s [ken] had come [hanbun] out of its [shīsu]; when he [mimashita] who it was he shoved the [ha] back, his [me] suddenly [furatto].
Lan’s sword had come half out of its sheath; when he saw who it was he shoved the blade back, his eyes suddenly flat.
Perrin and Mat began babbling to [nattoku] Moiraine they had not told Egwene about leaving.
Perrin and Mat began babbling to convince Moiraine they had not told Egwene about leaving.
The Aes Sedai ignored them; she simply looked at Egwene, tapping her [kuchibiru] thoughtfully with her [yubi].
The Aes Sedai ignored them; she simply looked at Egwene, tapping her lips thoughtfully with her finger.
The [fūdo] of Egwene’s [kurai] [chairo] [gaitō] was pulled up, [shikashi] not enough to hide the defiant [michi] she faced Moiraine.
The hood of Egwene’s dark brown cloak was pulled up, but not enough to hide the defiant way she faced Moiraine.
“I have everything I must here.
“I have everything I need here.
Including [tabemono].
Including food.
And I will not be left behind.
And I will not be left behind.
I’ll probably never get another [kikai] to see the [sekai] [soto ni] the Two [kawa].”
I’ll probably never get another chance to see the world outside the Two Rivers.”
“This isn’t a [pikunikku] [tabi] into the Waterwood, Egwene,”
“This isn’t a picnic trip into the Waterwood, Egwene,”
Mat growled.
Mat growled.
He stepped back when she looked at him from under lowered [mayu].
He stepped back when she looked at him from under lowered brows.
“Thank you, Mat.
“Thank you, Mat.
I wouldn’t have known.
I wouldn’t have known.
[baai] you think you three are the only ones who want to see what’s [soto ni]?
If you think you three are the only ones who want to see what’s outside?
I’ve dreamed about it as long as you have, and I don’t intend to [misu] this [kikai].”
I’ve dreamed about it as long as you have, and I don’t intend to miss this chance.”
“How did you find out we were leaving?”
“How did you find out we were leaving?”
Rand demanded.
Rand demanded.
“Anyway, you can’t go with us.
“Anyway, you can’t go with us.
We aren’t leaving for the [tanoshii] of it.
We aren’t leaving for the fun of it.
The Trollocs are after us.”
The Trollocs are after us.”
She gave him a tolerant [hyōjō], and he flushed and stiffened indignantly.
She gave him a tolerant look, and he flushed and stiffened indignantly.
“[saisho],”
“First,”
she told him patiently, “I [mimashita] Mat creeping about, trying hard not to be noticed.
she told him patiently, “I saw Mat creeping about, trying hard not to be noticed.
Then I [mimashita] Perrin attempting to hide that absurd great [ono] under his [gaitō].
Then I saw Perrin attempting to hide that absurd great axe under his cloak.
I knew Lan had bought a [uma], and it suddenly occurred to me to [fushigi] why he needed another.
I knew Lan had bought a horse, and it suddenly occurred to me to wonder why he needed another.
And [baai] he could buy one, he could buy [tanin].
And if he could buy one, he could buy others.
Putting that with Mat and Perrin sneaking about like [buru] [ko ushi] pretending to be [kitsune]…
Putting that with Mat and Perrin sneaking about like bull calves pretending to be foxes…
[yoku], I could see only one [kotae].
well, I could see only one answer.
I don’t know [baai] I’m surprised or not to find you here, Rand, after an your [hanashi] about [hakuchūmu].
I don’t know if I’m surprised or not to find you here, Rand, after an your talk about daydreams.
With Mat and Perrin involved, I suppose I should have known you would be in it, too.”
With Mat and Perrin involved, I suppose I should have known you would be in it, too.”
“I have to go, Egwene,”
“I have to go, Egwene,”
Rand said.”
Rand said.
All of us do, or the Trollocs will come back.”
“ All of us do, or the Trollocs will come back.”
“The Trollocs!”
“The Trollocs!”
Egwene laughed incredulously.
Egwene laughed incredulously.
“Rand, [baai] you’ve decided to see some of the [sekai], [yoku] and [yoi], [shikashi] please spare me any of your nonsensical [monogatari].”
“Rand, if you’ve decided to see some of the world, well and good, but please spare me any of your nonsensical tales.”
“It’s true,”
“It’s true,”
Perrin said as Mat began, “The Trollocs—”
Perrin said as Mat began, “The Trollocs —”
“Enough,”
“Enough,”
Moiraine said quietly, [shikashi] it cut their [hanashi] as sharply as a [naifu].
Moiraine said quietly, but it cut their talk as sharply as a knife.
“Did anyone else [chūi shite kudasai] all of this?”
“Did anyone else notice all of this?”
Her [koe] was soft, [shikashi] Egwene swallowed and drew herself up before answering.
Her voice was soft, but Egwene swallowed and drew herself up before answering.
“After [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt], all they can think about is [saiken], that and what to do [baai] it happens again.
“After last night, all they can think about is rebuilding, that and what to do if it happens again.
They couldn’t see anything else unless it was pushed under their [hana].
They couldn’t see anything else unless it was pushed under their noses.
And I told no one what I suspected.
And I told no one what I suspected.
No one.”
No one.”
“[hijō ni] [yoku],”
“Very well,”
Moiraine said after a [shunkan].
Moiraine said after a moment.
“You may come with us.”
“You may come with us.”
A startled [shiki] darted across Lan’s [kao].
A startled expression darted across Lan’s face.
It was gone in an instant, leaving him outwardly calm, [shikashi] furious [kotoba] erupted from him.
It was gone in an instant, leaving him outwardly calm, but furious words erupted from him.
“No, Moiraine!”
“No, Moiraine!”
“It is [ichibu] of the [moyō], now, Lan.”
“It is part of the Pattern, now, Lan.”
“It is ridiculous!”
“It is ridiculous!”
he retorted.
he retorted.
“There’s no [riyū] for her to come along, and every [riyū] for her not to.”
“There’s no reason for her to come along, and every reason for her not to.”
“There is a [riyū] for it,”
“There is a reason for it,”
Moiraine said calmly.
Moiraine said calmly.
“A [ichibu] of the [moyō], Lan.”
“A part of the Pattern, Lan.”
The [kanshu]’s stony [kao] showed nothing [shikashi] he nodded slowly.
The Warder’s stony face showed nothing but he nodded slowly.
“[shikashi], Egwene,”
“But, Egwene,”
Rand said, “the Trollocs will be chasing us.
Rand said, “the Trollocs will be chasing us.
We won’t be safe until we get to [tāru] Valon.”
We won’t be safe until we get to Tar Valon.”
“don’t try to frighten me off,”
“Don’t try to frighten me off,”
she said.
she said.
“I am going.”
“I am going.”
Rand knew that [kuchō] of [koe].
Rand knew that tone of voice.
He had not heard it since she decided that climbing the tallest [kigi] was for [kodomo tachi], [shikashi] he remembered it [yoku].
He had not heard it since she decided that climbing the tallest trees was for children, but he remembered it well.
“[baai] you think [kōfuku] chased by Trollocs will be [tanoshii],”
“If you think being chased by Trollocs will be fun,”
he began, [shikashi] Moiraine interrupted.
he began, but Moiraine interrupted.
“We have no [jikan] for this.
“We have no time for this.
We must be as far away as possible by [yoake].
We must be as far away as possible by daybreak.
[baai] she is left behind, Rand, she could rouse the [mura] before we have gone a [mairu], and that would surely [keikoku shite iru] the Myrddraal.”
If she is left behind, Rand, she could rouse the village before we have gone a mile, and that would surely warn the Myrddraal.”
“I would not do that,”
“I would not do that,”
Egwene protested.
Egwene protested.
“She can [noru] the [ginyūshijin]’s [uma],”
“She can ride the gleeman’s horse,”
the [kanshu] said.
the Warder said.
“I’ll [kyūka] him enough to buy another.”
“I’ll leave him enough to buy another.”
“That will not be possible,”
“That will not be possible,”
came Thom Merrilin’s resonant [koe] from the hayloft.
came Thom Merrilin’s resonant voice from the hayloft.
Lan’s [ken] left its [shīsu] this [jikan], and he did not put it back as he stared up at the [ginyūshijin].
Lan’s sword left its sheath this time, and he did not put it back as he stared up at the gleeman.
Thom tossed down a [mōfu rōru], then slung his cased [furūto] and [hāpu] across his [senaka] and shouldered bulging [sadoru].
Thom tossed down a blanket-roll, then slung his cased flute and harp across his back and shouldered bulging saddlebags.
“This [mura] has no [shiyō] for me, now, [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] on the [sonota] [te], have never performed in [tāru] Valon.
“This village has no use for me, now, while on the other hand, have never performed in Tar Valon.
And though I usually [tabi] alone, after [saigo] [yoru, kishi_knt] I have no [hanron] at all to traveling in [kaisha].”
And though I usually journey alone, after last night I have no objections at all to traveling in company.”
The [kanshu] gave Perrin a hard [hyōjō], and Perrin shifted uncornfortably.
The Warder gave Perrin a hard look, and Perrin shifted uncornfortably.
“I didn’t think of looking in the [rofuto],”
“I didn’t think of looking in the loft,”
he muttered.
he muttered.
As the long-limbed [ginyūshijin] scrambled down the [hashigo] from the [rofuto], Lan spoke, stiffly formal.
As the long-limbed gleeman scrambled down the ladder from the loft, Lan spoke, stiffly formal.
“Is this [ichibu] of the [moyō], too, Moiraine Sedai?”
“Is this part of the Pattern, too, Moiraine Sedai?”
“Everything is a [ichibu] of the [moyō], my old [yūjin],”
“Everything is a part of the Pattern, my old friend,”
Moiraine replied softly.
Moiraine replied softly.
“We cannot pick and choose.
“We cannot pick and choose.
[shikashi] we shall see.”
But we shall see.”
Thom put his [ashi] on the [antei shita] [yuka] and turned from the [hashigo], brushing [wara] from his [pacchi]-covered [gaitō].
Thom put his feet on the stable floor and turned from the ladder, brushing straw from his patch-covered cloak.
“In [jijitsu],”
“In fact,”
he said in more normal [tōn], “you might say that I insist on traveling in [kaisha].
he said in more normal tones, “you might say that I insist on traveling in company.
I have given many [jikan] over many [magukappu] of [ēru] to thinking of how I might [owari] my [hi].
I have given many hours over many mugs of ale to thinking of how I might end my days.
A Trolloc’s cookpot was not one of the [shikō].”
A Trolloc’s cookpot was not one of the thoughts.
He looked askance at the [kanshu]’s [ken].
“ He looked askance at the Warder’s sword.
“There’s no must for that.
“There’s no need for that.
I am not a [chīzu] for slicing.”
I am not a cheese for slicing.”
“[shujin] Merrilin,”
“Master Merrilin,”
Moiraine said, “we must go quickly, and almost certainly in great [kiken].
Moiraine said, “we must go quickly, and almost certainly in great danger.
The Trollocs are still out there, and we go by [yoru, kishi_knt].
The Trollocs are still out there, and we go by night.
Are you sure that you want to [ryokō] with us?”
Are you sure that you want to travel with us?”
Thom eyed the [takusan] of them with a quizzical [egao].
Thom eyed the lot of them with a quizzical smile.
“[baai] it is not too dangerous for the [onnanoko], it can’t be too dangerous for me.
“If it is not too dangerous for the girl, it can’t be too dangerous for me.
Besides, what [ginyūshijin] would not [kao] a little [kiken] to perform in [tāru] Valon?”
Besides, what gleeman would not face a little danger to perform in Tar Valon?”
Moiraine nodded, and Lan scabbarded his [ken].
Moiraine nodded, and Lan scabbarded his sword.
Rand suddenly wondered what would have happened [baai] Thom had changed his [kokoro], or [baai] Moiraine had not nodded.
Rand suddenly wondered what would have happened if Thom had changed his mind, or if Moiraine had not nodded.
The [ginyūshijin] began saddling his [uma] as [baai] similar [shikō] had never crossed his [kokoro], [shikashi] Rand noticed that he eyed Lan’s [ken] more than once.
The gleeman began saddling his horse as if similar thoughts had never crossed his mind, but Rand noticed that he eyed Lan’s sword more than once.
“Now,”
“Now,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“What [uma] for Egwene?”
“What horse for Egwene?”
“The [gyōshō jin]’s [uma] are as bad as the Dhurrans,”
“The peddler’s horses are as bad as the Dhurrans,”
the [kanshu] replied sourly.
the Warder replied sourly.
“Strong, [shikashi] [osoi] [oshidashi ki].”
“Strong, but slow plodders.”
“Bela,”
“Bela,”
Rand said, getting a [hyōjō] from Lan that made him [negai] he had kept silent.
Rand said, getting a look from Lan that made him wish he had kept silent.
[shikashi] he knew he could not dissuade Egwene; the only [koto] left was to [tasukeru].
But he knew he could not dissuade Egwene; the only thing left was to help.
“Bela may not be as fast as the [tanin], [shikashi] she’s strong.
“Bela may not be as fast as the others, but she’s strong.
I [noru] her sometimes.
I ride her sometimes.
She can [kīpu] up.”
She can keep up.”
Lan looked into Bela’s [sutōru], muttering under his [iki].
Lan looked into Bela’s stall, muttering under his breath.
“She might be a little [yori yoi] than the [tanin],”
“She might be a little better than the others,”
he said finally.
he said finally.
“I don’t suppose there is any [sonota] [sentaku].”
“I don’t suppose there is any other choice.”
“Then she will have to do,”
“Then she will have to do,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“Rand, find a [sadoru] for Bela.
“Rand, find a saddle for Bela.
Quickly, now!
Quickly, now!
We have tarried too long already.”
We have tarried too long already.”
Rand hurriedly chose a [sadoru] and [mōfu] in the [takku] [heya], then fetched Bela from her [sutōru].
Rand hurriedly chose a saddle and blanket in the tack room, then fetched Bela from her stall.
The [māre] looked back at him in sleepy [odoroki] when he put the [sadoru] on her [senaka].
The mare looked back at him in sleepy surprise when he put the saddle on her back.
When he rode her, it was barebacked; she was not used to a [sadoru].
When he rode her, it was barebacked; she was not used to a saddle.
He made soothing [noizu] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he tightened the [dōmawari] [suto rappu], and she accepted the [fūgawari] with no more than a [furu] of her [tategami].
He made soothing noises while he tightened the girth strap, and she accepted the oddity with no more than a shake of her mane.
Taking Egwene’s [bandoru] from her, he tied it on behind the [sadoru] [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] she mounted and adjusted her [sukāto].
Taking Egwene’s bundle from her, he tied it on behind the saddle while she mounted and adjusted her skirts.
They were not divided for riding astride, so her [wuru] [sutokkingu] were bared to the [hiza].
They were not divided for riding astride, so her wool stockings were bared to the knee.
She wore the same soft [kawa] [kutsu] as all the [sonota] [mura] [onnanoko].
She wore the same soft leather shoes as all the other village girls.
They were not at all suited for journeying to [udedokei] [oka], much less [tāru] Valon.
They were not at all suited for journeying to Watch Hill, much less Tar Valon.
“I still think you shouldn’t come,”
“I still think you shouldn’t come,”
he said.
he said.
“I wasn’t [tsukuri] it up about the Trollocs.
“I wasn’t making it up about the Trollocs.
[shikashi] I [yakusoku] I will take [kaigo] of you.”
But I promise I will take care of you.”
“Perhaps I’ll take [kaigo] of you,”
“Perhaps I’ll take care of you,”
she replied lightly.
she replied lightly.
At his exasperated [hyōjō] she smiled and [magatta] down to smooth his [kami].
At his exasperated look she smiled and bent down to smooth his hair.
I know you’ll [hyōjō] after me, Rand.
I know you’ll look after me, Rand.
We will [hyōjō] after each [sonota].
We will look after each other.
[shikashi] now you had [yori yoi] [hyōjō] after getting on your [uma].”
But now you had better look after getting on your horse.”
All of the [tanin] were already mounted and waiting for him, he realized.
All of the others were already mounted and waiting for him, he realized.
The only [uma] left riderless was [kumo], a tall [gurē] with a [kuro] [tategami] and [o] that belonged to Jon Thane, or had.
The only horse left riderless was Cloud, a tall gray with a black mane and tail that belonged to Jon Thane, or had.
He scrambled into the [sadoru], though not without [muzukashisa] as the [gurē] tossed his [atama] and pranced sideways as Rand put his [ashi] in the [abumi], and his [saya] caught in his [ashi].
He scrambled into the saddle, though not without difficulty as the gray tossed his head and pranced sideways as Rand put his foot in the stirrup, and his scabbard caught in his legs.
It was not [kikai], that his [yūjin] had not chosen [kumo].
It was not chance, that his friends had not chosen Cloud.
[shujin] Thane often raced the spirited [gurē] against [shōnin]’ [uma], and Rand had never known him to lose, [shikashi] he had never known [kumo] to give anyone an easy [noru], either.
Master Thane often raced the spirited gray against merchants’ horses, and Rand had never known him to lose, but he had never known Cloud to give anyone an easy ride, either.
Lan must have given a huge [kakaku] to make the [mirā] sell.
Lan must have given a huge price to make the miller sell.
As he settled in the [sadoru] [kumo]’s dancing increased, as [baai] the [gurē] were eager to [jikkō].
As he settled in the saddle Cloud’s dancing increased, as if the gray were eager to run.
Rand gripped the [tazuna] firmly and tried to think that he would have no [meiwaku].
Rand gripped the reins firmly and tried to think that he would have no trouble.
Perhaps [baai] he convinced himself, he could [nattoku] the [uma], too.
Perhaps if he convinced himself, he could convince the horse, too.
An [fukurō] hooted in the [yoru, kishi_knt] [soto ni], and the [mura] [hitobito] jumped before they realized what it was.
An owl hooted in the night outside, and the village people jumped before they realized what it was.
They laughed nervously and exchanged shamefaced [rukkusu].
They laughed nervously and exchanged shamefaced looks.
“Next [koto], [ryōiki] [mausu] will [cheisu] us up a [tsurī],”
“Next thing, field mice will chase us up a tree,”
Egwene said with an unsteady [fukumiwarai].
Egwene said with an unsteady chuckle.
Lan shook his [atama].
Lan shook his head.
“[yori yoi] [baai] it had been [ōkami].”
“Better if it had been wolves.”
“[ōkami]!”
“Wolves!”
Perrin exclaimed, and the [kanshu] favored him with a [furatto] [gyōshi].
Perrin exclaimed, and the Warder favored him with a flat stare.
“[ōkami] don’t like Trollocs, [tanya ya], and Trollocs don’t like [ōkami], or [inu], either.
“Wolves don’t like Trollocs, blacksmith, and Trollocs don’t like wolves, or dogs, either.
[baai] I heard [ōkami] I would be sure there were no Trollocs waiting out there for us.”
If I heard wolves I would be sure there were no Trollocs waiting out there for us.”
He moved into the moonlit [yoru, kishi_knt], walking his tall [kuro] slowly.
He moved into the moonlit night, walking his tall black slowly.
Moiraine rode after him without a [shunkan]’s [tamerai], and Egwene kept hard to the Aes Sedai’s [saido].
Moiraine rode after him without a moment’s hesitation, and Egwene kept hard to the Aes Sedai’s side.
Rand and the [ginyūshijin] brought up the [ria], following Mat and Perrin.
Rand and the gleeman brought up the rear, following Mat and Perrin.
the [rimen] of the [in] was [kurai] and silent, and dappled [mūn] [kage] filled the stableyard.
The back of the inn was dark and silent, and dappled moon shadows filled the stableyard.
The soft thuds of the hooves faded quickly, swallowed by the [yoru, kishi_knt].
The soft thuds of the hooves faded quickly, swallowed by the night.
In the [yami] the [kanshu]’s [gaitō] made him a [kage], too.
In the darkness the Warder’s cloak made him a shadow, too.
Only the must to let him [rīdo] the [michi] kept the [tanin] from clustering around him.
Only the need to let him lead the way kept the others from clustering around him.
Getting out of the [mura] without [kōfuku] seen was going to be no easy [tasuku], Rand decided as he neared the [mon].
Getting out of the village without being seen was going to be no easy task, Rand decided as he neared the gate.
At least, without [kōfuku] seen by [murabito].
At least, without being seen by villagers.
Many windows in the [mura] emitted pale [kiiro] [hikari], and although those glows seemed [hijō ni] small in the [yoru, kishi_knt] now, shapes moved frequently within them, the shapes of [murabito] watching to see what this [yoru, kishi_knt] brought.
Many windows in the village emitted pale yellow light, and although those glows seemed very small in the night now, shapes moved frequently within them, the shapes of villagers watching to see what this night brought.
No one wanted to be caught by [odoroki] again.
No one wanted to be caught by surprise again.
In the [fukai] [kage] beside the [in], just on the [pointo] of leaving the stableyard, Lan abruptly halted, motioning sharply for [chinmoku].
In the deep shadows beside the inn, just on the point of leaving the stableyard, Lan abruptly halted, motioning sharply for silence.
[būtsu] rattled on the [wagon] [hashi], and here and there on the [hashi] [gekkō] glinted off [kinzoku].
Boots rattled on the Wagon Bridge, and here and there on the bridge moonlight glinted off metal.
The [būtsu] clattered across the [hashi], grated on [jari], and approached the [in].
The boots clattered across the bridge, grated on gravel, and approached the inn.
No [saundo] at all came from those in the [kage].
No sound at all came from those in the shadow.
Rand suspected his [yūjin], at least, were too frightened to make a [noizu].
Rand suspected his friends, at least, were too frightened to make a noise.
Like him.
Like him.
The [ashioto] halted before the [in] in the [haiiro do] just beyond the dim [hikari] from the [ippan teki na heya] windows.
The footsteps halted before the inn in the grayness just beyond the dim light from the common-room windows.
It was not until Jon Thane stepped forward, a [yari] propped on his stout [kata], an old [rezāāmā] sewn all over with [hagane] [disuku] straining across his [mune], that Rand [mimashita] them for what they were.
It was not until Jon Thane stepped forward, a spear propped on his stout shoulder, an old jerkin sewn all over with steel disks straining across his chest, that Rand saw them for what they were.
A dozen [dansei] from the [mura] and the [shūi] [nōjō], some in [herumetto] or [ko] of [yoroi] that had lain [hokori]-covered in [yaneura heya] for [sedai], all with a [yari] or a woodaxe or a rusty [hōan].
A dozen men from the village and the surrounding farms, some in helmets or pieces of armor that had lain dust-covered in attics for generations, all with a spear or a woodaxe or a rusty bill.
The [mirā] peered into a [ippan teki na heya] [windō], then turned with a [sokke nai], “It [rukkusu] [migi] here.”
The miller peered into a common-room window, then turned with a curt, “It looks right here.”
The [tanin] formed in two ragged [ranku sare te imasu] behind him, and the [patorōru] marched into the [yoru, kishi_knt] as [baai] stepping to three different [doramu].
The others formed in two ragged ranks behind him, and the patrol marched into the night as if stepping to three different drums.
“Two Dha’[maki] Trollocs would have them all for [chōshoku],”
“Two Dha’vol Trollocs would have them all for breakfast,”
Lan muttered when the [saundo] of their [būtsu] had faded, “[shikashi] they have [me] and [mimi].”
Lan muttered when the sound of their boots had faded, “but they have eyes and ears.”
He turned his [taneuma] back.
He turned his stallion back.
“Come.”
“Come.”
Slowly, quietly, the [kanshu] took them back across the stableyard, down the [ginkō] through the [yanagi] and into the Winespring [mizu].
Slowly, quietly, the Warder took them back across the stableyard, down the bank through the willows and into the Winespring Water.
So [tojiru] to the Winespring itself the [samui], swift [mizu], gleaming as it swirled around the [uma]’ [ashi], was [fukai] enough to [rappu] against the [ashi no ura] of the [raidā]’ [būtsu].
So close to the Winespring itself the cold, swift water, gleaming as it swirled around the horses’ legs, was deep enough to lap against the soles of the riders’ boots.
Climbing out on the far [ginkō], the [rain] of [uma] [kizu] its [michi] under the [kanshu]’s deft [hōkō], keeping away from any the [mura] [hausu].
Climbing out on the far bank, the line of horses wound its way under the Warder’s deft direction, keeping away from any the village houses.
From [jikan] to [jikan] Lan stopped, signing them all to be [shizuka], though no one else heard or [mimashita] anything.
From time to time Lan stopped, signing them all to be quiet, though no one else heard or saw anything.
Each [jikan] he did, however, another [patorōru] of [murabito] and [nōka] soon passed.
Each time he did, however, another patrol of villagers and farmers soon passed.
Slowly they moved toward the [kita] [hashi] of the [mura].
Slowly they moved toward the north edge of the village.
Rand peered at the high-peaked [hausu] in the [kurai], trying to impress them on his [memori].
Rand peered at the high-peaked houses in the dark, trying to impress them on his memory.
A [bakkin] [bōken-ka] I am, he [shikō].
A fine adventurer I am, he thought.
He was not even out of the [mura] yet, and already he was homesick.
He was not even out of the village yet, and already he was homesick.
[shikashi] he did not [teishi] looking.
But he did not stop looking.
They passed beyond the [saigo] [nōka] on the [kōgai] of the [mura] and into the [inaka], paralleling the [kita] [dōro] that led to Taren [ferī].
They passed beyond the last farmhouses on the outskirts of the village and into the countryside, paralleling the North Road that led to Taren Ferry.
Rand [shikō] that surely no [yoru, kishi_knt] [sora] elsewhere could be as beautiful as the Two [kawa] [sora].
Rand thought that surely no night sky elsewhere could be as beautiful as the Two Rivers sky.
The near [kuro] seemed to [rīchi] to forever, and [musū] [hoshi] gleamed like [pointo] of [hikari] scattered through [kurisutaru].
The near black seemed to reach to forever, and myriad stars gleamed like points of light scattered through crystal.
The [mūn], only a thin [suraisu] less than full, appeared almost [tojiru] enough to [tacchi], [baai] he stretched, and…
The moon, only a thin slice less than full, appeared almost close enough to touch, if he stretched, and …
A [kuro] [keijō] flew slowly across the silvery [utsuwa-bw, tama-bl] of the [mūn].
A black shape flew slowly across the silvery ball of the moon.
Rand’s involuntary [jāku] on the [tazuna] halted the [gurē].
Rand’s involuntary jerk on the reins halted the gray.
A [batto], he [shikō] weakly, [shikashi] he knew it was not.
A bat, he thought weakly, but he knew it was not.
Bats were a common [kōkei] of an [yūgata], darting after [hae] and bitemes in the [towaihikari].
Bats were a common sight of an evening, darting after flies and bitemes in the twilight.
The [tsubasa] that carried this [ikimono] might have the same [keijō], [shikashi] they moved with the [osoi], powerful [suīpu] of a [tori] [emono].
The wings that carried this creature might have the same shape, but they moved with the slow, powerful sweep of a bird prey.
And it was hunting.
And it was hunting.
The [michi] it [kyasuto] back and forth in long [ko] left no [utagai] of that.
The way it cast back and forth in long arcs left no doubt of that.
Worst of all was the [saizu].
Worst of all was the size.
For a [batto] to seem so large against the [mūn] it would have had to be almost within [āmu]’s [rīchi].
For a bat to seem so large against the moon it would have had to be almost within arm’s reach.
He tried to [saibankan] in his [kokoro] how far away it must be, and how big.
He tried to judge in his mind how far away it must be, and how big.
The [bodi] of it had to be as large as a [otoko], and the [tsubasa]…
The body of it had to be as large as a man, and the wings…
It crossed the [kao] of the [mūn] again, wheeling suddenly downward to be engulfed by the [yoru, kishi_knt].
It crossed the face of the moon again, wheeling suddenly downward to be engulfed by the night.
He did not realize that Lan had ridden back to him until the [kanshu] caught his [āmu].
He did not realize that Lan had ridden back to him until the Warder caught his arm.
“What are you sitting here and staring at, [otokonoko]?
“What are you sitting here and staring at, boy?
We have to [kīpu] moving.”
We have to keep moving.”
The [tanin] waited behind Lan.
The others waited behind Lan.
[hanbun] expecting to be told he was letting [kyōfu] of the Trollocs overcome his [kankaku], Rand told what he had seen.
Half expecting to be told he was letting fear of the Trollocs overcome his sense, Rand told what he had seen.
He hoped that Lan would dismiss it as a [batto], or a [torikku] of his [me].
He hoped that Lan would dismiss it as a bat, or a trick of his eyes.
Lan growled a [kotoba], sounding as [baai] it left a bad [aji] in his, [kuchi no naka].
Lan growled a word, sounding as if it left a bad taste in his, mouth.
“Draghkar.”
“Draghkar.”
Egwene and the [sonota] Two [kawa] [fōku] stared at the [sora] nervously in all [hōkō], [shikashi] the [ginyūshijin] groaned softly.
Egwene and the other Two Rivers folk stared at the sky nervously in all directions, but the gleeman groaned softly.
“Yes,”
“Yes,”
Moiraine said.
Moiraine said.
“It is too much to [kibō] otherwise.
“It is too much to hope otherwise.
And [baai] the Myrddraal has a Draghkar at his [komando], then he will soon know where we are, [baai] he does not already.
And if the Myrddraal has a Draghkar at his command, then he will soon know where we are, if he does not already.
We must [ugokasu] more quickly than we can [kurosu]-[kuni].
We must move more quickly than we can cross-country.
We may still [rīchi] Taren [ferī] ahead of the Myrddraal, and he and his Trollocs will not [kurosu] as easily as we.”
We may still reach Taren Ferry ahead of the Myrddraal, and he and his Trollocs will not cross as easily as we.”
“A Draghkar?”
“A Draghkar?”
Egwene said.
Egwene said.
“What is it?”
“What is it?”
It was Thom Merrilin who answered her hoarsely.
It was Thom Merrilin who answered her hoarsely.
“In the [sensō] that ended the [jidai] of [densetsu], worse than Trollocs and Halfmen were created.”
“In the war that ended the Age of Legends, worse than Trollocs and Halfmen were created.”
Moiraine’s [atama] jerked toward him as he spoke.
Moiraine’s head jerked toward him as he spoke.
Not even the [kurai] could hide the [kireaji] of her [hyōjō].
Not even the dark could hide the sharpness of her look.
Before anyone could ask the [ginyūshijin] for more, Lan began giving [hōkō].
Before anyone could ask the gleeman for more, Lan began giving directions.
“We take to the [kita] [dōro], now.
“We take to the North Road, now.
For your [inochi], follow my [rīdo], [kīpu] up and [kīpu] together.”
For your lives, follow my lead, keep up and keep together.”
He wheeled his [uma] about, and the [tanin] galloped wordlessly after him.
He wheeled his horse about, and the others galloped wordlessly after him.
[akira] 11
Chapter 11
The [dōro] to Taren [ferī]
The Road to Taren Ferry
On the hard-packed [yogore] of the [kita] [dōro] the [uma] stretched out, manes and [o] streaming back in the [gekkō] as they raced northward, hooves pounding a steady [rizumu].
On the hard-packed dirt of the North Road the horses stretched out, manes and tails streaming back in the moonlight as they raced northward, hooves pounding a steady rhythm.
Lan led the [michi], [kuro] [uma] and [kage]-clad [raidā] all [shikashi] invisible in the [samui] [yoru, kishi_knt].
Lan led the way, black horse and shadow-clad rider all but invisible in the cold night.
Moiraine’s [shiroi] [māre], matching the [taneuma] [sutoraido] for [sutoraido], was a pale dart speeding through the [kurai].
Moiraine’s white mare, matching the stallion stride for stride, was a pale dart speeding through the dark.
The [nokori] followed in a tight [rain], as [baai] they were all tied to a [rōpu] with one [owari] in the [kanshu]’s [te].
The rest followed in a tight line, as if they were all tied to a rope with one end in the Warder’s hands.
Rand galloped [saigo] in [rain], with Thom Merrilin just ahead and the [tanin] less distinct beyond.
Rand galloped last in line, with Thom Merrilin just ahead and the others less distinct beyond.
The [ginyūshijin] never turned his [atama], reserving his [me] for where they hashitta, not what they hashitta from.
The gleeman never turned his head, reserving his eyes for where they ran, not what they ran from.
[baai] Trollocs appeared behind, or the Fade on its silent [uma], or that flying [ikimono], the Draghkar, it would be up to Rand to [saundo] an [arāmu].
If Trollocs appeared behind, or the Fade on its silent horse, or that flying creature, the Draghkar, it would be up to Rand to sound an alarm.
Every few [bun] he craned his [kubi] to [pia] behind [dōjini, tsutsu, issun] he clung to [kumo]’s [tategami] and [tazuna].
Every few minutes he craned his neck to peer behind while he clung to Cloud’s mane and reins.
The Draghkar…
The Draghkar…
Worse than Trollocs and Fades, Thom had said.
Worse than Trollocs and Fades, Thom had said.
[shikashi] the [sora] was empty, and only [yami] and [kage] met his [me] on the [gurando].
But the sky was empty, and only darkness and shadows met his eyes on the ground.
[kage] that could hide an [guntai].
Shadows that could hide an army.
Now that the [gurē] had been let loose to [jikkō], the [dōbutsu] sped through the [yoru, kishi_knt] like a [yūrei], easily keeping [hochō] with Lan’s [taneuma].
Now that the gray had been let loose to run, the animal sped through the night like a ghost, easily keeping pace with Lan’s stallion.
