Prologue: Sparks Falling
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The show starts moving majestically over the bridge and into Samara. [camera doubles] Rand and the Aiel are moving into Cairhien, into a small town. the Aiel are staring at the small river that flows through it.
Rand moves through the town, crossing the river. He eyes hard the running water, wich is more drying up and says to Natael: - This heat is not natural. It should be fall already - in September there are rains in this region. What do you think about that? - Natael: I think it's the .... Dark One's touch. Like before, when he froze the season into winter. - Can you think of something to be done about it? - he shakes his head. - Nothing, at least nothing I can think of. I was always poor at manipulating weather. But maybe someone more experienced.... in my time there were ter'angreal for controlling the weather. Rand dismounts in the small town square. The city looks abandoned and half-destroyed. Rhuarc observes with him. - Rhuarc: This wasn't done by the Shaido.... it's old destruction - Rand: Probably the civil war. Moiraine says there are tens of different rival struggling, and after more than an year of war, more than half of their fighting forces have actually become brigands. We'll have to deal with this, once we take care of Couladin. There's a cry 'Car'a'carn'!, and a group of Aiel approach, surrounding a group of dusty riders. They're both cairhienin and tairen. - Estean: My Lord Dragon! I can't believe my eyes! They captured you too? They told us they're bringing us to see .... aaaa.... He Who Comes with the Dawn.... - Rand: I'm He Who Comes with the Dawn. And you are? - the guy's jaw drops and he's searching for words for a bit. - My name is Estean, of House Andiama, and this is Edorion of house Selorna. We come from Cairhien for help.... - Rand: So Couladin has attacked the city, then? How are they holding? - They're holding. Much of our forces took refuge there when we first spotted the Aiel a week ago, so the city is well defended. But still.... their first attack was almost too fierce to be believed. [camera flashbacks of the Shaido attacking Cairhien] They were almost over the walls before we so much as organized our defense. But then the Foregate caught fire - I think that slowed them down enough for us to repel them. Since then, it's constant attacks.... There's a man comes forth every morning, a man with tattoos on the arms, and calls to surrender to He Who Comes with the Dawn...... - he winds out, watching Rand nervously. - Rand: This man is an impostor. I'm the real deal. We've come all the way from the Waste to stop him and his clan. You'll need to provide the chiefs here with all details about the Shaido's disposition. The cairhienin push forward excited: - So you'll help? We were losing hope, they're so many.... and so fierce! But... I'm afraid you won't be able to get there on time.... I saw no horses anywhere.... - Yes, we'll help. Rhuarc, how long? - 7 days. - Edorion: What! It took us almost that long to come here on horses! - The Aiel can move faster that you can believe. Now, go refresh yourself, the next days won't be any easier for you. - they leave. Rand, to Rhuarc: Send word to all clans - we march with the sunrise tomorrow. Let everyone have a good rest tonight. The sun is setting when he walks to a building. He turns to the Maidens surrounding him: - I declare this the Roof of the Winespring Bortherhood. None that haven't drank at the Winespring Inn in Emond's Field can enter. - They eye him sternly, then arrange themselves around the entrance. He enters, suppressing a smile, murmurs "See? I can be clever too! Now, if I could only deal with Aviendha somehow.... Why does she insist on sleeping with me???? Channeling is 10 times as easier to understand as a woman, be it from the Two Rivers, or from the Aiel Waste". He enters his room and stops dead - Aviendha is naked, washing her hair. She looks at him as if he were a trolloc: - I..... decided to try your way of washing.... I thought.... you usually don't come that early! That's .... I didn't intend to show you.... (screaming): I can't do this anymore! I have to get away from you! - Suddenly a vertical line of light appears - she has open a Portal. Rand gapes as she jumps naked through the portal into a hailing winter storm. - Aviendha wait! You'll freeze! - the Portal starts closing and Rand channels without thinking, holding it. He grabs a bunch of blankets, then jumps through the Portal. They're in the middle of a blizzard. He can barely see her plowing through the snow ahead. He follows, trying to melt the snow with the Power. Suddenly Aviendha vanishes - he reaches the place and sees a hole - they're on ice, and she has fallen bellow it. He frantically reaches in, draws her out - she's unconscious, frozen. He brings her back to the border, channels forming an igloo of snow, then closes it and channels a heating. - Oh Light, Aviendha, what did you do? Am I so repulsive to you that.... - he covers her with the blankets, but she's still not moving. He strips off his own wet clothes, enters under the blankets too. They both shiver. - Oh Light.... I should've knocked. But you've never been ashamed around me before... I don't care what you or the Wise Ones say, I'm sending you away after this - you won't have to suffer like this anymore. Oh Light I'll miss you! Your breathing in the night, your silent stares, your sudden flares.... am I mad already? To think so of you? Yet if it's madness, it feels strangely good.... Suddenly her eyes pop open. Rand shuts up, startled. - Aviendha: Rand al'Thor.... you followed me even here.... So, the Rings don't lie indeed. I've promised to watch you for my near-sister, but I couldn't help myself. I ran as hard as I could, to shield my honor.... but there's no escape. Well, let it be, then - she kisses him. They make love.
Rand's watching Aviendha getting dressed. He feels good. - Aviendha: So this is.... snow? It feels... wet. And slick - you didn't tell me it would be slick like that. - It has turned to ice, because of the heat here, against the cold outside. You.... accept it better than I would accept something so alien. - Well.... it did try to kill me, but it was more because of my own foolishness than anything else. you've told me that it's not dangerous if you know how to protect yourself. - Yes..... so, now that we've.... we will marry as soon as we can. - What? You can't ask me that! It's the right of the woman to ask, and I won't do it. - But.... I just HAVE to marry, now that we've been together! - Egwene has told me about your customs.... they're strange. Don't we need to wait an year? And don't you need your mother's and my mother's permission? - Well, yes.... but now that... - You don't know your mother, Rand al'Thor, so you can't ask for her permission. So, by your custom we can't marry, and by my custom we won't because I won't ask you. - I see.... - he's really confused, but decides not to pursue. Instead, they both prepare to leave. He channels the igloo open and gasps when daylight shines outside. - What? It can't be! We were only gone for couple of hours.... 5 or 6 the most! - He gazes towards the sun and is startled to see a sea in this direction. "A sea? To the ... East? Well, we're certainly far away from home". They go out into the fresh snow - the trail has vanished, but he can still feel his weave. They start walking towards it, when suddenly they spot a flying creature overhead. He freezes, then: It looks we're not alone. I wouldn't like to encounter what rides this thing.... we'll SNEAK back to the Portal. They start walking slowly and carefully, and notice a group of riders ahead. Two are on horseback, some of the mare women, and he gasps when he recognizes the dresses of damane and sul-dam. The leashes are there too. - Rand: Aviendha, these people are Seanchan! - The ones you encountered before? Leashing women who can channel? - Exactly. The two women in the gray dresses are damane and can channel. - Yes, I can feel their ability even from here. - Do you think you could shield them? I can deal with the rest, but... I'm not sure I can shield a woman yet. - she nods. They both channel at the same time, and everyone from the group freezes. They approach them. One of the riders gasps when she sees him from close-up. -Rand: You.... recognize me? This means you were at Falme! - I saw you, and what you did. - the other rider eyes her sternly. Rand tries to touch the a'dam, but a searing pain strikes at him - the damane also cries out, then starts sobbing and asking her sul'dam to save her. Rand turns to Aviendha irritated: I can't touch this thing.... you can. Try to unclasp it! Aviendha nods, then starts fumbling at the crying woman's throat. The other woman says: Much of what happened in the lands of the great Hawkwing has been kept from the Seekers, Lady Morsa. Rumor says the Ever-Victorious Army has finally tasted defeat. - Morsa: So you now believe in rumors, Jalindin? The Empress herself has forbidden mention of Corenne until she calls it again! If you, or I for that matter, so much as speak the name of the town this happened, we might find our tongues removed! Would you enjoy being tongueless in Seandar? - It is the right of the Seekers to unearth every truth, even the one hidden by the High Blood. And regarding Hailene, much has been kept from us. The Seekers have the right to know all. - You forget yourself, Jalindin! You were sent to me because of the schemes of Sarek, not to sniff after .... - It is you who forgets herself Lady Morsa! Or have you forgotten that a Seeker may call to question even one of the High Blood? You behave as if you had a lot to hide.... - Morsa looks uneasy, under the hard stare of Jalindin. Rand throws a look at the nearby portal and gasps - it's smaller and smaller! - Aviendha, hurry! The Portal is closing, we have to go! - Aviendha: I'm trying as hard as I can Rand al'Thor! This thing.... I can't find the clasp! - Jalindin: Listen soldiers! The woman Morsa is in the custody of the Seekers of Truth! She is to be put to the question as soon as we return to Merinloe. Also the sul'dam and the damane - it looks they have hidden what they shouldn't have as well. You will help me with this. you - she turns to Rand - you were named Rand al'Thor, and you can channel. And the woman with you too - she is the marath'damane that we're searching, the one that channeled yesterday night. Surrender to me, and we will ease your suffering. There's nowhere to go - the search parties have surrounded the whole region! Rand: Aviendha, let's go, leave the a'dam. - They both jump through the Portal. Natael is waiting in the dark room inside. There are shouts on the other side, as Rand gets up and channels to release the weave holding the Portal. The Portal shuts, but in the last moment a spear flies in, and is cut in half by the Portal. Rand stops it with the Power and grabs it gingerly. - Rand: It looks we'll have trouble with the Seanchan again in the future. I'll keep this as a reminder of them.... Natael, what time is it? - It's two hours before dawn, more or less... - Then we won't have much time to rest. Aviendha, given the circumstances, can I ask you to set your bed in another room? You'll need new blankets anyway. - She nods and goes out. - Rand: And you.... you made the portal invisible somehow! If I weren't able to see the weave, I would never managed to come back! -I did it because someone could've come and seen and asked questions! As it happens, someone DID come and ask - a Maiden. I told her you and Aviendha.... hm... - What! How did you.... (Rand flushes). Never mind. What's more serious is that you've neglected to teach me this very useful trick of making stuff invisible! - Ah...my Lord Dragon, there's so much to teach, and we have so little time.... You always ask so many questions about other thinks.... Hell, I really didn't know someone can hold a Portal from closing! I heard Demandred could do it, and maybe Semiragha, but never saw any proof.... Look, you have to be sure at that point that I'm giving everything I've got! I'm your man! Rand gets disgusted - the man is groveling. - OK, ok, it's true that I don't give you much chance to show me things on your own. But from now on, for every thing I ask of you, you'll teach me another that I haven't asked - it may be the most simple, or useless trick, but you WILL SHOW IT TO ME! Is that understood? - Yes my Lord! - Asmodean practically shakes with fear. - Good. Now, show me the invisibility trick. - they start practicing, [camera pans out]
Nynaeve is trying her red dress for the first time. She's revolted at how revealing it is. Birgitte enters, in the same scandalous dress and Nynaeve jumps. - I... hi Birgi...I mean, Maerion! You have a dress too..... - Yees, very nice. Wow... you look very nice in it too. And if you wanna attract someone's attention, just breath deeply - no need to do anything else - she smiles mischievously, and Nynaeve flinches. - I'll ... try to remember that. - Birgitte frowns: Oh come oooon - are you still gonna behave as if you're my servant? I thought we were past this after that yelling yesterday! - (Nynaeve tugs heavily at her braid) But Birgitte, you were right to yell at me - it's all my fault... - Oh yeah? So I'm a brainless little girl who can't think for herself? Running to do errands for whoever happens to call on her? Is that what you mean? - NO, Light no! But ... if I hadn't asked you to track Moghedien.... - Birgitte snorts disgustedly and turns away. Nynaeve sighs and goes out. The show is in full swing, crowds of spectators walk everywhere. She goes to the highwalking apparatus, where a crowd is gathered expectantly. Suddenly, Juilin appears, as if drunk, and goes up on the rope. People call for him to go down, Valan Luca himself appears and yells at him. Then Elayne comes too, in a tight white costume with breaches, and goes up too. The crowd is ecstatic. Nynaeve murmurs "How can this girl show her legs like that? And how dare she risk her life so?" To take away her eyes from Elayne doing cartwheels, Nynaeve looks away and sees a man with a Shienaran topknot, yelling along with the others. She recognizes him. Suddenly the man starts walking away, and on impulse she follows him. He goes out of the show, and on the road to Samara when she overtakes him: - Nynaeve: Uno! - he turns, gripping his sword, then gasps: You! You're one of the flaming performers, apparently... what do you want of me? - Don't you recognize me? I'm Nynaeve al"Meara, the friend of... (she eyes other people around) of the shepherd we both followed to Falme. - he flinches, and recognition fills his eyes. - Uno: You're flaming right! I bloody remember you! Come, it's not safe here! - he grabs her arm and starts as much as dragging her towards the town. - Hey! Release me! What are you thinking! Where are you taking me? - To the town. I remember you were mixed up with that bloody .... Blue woman, and here that could be friggin dangerous! - I'll tank you to moderate your language, Master Uno. - Ok, ok. Still, this is no bl.... place for you to be. I suspect you don't wanna go back to the flam... aaaargh! to the white city - we heard what happened there. But we could find enough gold to send you to bloody Tear - where the Dragon Reborn is said to be. - Thank you for your kind offer, Uno, but we're doing quite well on our own. - You? Who's with you, the blue woman or the brown one? - Elayne. You just saw her, and yelled and whistled along with everybody else while she was doing cartwheels. - What, her? But.... these pants... aaaargh, never mind. Even more reason to take you away, but you on a flaming boat to a decent place with bloody decent living. - Uno, that's enough! Have your mother never taught you how to speak properly???? Now, tell me what are you doing here - the last I heard you were with the shepherd and the .. blue woman in the Mountains of Mist. - Well.... the blue woman send us on a mission to Ghealdan, to find someone. Only , when we got here, the someone had disappeared - nobody seemed to know for sure what happened to the woman. So we suddenly had nothing to do. Then Masema started talking his drivel to other people, and the idiots started listening to him. We stayed with him, because we had nothing better to do, and he gives us enough food and other stuff to go by.... - Wait, Masema? How come he determines what you do? I remember you were his superior.... - Why, he's the bloody Prophet, woman! - Nynaeve gapes - So, you need help or not? Ragan was remembering stuff the other day, and he remembered you and your mouth, and how you react to people telling you what to do. - Uno, do you think Masema could find us a boat? As it happens, we ARE trying to leave here. - Why, if someone around here could find a boat, it's him. He's the bloody Prophet, and what the Prophet wants around here, the Prophet usually gets. No, he AWAYS bloody gets it. Ok, come with me, I'll present you to him - he'll be ecstatic to meet a close friend of the flaming Dragon. - they continue towards the town. At the gates a squad of Whitecloaks watches the traffic warily. They pass through the streets, full of people, refugees, Prophet followers, etc. Uno quietly gives her advice - not to mention the White City, or any of its denizens - Masema doesn't like them, because he thinks only the Dragon Reborn has the right to touch the One Power. He speaks about some of his other views - about money, about how people should abandon everything they do and contemplate the truth of the Dragon's teachings, follow the righteous path of the Dragon, etc. Nynaeve spots many signs of violence - burned houses, hanged men, scared people everywhere. Uno says Masema is quick to hang men - either for crimes, or sometimes for blasphemy against the Dragon Reborn and such. Ragan, another Shienaran soldiers, joins them. They reach a house through a back alley, guarded by some tough men. They let them in. Uno explains that Masema doesn't keep anything for himself - all gold or valuables he gets from followers he redistributes to the poor. He only keeps one old woman for a cook (they pass her in the kitchen), and that's it. They reach a room, guarded by two more men - one stops them, saying that the Prophet can't see them right now. They see through the open door that Masema is speaking to a wealthy woman, full of jewels. - Woman: ... so many follow you that wherever you go, order flies out of the window. Common people's lives are disrupted and their livelihood often - destroyed! - Masema: They should realize the truth that only in the Dragon Reborn's light and wisdom is there any sense for living. He is breaking all bonds and redrawing the whole world! He is the only one to protect us from the Shadow! - But it's not the Shadow that threatens these common people, but thieves, cutpurses and brigands! These sort of people thrive under anarchy, and I'm afraid this is what comes with such great a crowd as follows you! - Very well, then, if you want laws, I'll give you laws. Let from now on every thief lose his hand; every murderer let be hanged immediately. A woman that steals or commits murder shall be flogged. If any accuses and finds twelve who agree, it shall be thus. - Nynaeve puts her hand on her mouth, terrified. - When your wisdom speaks, we all are silent. But there's still the matter of food.... - Every man, woman or child that follows the Lord Dragon should be fed! Food will be found - where there's gold, there's food, and there's too much gold in this land! Too much concern with gold, when all concern should be with the future fight with the Shadow, with the exalted leadership of our blessed Lord Dragon! - Let his name be blessed in the Light. But it isn't a question of gold anymore, the farms have stopped producing food.... - You wear too much gold. You worry too much about your appearance. Gold is dross, only the Lord Dragon is what matters in our world! - the woman starts plugging hurriedly rings and necklaces and giving them to Masema. A servant appears nearby to take them away. Finally, she curtsies: - Until I once again have the opportunity to hear the great Prophet's wisdom and council. - She leaves, and Masema sees them and waves them in, almost smiling: - Uno, Ragan - come, come! Have you finally found the Light? - Peace, Masema. We walk in the Light, as we always have. - he scowls: - Aaaah... you will eventually find the right path. You've been into the holy presence of the Lord Dragon, you've drank firsthand of his wisdom. Only Shadowspawn and Darkfriends would persist in their errand ways under such circumstances, and you are not such. You, woman! Have you found the Light? - Nynaeve, brusquely: I walk in the Light, thank you very much! - You are too concerned with the flesh! - And what exactly do you mean by that? - Uno and Ragan throw her meaningful glances, but she's irritated - I will walk as I want to, and not you, or any other man can tell me how to dress! If I choose to about NAKED, it would be none of your concern! - Masema regards her with feverish eyes and Nynaeve swallows hard, thinking "Fool woman! Teasing the bloody lion in his bloody den! When will you learn to hold your tongue?". - Masema, low and threatening: Women wear garb like that only to entice men, and for no other purpose. This distracts them from thoughts of the Holy Path of the Lord Dragon. I've considered banning such dresses, and also drink and gambling which distract too. Too many in this world are distracted with meaningless activities, while the Lord Dragon struggles to unite us against the Shadow! (his voice picks up feverish intensity): Let all who waste their time be scourged until they see the Light! Let places such as taverns and brothels be burned! Only in perfect contemplation of the Lord Dragon is Peace to be found! There is only Him and his Path to lead us to the Light, all else are snares and distractions set by the Shadow! - Uno and Ragan look panicked, then they cut him off: - This is Nynaeve al'Meara, a woman that grew up with the Lord Dragon! She comes from the same village as him! The Lord Dragon cares for her as for a mother! - Masema turns back to her, his eyes glow with enthusiasm: - Nynaeve.... Yes, I remember you! The Light itself sends you here, at this time! You will come with me before the people! You will tell them of the Lord Dragon's blessed childhood, of the words of wisdom he spoke, of the miracles he performed! - Nynaeve: I... I need to go downriver. The ... Lord Dragon summons me in Tear, and I have to go right away! - Masema: Tear.... Yes. He is there.... I was thinking that when Amadicia comes to the Light as Ghealdan has, I'll lead the people to Tear, to bask in his glory, to hear his Wisdom! And then, under his Holy leadership we will conquer the rest of the world! - A...wise plan, o Holy... Prophet of the Lord Dragon! But I need to go right now, and there's no boat to carry me and my friends. - A boat? Yes, if you were summoned you must go. - he sighs disappointed - Very well, you will have a boat, if it can be found. Uno, Ragan - take care of her in the meantime - her way of dressing might incite unholy thoughts in some men. - Nynaeve opens her mouth, indignant, but Uno and Ragan start murmuring goodbyes and hustle her out. Nynaeve is furious, and scared at the same time. Yüklə 383,58 Kb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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