Prologue: Sparks Falling
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- Rand: I dealt with them already. Darkhounds. - Moiraine: Did they touch you? Bite you or bleed on you? - No... but why should I be afraid of that? You could Heal any bite! - Yes, but their bite and blood, even their saliva, are incredibly poisonous. Even a drop on your skin could kill you, very painfully. You were lucky there were only three. - Lan: Which his strange - they never come in such small packs. The three of them look at each other, then "Mat!". Rand darts down the stairs, past startled Maidens, out and into another building. Mat's room is blocked, but three more Darkhounds are trying to bite their way through the door - they've even made some holes already. Rand goes to one side and balefires them. The holes in the door disappear. - Rand: Mat? Are you OK? - Mat: Yes, I am.... what were these things? - Darkhounds. open the door. - Mat opens, looking disheveled. The tall Maiden is behind him, semi-naked. - It's getting increasingly difficult to be your bloody friend! If I hadn't been up for a cup of wine, they could've catch us in our sleep. As it is, I barely managed to shut the door, and these .... THINGS still bit their way inside! Strange... - he looks at his arm - I swear one of them even salivated on my hand.... but now there's nothing but an itch. Moiraine steps quickly to him and puts hands on his hand - Stay still! - She tries to Heal him, but the flows melt in his foxhead medallion. Moiraine's face is priceless then she tries again - the flows again melt. Rand notices Moiraine's surprise, feels the goosebumps, but - no effect. - Mat: Come on, what's the problem? It's starting to itch more and more now... - he touches the medallion: bloody thing suddenly got s cold as ice. - Moiraine: Could you .... take off that medallion? - Mat does, and she tries again, this time successfully. - Mat: Bloody ashes! Does it have to be so... racking every time? - Moiraine, half-distracted: Watch your tongue around me.... (to the Maidens) Could you please leave us alone? I need to speak to Rand. - the Maidens go away, one of them winks at the half-naked girl: Teach him to sing, Melindrha :) Moiraine stays alone with Lan and Rand: - Moiraine: Rand, we need to talk about what you used to kill the Darkhounds. This is a very dangerous, forbidden weapon. - Rand: Forbidden? But I've seen you use it - in Tear, against Be'lal! - Moiraine: Some ... goals warrant its prize. But you must promise me never to use it again! - Why should I promise such thing, when you seem to be using it when appropriate??? Also, I saw what happened with that medallion - it somehow stopped your flows. Don't even think of taking it away from Mat - he earned it with his blood, and it's his whatever the prize, or whatever its use to him! - I didn't.... Rand, please, listen to me! - No, Moiraine, if you have nothing else to say but requests and demands, as usual, I can hear them tomorrow - now I need some sleep. - Moiraine, pleading openly: Rand Please! I.... - Rand stops in his tracks, stunned. Lan looks startled. - I ... won't be with you forever. I might die in the next attack. Or fall off my horse, or get bitten by a snake.... Please, let me help you while I'm with you! I gave half my life to find you, to help you. You still don't know your strength, your abilities, you don't know all the dangers that await you. I ... apologize about everything I've said to you, about the way I tried to....bully you! - Rand, suspicious: It's hard to trust you even now, Moiraine! For almost two years you've been manipulating me, trying to pull my strings in the direction the Tower wants. The only times I managed to resist was when I was away from you, or when I ignored you. - Moiraine, laughing bitterly: Oh Light, you have no idea how hard it is! More like wrestling a bear, then pulling strings on a puppet! So, you want an oath not to manipulate you? Very well, I give it - I swear not to manipulate you! I'll even swear to serve you like a gai'shain, if you want! I ASK you, humbly - let me help you as well as I can! - Rand is silent for a moment, then: I accept your oath, Moiraine. And I also apologize for the offences I've given you. - the tension seems to drain out of Moiraine. - Moiraine: Let me tell you about balefire, then. You must know that this is a weapon that was forbidden from the time of the War of Power. I'm sure some Aes Sedai know it, like me, but they never use it where people can see. Its effect is to burn out threads of the Pattern - if they are living things, or to destroy everything non-living. What presents the danger, however, is that the thread is burned out backwards in time - it seizes to exist BEFORE the event of its destruction! And with it, all effects of its existence also disappear. The stronger the balefire, the more backwards in time the effect extends. For example, the saliva on Mat's arm - if what he said were true, he wouldn't have survived long enough for me to Heal him. But when you destroyed the Darkhounds, you also burned out of the pattern their salivating on Mat - probably only a small drop remained, which I was then able to Heal in time. - So, this was actually good! - No, Rand! We were very lucky this time, but most of the time the effect is terrible! During the War of Power both sides were using balefire for some time - we have extensive records of that, and of the result: entire cities destroyed with it, thousands of lives simply...seized to exist for days back in time. The Pattern barely resisted the strain, it almost unraveled - there are some records of the very fabric of our world unraveling on the place the balefire was used. So, when they realized what was happening, both sides simply stopped, without even an official agreement. Can you see now? - Rand: Yes... but I still can't promise you that I won't use it, if I must. Thank you for the information, though. And now I really must catch some sleep. - Rand opens a skimming portal and Moiraine gapes - WHAT IS THIS???? - I don't know how to call it... a Portal, probably. It's now what you think, although it's close. I.... stumbled upon its making back at the Eye of the World, and when I stumble upon something, I can remember later how to do it again. Usually. Sleep well, Moiraine. - He leaves on an Aes Sedai disk. Just a second later he arrives at his own room. He unweaves an illusionary part of the wall, where he keeps the two access statues - makes sure they're fine. [flashback of his attempt to heal the dead girl at the Stone of Tear during the attack in TSR]. He puts them back, then is reweaving the mask when there's a voice behind him: - Lanfear: What are you doing? - he finishes hastily and turns to her. - You....you have two of them. One is female, isn't it? You lied to me in Rhuidean.... - What are you doing here, Lanfear? I don't like being surprised like that. I could've attacked you.... - But you didn't! You're starting to consider my plan! Me and you, holding the power of the Choedan Kal! We could challenge the Great Lord himself, even the Creator! - Rand, with an angry cold voice: You were always too ambitious, Mierin! Your lust for power didn't leave much space for anything else! That's why I left you, long before even meeting Ilyena! I could never love so much ambition! - suddenly he realizes what he has said and freezes, thinking (Where did this come from??? I've never met a woman called Ilyena in my life!!! But Lews Therin Telamon did....) - Lanfear, insecure: Lews Therin? I always loved you.... (Rand thinking: Oh Light, his memories are bubbling up to me! The memories of a dead man are in my head!) - Lews Therin, you have to believe me... - Rand, angrily: My name is Rand al'Thor! - Yes...... It's Asmodean! He's been telling you things! You can't believe him, he'll try to turn you against me! It's his feeble attempt at struggling against what we did to him. - I don't wanna talk about him. Why are you here, Lanfear? - Because of the attack. Rahvin sent those Darkhounds, he feels threatened by you. - But why? Don't all Forsaken feel threatened? I've killed four of you! - His position in the world today is threatened, not his life. Your soldiers, those you sent into Cairhien, are interfering with his plans! - What are you saying? How would they be interfering? It's a civil war there! - Yes, but he has put his claims to that land. Didn't you suspect already he's in Andor, controlling its queen? - Rand flinches, thinking "Oh light! Morgase is in Rahvin's hands! What will Elayne think? On the other hand, I can't show I care for her, else Lanfear is capable of ..." - Andor is your home, isn't it? - Yes... but I've left it back already. Does Rahvin think I'll rush into a trap only because he is teasing me? I'm not that stupid. - Lanfear, watching him carefully: I suppose not. Why are you guarding your dreams against me? - Against everyone. Or have you missed the fact the Aiel know Dreamwalking? - Oh yes, these... women think they know Tel'aran'rhiod. They also ward their dreams, although not as effectively as you. But... are you hiding something from me? I have to know I watch that girl's dreams, this Egwene. I thought you were in love with here, once, but now you must know that she dreams of other men. Specially for Morgase's son, Gawyn.... - That's her business which doesn't interest me. If you're still jealous, you could look into Isendre's dreams and see what happens to those that try to sneak into my room. - suddenly there's a knock on the door. Lanfear immediately opens a gateway and waving a good-bye walks out. Rand opens to find a Maiden which tells him the chiefs want to talk to him urgently. Rand descends - all the chiefs are waiting on the stairs. - Rhuarc: The clans are moving, Rand al'Thor. - The clans? Which ones? - All of them. We just received news that the Shaido started towards the Dragonwall, and the other clans are moving more or less in the same direction. All spears are gathered, all but those needed to defend the Holds and the flocks. - The Dragonwall.... so, after all this waiting, Couladin is really gonna cross it into Cairhien. I was hoping I could avoid exactly that..... Well, it seems the Pattern is forcing our hand again. Prepare to move as soon as possible - we go after Couladin.
The city is bustling with traders. Siuan, Leane, Min and Logain arrive at an inn. Siuan orders Leane and Min to take care of 'Dalyn', while she goes to meet her contact. Later, in another inn, she meets with the fat innkeeper, who behaves awfully with her, while ushering her to the back. There she finally tells her there's a message for all those that fell....lost: Sallie Daera. Siuan smiles. She's back with Min and Leane, beaming: - I found it! The innkeeper said Sallie Daera! - Min: So? I've never heard of this woman.... - No, fool girl, it's a codename, not a real name. The real message is Salidar - a small village in Altara, the home of the Amyrlin raised after Bonwin. oh, you won't know it, but it has great significance for the Blue Ajah. There it is that they're gathering! - Leane: Great! We better get there quick, Dalyn's will to live seems to be evaporating again... Same night, Gareth Bryne's group arrives at the inn. One of their number comes to report to him: - My Lord, they've been here. Three young pretty women with one man - it's something to be remembered. They left through the Jehannah Gate. - Bryne: So, we're still on the right track... I almost lost hope back on Four Kings after we spend two days searching the inns, and it turned out they've slept in a hayloft. - My Lord, if I could ask.... Are we still going after them? If they're going to Ghealdan, with that Prophet there... well, we might need more men. Bryne fidgets a bit, then: - Burn me, we're almost upon them! We won't let them reach Ghealdan. Move!
Everyone's preparing to leave. Rand is talking to the chiefs, with Moiraine, Lan and Mat nearby: - Bael: .... and they will be more than 6 days ahead of us. It seems that the dogs had managed to kill our advanced scouts, and only our second line detected the movement. - Rand: Well, there's nothing to it, but follow as quick as possible. - Rhuarc: I don't like this, Rand al'Thor. We'll be straining our forces in a long column, with the other 5 clans to the north and south of us. If they decide to attack, we'll suffer. - This can't be helped, Rhuarc. I'm sorry, but I don't intend to give the Shaido any more time to ravage Cairhien! - Moiraine: Please, Rand, I urge you to reconsider one more time bringing the Aiel over the Dragonwall! - Rand: Reconsider? Even if I did, Couladin won't go back, Moiraine. Who will be able to stop 150 000 Aiel then? Now, please, if you have nothing else to contribute to this discussion, be quiet! - Moiraine flares up, but says nothing and goes away. Egwene come upon Mat, who's staring towards Rand and Moiraine: - Mat: I can't believe it! He told her to shut up, and she didn't scold him! She simply...shut up and left! - Egwene: What? That's impossible! She would never... Anyway, I'm surprised you're still here - nicely surprised, I might say. - Mat: Well.... I didn't relish the thought of travelling on my own all the way to the Dragonwall in this blistering heat. Besides, these Aiel can be fun too. Rand talks to a group of Ogier, parts of the conversation drifting: .... and you will have absolute freedom to build as you will, as you did in Tar Valon. I want this entire city repaired at any expense.... - Egwene: So, he'll really do it - he'll rebuild the city? - Mat: Who needs a flaming city in the middle of the bloody desert? The Aiel are right that it's indefensible - these mountains are too close and would make for a nice blockade for any army that decides to besiege the city. No one could get in or out once this is set up.... - he suddenly blushes when he realizes Egwene has been looking at him strangely. - The Aiel told me all this. Rand comes to them: Are you ready to go? The wagons are going already, and the Aiel are always ready. - an Aielman comes and says hesitantly: - Are you gonna come back? We've found our Car'a'carn, we don't want to lose him again! - Rand: You will never lose me! The time of the Aiel as prisoners in the Three-fold Land is over! You may choose now to live either here, or to the other side of the mountains! I cannot promise you that I will return here... there's too much to do on the other side - too many divided nations that I need to unite. But .... I will leave you a reminder of me, here: He puts a hand in his pocket and channels, and suddenly the fountains start coming to life, one by one. Soon the whole city is awash in the sound of water. The Aiel start yelling joyously, and Egwene smiles. Rand smiles too, then gives the signal to depart. The wagons start moving with creaking, Kadere watching hard from his. On one side, Lan and Moiraine talk: - Lan: What's wrong with you, Moiraine? I've never seen you so....subdued. Not even when you discovered who was Lord Brent in Illian. - Moiraine: Time is running out, my Gaidin. And there's nothing I could do to stop it - just try to use it in the wisest manner possible. - Is that why you gave this... oath? Are you seeing something I don't? - I was speaking the absolute truth, Lan - I might die soon, now that the Forsaken are concentrating their attacks. And you know very well that my previous approach to Rand was ineffective. I hope now at least to teach him, without him contesting every word I say. - This isn't like you! You've never settled for something less, when you can achieve something more! - Achieve something more? What would that be, force the Pattern itself to mold in a different way? Because that's what it amounts to, trying to manipulate the Dragon Reborn. Fool me! Siuan was right when she claimed that arrogance was bread into my very bones in my childhood, where I couldn't even sense it. For close to two years I've tried with all my will and skill to drive Rand towards what I think he should do, and what did I get? Him becoming suspicious of my every word, and not a thing of what I wanted done. He's right, you know - we Aes Sedai are indeed manipulators in our bones, even the most humble ones. And how can we not be, when we can do things that ordinary people could never dream of? So we just HAVE to be wiser than them, and another option doesn't even enter our minds. Yet Rand has been doing what he thinks is right, not what I think is, and he is succeeding so far. Tear follows him, Cairhien will soon follow too, if he manages to stop the civil war and keep the Shaido from ravaging it; Andor will follow eventually, Morgase is simply trying to help Cairhien with her claim to its throne, and she'll surely follow the man that solves the problems. The Aiel.... a force such as the world hasn't seen since Arthut Hawkwing's time, maybe not even then. I'm pretty sure the other clans will join Rand sooner or later - his ta'veren effect will work on them too. Close to 300 000 warriors, borne with the spear and buckler, following a code of honor to shame all western laws - Rand's right about that too. And what better course could've I set him on? - Careful, Moiraine. You sound almost ... humble. - What about your own humbleness, Lan? Are you still thinking of miss Al'Meara? You may see her sooner than you anticipated. - Lan's face hardens and he rides away. The great column moves out of the city and towards the west. [camera pans out].
Elayne and Nynaeve are riding in the coach, Nynaeve scowling. Elayne tries to talk to her, but Nynaeve throws at her a bunch of sarcastic 'If my Lady wishes, my Lady that, my Lady this'. FInally Elayne looses patience and calls her down with her best queenly voice, saying that she's behaving as a child, and if she insists to be stupid, they might as well get on with the charade. Nynaeve reddens. Suddenly the coach lurches to a stop. They take a look outside and gasp - there's a huge animal (elephant) on the road. Some people are trying to make him get off the road. A handsome man with a bright red cloak comes and says: - Luca: Do not be afraid my Ladies! The giant boar-horses will not harm you! The men from Valan Luca's Amazing Display of Things unseen Anywhere in the World will calm down you animals! And if you'd like it, we could put on a show for you such as you will never see elsewhere! - Nynaeve: My Mistress won't be interested, she's tired. - Luca (quietly): Oh quiet, ye heart! (Louder): I am Valan Luca, the owner of this amazing show! I can tell you amazing stories about lands on the other side of the Aiel Waste! If only you would become a patron to my show, my Lady.... - Elayne: Morelin, of house Samared. - Luca: My Lady Morelin, your generousness will reverberate across the entire country, as you give you gracious patronage to my humble show! In truth, we sorely need such thing - you see, my giant boar-horses are amazing indeed, but sometimes cause...troubles. In the nearby town, they caused a little destruction, and the townsfolk chased us out with pitchforks and threats... It would help if we could claim the patronage of a noble Lady! - Elayne: I'm not interested in being your patron, Mr. Luca. Still, I'll help you as I can. Nana? - she looks significantly to Nynaeve, who takes out a coin, scowling, and gives it to the man. The coach leaves. There are curses back, and Elayne asks Nynaeve how much did she give the man - a silver penny. Elayne rolls her eyes. They reach the town - Sienda. It's full of Whitecloaks. They make a show of hiring a room in an inn, with Lady Morelin and her maid Nana. Then they retire to their room, and start getting ready for bed - they have a meeting with Egwene. Nynaeve is going this time. [DREAM]
Nynaeve is in the Stone of Tear. She calls Birgitte and she appears between the columns. - Nynaeve: Did you find her? -Birgitte: No, although I did try. She's hiding, and when she decides to hide she really can do it well. - Do you think.... that she knows you're looking for her? - She might.... and that worries me. During what you call the Age of Legends I crossed her in one of my incarnations, and she found out who I was exactly. She swore to make me weep for an eternity.... - Oh Light, Birgitte... I didn't know that! If you think it's too dangerous.... - I'm no little girl, I know how to protect myself. Now, I also saw other Forsaken: Sammael, Lanfear, Graendal, Demandred.... they all seem to be stalking each other. - Why would they do that???? They're on the same side.... - I see you don't really understand the dynamics of their relationship.... They're not friends, Nynaeve, they're more like rivals. - Rivals???? For what??? - For power, of course! The Dark One promised each one of them power to rule the world, and they strive to achieve good standing in his eyes. It was always like this, even in the midst of the War of Power. They rarely act together, usually only to counter some great thread, or if the Dark Ones gives a direct command. - Well, that's good - if they united their efforts, not much would survive. - Yes. But then again, they DO want to have a world to rule, and not a charred ruin. Now, that being said, I think they're plotting something....something dangerous. - Dangerous for Rand? - I don't know.... Look, I have to go now. I'll tell you more the next time. - She goes away. Nynaeve starts thinking about what's going on in the Tower - there may be a way to find out. A little later, Egwene appears with Melaine. Nynaeve: ..... and so we had to change our appearances and abandon our previous disguise. But it works well, so far. - Egwene, looking hard at Nynaeve: This forkroot sounds.... truly disturbing. - Nynaeve, laughing nervously: Yes, it is a vile thing. But the woman had no chance trying this with a former Wisdom - I detected immediately the smell and acted. Still, the message is weird, and the whole situation. - Melaine: Tricks within tricks - it seems Aes Sedai work in much more subtle ways than we thought before. - Nynaeve: There's something else I need to tell you: some of the Forsaken are planning something together, probably aimed at Rand. - Melaine: How do you know that? Have you been wondering the World of Dreams alone? - Nynaeve: Well, I could've hardly noticed them if I hadn't now, could I? Sammael and Lanfear and Rahvin and Graendal - tell Rand they might be up to something. - Melaine: Foolish girl! Playing with poisonous snakes because of their pretty colors! I've told you time and again that it is dangerous to wander the Dream, and you go and chase the Shadowsouled! - Nynaeve yells: You will not tell me about danger! I've survived far worse danger! I've learned to channel all by myself, even before I knew one tenth of what I know today! I can evade the dangers here! - Melaine: No, you can't. This girl here was more inexperienced than you when she came to us, and even now after the immense progress she made we don't allow her to wander alone, and you want to go chasing people that have been using the Dream for centuries! Promise me that you won't do this alone anymore! Promise me, or I'll start treating you like the child you are! - Nynaeve and Melaine stare at each other furiously for some moments, then Egwene: - She won't promise. When she gets this muley look about her, nothing could budge her. - Melaine: I thought Aes Sedai had more sense than that... apparently I was wrong. Very well, if there's nothing more to say, we will be heading back to get some sleep. - the two of them disappear, and Nynaeve is left simmering. - The gall of this woman! To tell me what to do and what not to! I'll show her I know my way around here! I'll go to the Tower! She concentrates, and the world shifts - she's in her old room in the Tower. She puts on a disguise in case anyone is here with a ter'angreal and goes to the Amyrlin's study. She notices the changes and thinks that this is strange - the furnishings were much different before. There are eleven chairs arranged before a hufe desk, where before there was only one, in front of a smaller, simpler desk. Suddenly the door opens and a novice enters, then changes to Egwene. - Egwene: I thought I'd find you here, after your tantrum about being able to do what you want with Tel'aran'rhiod. - Nynaeve: Light, you scared 10 years out of me appearing like that! So, the Wise Ones finally let you wander on your own? - Egwene flinches, then starts talking quickly: Are you scared, Nynaeve? Because you should be! Melaine wasn't wasting her breath when telling you wandering the dream is very dangerous, and even if you weren't trying to chase people that know it far better than you! The Forsaken themselves! I really thought you had more sense in your head than this! - Nynaeve: Now just a moment, young girl, I didn't take this from Melaine and I won't.... - No, Nynaeve, you won't bully me into shutting up this time! I lost count of the times I've warned you about being careless and undertaking tasks that aren't up to your skill, but it's as if I was talking to the wind! You were lucky several times at besting forces superior than you, like the Black Sisters and Moghedien, but how many times your luck will hold? What if the next mortal danger you eagerly throw yourself into kills you? - Nynaeve tries to say something, but Egwene steamrolls her: Melaine mentioned nightmares more than once, but I guess you still think she must've been joking! Well, she wasn't! Nightmares here can come to live, they can get free from whatever spawned them and drift along the Dream until catching someone at unawares! Nightmares can kill you here, Nynaeve! - Will you let me say something! - No, I won't let you, if you have nothing to say worth listening to! And since you refuse to be convinced with rational arguments, let me demonstrate what the dream can do to you! She causes two horrors to appear that grab Nynaeve and start torturing her. Screams, pleads .... finally they disappear, and Nynaeve falls to the ground sobbing. - Egwene, sternly: And this was a small nightmare caused by me. You could've destroyed it easily, if you remembered what I've taught you, but you were so scared you couldn't even think. Now, do you think it will be any different with a real, and far more dangerous nightmare? - Nynaeve: I could've.... dreamed myself away! Escaped! - Yes, you could've, but you didn't think of it. Maybe after this, next time you won't be so scared as not to be able to think. Oh, come on, take that sullen look from your face, it doesn't suit you! They both look around, then Egwene frowns: - This is very strange... nothing like what we remember. - Yes, I guess every Amyrlin has the desire to redecorate sometimes. - No, that's not what I meant... the STYLE of the decoration doesn't match the person of Siuan Sanche - she never used anything gilded or elaborate... look at the desk, the boxes on it, the flowers... Siuan Sanche never put any flowers! - What are you trying to say? And what are these pictures on the wall? One I recognize from Falme, but the other.... - It's Bonwin - I've studied about it. The Amyrlin seat during Artur Hawkwing's time, who very nearly destroyed the White Tower with her attempts to oppose him. Let's try to search these boxes, Nynaeve - they may contain some useful information. I'll go to the Keeper's office, you search here. They start searching - there are indeed documents in one of the boxes, but they keep changing even while she's reading them: - No news from eyes and ears in Tarabon, for a third week already. - Still no news of Davram Bashere and his cavalry; Tenobia refuses to cooperate. - A proposal for penance from Joline Sedai - A document about a gathering of Blues in Sa... Suddenly there's a scream from the other room. Nynaeve drops the doc and runs there - Egwene is staying with a wide-eyed expression: - Nynaeve, Elaida is Amyrlin! - What? Don't be a goose, that's impossible! - I was holding in my hands a document, signed Elaida do Avrini a'Roihan, Amyrlin Seat, Watcher of the Seals, etc. etc.! - they both stare at each other, wide eyed. - It must be a dream..... no, that's impossible, a physical document reflects the reality. But what about Siuan Sanche???? - Well, she could've been deposed. She could've fallen on the stairs, died from a rare disease..... I don't know! All I know is that Elaida is Amyrlin, and that fits completely with everything - the changed furniture, the strange orders to capture you and Elayne.... Nynaeve, the document with that signature was an arrest order for Moiraine Damodred! Addressed to 'all loyal sisters'! - 'Loyal sisters'..... that sounds strange indeed. You use this only if there are many sisters that are NOT loyal. Could it be that the Tower has split over Siuan??? - Very good, Nynaeve, I didn't see that possibility! We have to try learning more! - they both go to the Amyrlin's study and start searching the documents again. - Nynaeve: When you screamed, I was holding a document about a gathering of Blue sisters somewhere.... it could be indeed that they're marshaling against Elaida! - Where was that? - I can't remember, my eyes were just skimming over the contents..... - We have to try finding it again. Try to remember! - I'm trying to ! ... Nynaeve suddenly looks hard at Egwene, swallows several times, then: Egwene.... I.... we both drank that tea. The one the Macura woman tried to give us- we did drink it. We were as helpless as kittens! If Thom and Juilin hadn't come to save us, we would be on our way to Elaida already, bound and packed as presents! - Egwene, smiling condescendingly: I suspected as much. You used to drone incessantly about herbs, and I never heard about forkroot - if you had known it, you should've mentioned it. And then you tried to present the facts concerning you in the best light possible, - very typical. Well, that doesn't matter now, we need..... - I do no such thing! - Yes you do. You were always like this - if you tripped and landed in a mudhole, you would try convincing everyone that it was intentional. - That's not true! I simply like explaining all the circumstances... - So, you won't let go, will you? Very well then - you lied to me... - No, I didn't Lie! It wasn't really a lie.... - You LIED to me, and what's worse, you're lying to yourself. While you're like that, there's no chance you'll correct your behavior - you yourself have taught me that. You also taught me a brew to give to such people. - a cup appears in her hand and she offers it to Nynaeve, who backs off. - No! Not boiled catfirn and crushed mavinsleaf! - Drink it on your own will, or I'll make you drink it! You know full well what I'm capable of in the dream! - No! OK, I confess sometimes.... I try to put a better face on things.... I HATE looking the fool! I hate when other people realize I make mistakes! - We all make mistakes, Nynaeve (the cup vanishes), and we need to realize that and confess it at least to ourselves, if not to others. Otherwise we'll never learn. OK, now I should be going already - I need to tell Rand about Elaida. And you try really hard to remember the place of this gathering. I don't think there's any chance Elaida would help Rand - she was Red to the bone, and we'll be lucky if she doesn't send a task force to capture him as soon as she finds out where he is. On the other hand, these.... rebels, they might be willing to support Rand, if only to distance themselves from Elaida. They separate. Egwene wakes up and goes out in the night to Rand's tent - but he's ensconced with Natael. Seh decides to go tell Moiraine first. When she enters her tent, Moiraine is weaving saidar over her small blue stone. - Egwene: You're eavesdropping on Rand again? I taught you promised the Wise Ones not to do this again! - Moiraine: I promised not to listen to things I'm not supposed to - that's not the same. There are forces at work here that don't care about honor, Egwene, and we have to use each small advantage we have, if the Tower is to survive the swirling of the Pattern. - Moiraine.... the Tower has split - she jerks her head up - Elaida a'Roihan is Amyrlin Seat. I don't know what happened to Siuan Sanche. - How do you know that? Dreams? - Egwene nods, and Moiraine exhales softly. -Well, we knew something will happen over Rand sooner or later. I guess it doesn't matter now if he leads all the Aiel out of the Waste. - That's all you have to say? Siuan was your friend - she might be stilled, or dead! - And we'll have to deal with it, not shed tears over it. Look, both of us knew what are the risks when we started this 20 years ago. Did you know that in less than an year after Gitara Moroso's Foretelling, two Amyrlins and more than 50 sisters died under strange circumstances? - You mean.... the Black Ajah? - What else could it have been? All who the Amyrlin had appointed to investigate the matter of the Dragon Reborn. Fortunately, they missed me and Siuan somehow - probably even they couldn't have believed two Accepted would venture into this viper's nest. But then we were raised, and we still continued our efforts, knowing all the time what the danger was. - That was really brave of you. - Brave? Yes, I suppose.... although arrogant and blind would also be applicable. - Moiraine.... why have you started behaving like that with Rand? You all but clean his bed and wash his clothes..... - Egwene, my views of life and our role in it have greatly changed in the last year - ever since I hit that granite wall called Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn. We Aes Sedai assume we're the wisest and most knowledgeable in this world, these with the most right to decide what's right or wrong and what's to be done about it. And how. Yet we are no more than human beings, and although knowing much more than the average person out there, although being capable of doing things unimaginable with the One Power - still we are not perfect. We are not all-knowing. And most of all, we have no right whatsoever to control everything around us, the way we're always trying to do. In the Age of Legends the name Aes Sedai meant 'Servants' - we used to be considered servants of the people, not their masters. Today, we seem to have forgotten this. And what's even more dangerous and unforgivable - we seem to be becoming more and more entrenched in our views of the World, unwilling to change ourselves, or allow any change outside of these views. This behavior can be mortal in a world that contains the Dragon Reborn and is on its way to the Last Battle. We have to re-learn the ability to adapt really quickly, or both we, as organization, and the world might be doomed. - So, what? You're now serving the Dragon Reborn? - And what else can I do? I tried to control him, tried really hard, and I almost got myself banished from his presence. Now he listens to me, at least, and considers my suggestions, instead of digging his heals in and refusing them outright. - Oh..... you mean.... - Remember how you master saidar? - By surrendering to it. Yes, I understand now. Ok, I'll let you to tell him about the breach in the Tower - it will be easier for you to explain how do you know, than for me - he doesn't know about my Dreaming. And we have to consider the future implications - Elaida will certainly want to capture Rand, at the very least. - Yes, she might be that stupid at that. But if you want me to advise him to turn his back to the Tower.... I can't do that. - Moiraine, Elaida will never act from a point of goodwill, the way Siuan Sanche was acting! In fact, if the Tower were whole under her, she might've decided to cut to the chase and send 500 Aes Sedai to capture him, whatever his wishes! - I'm aware of the danger, and of the implications. In fact, this breach might've been the best thing to happen right now - I'm not sure how even Siuan could've reacted to an Aiel invasion, whatever my explanations. As it is, the other Aes Sedai will be too busy mending the breach to deal with Rand for a while. I understand it, but I can't be happy about it - I've dedicated my whole life to the White Tower, even before starting on the quest of the Dragon Reborn. - So, what will you do? - The best thing possible - I'll advise him to keep his distance from the Tower, and wait out the developments. Let's hope that meanwhile your friends manage to locate the Blue's gathering and stir them towards supporting Rand. And now I'd like to get some sleep - the way he's driving us, tomorrow will be yet another exhausting day, just like the other 10 until now. Egwene goes out, then stops in her heels: "She talked to me as to an equal...." - she smiles.
Elayne and Nynaeve are sitting in the common room, talking quietly. - Nynaeve: Yes, I realize there's absolutely no reason anymore to go to Tar Valon! I wasn't implying that we should! All I'm saying is that taking a ship down the river might not be the fastest way to reach Tear! There's no guarantee ships stop at every village along the river, and then there' no guarantee that in Ebu Dar we'd find a ship to Tear quickly! Besides, we won't find any gathering of Blues, while we're stuck on a ship! - Elayne: Yes, but the land road towards Tear is much longer! Are you sure your objections to ships have nothing to do with your..... problems with seasickness? - Don't be silly, girl! I never get seasick! - Nynaeve flinches, and makes a grimace as if she's swallowed something bad.- OK, I do sometimes..... Most of the time! But this has nothing to do with my opposing your foolish plan! Suddenly Elayne stares wide-eyed and in the next moment a Whitecloak sits on their table. Galad. - Elayne: Galad!!!!! What in the Light are you doing here.... dressed like this? - Elayne, and ....Nynaeve? I thought it was you, but the hair put me off for some time. What am I doing here is that I'm a Child of the Light now, and I'm a Child of the Light because it seemed the right thing to do at the time. You have no idea what happened up north, sister - all the evil and viciousness of that place finally surfaced! After you and your two friends vanished - again without explanation!- it took me and Gawyn a short time to ascertain you're not doing penance on a farm, whatever Siuan Sanche was claiming. Then I met Eamon Valda one day at an inn, and one thing led to another..... - Elayne: Galad, does mother know about that? And what do you mean the viciousness surfaced? What happened in the Tower???? - Quiet, don't use this name here! There has been a coup, sister, the woman that sent you away was deposed, stilled, and perhaps executed - the two stare at him horrified - I wasn't there at the time it happened, but the news passed us on our way south-westwards. As for mother, I don't think she would mind - not too much. A lot of things changed after your disappearances, and mother's attitude towards the north is one of them. Last I heard, the public sentiment against certain women in Caemlyn had reached alarming proportions, and not without the silent encouragement of mother and her new..... advisor. - New advisor? I heard that she replaced Elaida, but I never thought she would go that far.... - Well, suffice to say that I chose not to return to Caemlyn when I had the chance. I see that my news shocks you - this means you knew nothing of what's going on there. Still, these women had absolutely no right to involve mere .... girls in their maneuvers. Now, your place is in Caemlyn - you'll be safe there, whatever mother's new views towards the north. Is Egwene with you? I'll arrange your transport north as soon as I can. It's very dangerous for you here. - Elayne: Galad, what you say makes sense, but you have to give us a little time to think. We'll have to remake all our plans. - suddenly another big Whitecloak slaps Galad's back: - Hey Galadedrid, you're occupying all the pretty girls again! Why don't you introduce me this time? - Galad: Not really occupying, Trom. I thought I knew them when I saw them coming down, but I was mistaken. And it seems whatever charms you think I possess don't work with these ones here, and they certainly won't like any friend of mine. Come, let's go practice the swords - maybe that'd attract some girls. - Trom: With you around, whatever girls are attracted won't look at me twice. But OK, let's go.... the two get up, and Elayne and Nynaeve hurriedly go back to their room. On the way, Elayne tells the innkeeper imperiously that she requires her driver and footman immediately - Nana will settle the bill. Then they enter. - Elayne: We must leave immediately, and not through the front door. - Nynaeve: Look, I know you hate him, but aren't you exaggerating? He can't try to force us with so many other people around.... - Remember where we are, Nynaeve! Amadicia has severe laws against women who can channel, and Galad ALWAYS respects the laws. The fact that he didn't arrest us on the spot means that he's caught up between a hammer and a hard place - his sense of duty to me and mother. I have no idea how long he'll be in doubt, and if we refuse to follow his suggestion he might decide Amadicia's laws need to be enforced after all! - Elayne, he's your brother! HE wouldn't do such thing! - HE'S NOT MY BROTHER! OK, he's my half-brother, we had the same father, but I won't accept him! I've told you time and again, and you won't believe me - he ALWAYS does what's right, no matter who gets hurt - me, him, or whomever! He used to tell on me and Gawyn all the time when we were little, not because he hated us, not to achieve any advantage, simply because it was the right thing to do! There's a knock on the door, and Thom and Juilin enter hesitantly. 'My Lady wants us?' - Thom, Galad is here! You must remember what a monster he was as a child, and now he's little better. He wants to pack us and send us off to Caemlyn! - Thom, hesitantly: Yes, I think I....recognized him. He's in front of the inn, sitting on an upturned barrel.... So, you remembered who I am, finally? - I remembered in Tanchiko, Thom. - she smiles hesitantly, and Thom too. Nynaeve interferes: What are we to do? - Elayne: We have to sneak out of the inn and the city - there's no other choice. But how? - Thom: It might not do any good to sneak out of the city if Galad can use the Whitecloaks' forces to search us out. We'll need something more than changing your hair this time. Also, where are we gonna go? You have to know that the regional situation is becoming more and more unstable. To the north the Prophet's crowds have all but conquered Ghealdan - I heard the new queen is paying him regular visits, assuring him that he can preach unmolested. At the same time, Pedron Niall is gathering his forces - he pulled legions from the entire West, and nobody seems to know what he's up to. - Elayne: It must have something to do with Rand! - Well yes - his views are very clear on that. He says Tear has been taken by a False Dragon and the region needs to unite against him. But he can't hope to achieve such a goal - Illian isn't playing ball for reasons we all know; Altara's queen has almost no power, and Murandy is...Murandy. And then there's the Prophet who's a serious threat to Amadicia itself - there are rumors he might decide to...'spread the word of the Lord Dragon' here. At any rate, the whole country is bustling with Whitecloaks that we'll need to evade somehow. - Nynaeve: Thom, thank you for this political analysis, now could you make a sensible proposal as where and how to hide from Galad? Or you, Juilin? You always consort with thieves and smugglers, couldn't they.... smuggle us out somehow? - Juilin, shaking head: There are almost no thieves worth talking about here, Nynaeve. Amadicia's laws and the Whitecloaks take care of that. What I've heard last night is all talk about the Prophet and whether or not the town elders would change their minds about that show we saw on the road, and let them perform here. - Nynaeve: That's it - the show! Galad would be searching for us two, and maybe you two if he asked questions. But he'd never search in a whole travelling menagerie! We'll hide with them! - Elayne: That's brilliant! Such a show must have at least a hundred people - we'll easily melt amongst them! Besides this Luca wanted my patronage - he should be overjoyed when I offer it! - Nynaeve scowls at her, but then nods. - Now all we need to do is sneak out of the town. Unfortunately we'll need to abandon the carriage.... [a quick series of scenes: Nynaeve complains to the Innkeeper that her mistress has suddenly had a fit and will stay in her room for indeterminate time/ Elayne and Nynaeve change into simple clothes while Thom and Juilin procure stuff/ They sneak out of the Inn's back door/ they walk away from the town]
They talk to Valan Luca in the menagerie: - Sooooo, not the 'Lady Morelin' anymore, are we?! I knew from the start something was fishy with you - no real noble gives away a mere silver penny.... - Nynaeve: You listen to me, master Luca! What we gave you is not of your concern, only what we offer you! - I'm not going to change my plans for two girls, no matter what you offer me! We're heading to Ghealdan, and that's that! And you WILL need to work while here - I don't care if you're peasants or real ladies, everyone will start asking questions about a group that just stays around, while everybody else has something to do! Thom rustles his gleeman cloak: - I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm a gleeman! I can entertain very well, as part of your show! - Luca: Yes, yes, but what about the others? Juilin eyes a rope strung nearby between two high pylons. "What's that?" - Luca: It's that fool Sedrin's apparatus. Sedrin the Highwalker, dazzling with feats 10 feet up on a rope! He was dazzling all right, all the way until he fell and broke his fool neck this morning. Juilin goes up and walks on the rope uncertainly. Luca: Hm, so you could walk also, but you're not very steady.... - Elayne: Excuse me, if I may.... - she also goes up, channels a bridge of air and starts doing amazing stuff. Luca is ecstatic: That's incredible! A pretty girl scorning mortal danger, as if it were nothing! And if we add you as a contrast, we might really make something.... What about you.... 'Nana'? - Nynaeve (smiling sweetly-dangerously): I dole out the gold, Mr. Luca. So, what about it? Can we travel with you? - Luca, theatrically: Oh well, could I refuse two such pretty girls, be it that their circumstances are so...suspicious.... you could come with me to Ghealdan. Later they walk around the show, being presented to the other performers - Latelle with the bears, Petra the strong man, the acrobats - the Chavana 'brothers', Alludra - an Illuminator, and finally Cerandin - the handler of the 'giant boar-horses'. She speaks with a Seanchan accent, and Nynaeve and Elayne eye each other significantly. When Luca walks away, Elayne asks her: - What is their real name? The animals, I mean. - Cerandin: Why, giant boar-horses, of course, like Mr. Luca said. - Are there many ....'giant boar-horses' in Seanchan, Cerandin? - the woman starts, then throws a quick look around - nobody's close enough to overhear. - I don't know what you're talking about! - Nynaeve: Oh, give over! We were in Falme a year ago, right when the great battle took place. We've seen these animals and all the others, too. - Cerandin, lowers eyes: Ahhh... I guess it was inevitable I run into someone that knows them eventually. All my life since the battle was chaotic, an endless running , until I found this menagerie. Please.... - Elayne: We're not here to tell on you, don't worry! We only want to ask you some questions, and as long as you cooperate, we'll keep your secret. We know that you are just one cog of the Seanchan machine, you're not guilty of what your superiors ordered you to do. Cerandin looks at her, then: You speak like a noble....- suddenly she prostrates herself - My life is yours, High Lady". Elayne rolls her eyes, then urges her to get up... [camera pans out].
Liandrin walks in a corridor, talking to Temaile Kinderode: - Liandrin: I so much hate running! The Great Lord has promised me to rule, not to run! - Temaile: And what else could we do??? Tanchiko was a complete disaster, we couldn't have remained there! - We could've tried to salvage something! - No, it was over, Linadrin, and you must accept it! If we had linked as I proposed, we could've countered that strong channeling, whatever its source, but that fool Asne and her rod spoiled everything! And then the coward Carridin left us alone against the crowds - we couldn't have stopped them short of leveling the entire district, and you know full well that we have strict orders not to reveal ourselves! And after that, the Palace was such a rubble that even had we had the same access ad before, it could've taken months to dig out what we were looking for, even if it had survived the destruction! - Yes, yes.... - they enter a room where the others are, and immediately notice something's wrong - they all look scared shitless. A woman is sitting in a high-backed chair, with her back to the newcomers. - What's going on here? Why do you look like you're facing Al'Thor himself? The chair turns - Gildin is in it, sipping tea. - Liandrin: Gildin! What are you doing here? How did you follow us from Tanchiko???? This time you've gone too far.... - the others shake heads frantically. - Moghedien: Oh, shut up woman! It's not Gildin, it's Moghedien. It was convenient for me at the time to hide, so I kept an eye on you masquerading as a servant. Liandrin prostrated herself: Forgive me, Great Mistress, I had no idea! Forgive me for my previous attitude! - Oh, come on, you didn't know. You could hardly be blamed for it. Now, what's more important is - do you need a lesson, a reminder of who you are? Some of the others here did..... Liandrin liks her lips: I ...don't need a lesson, Great Mistress, I'm convinced I'm a worm next to your brilliance! - Hm.... I taught better of you. Ok then, now that you're all gathered..... - Liandrin embraces the source, tries to attack with her secret Compulsion-like trick, but Moghedien is faster - she blocks her. - Moghedien: You're not fast enough, and you're not strong enough, Liandrin. Not to mention that what you tried to use is a bare shadow of the real thing - here's how it really looks: - she weaves Compulsion and Linadrin hears the voices in her head, falls on the ground, starts kissing Moghedien's feet, muttering praises..... - Moghedien: Boy, that's repulsive.... I can't see how Graendal and Rahvin enjoy it so much. Comeon, on your feet. - Liandrin rises, shaking off the effect, wide-eyed. - Do you understand now? - Liandrin: Yes, great Mistress! I DO understand, and I swear never to contest your might again! - Very well.... although you look like one of these that might need a second lesson. Pray that you're not - I make second lessons exceedingly painful. Now, to business: .... Liandrin's ears are suddenly clogged. Moghedien starts giving instructions one - by - one. The others accept, some pleased, others surprised, and go out one by one. Finally, Linadrin is left with 5 others, and her years are unclogged: - For you, I have the most important task. You'll help me hunt the women responsible for the disaster in Tanchiko - Nynaeve al'Meara and Elayne Trakand. - Liandrin scowls - Do you know them? - Yes, Great Mistress, and I despise them! Nynaeve al'Meara is a Wilder - I HATE wilders! - Interesting.... well, anyway. They're somewhere here, in Amadicia, I want them found.
Queen Morgase is in her room, reading, while the sun is high up. Suddenly, there's a knock at the door and Lieutenant Talanvor enters and kneels: - Morgase: What is it? Talanvor, isn't it? - Yes, my Queen. Forgive me for interrupting your reading, but I didn't know what else to do.... - What do you mean? Do what about what? - About the news, my Queen. It arrived this morning, and nobody seems to care about it, and I think it's exceedingly important! Won't you do anything? - What news? I haven't heard anything! - You haven't...... Rebelion, in the Two Rivers, my Queen! There are reports of great gathering of men there, villages being fortified, and the ancient banner of Manetheren has been raised! - What! Has Lord Gaebril been notified? - He has, my Queen, as soon as the news arrived. He said that.... this is interesting, but it will have to wait its turn for other, more important events. - What! Where was I at that time? Why.... never mind. - She jumps and sweeps out, through corridors, to the throne chamber. Gaebril sits carelessly on the Lion throne, surrounded by simpering sycophants. - Morgase: Lord Gaebril! How dare you occupy my Throne! - his smile dies, he stares hard at her: - Didn't I tell you to spend the morning reading, dear? You're tired lately, and you need your rest. - Don't try to put me off, Gaebril! What is this thing about the Two Rivers? What might be a more important matter than a rebellion in my kingdom? - I TOLD you you're not thinking straight, Morgase! Go back to your room, and leave me to deal with that! - This time you go too far, Gaebril! How dare you call me like that in front of....THEM! And when did you invite these...people? Gaebril is furious, he channels, her eyes go wide, and he says: - That's enough, Morgase! You WILL go to your rooms, and wait for me there! I will come for you at sunset! Now, GO! Morgase opens the door to her rooms, and suddenly stops dead in her tracks. Gaebril's voice is murmuring in her head "Go to your rooms, stay there...." - What am I doing? How can I be .... obeying this man like that? - she turns around and starts walking, as if in a dream. The voice continues murmuring, while she wanders, and subsides little by little as she scowls and tries to focus. There are old people, bowing around. Finally, she enters a room. - Morgase: Lini's room.... my old nurse.... and Elayne's and my mothers'. How long since I haven't been here? I used to visit every week.... - she walks around, touching stuff, remembering scenes from hers and Elayne's childhood [camera flashes]. Suddenly, a voice: - Lini: Meddling in my things again, are you child? - Morgase jumps and instinctively hides a frame behind her back. She then smiles and puts it back on the mantelpiece: - I'm not a little girl anymore, Lini. Although you seem to conveniently forget it when speaking to me. - Oh well, I won't lose too much if you send me to the headsman, girl. Besides, my neck is so tough it might give his axe some trouble! - You always were tough, Lini - with me, with Elayne, even with my mother. - So, to what to I own this sudden visit? You haven't darken my windows in some time, girl. - Yes, Lini, and I'm sorry. I've been....busy. - Busy? I hear you spend half your day reading, or walking around the park..... Come on, drop the pretense - I know that you're troubled. You have that look that you always have when something's on your mind. Morgase hears Gaebril's murmurs, then forcefully pushes them away. - Lini, what are Arymilla Marne and these others doing with Gaebril? I don't remember allowing them back into the Palace.... - No? Strange.... well, they came to replace the nobles you banished, my Dear, don't you remember? - Banished? Who did I banish? It all seems ....fuzzy in my head (she lifts her hand, touches her brow, murmurs....) - Lord Pelivar, Lord Aratellel Lady Aemlin.... - What are you saying Lini? I couldn't have banished all of them! They're my strongest supporters! - Well, Lord Gaebril didn't seem to think that, and you seemed to agree with him. - What? What does Gaebril have to do with this? He's..... he's...... (more murmurs) - He is your lover, child, and it seems this time he's made you forget all but your name. I've never seen you so taken up with a man, even when Thom Merlin was here.... - Morgase frowns: - That's all well and good, but these nobles were more than friends, more than rivals for a man - they form my political basis! - Well, you seemed to have forgotten that when you ordered their banishment, with very flimsy excuses, I might add. - Are they all gone? - All, my child..... - And the Lady Ellorien? - Her too. You had her flogged for demanding to know why. - Morgase sits heavily onto a chair. [series of scenes of her ordering banishment, the shocked faces of her friends, Gaebril smirking]. - Morgase: And now he's gathered all those that were my enemies.... that could mean only one thing. - Lini: So, you've heard the rumors finally.... - Rumors? What rumors? - About Gaebril conspiring against you, of course. Although for me personally the others are worse - about him and Alteima and the others.... - WHAT! Alteima? That tairen chit? What others? What are you saying???? - Lini, confused: Oh, Lini, your old brain has gathered enough mold for a palace.... Well, now you now, there's no coming back. Child, Gaebril spends most of his nights with you, but the others he shares with many other women.... I've heard that currently his favorite is this Alteima, but there's also others. And lately he doesn't take so much care to conceal this - everyone in the Palace talks about it. - How long has this been going on? - Well, for months. I don't know how many, exactly, Alteima wasn't here for all that time, for one, but.... - Morgase is staring into nothingness. - I want you to go and find a lieutenant, Tallanvor. He looks.... - I know him, child. Good choice, this one. -What do you mean? - You know that Gaebril changed the oath required by the Queen's Guard? - Morgase' eyes open wide in disbelief: Changed? Oh that..... sorry, continue - He changed it to say 'Fealty to the Lion's Throne and Andor", not to the Queen as it was before. Then they made all Queen's Gards reswear the oath, and all that didn't were sent away. There were even some executions, for people demanding to know the reason of the change. This Tallanvor swore the new oath, and several hours later I was passing through the stables when I saw him crying, beating his chest and repeating the old oath. This man is loyal to you personally, Morgase - to you and to you only. You can trust him with your live. - Ok then - go and get him. And Lini - don't tell anyone I'm here. - Lini goes out, and Morgase stays thinking: - That's it then. You fool woman! You were never good with your choice of men - first Galadedrid Damodred, more ambition than anything else. At least his children didn't turn out like him. Then Thom Merlin - a sweet man, if there ever was one, and a devious player of the Game of Houses. But too unruly, too unreliable. He never learned to deal with my tempers, and the day he said more than he should've in response to one of my tantrums, I had no choice but require his head, or suffer public humiliation. And then Gareth Bryne - a fine man, if there ever was one, but....traitor. Why else would I need to send him away? But now I've passed all my previous achievements - Gaebril must be the worst choice any woman in the world could make! How can I still feel so....drawn to him? How can I still be thinking of his arms around me, of his breath, of his smell.... I know everything now, and even now I longer to kiss him! If I didn't know better, I'd think he has used the One Power on me! Lini returns with Tallanvor, who's protesting her handling him, but stops short when he sees Morgase. - My Queen? What are you doing here? - Young Tallanvor... you're a sharp lad, and loyal, else you wouldn't have come to me with the news of the Two Rivers. - I'm not a lad! And why are you hiding here, and not confronting Gaebril? - You will remember your place, young Tallanvor! Whatever you thing has happened, I'm still Queen of Andor! - (he falls on one knee) Forgive me, my Queen! I hear and obey! - I heard that Gaebril did many changes in the Queen's Guards. I suspect that most of them were aimed at shifting their allegiance from me to him. What do you think? - Now that you say it, I wholeheartedly agree, my Queen! More than 2/3 of the Guards were fired and replaced in the last 6 months, and most of the new people are loyal directly to Gaebril. Some were even known to have come from the West with him during the Winter. And then he replaced the oath of the Guard - the new one implies fealty to Andor and its ruler, not specifying who that is. But you approved any single one of these decisions! - That's not important now, Tallanvor. How many loyal Guards do you think remain in the Palace? - Not enough, if you're thinking of moving against him. - Ok, what about the city? What's the situation there? - I'm afraid it's not much better, my Queen. Your....decisions lately have put many people off, and then there still are the Whitecloak agents trying to stir the people against you. I think that if you plan on raising the populace against Gaebril, you won't be very successful. - So.... it's come to that then. I'll have to run away from my own Palace. How could I allow the situation to reach this point? - she's silent for some time, then: Lini, you'll need to find me some simple clothes. And also sooth for my hair. Tallanvor, do you know someone reliable in the city, where I could stay for a bit and get the supplies necessary for a journey? - Yes, my Queen. Basel Jill from the Queen's Blessing Inn is a good friend of mine, and loyal to you - we could stay there for some days. - Not days, Tallanvor - I plan on leaving the city before sunset. Gaebril will look for me then, and if he doesn't find me, he might order the gates locked. There's no time to lose! Now, go - we'll meet at this inn! [scenes of Morgase altering her appearance/ leaving the Palace/ arriving at the Queen's Blessing/ Basil Jill, Lamgwin and his woman Breanne prepare to leave/ riding out of the city gate at sunset][camera doubles - Gaebril enters Morgase's rooms and calls her, then starts to search for her, calls enraged the servants] - Morgase: We will need to use some....subtlety until I reestablish my power base. None of you should call me 'My Queen' within earshot of others - I'll be simply Morgase. Don't defer to me either - I can't appear like an important person. - Tallanvor: If I may ask....Morgase, where are we heading? - To Core Springs. If there's anyone that will know how to regain my kingdom, it's Gareth Bryne. - Breanne mutters: Let's see if he'll be willing to regain it for you. [camera divides in four: the other three show Rand and the Aiel, the Menagerie and Siuan's group, all moving
[camera centers on Rand] Natael, Mat and Moiraine are at his side, with Natael carrying a big red banner with the ancient Aes Sedai symbol on it. Moiraine is droning: -.... and despite the fact that they play the Game of Houses as a matter of fact, Cairhienin nobles will follow you, if you're strong and appear to be solving their problems. Now, Unlike them, the andoran nobles care as much about ancestry and dignity as about rational leadership. Several of their Successions have been decided not by ability, bravery, political moves and alliances, but by how close the pretender is to their first queen, Ishara. They also play the game, but not nearly as much as cairhienin and tairen nobles. Your people will need moral and integrity, as well as .... [voice trails off, while Rand starts looking at the majestic view of the Spine of the World nearby; in the higher parts of the mountains he sees something that looks suspiciously like the port facilities of a city]. - Moiraine: Rand! Are you listening to me? - she breaths deeply, then: Please, Rand , we don't have much time, and there are so many things you need to know if you are to complete your mission! - Rand: Be at ease, Moiraine, we have plenty of time. I intend to keep you close from now on, and if you continue teaching me from sunrise to sunset, as in the past 15 days, then soon I'll know as much as you! But now there are other things on my mind - we have to do what we can about the survivors of Taien. They're your own people, after all. - Moiraine scowls, then sighs: As you say, Rand. We have plenty of time. - she rides away. Rand whispers to Natael: - Do you know what this is up there? It looks like a city, but how could there be city so high up? - It's possible. The land changed much during what you call the Breaking - this Waste looks like it had been the bottom of a sea, in which case this could've been very well a port city. Maybe even my home townThey ride around a twist in the road and see a city. Its walls are strung with hanged people. - Rand, squeezing his eyes: I was hoping it wasn't that bad.... - Mat: Couladin seems to be more preoccupied with leaving messages then advancing. He must've lost time to hang so many people. And it was surely not because they stood against him - most probably they wet their pants the minute they saw the Aiel. There are people in these rocks there. - Rand: OK, everyone - don't make sudden moves! They are probably scared to death of Aiel, that's why I ordered all of them to hide. We don't want to cause them to run away from us, too. Bedraggled people start coming out of the rocks around the town and approach Rand. - Man: Thank the Light you've come, my Lord! We were getting desperate.... - Rand: What happened here? - The Aiel savages, my Lord! They descended on us in the night, at unawares, killing everyone who resisted! They took the town in less than an hour! - Mat: Descended? Where were your guards? The town is well situated, commanding good view to the approaches. Even in the night, and even for Aiel it would've been difficult to sneak on you! - Forgive me, my Lord, but we didn't keep many Guards! The Aiel was is long over, and there hasn't been a single attack here for many years..... - Mat mutters something about bloody fools. - Rand: So, they took the town, Why the hangings? - They.... he said he wanted to leave a message, for 'those that follow us'. He simply rounded up everyone in front of the town, and selected every tenth man or woman and ..... - Rand: He? Who was he? And what happened to the rest of you? - He was a big man, with a strange tatoo on his arms..... The rest of us, they took away with them. They said something about 'ga-sheen', or something like that... - in this moment Aiel start coming out from their covers. Rhuarc goes to Rand, and the survivors start screaming. - Rand: Don't be afraid! We're enemies of these other Aiel! We won't hurt you! - useless. The men scatter and Rand tells Rhuarc: Why did you come out? I was trying to evade panicking these people! - Rhuarc: We didn't see much more reason to hide - we scouted the surrounding land and the town, and there's no ambush. And you were talking already to the wetlanders - didn't they say what you wanted to hear already? - Rand throws his hands up in despair, and one of the women that has stayed screams: He has the same tatoos as the other ones!!!! Rand descends and starts walking, Rhuarc and Mat to his side. Mat is scanning the surrounding area, with expert eyes, and both notice that. Bael joins them. - Rand, to Rhuarc: Did you hear what the man said? - he nods - What do you think? - Rhuarc, frowning: Couladin didn't have to do that! The townsmen didn't resist, as it seems, and not even treekillers deserve to be slaughtered like that for nothing! Rand nods, then: And what about the gai'shain? It seems he took the rest of the populace as gai'shain..... - Bael: This is an aberration! A gai'shain is a thing of ji'e'toh; only who follows it can become gai'shain! - Rand: It would seem that Couladin is abandoning ji'e'toh. - Both Aiel look at him hard. - I'm afraid Cairhien will suffer, until we manage to confront him. Later, night is falling, the camp is being formed around the city. Aiel are taking down the hanged people from the walls. Egwene comes to Rand: - Egwene: Rand, I want you to realize that this wasn't your fault! - Rand: Wasn't it, Egwene? If I hadn't come and done what I did to the Aiel, Couladin would've never left the Waste! This town would've been still whole and prosperous! - You can't take blame for everything that's remotely connected to your effect! You know full well you're ta'veren, Rand, history is being shaped around you! And if you're on it, think about all the deaths you've prevented since uniting the Aiel, and all those you're preventing in the future! Rand stares at her - Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Egwene. But that's not really what I need right now. Are you prepared to tell me more about the Breach in the Tower? You've been throwing hints for days, but nothing concrete! - Egwene: You'll find out more when you are ready, Rand al'Thor! - she rides away, and Rand scowls after her. Then he goes towards the harp sounds, to Natael. The red banner is in the ground near him. - Natael: You see, my Lord Dragon, your bannerman performs his duties! ..... Look, can't you find someone else to carry this fucking banner? Lan, or Mat, or.....even Moiraine would be happy to do it, the way she is now! And I still don't understand why you abandoned the Dragon banner and had this one made.... - Rand: You carry it because you were chosen, Natael. And I decided to change my banner, because the Dragon banner seemed to be scaring people, who didn't even know what it means. I hope this one will have.... a more moderate effect, while still proclaiming me. After all, the Rhuidean prophesy sais that ''Under this symbol will he conquer". Natael moans. - I'm not in the mood for one of our....discussions today, so you may do whatever you want tonight. - He walks towards his tent, where Aviendha waits. - Rand al'Thor, since you didn't accept the buckle as cancelling the debt between us... - Rand: Aviendha, I told you already - there is no debt! - It doesn't matter what you think, Rand al'Thor, you don't understand ji'e'toh enough! - Rand moans: You already gave me a gift to cancel the debt Aviendha! - he touches his belt buckle - And you refused to acknowledge it as cancelling our debt! .... [flashback, Rhuidean:] They're in his room in the Roof of the Maidens. Aviendha is scowling: - Rand al'Thor, you gave me a gift back in Cold Rocks Hold. I thought first it was a regard-gift, but it wasn't - it was a simple wetlander custom. But it created toh between us, and now I'm paying it out - she throws an ornate buckle on his bed. Rand picks it up - it's gold with steel, two dragons clasping each other. - Rand: This is beautiful Aviendha! I accept it, but there was no debt to cancel! - What! You won't accept it as meeting my toh to you! I had this specially made from my melted weapons! - Your melted weapons? You mean that custom when a Maiden puts down the spear? But the items produced from the melted weapons are given to three people who she hates or loves the most.... which one am I, Aviendha? She quivers with emotion, then turns away: I hate you, Rand al'Thor! I ..... hate ...you with all my hearth! - Rand sighs sadly: If that's so, you don't need to spend any more time with me, Aviendha. I'll talk to the Wise Ones..... - No! - But if you..... -I said no! - she storms out [end of flashback] - Aviendha: So, since you didn't accept the buckle, here: - she gives him a long thing wrapped in cloth. He takes off the cloth and gasps - it's an incredibly ornate sword, with golden scabbard and hilt, filled with gems. - Rand: Aviendha, how much did you pay for this????? - (she shrugs): Not as much as you think. This is the sword of Laman, the Treekiller. It's been around since the Expedition - they brought it back as a proof he's death, because his head wouldn't have survived the journey. Since then, it's been passed around, and his price keeps falling - eventually everyone remembers this is only a sword, a forbidden item. So, here - this meets my toh to you. - Rand: I'll accept it as cancelling the debt. But this sword is much too ornate to be of any use - you can't even grip the hilt well enough, with all these gems. I'll..... he stops when he draws the blade out - it has a heron on it. - This is a power-wrought blade! - Yes, it was said Laman claimed to have been a ....swordsmaster. - He might've been, or not - this was surely not a weapon to be used.... Look, I accept the blade. I'll have it detached from the hilt, and I'll have a new hilt and scabbard made, more ...suitable for use. Then you can have all the gold and gems, and recover what you paid. - Aviendha: No! That would create a new debt between us! I won't accept it! - she runs away, and Rand sighs. He mutters "Now, my defense wards..." - he then touches his angreal and channels, placing invisible wards all around the camp.
Mat is in bed with Melindra. - Mat: I've heard the other Maidens tease you about me, saying: "Teach him to sing". What does that mean? - she smiles: - When a man becomes so taken up with a Maiden that he's ready to do anything, sometimes he's fool enough to do something that would allow her take him gai'shain. She then often repays his stupidity by making him sing to entertain her and her spear sisters. - Oh. And an Aielman never sings, right? - That's right, Mat Cauthon. Now tell me - why are you effacing yourself next to Rand al'Thor? - What do you mean? - I've seen you dance the spears - you're as good as any Aiel with that black weapon of yours. You could be a battle leader yourself, but you leave everything to the Car'a'carn.... Mat scowls: I don't want to be no leader! All I want is to evade trouble, although most of the time I don't seem to be able to - somehow battle always finds me. Are you sure Daughter of the Nine Moons means nothing to you? She starts laughing, but at that time birds start calling. Mat says: Rand's defenses are triggered! - They both jump and get their weapons. [screen doubles] Rand wakes up and channels his Sword, then starts creeping out. There is noise from down the camp - shouts "Sammael and the Golden bees!" [Screen centers on Rand] Suddenly, he sees Aviendha in the moonlight, walking slowly towards another dark figure - there's a mournful keening in the air. Rand screams Aviendha! - but she doesn't hear. He channels a thin Balefire rod, destroying the drakhar. Aviendha suddenly stops walking and blinks confused. - Rand: Aviendha, are you all right? This ... thing didn't get you, right? - without answering, she channels a ball of fire at him - Rand barely dodges it. Then he cries, enraged: - What are you doing? I just saved your life! I don't care how much you hate me, this sort of answer offends just about any ji'e'toh custom I've heard of! - You always know everything, Rand al'Thor - she snarls - next time I'll let the great Car'a'Carn be devoured - she ducks into the tent. Rand turns, startled, and sees a second drakhar smoking behind him. 'You fool!' - he mutters - "you were so angry you didn't smell it, nor hear it cracking. You light-blinded fool!" He goes to the tent and starts apologizing. Egwene and Moiraine show up. - Moiraine: Rand! Where are the Maidens? - Egwene: Rand are you all right? Why are you.... - Rand I'm fine. Aviendha saved me from the drakhar. And I don't know where the Maidens are - when we got out of the tent there were none here. - She saved you? Then why is she.... you upset her again, didn't you? Men! - she enters the tent. - Moiraine: It's strange that you didn't feel the creature. That means that whoever sent it warded it. - There were two. And yes, they were warded. You took some time to check on me - I thought you'd run up here as soon as the alarm sounded. - It looks you don't need babysitting anymore. And Aviendha took care of you. Now, if there isn't anything else... - she walks away and Rand shakes his head. There are still cries down "Sammael!" "Sammael and the Golden bees!". Rand walks down, but the fighting has died out already. Two Maidens walk back up, looking ashamed. - Rand al'Thor, we heard you've been attacked! And we ran down here to the battle as girls newly wed for the spear, abandoning our posts.... Here: - she starts breaking her spears, and the others too. - Rand: What are you doing? Stop! I said STOP! Ok, so you abandoned your posts, now you learned the lesson and you won't do it again! Leave over! Oh, all right, if you're so ashamed, go to the Wise Ones and ask them how to atone for it, but I don't wanna see any spear-braking! - They walk away, and Rand continues to Natael's tent, murmuring ''Stupid Aiel and their honor. He enters the tent - Natael is huddled in one end, chewing his lips, scared. - Natael: You didn't expect me to take part, did you? The way I am now, I could barely form a small fireball, much less anything serious, and everyone will notice if I'm channeling.... - Calm down, Natael. You did well not to come out. If I've felt another man channeling, I might've killed you before you realize it. - I .... thought of that too. - Let's talk about the attack. It was Sammael, but why? - You can't be sure. Yes, they were screaming "Sammael", but someone of the others might have told them to. - It was him. He tried the same ruse at Serendahar, to bait me. - Natael stares blankly at Rand: - I didn't know that.... It isn't like him to throw away resources in an useless attack, he knows how precious every soldier is. On the other hand, he would do anything if it'll gain him strategic advantage. - Rand: You told me he wouldn't come straight at me, unless he was sure of success, and maybe not even then. So, has he decided his success is assured? Or you think it's something else? [camera pans out]
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