Looking from the Maiden to Bormanes and finally to Jair, Elathras shrugs, "Well if your in, I guess I'll hang as well."
Dalhia pauses and looks at jairs statement. Me?! im just an Accepted. i dont have any command authority here...[/] her voice trails off, looking forlorn. [b] i dont know what to do... she looks ant manwhens body, the seared hole in her aes sedai chest.
no, this i cannot do. I have to assuke that Manwhen here was a double agent of some sort. so any dealings with her and the White tower are circumspect. All of you are no longer, or never have been, bound by White Tower authority or contract.
"Then, in the absence of another action more pressing or more easily done first," Isa begins, glancing sidelong at the former Ogier-turned-creature, "we must notify those we can of what is going on. The Asha'man, the Aes Sedai, and my people at a minimum. And as Bormanes said, the local powers that be as well so that they don't rush into a war with the Seanchan."
Untrained K Local:
Bormanes looks at his sister, then sighs. "Alright, we've got a course of action. Any thoughts on our first stop?"
"The Aiel should be patrolling the disputed territory here. Hopefully, we can make contact with them. Then, it would seem the local wetlander lords. These would seem to be the two groups nearest, and also the two groups other than the Seanchan themselves able or likely to react the quickest to what has happened. There may be Aes Sedai or Asha'man near, but I do not know of them."
Amorial sits down, visibly relaxing from the last 12 hours of effort.
Today is going to be a clear day, no clouds. You should be able to make a fire and signal someone from way up here. A pillar of smoke is coming from up here is bound to draw some attention.
"But will anyone have the courage to come up here?" Bormanes asks, shaking his head. Looking to the others, he says, "Let's set about getting enough wood to create a fire and signal someone."
i think given what has happened last night, there may be more who are willing to investigate anything that could lead to an explanation than you may think amorial replies, closing his eyes.
Lucius nods in agreement with Bormanes, and joins the Cairhienin in gathering wood and laying in a fire. Once the bonfire is laid, Lucius channels a thin thread of pure Fire and the wood catches light readily, growing to a steady blaze under the continued application of Fire.
Once the fire is burning, Isa turns her back to it and keeps watch
a couple hours pass without excitement. the former damane and lone sul'dam all huddle down into a corner of the ruined barracks, and quickly fall asleep. The Seanchan Captain stands guard over the still unconscious form of Sheyun, and manages to achieve the look of someone relaxed and on guard at the same time.
Isa, standing guard in the courtyard, spots the first sign of new activity, as a slight roll takes shape on the otherwise flat courtyard topography. a slight whistle, masked by the omnipresent wind, flitters lightly throughout, and a few moments later, several Aiel appear just over the ridge. Isa assumes a stance of wariness and patience, knowing it is better to wait than to rush forward.
The 7 Aiel turn out to be 6, yet the closer they get, the more obvious that they are not in fact, aiel. Instead that all appear to be shorter in stature than commonly found amongst the aiel. More surprising is to find an Athan Miere walking amongst the group, a lone colorful purple sash cutting across her body.
A short man, shorter than any aiel to have ever lived, steps up to Isa, flashes a bastardized hand speech to her, greeting her. well met, sister. May you always find shade
Isa looks down at the shorter man standing in front of her, her lanky frame clearing his height easily. She watches his hand signals carefully, lest she misread something. It was sometimes tricky for her, this hybrid speech often read much the way one fairly new to a language might sound to a native-speaker. Her hands flash in response.
***I see you.***
Then aloud, as much to alert any of her companions who may be resting than for any need of speech, she continues:
"I am Isa of the Cosaida Chareen. May you find shade this day."
Her eyes glance curiously over to the Athan Miere woman, surprising to see one such as her here.
"You saw our signal?"
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Nervously, he had remained silent and hidden. His whispered discussion with Elathras took a darker and more somber tone. Despite the strange Ogier's idea that a pillar of smoke would be sufficient the two borderlanders were not so sure. In the years past, in the time of blights and before the dragon had arrived such signals would be recognized as trouble sure.... but now neither man was sure what reaction it would cause.
So they flipped a coin over it, and Elathras lost. At some point in the night, when the time was right He would slip away and head for the Borderlands to tell any who would listen what had occured here. During the night he did his best to find a high perch that would provide him a better view of the surroundings...and he startled awake when he heard Isa speak out. As Quietly as he could, he drew arrow to string, doing his best to remain out of sight in case whomever Isa spoke out too turned out to be hostile as well.
Naja stood in her subdued colors her gear still on her as she stands with her jewelry about her. She looks to the group they were on. She smiles and greets the group.
"Hello, I am Naja" She says as she steps forward her gear a bit worn but still functional and in seemingly decent repair, with only bits of road wear and loose threads.
She stands a few inches shy of six feet her body was slender and skin dark, her hair was beginning to grow out from what was a freshly cleaned head. Her clothes a myriad of sea colors that are more subdued and her jewelry was mostly gold and simple. She smiles then nods as she carries with her weapons but generally seems unaffected by the potential dangers around her.
Bormanes exits the building where he had been resting, mulling over things, as the short people who are dressed as Aiel but are not come upon them. Isa didn't seem to alarmed, but Bormanes cautiously rested a hand on his short sword anyway.
Bormanes considers the Sea Folk in their midst before replying, "Bormanes Taborwin. You saw our signal?"
The short man turns and bows slightly at the waist towards everyone coming into the courtyard.
With a Murandian accent, he speaks. I am Naseen Sol of the Eyes tribe. We saw your signal and made great haste to see what would have caused a fire up here on Weathertop, a site that stays dedicated to the Dark One well after his banishment.
Lucius sits quietly, his back to the wall as he waits for his headache to leave him. Once it does, he quietly spends the rest of the time practicing some Soldier level exercises with Saidin to settle his mind.
When the newcomers arrive, he rises to his feet and stands quietly, but does not release the One Power.
As Bormanes approaches and addresses the new group of wetlanders, Isa stiffens slightly and frowns as if in thought. Then, at Naseen's mention of his 'tribe,' her mouth twists slightly into a brief and annoyed smirk. When he finishes speaking, she answers.
"We signaled because it seemed the fastest way to draw attention and we need to spread the word. The fighting last night was caused by a rogue channeler, and by darkfriends, it seems. It was not a Seanchan attack. We need to inform the local lords, and perhaps more importantly any Aes Sedai, Wise Ones, or ranking Asha'man nearby."
Bormanes notes Isa's reaction towards these Aiel, and her intense dislike of them. I wonder what that's about. Out loud, he says, "She has the right of it. We need to move quickly to inform them." Bormanes eyes the Sea Folk woman in particular. "You are far from your boat. You wouldn't happen to be a Windfinder with the ability to Travel, would you?"
Naja blinks at the word of Windfinder and then shakes her head."No, I have left the comfort of my home to traverse these lands to better expand my knowledge. I currently only have the talent to heal, and when I began this journey it was not much."
She shifts on her feet expertly as years on the deck have given her a unique walk and posture. Currently in her hand was a polished but gnarly stick, instead of the fine rapier on her hip.
THe short man nods at bormanes, but beyond that, gives him (or anyone else besides isa little attention). His face grows a cocky, amused grin. like a parent listening to a child tell a fanciful story. Darkfriends you say. Well, that is quite the interesting story that truly must be told to everyone. Was there trollocs involved as well? his voice barely contains the mirth he feels at hearing Isa's accusation.
Isa seems to stiffen further. Her fellow maidens would often tease her with the nickname "mouse" due to her quiet manner and general aversion for verbal confrontation, yet she liked being laughed at less. Her tone slightly colder, she replies, "None that I saw, wetlander. However, if you doubt my words regarding the rest, you may certainly inquire of your own kind here. They witnessed everything that I did."
So saying, she takes a step back and half-turns to look at Bormanes as if to let him take over.
Bormanes is annoyed by the man's refusal to believe them. He steps forward and looks at the apparent wetlander in Aiel clothing. His face grows harsh, and he says to the man, "Based on her reaction, Naseen, I'd say you aren't actually an Aiel, even if you're dressed like one. I'm also going to guess you're a relatively unimportant man. So, to give you the full introduction, my name is Bormanes Taborwin, descendant of Lord Dobraine Taborwin who fought with the Dragon Reborn at Tarmon Gai'don. Now, everything Isa of the Cosaida sept of the Chareen Aiel told you is true. You can either escort us to the local lord and whatever Wise Ones, Aes Sedai, or Asha'man are in the area, or else you can tell us where they are and get out of our way. Either way, I will not have myself or my retainers mocked by one as insignificant as you. Am I clear?"
A woman steps forward, and elbows the short man in the side, making him flinch and step aside. My apologies for Bian. He sometimes forgets that he is no longer a gleeman's apprentice. Bian, to his credit, glowering at Bormanes and ready to act the way men do when feeling threatened, suddenly appears sheepish under the womans withering gaze. Cowed into sevility, Bian steps back, allowing the woman to take the lead. But, out of sight of the woman, return to bormanes. The look of hatred and jealousy filling the once snideful eyes.
Let's try this again. I am Fianallian of the eye tribe. I see all of you. May you find water and shade. Fianallian sweeps a bow low enough to grace a royal hall. Please, feel free to call me Fin. I am the wayseeker for this troop. While not Wise One, nor Aes Sedai, i do have the means to contact some of them. But, what happened that is neccessary to involve both of these stongholds of feminine channelers? Or for that matter, the male channelers as well?
Bormanes ignores the fool. Fixing Fin with a more pleasant expression on his face, he says, "Are you familiar with the renegade Asha'man named Jasper Firewyn?"
Fin shakes her head. i know of the hero Jasper Firewyn from the stories my ma and da used to tell me when i was a small child. The man is said to have held off a horde of over 25000 trollocs single handedly during The Last Battle. He is a sign of heroic self-sacrifice in my home town. a look of admiration fills her face speaking of jaspers feat.
He started to move forward a bit from his hiding spot hearing the louts words started to try and creep forward from his perch to get a better view of the new group. He bit back a curse as part of the building creaked and shifted.
"Someone down there mentioned healing yes?"
He called down letting others be aware of his presence there since he made enough noise to alert a cabal of trollics... just in case someone was touchy on their bow. I twould be a terrible tragedy to think that all the insane things he just witnessed could be ended by somone besides himself being nervous.
"Yes. Me I am a capable healer if you don't mind a bit of the One Power?" She says smiling as looks in the direction the sound came from.
She notices the woodsman and waves."Do you require some healing, I do not mind aiding you as needed"She says trying to be more open and less, well business like.
Bormanes stares at Fin for a moment, thinking hard. He'd never paid much attention to history. If they don't think Jasper is a villain...
Out loud he says, "Yes, well, regardless, a conspiracy was hatched to start a war between the Seanchan and the rest of the Westlands. We have to meet with someone and tell them what we've learned before the two sides march to a war that devastates everything. Give me a moment to get something."
Bormanes moves into the building, ostensibly to grab Manwhen's body, but also to talk to Amorial. Approaching the Ogier, he quietly says, [smaller]"Amorial, I mentioned Jasper's name, and the person said she knew stories of him as a hero in the Last Battle who single handedly fought off 25000 Trollocs. Is that true, and if not, why would someone think that? Could this be an effect of his meddling with the mirror worlds?"
No, its true. I was there as well. He came close to killing himself that day. amorial laughs lightly but it was more like 10000. We had just left the Center of Tel'aran'rhoid, and exited into a narrow pass. All of us were exhausted, having just defended the Wheel and its continued existence. The Center was demanding. So so terribly demanding. Being in the Center, you feel the Wheel turn, grinding. When we left, we were dragged through the ringer, and spit out. When we realized where we were, what was going on in the world, the Trolloc horde was only 1000 yards away. Jasper was the first to recover, and did something. he said it was something he had been working on since he became an Asha'man. He linked with our healer, Jasmine, and channeled. He channeled so much that the threads became visible, showing everyone how he wove. But it wasnt enough. there was just too many. He was already beyond the normal mental barrier that a channeler erects to protect themselves, but he, somehow, pushed past Jasmines. or perhaps Jasmine willingly gave herself to his will, i dont know, and jasper never spoke of that day again. But the more he channeled, the more he consumed Jasmine. He ended up bringing down the sides of the valley we were in when it looked like all was lost. And with that final act, it literally burnt up Jasmine. She burst into pure Saidan, her body consumed. Jasper fell to the ground, dazed. And that was only at the beginning of the Last Battle. All of us would go on and do heroic deeds for the day. But Jasper. He was the best. When his power failed him, he fell to using his sword forms, and cut a swath through the shadowspawn. He was the tip of the spear, the cutting edge, helping to bolster failing defenses, rally troops, the list goes on. If it wasnt for the Dragon, or the other remarkable acts that happened that day by already well known individuals, Jaspers name could just as effectively become synonymous with that of the Dragon. So, yes, Jasper is a hero to us all. And now he is the greatest threat to the world.
Fin shifts slightly, flashing some hand signals that Isa doesnt recognize, but figures out immediately. Go, secure our flanks. Provide overwatch three figures move out to the sides, one taking position near Jair, the other moving back to the main gate from which they came. The third rushes over to near the fire and pulls something long from his bag and holds it up to his face.
Yes, how forgetfull of me. Naja, is correct to offer aide to you all. Do you need food, or water? Or healing as she offered? Naja is very good at making the scars minimal.
She watches Bormanes step away from the group and opens her mouth to say something when Bain says suddenly Where is the evidence of this conspiracy? Youre a bunch of nobodies up here on Weathertop. For all we know, you guys could have helped the Seanchan attack the western lands. Or even you guys could have provoked the seanchan into attacking.
Fin closes her mouth and then just looks at Isa, awaiting a response.
Isa flushes pink and she levels a brief but disdainful look upon Bain before returning her attention to Fin, apparently deciding it best to ignore the man's existence. Seeing Fin's questioning look, however, she answers the man's questions anyway.
"How would a handful of nobodies provoke the Seanchan? And why would they try to attract attention to themselves after the fact if that were the case? Both sides would want to hunt them down."
"As to being nobodies, perhaps I could ask the same things of you. After all, we have as little proof that you were not instigators as you have for us."
"Where are the Seanchan strike forces? Where is the evidence of their mobilization prior to last night's attacks? If they planned this there should have been a warning, unless this side has become completely blind? Were there slain Seanchan in the towns that burned? Surely a few at least would have fallen. I do not know. I wasn't there. I was here, where we were ourselves attacked. I am Aiel. We watch both sides but do not take part except to ensure the peace stands. If my word is not sufficient, then take us to the Wise Ones and let them decide. Or does he accuse all my people of being involved with Seanchan?" When she finishes, Isa's mouth clamps shut as if speaking so much had been painful.
Fin snaps at Isa The Seanchan did respond last night, or did you miss that little display all up and down the border wall? The seanchan, within 6 hours, drove the western nations back 20 miles to their fall back positions. It would have been worse if the Seanchan had truly been prepared. taking a deep breath, she holds it for a long count and then exhales slowly. my apologies. i shouldnt have snapped. it's been a long night for us. But, as Bain so eloquently pointed out, where is the evidence for your theory? a radical faction seeking to bring both sides to war does seem far fetched. IS there proof that such a thing has occurred? if so, that would do much to bring about a rapid peace to these upcoming conflicts.
As if to punctuate her point, a far off explosion comes from the east. moments later a large plume of black, thick smoke, rises up like a stark column holding up the bright blue sky. Moments later, several more explosions fill the air.
"ive been healed by the power before M'am. I cant say im always comfortable with it, but it doesnt frighten me."
He began doing his best to keep his eyes on those that moved out to the flanks. He wanted to trust these folks but they seemed to have gotten Isa's ire and distrust. So that meant he wasn't going to be too trusting.
"I understand, it is alright' She says stepping forward to look you over.
"Care to step somewhere so I can look at your wounds if necessary I don't want to heal you and find out its a poison or disease" She says looking you over and then back to your face.
'That is if you are okay with that? She says hoping this man would be okay with her questions. She was a dutiful healer and knew that if it was a disease or poison that her healing would do its job but not cure the underlying effects.
Bormanes re-emerges from within, carrying Manwhen's body. "There would be, if the one who knew of it weren't dead. That is why we need to see the Aes Sedai or Wise Ones. They can not only confirm that we are telling the truth, but there is also much they need to know that they may understand better than you or I can. Now, will you please escort us to them?"
Always interested in workings of the One Power, Lucius drifts out of the shadows to where the newcomer was tending to Jair.
"Of course M'am."
He began stepping more into the light as she needed. He tried not to be too obvious in watching the other new folk, his eyes couldnt help but be drawn to Manwhen's body a slight snarl came to his lips subconciously for a moment.
Isa stares for a moment off in the direction of the explosions. Something was still happening out there, that seemed certain. Which meant either this Jasper character had fared much better than the Ogier and was still out there doing light knew what, or the whole thing had escalated far beyond a single band of darkfriends. Given what Fin had said, it seemed to be the latter.
She was wondering how it was she seemed to have become the spokesperson for the group while contemplating how to best respond to Fin when she is rescued by Bormanes' timely return.
Naja hands her club to Jair.'Hold that for me please, its hard having it resting on your wrist when well..yeah okay lets see what wounds you have." She says looking you over not only visually but she puts her hands on were the visible wounds are and leans in.
Naja focuses pulling the strands together to imbue the man before her with the One Power long enough for it to speed up the bodies natural healing.
[ooc]naja, its not poison nor diseased. slight infection that you easily clean out with your heal.[/b]
Fin purses her lips together at Bormanes abrupt statement.
Bain, Joanel, make a litter for the body. Mizeal, what's going on down there?
Bain and the one named joanel step up and grab a couple of smaller timbers from nearby buildings, and with old, ratty blankets, make a crude litter to carry the body.
Well, its not good, Fin.Mizeal says loudly, putting away his strange eyeglass and striding back to the group.
The western nations have Travelled in numerous reinforcements to the area in an attempt to retake the lost land. The seanchan are currently blowing up sections of the Wall to reduce its defensive effectiveness. THe seanchan are also building up their forces to the south at their camps, but appear to be holding them back. I dont know why. Could be waiting for nightfall.
I briefly saw one small group of Aiel, but they were close to 30 miles due west of here.
The signal up here has drawn the attention of one Seanchan patrol, and they look like they will be establishing a perimeter within the next couple hours. It took us 90 minutes to summit the climb. If we leave now, we may be able to get out before they close up the circle. But, there is an option we could use to hasten our descent. Mizeal finishes, his face flushing with fear and excitement.
on the far side of this courtyard is a large lift they used to bring supplies up and down the side of the mountain. it doesnt reach the bottom, as that is easily 1000 feet down, but it does go down about 500 feet, to that flat landing at the halfway mark...
Fin mulls it over for a brief moment, then looks at bormanes. would your people be ok with the quick way down?
Elayne trankard, Queen of Andor and Cairhein, ruler of the largest empire last seen during the time of Artur Hawkwing, brushed a strand of her golden hair out of her face absently as she stared intently upon the large piece of metal that would be her workpiece.
Are all of the precautions taken care of? she asked for the third time.
Containing a sigh, Lord Captain Xar answered the question as he had done the previous times.
Yes, your Majesty. The Aes Sedai and the Asha'man have been informed of your work. The liasons of both groups are on hand, should anything unexpected happen. There are several hundred more men standing guard in and around the complex. We have men on the rooftop, in the dungeons below, and roving guards patroling the hallways. Should anyone attempt to attack, we will have adequate warning. he finishes with that customary tone soldiers get explaining military tactics to those unitiated to the lifestyle.
Distracted with her work, Elayne misses the sigh. Excellent, Lord Captain. Excellent. Then, let us begin. she says, turning and facing the large crowd before her.
Members of every country (except the seanchan) stand enmass within the large room that was once a great hall within the royal mansion of the previous Cairheinian royalty. The same great hall that was the throne room for the Dragon Reborn when he strode the land, waging war to achieve peace before the Last Battle. Where once the light of the sun could push back the shadows of the great columns that held the massive arched ceiling high overhead, now the area laid in darkness. Where colored and stained glass provided excitement to those who cared to look upon the great glassworks of the men and women of Ebou Dar, now the colors are muted, hidden behind polishing wax and heavy tapestries.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Aes Sedai, honored Asha'man, Kin, Wise Ones, Windfinders, and Wildlings, welcome. Today, we attempt to achieve that which has been long sought after. A means to protect our great lands from the threat that is the Seanchan. For 200 years, we have worked to resolve the conflict that occurs within our brotherland that is Arad Doman. The perpetual tensions have left a pschological scar upon our great lands, and it is our hope that today, with this forging, that we can finally sue for peace.
Several members in the audience clap for a few moments, before others pick it up and fill the room with thundereous applause.
As all of you know, i wish it wouldnt have come to this. I wish that there would have been some way to avoid this extreme use of potential force. Our policy throughout this great land, these United Western Nations, is one of peace, unless acted upon. And yet, it would seem that our peers several people groan and moan at the concept that a seanchan is a peer Yes, they are our peers. Should we treat them as inferior, then we lose the respect that we have generated these last two centuries through our efforts. Yet our peers claim only one thing, absolute domination. Sure, they treat as having free trade, free speech, freeborn ideals, but they all are corrupted from the source that is the Imperial throne of the Seanchan Empire. Spinning, she waves her hand high abover her head at the large hunk of red-tinged metal that sits upon the dias where the throne of Caihein once sat.
what we make today is not an tool for war! NO! It is an instrument of peace, for peace, and only peace. It is meant to end the war that exists today. Now, let us begin to craft this ward of peace. Please, link and join me. Master Blacksmith, when you are ready, let us begin
The women, wise ones, aes sedai, windfinders, Kin, wildlings, all group together into six groups of 13. Six Asha'man step forward and join the links into one large Circle. 84 men and women, joined together in a circle last seen during the Last Battle, await the final piece of the circle.
Elayne reaches out, and assumes the lead the circle, and channels a thick cord of Fire from both Saidar and Saidan into the bloodmetal. Immediately the metal begins to glow, a dull red, giving life to its nickname "bloodmetal", making the metal appear to bleeding fresh blood as the One Power is utilized within it as part of the Crafting process. No one knows where this precious metal comes from, but its ability to be receptive to one power crafting, and magnifying the effects of said craft, can never be disputed. A sword made out of bloodmetal will be infinitely more sharp than simply using iron and steel with the One Power. A ter'angreal will work much more efficently, the sought after effect will be so much easier to obtain with blood metal. An angreal made with bloodmetal, while still limited to One Power amplification, will allow a channeler to channel longer with less fatigue than what occurs with an angreal made from common materials like marble or granite.
The master blacksmith looks over his notes and drawings a final time, and then, picking up a medium sized sledgehammer, begins to swing in heavy, yet highly controled, swings. The sound of metal striking metal fills the room, and the man forces the largess that is the bloodmetal to contort, to compress under his judicious blows. A trio of blacksmits step from the shadows and provide extra hands to the work as the Master blacksmith continues his work. Ping, ping, ping, ping, ping, ping the sound of the hammer sounds at a steady rate. not slow, yet not hurried. precise, each blow falls.
Now the man says simply inbetween hammer blows, and as one, the three other smiths take up hammers and begin their own symphony of metal, while at the same time, elayne adds a weave of earth to the mix.
Instantly, the metal compresses even more, yet the tone of metal striking changes, from a slight hollowed ping to a greater high pitched PING. PING, PING,PING,PING,PING,PING,PING,PING,PING the noise rises in crescendo as the three smiths hammer at the same rapid fashion. Smooth, precise, the hammer blows fall. The master smith, his all knowing eyes, mutters commands to the three, and they react as if they were extensions of his arms. A hammer strike here, a little heavier blow here, a cleanup strike there. Soon, the large lump of bloodmetal is now compressed to 7/8ths its original size. Incredibly heavy, the large metal bar lays upon the dias floor glowing and smoking slightly.
HOLD! the master smith declares, and the smiths strike the floor next to the bar in unison, completing their final swing. the master smith grasps a massive set of tongs and uses them to pull the bar up onto an overly sized anvil waiting just off to the side. Elayne, to better see what is going on, steps to the top of the dias, and immediately dances off, as she just discovered the stone where the metal rested is still very warm, even through heavy shoes.
HEAT! Lots of itthe Smith demands, his right hand holding the reins of a hot cut chisel. His left hand points at the bar, indicating where the heat to go. Elayne complies, channeling a narrow weave of fire, earth, and air, into a hairswidth wide section in the metal. The bloodmetal goes from bright red to white-hot instantly, screaming at the sudden, immediate, temperature change. HAMMERthe smith instructs, and one of the smiths hammers down atop the chisel. A cut appears where the chisel was. Hammer the smith instructs again, and another smith strikes, driving the chisel deeper. Hammer a third command, and a third blow happens on cue. Then the master takes the chisel off and submerges the chisel in the quench tank, filling the air with the hiss of boiling water and steam. He quickly pulls the chisel out and sets it back on the groove cut in so far. Hammer he commands, geting another blow. he performs this action 10 more times, quenching every third blow, until finally the piece lays mostly cut. hold the heat he commands, and Elayne removes the weaves, still waiting.
Taking his hammer, he knocks at the split bar, causing once piece to fall to the ground, cut off. Deftly, he kicks the glowing hot piece off to the side, just under the anvil stand. Grasping the tongs in both hands, he turns the piece, inspecting it. Grunting, he says Step two begins and the other smiths pick up their large hammers and rack them, returning with smaller hammers, punches, drifts, fullers, and swedges. The master smith instructs Heat the whole, and elayne complies, wiping sweat from her eyes from the strain of channeling so much and being so close to the heat source. hammer. chisel. punch. drift the master smith instructs his men, and they react, performing his instructins under his critical eye. each blow is measured, and found to be pure.
The forging happens for the rest of the day, and well into the night. Those linked begin to take seats from the heavy strain they all have been shouldering, yet elayne stands, knowing that to sit down will lead to a improperly made item.
Finally, the task is done, and a collective sigh is heard throughout. Someone says this was harder than hauling rocks around the camp all day in my apprentice day which brings some hearty laughter. The master smith, his and his apprentices work finished, bow slightly and take their leave, knowing they performed a task that rivals that of the masters from the Age of Legends.
The large lump of bloodmetal has been transformed into three items. A large two handed sword, a circulet with holes awaiting the master jewlers touch, and a simple rod measuring two feet in length.
Elayne, drinking water mixed with wine, pauses a moment and then reaches out to touch the freshly created items. The sword she touches first, and although she knows what she wanted created with the sword, it still amazed her to no end that she has created a ter'angreal. images in her mind fill and swirl, showcasing a blade of incredible sharpness, yet meant for leadership and command. A regal sword. A kingsword.
She touches the circlet secondly, and again sees it upon the brow of someone in command, yet its more than just a crown. it inspires awe, admiration, fealty, and a desire to prove oneself.
finally she comes to the rod. her feelings on this item are one of curiosity, as this rod wasnt in the original drawings, the original plan. enough for a third item the master smith had said simply, starting the item without delay. She touches it, and immediately regrets it, screaming in shock and dismay. snatching her hand back, she staggers back and falls to the ground. Everyone in the room leaps to their feet, exhaustion momentarily subdued for a perceived threat. A moment later, some slouch back to the ground, relieved to see none. Those closest to the Queen inquire if she is alright, if she is harmed. Elayne gratefully takes a couple hands that help her to her feet, and then says quietly, more to herself than to those around her It's as if the Dark One has touched this rod. It must be unmade, yet i know it cannot.
Suddenly, across the room, an asha'man stands tall and begins to scream.
Three for the men who have lost, Lost to the sands of time
Seven for the tribes of men who have suffered the most,
Nine for the men who rule, uncommon and stalwart
One for the Dark Lord who rules above all else,
In the realm of Darkness, The Dark Lord Binds them.
as suddenly as he screams out, he dies just as quickly.
Bormanes considers a moment, then looks to the others. "The quick way sounds good. The sooner we can report, the better."
Isa nods in agreement.
Lucius nods in agreement as he turns away from the healing, "Indeed, we must slip this noose before it is set."