Chapter Two

Changing Plans

Dav’AlTor impatiently waited while they prepared a light cavalry to go out and investigate what the trollics were up to. He planned on taking a group of the best soldiers he worked with to investigate them then report back. He was just wondering why it was taking so long to gather his men together. 

“Are you fools no smarter than trollics?!! Where are my horses? Where are my men?!” He roared as he could no longer stand the wait. From what the lookout on the city walls reported there were a large group of trollics marching close to the city but not headed for it. 

Strange behavior for those creatures because they were rarely organized unless a myrddraal was leading them. Myrddraal, or called Fade or Eyeless, is an extremely intelligent and dangerous type of shadowspawn. 

Myrddraal are Shadowspawn that are the spawn of Trollics. For some reason they seem to have cast off the animal traits of their trollic parents. They are muscular and serpent-quick, with lank black hair and waxy-white skin. They have no eyes but patches of skin cover where the eyes should be. They can "see" with perfect clarity. Their appearance never varies; they are always male in appearance, with identical features and builds described as being like that of a tall man. Their skin looks like the bodies of maggots and it's said that many that look upon them can become paralyzed with fear. 

Myrddraal All Myrddraal appear to be equally skilled with a sword, though less skilled than a blademaster. Myrddraal wield black-bladed swords made at Thakan’dar on the slopes of Shayol Ghul. The blades are dipped in the black river that runs through Thakan'dar, which gives their edges a lethal corrupting effect; even a slight scratch from a Myrddraal blade is usually fatal unless an Aes Sedai is present to Heal the injury. 

“I’m sorry, M’Lord, but there is a problem outside that we are trying to deal with.” One of the soldiers in the command post replied. 

“Oh? What’s the problem?” Dav’AlTor asked. 

“A soldier from Tar Valon… well he seems to be a Warder and he is demanding to be included in the scouting.” The young man replied. Dav’AlTor saw that the soldier was still a lad and probably not even old enough to hold a sword. The boy had a tooth missing that was very noticeable when, and if, he smiled. 

“A Warder? Why are there Aes Sedai here?” Dav’AlTor asked but he wasn’t really expecting an answer. He stormed out and made his way to where a warder stood. 

Warders are male companions that share a link forged by the One Power. They are trained as defenders dedicated to protecting their Aes Sedai. It is said the bond they share lets them feel each other’s presents no matter how far apart they are. Some even rumored that they can feel what the other one is feeling if they are close enough to each other. 

Warders are given special cloaks woven of a special thread by Aes Sedai that makes it appear as if they are completely invisible when fully covered up. The backside of the Warder was facing Dav’AlTor so he appeared as a disembodied floating head above a pair of boots. When he turned to face him his body was more clearly visible as well as the long sharp sword he wore at his belt. 

When Dav’AlTor got near he saw a heron mark on the handle of the blade meaning that the Warder was a blademaster. An honor given to those lucky enough to earn it, meaning they were a master swordsman. 

Dav’AlTor was not given that honor because he was more focused on his career and had little time to work on his sword play. He did feel a little bit jealous of the man because of that but then he was not fond of Aes Sedai. The stories he was told about them ordering around their warders would not suit him in the slightest. 

“Are you the one holding things up?” Dav’AlTor asked coldly. The look the warder gave him was just as cold if not colder. His hazel eyes looked as if they could cut through stone if he stared long enough. 

“Why don’t we speak in private?” He replied making it an order rather than a request. 

“Follow me,” Dav’AlTor said as he entered the tent set up as the command center. The city had its own command center next to the city garrison, but this one was erected to help mobilize all the citizens into a fighting force in case the trollics were actually going to attack.

Dav’AlTor kicked everyone out so he and the wader could speak alone. Once cleared the warder slowly entered the tent deliberately to stress he was not intimidated by Dav’AlTor. 

“Supposedly five fists of trollics were reported to be marching to who knows where. The guard saw them panicked and sounded the alarm. From what my other guards have reported they are not marching towards us. 

Now I want to go and see what we can learn by scouting their movements… except you are delaying my departure. Why is that?” Dav’AlTor asked sternly. 

“I know you borderland folk know what you are doing but need I remind you that you will not only encounter trollics but myrddraal and if the totals are around 5 fists, well you can expect a minimum of five Fades.” He said. “You know what I am correct?” The Warder asked and Dav’AlTor nodded. 

“The question I have is why is one, lone, Aes Sedai and her warder in Saldea? I would hope The White Tower would send more if you know of some invasion.” Dav’AlTor said. The Warder seemed unphased but calmly went on.

“Velessa Sedai is of the Brown Ajah. They mostly deal with histories and lore. We came here to research a rumor we heard about the fall of Malkier. Unfortunately, the trollics have changed our plans.” 

“If she isn’t one of the Battle Ajahs then why haven’t you both tried making an escape to protect yourselves?” Dav’AlTor asked. 

“Velessa Sedai thought it more prudent to offer assistance in your hour of need. Not to mention should the trollics attach she can send word to her sisters to come with aid.” The Warder replied. 

“Your cloak could aid in our information gathering. I know Aes Sedai cannot lie but can I trust you will reveal what you discover IF I allow you to join us?” Dav’AlTor asked. Even though he heard the rumor that in order to become Aes Sedai they are bound by three oaths, he knew that Aes Sedai had a way around those rules. 

One of the three oaths sworn by new.ly raised Aes Sedai was ‘To speak no word that is not true.’ Though Aees Sedai often carefully chooses their words in a way that the truth you thought you heard was not what she said. 

The other two oaths were ‘To make no weapon with which one man may kill another’ and ‘Never to use the One Power as a weapon except against Darkfriends or Shadowspawn, or in the last extreme defense of her life, the life of her Warder, or another Aes Sedai.’ 

“You will be told all that you need to know.” The Warder said gruffly. 

“I suppose that is the best I’ll get. Very well you may join but remember that in this mission you are under m y command. Unless you want to venture out by yourself.” Dav’AlTor said. 

“Just remember it is in our best interests to help each other. I could easily do this alone but you know the area better. That is why we need each other. I will follow your lead but I am not one of your subordinates. We can cooperate or work alone but it helps us both if we help each other.” He replied. Dav’AlTor was skeptical because it was obvious to him that the man was up to something. At least with him close he could keep a better eye on him even if he could not be trusted. 

“If we are to work together then we need to work together. If I can’t trust you then you are no good to me.” Dav’AlTor replied.

“Then you may call me Jahid Bloisen. Jahid said and Dav’AlTor raised an eyebrow at his name.

“Follow me,” Gil said as he firmly grabbed the back of my neck and dragged me into his house. It was not as big as Master Dav’AlTor’s was, but it was better than the cage I was forced to live in. 

He seemed to be the only one living here and there were layers of dust on furniture that did not seem to be used. The rugs were an assorted collection of riding blankets spread out to appear as rugs with the ends touching. He could see stains that had not been washed but just left to set in and had become part of them. 

He led me down a tight hallway that only had about three doors in it. One door was open and a large bedroom could be seen. From the quick glance I saw clothes all over the place and the bed was unmade. I noticed the house had a musky scent to it. Dav’AlTor usually had incense burning in his so it seemed strange not to smell that in another house. 

I was led to a much smaller bedroom and this room was not used at all. There were thick layers of dusk and spiderwebs all over the ceiling. He released me as he walked inside and made his way to a bureau and began to search through the clothing inside. He would hold up a shirt or a pair of breeches then look at me.

“These were my son’s. He died during a trollic attack when his group was outside the city scouting. We never did find a body so I can only guess what they did with him.” Gil said as he took a set of clothes and tossed them to me. 

I tried to watch them but since I was more focussed on the room I accidentally let them tumble to the floor. I awkwardly bent down to pick them up. I hoped he was not mad that I had dropped his son’s clothing. Had he been Master Dav’AlTor, he would have beaten my backside until I was bleeding. 

“Those should fit you, I think you were both roughly the same size. They should offer a little protection should the trollic attack. I also have one more thing for you. They found this when we were searching for my son.” Gil said then he took out something carefully wrapped in a cloth. As he unwrapped it it was a dagger that looked brand new. 

The blade of the dagger was curved to look like a slight arc but the handlee was curved also going in the opposite direction. The grip was decorated with snakes wrapped around it made of metal becoming part of the grip itself. 

Ktanos was tempted to reach out and touch the blade but he did not for fear he would cut his finger off before he even realized it was missing. The blade seemed so sharp, yet so lightweight, that he was sure it could easily cut through flesh and bone as easily as a hot knife through butter. 

“If a trollic catches you then it’s all over for you but at least with this you can do a little damage before you die.” 

“Thank you,” Ktanos replied. 

“Remember that was my son’s so you better take good care of it. Hopefully it will serve you better than it did him.” Gil said then he quickly ushered the boy out of his home. 

The crowd outside was getting restless and there were some complaining at being woken up for nothing. Ktanos saw a few angrily walking back to the homes feeling the whole thing had been a false alarm. Many of the others were too busy spreading rumors and continued to wait to see what developed. 

Ktanos’ eyes were drawn to a woman that looked remarkably beautiful. Her eyes had a probing look that one might find in their grandmother yet she looked like she was younger than Ktanos was. She wore a brown colored shawl covering her arms of the low cut green dress she wore. The dress revealed her well endowed bosom and the light of the torches made the golden ring she wore shine briefly. 

She ignored Ktanos as she watched the crowd and she seemed to be listening to the gossip being spread. Ktanos blushed as he realized he was holding the pile of clothes with the dagger sitting on top of it. Standing in the presence of this lady he felt embarrassed as if he was only wearing his small clothes. Of course he was not the only one, many of the men were almost dressed in the same fashion. The difference was that they were actually in their small clothes and he wore the loincloth of a slave. 

“Good evening Aes Sedai,” Gil said and Ktanos’ expression turned to a look of horror. She turned to look at him with a faint smile of amusement across her lips. 

“We meet again Master Gil. I must say I am surprised we keep running into each other.” She said but Ktanos noticed she was watching him like a hawk looking at a mouse. 

“I see you met my new friend here. He seems to have gotten lost from his… parents after everyone ran out due to the alarm. I took pity on him and gave him something to wear rather than standing out here all night in his small clothes.” Gil said with a knowing look to Ktanos. He seemed to imply that he was keeping quiet about Ktanos trying to steal from him earlier. The look also seemed to be telling him to keep his mouth shut about channeling the One Power. 

“Out with it child, why do you look as if you swallowed a stone?” She asked impatiently. Ktanos swallowed hard and wondered if she could read his mind. 

“Are you really an Aes Sedai?!” He asked cas he worked up the courage to ask. 

“Of course I am,” he said as she held out her hand so he could see the golden ring she wore. It was a tiny golden ring with a snake biting its own tail,  an ancient symbol of eternity and time itself. “What do you think Aes Sedai look like?” She asked, her voice filled with amusement. Ktanos looked at Gil for encouragement but he seemed to ignore him. 

“I’ve heard the other boys talking and they say Aes Sedai are nine feet tall with claws that can cut through rock,” Ktanos started to say but he was quickly interrupted as she began to laugh hysterically. Even the other citizens nearby turned to look at her wondering what she found so amusing. 

“Out of the mouths of children I suppose,” She remarked and Ktanos blushed as he felt even more foolish. He wanted to return to his cage and hoped no one would ever find him again. 

There was a sudden shout and the crowd cheered as a small dispatch mounted up on horses and prepared to leave the city to track down the trollics. Several people began to clap as the group rode out but Ktanos noticed that a stranger that was difficult to see turned his gaze to look at the Aes Sedai. She in turn looked at him and it almost seemed as if they could talk to each other or read each other’s mind. 

The crowd was quickly silenced as the gates of the city were closed and the citizens returned to their homes. The light quickly faded until only lamp light was seen in the streets. Ktanos stood there wondering what to do now as everyone was nearly gone except for the Aes Sedai and Master Gil. 

“Good evening Aes Sedain,” Gil said as he walked to the entrance of his home. The Aes Sedai grabbed Ktanos’ shoulder and leaned in to whisper to him.

“Be wary of that one child, I suspect him to be a Darkfriend.” She said and she released Ktanos as she made her way back towards her room at the closest inn. 

“The Light Illuminate you, Aes Sedai,” He said politely as she departed. She seemed to ignore him as he left. “I suppose I better let you come inside before you get into any more trouble.” Gil said as he stopped at the entrance of his house and was watching Ktanos as he just stood there. Fear gripped Ktanos because he was not sure what to make of what the Aes Sedai told him. 

The stone he was supposed to have swallowed now felt like a rock in his stomach. They said that Aes Sedai always told the truth but why would she say he was a Darkfriend? He was one of the nicest people Ktanos could remember meeting in such a long time. If he went with Master Gil, would that mean she suspects him of being a Darkfriend also? 

What would happen to him if he did enter the house? Would he become a slave for the Shadow? Trading one master for another. Still he saw little option because he could not sneak out at night especially with the city on high alert. 

“You coming?” Master Gil asked. Ktanos nodded and made his way back towards the house. When he entered and Master Gil closed the door it reminded him of when Dav’AlTor would lock him in his cage at night. 

The group carefully rode forward as carefully as they could. The darkness from the night mixed in with the trees from the forest made it almost impossible to see. Dav’AlTor had insisted they not use any torches because it might give away their position to the trollics. It would be impossible to sneak up on them and learn what they are trying to do if they knew the team was coming towards them. 

Jahid agreed and offered to scout a little bit ahead because his color shifting cloak would make it more difficult for the trollics to see. Dav’AlTor was hesitant because he figured this was part of the plan he and his Aes Sedai had cooked up. 

“Not until we get closer,” Dav’AlTor replied, knowing the Warder did not believe him for a second. For the moment he had other things to worry about, like the fact his cheeks burned from having tree branches scratch them as they rode. 

It was not long after they left Saldea that they were forced to dismount because the riding was becoming treacherous. The horses were sent back as they moved forward on foot. The Warder seemed to have no trouble but he had to warn his own men about any complaints they made that might give them away to the trollics. 

They soon smelled the smoke of fires and the scent of roasted meat and stew. He guessed the trollics had made camp for the evening and this would allow the group to get closer to sneak up on them. 

“Jahid,” Dav’AlTor whisper-shouted to the Warder. The man was suddenly standing next to him as if he had just materialized out of thin air. Even Dav’AlTor had to catch his breath at the sudden surprise of him just suddenly appearing. 

“I think it best if you use your cloak to go ahead of us. Jinan and I will be close behind. The three of us are the best at sneaking around. I think it best we split up so that if one is captured then the other two can sneak in for a rescue. 

Worse case, I can sneak back to find our guys to help aid in the rescue.” Dav’AlTor explained to the three of them. 

“What if you are the one that needs saving?” Jihad asked. His expression was emotionless but had Dav’AlTor been able to clearly see the man’s face he was sure he would be grinning. 

“Myrddraal are the real problem because the Eyeless can see as well in the dark as in daylight. The trollics might not see you but you can wager that Myrddraal definitely will if you are not careful. The slightest scratch from one of their blades will spell certain death.” Jahid explained. 

“My talents would be better suited checking on their trail. I can learn a lot more then sneaking into their camps.” Jinan said nervously. He seemed uneasy at the idea of Myrddraal being able to see him. 

“Alright, learn what you can but be careful.” Dav’AlTor replied and Jinan bowed slightly and left to search for the trail the trollic had left behind. 

“That just leaves us.” Jahid said. Dav’AlTor thought he heard a bit of an edge to the words, though the warder seemed unbothered. 

“Can the Fades see through that special cloak of yours?” Dav’AlTor asked. 

“It’s hard to say what The Eyeless can and cannot see. We cannot exactly sit down and have a conversation with them. The only thing I can tell you is that IF they can, the ones unlucky enough to be seen were never heard from again.” Jahid said solemnly. 

“With five fists how many can there be?” Dav’AlTor asked. 

“Usually one or two are used to drive a full fist of trollics but for five fists, you can expect 5 to 10 if we are lucky. The real question is why are so many going forth?” Jahid said.

“I hate to be the one talking about prophecies but wasn’t there a guy that has named himself The Dragon?” Dav’AlTor started to say. Jahid quickly interrupted him to correct him firmly.

“False Dragon!” 

“True, False, or whatever they say that this Logain guy can channel and he must be the first False Dragon to be able to do that.” Dav’AlTor replied nervously. There have been numerous men that claim to be The Dragon Reborn and try raising up armies only to later be put down. None have ever been known to channel until Logain Ablar had declared himself to be The Dragon Reborn and he had openly demonstrated that he could channel. 

“The Amyrlin Seat has dispatched sisters to capture him and Gentle him before he goes mad from the taint. He must already be mad if he is calling himself The Dragon.” Jahid said. His words carried more annoyance although he had tried to hide it. 

“How come you and your Aes Sedai are not out hunting him? Isn’t he more of a threat and more important than finding out rumors of a kingdom that fell decades ago?” Dav’AlTor hoping to get the little dig in. 

“Hunting down men that can channel is a job for sisters of The Red Ajah. The Green Ajah may be called in to help should this False Dragon prove formidable. However, sisters of the Brown Ajah, like the one I serve, are better suited to books and knowledge. They would do little to help in this situation.” 

“Should this Logain be The Dragon Reborn and the Shadow is moving his armies to prepare for Tarmon Gai’don, what will be done then?” Dav’AlTor asked.

“The Light help us all if that is the case.” Jahid said as the night air suddenly felt colder. 

Tarmon Gai'don, also called the Last Battle, is the apocalyptic confrontation between the Dragon Reborn, and the Dark One that was prophesied to end the Third Age. The prophecies go on to say that the battle will be more cataclysmic than The Breaking of the World. 

The Dark One is said to break free from the prison Lews Therin sealed him in and the armies of the Light and the armies of the Shadow will fight each other for control of the world. Should the Dark One win, then he will reshape the world in his twisted image. 

Only The Creator knows what would happen should that ever come to pass…

To Be Continued…