The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memories that become legend, then fade to myth, and are long forgot when that Age comes again. In one Age, called the Fourth Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind blasted from the north, upon the slopes of Shayol Ghul. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.
The wind howled and roared, building upon itself over the expanse of Shayol Ghul, absorbing the foul taint that impregnates everything the Dark One, sealed these last millennia by the efforts of the Dragon, touches. The wind builds and builds, rolling with energy foul and twisted. Clouds begin to form, changing from snow white to stained grey, to a grey as near to black as only the Dark One can make. The clouds, vast and ominous, slowly begins to move to the south, unleashing itself upon the landscape. The landscape, and those that bestride the ground, caught unawares of the dangers above.
The lightning was the only warning the Taint had for warning, it struck the ground, rending. The thunder came next, cracking like a whip, explosive, destructive. The flowers, shrubs, vines, and other foliage, withered from the polluted rain that fell from the dark touched cloud above. Southward it moved, rolling and rumbling, destroying anything and everything below its domain.
It crashed upon the slopes of the Dhoom eastern range, where mighty Malkier once stood vigil, defending the southlands against the dangers of the Dark One. Ruins of large buildings, vast networks of defense turrets, walls, trenches, of farm houses, barns, and small sheds. Everything that the once mighty nation held dear, now lay ruined for the storm to take. The clouds unleashed its vengeance upon the once hallowed land, its rains scorching, pitting, eating away.
Over the land it rolled, until it settled upon the great capital that was the Seven Towers, grandest of all. The cloud roared, lightning bolts by the dozen striking the remnants of the once great city, seeking to destroying what was left of mighty Malkier.
The sound of the barrage, horrendous and frightful, echoed throughout the land, heard for miles and miles away. The thunder traveled over the land, and cascaded over the defenses of far off Fal Dara. There, within Fal Dara, the buildings shook, signs rattled, and the ale within the tankards rippled from the shockwaves.
You sit within a tavern, 100 yards from the Malkier gates of the north wall, drinking your ale, exchanging small talk, enjoying your down time. You pockets are full of coin, well, they were before you settled down for the evening, knowing that youll be a bit lighter of coin, but heavier with enjoyment.
Seated at the bar, Renlo stared into the ripples in his ale, lost in thought. As always, his thoughts turned to the rumors that had come from Falme, of the man who battled the Dark One in the skies above the town. Who was he? Was he truly the Dragon Reborn, and the same as the one who had saved them at Tarwin's Gap? If he was in Falme, then he was far from Shienar. He had gathered no armies here - merely moved on quietly.
Rumor had it that Almoth Plain, Tarabon, and Arad Doman had been thrown into chaos by him. Saldaea stood firm, though. The Borderlands had to be strong to hold back the Blight and the Trollocs. Of course, lately there weren't many Trollocs to be found. They all seemed to be hiding out. He wondered where. He wondered how hard it would be to track them down.
No, Renlo, don't go down that path again. It leads to nothing but death and becoming the contents of a Trolloc cookpot. You don't need to go hunting Trollocs in the Blight.
Back again his thoughts came to the man who may be the Dragon Reborn. Always, in this way, did his thoughts turn.
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Tenora checks her horse and belongings with the stable boy and enquires about a room. She heads to the common room.
A young woman with dark hair and a yellow fringed shawl enters the room.
She looks around for someone.
This is the Inn where cousin said I should meet him? What of this news from Falme?
Sitting at the small table, his back to the wall, Elek, sips his ale, 'Well, I'm not in any rush, it will be good to see Tenora, I wonder if she's changed any since she went to ...'
As the door opens, he looks up from his drink seeing his dark haired cousin step into the establishment. 'Wow, she has changed, so confident, and a yellow shawl,'
He stands and moves towards the door. Nodding to his cousin, keeping his eyes low, "It's good to see you, Ten.. ahh is it Sedai Tenora now?"
He gestures back towards the table holding a chair out for her.
A young man was in the tavern there with dark hair, pulled back simply.He was dressed in well made dark trousers with a dark shirt. His overcoat was also well made, of a much finer cloth that what he wore beneath it its collar turned up in the style of many midlanders. The embroidery upon the coat, bronze piping upon the red background was certainly a finer cut than the average folk would wear. His cloak was of a lighter creme color on the inside a solid dark grey along the outside and was made of very fine material. While he had a hint of the cairheinian accent to his tongue it was clear he was not a native of those lands.
He sat in the corner of the tavern laughing rather loudly over the other fellows roll. He waved for the barmaid to bring over another flagon of ale with a big grin on his face. So far everything had been falling into place. Sooo much wealth was about to be his, no more working on the dockyards ever again. He took a glance about the room, just double checking to see if any other sword arm appeared to have entered Merianne brought his new drink quickly though and he left off the scanning for a crew.
"But really boys seriously. I could use a few good sword arms, important business a cache of rare treasures both the King and the Tower want found. A whole cache of weapons and armor lost in a fallen tower."
He began loudly, to be overheard by the drinking fellows at the table. He frowned, they barely looked interested. He frowned and looked at the pile of coin in front of him. He hated losing on purpose.
The next few dice rolls went their way, so he tried again.
" King Easar Togita, King of Shienar, is in desperate need for weapons to arm his men. Blacksmiths, swordsmiths, bowers are working day and night to meet the need. Rumor has it that the king is willing to pay "a kings ransom" for weapons, and is willing to pay double for power wrought. And boys, I have a signed letter from an Aes Sedai authorizing me to get a team together to find those weapons...and whatever power wrought goods that are with them. Its a fortune just waiting for us and.... you could be heros. Think how impressed the folk will be when we ride into Shienar with wagons full of military gear. All that wealth will make this pile of coins seems small."
Hearing the conversation at the gambling table, I wonder if that Cairheinian is on the level.' Quietly leaning in and asking his cousin, "Tenora, did you hear what Cairheinian in the grey cloak said? Is it possible that he would carry a letter from the Aes Sedai? He doesn't look the sort that King Easar Togita would send to me."
Renlo’s musing is broken as he hears a man loudly talking about finding some lost cache of weapons and armor. Turning, he looked towards the talking man.
The man seemed a bit full of himself, and he neither looked nor sounded like any messenger King Easar would send. Besides, Renlo had just delivered a message to the keep, and nothing had been said there. He supposed he could be a messenger for an Aes Sedai, though. Renlo did see a woman with a yellow shawl and a Great Serpent ring, so there was an Ars Sedai here that the man could be with. Renlo continues to listen, trying to figure out if this was a con artist or legitimate.
One of the men sitting at the table with Marik guffaws with a loud snort. sure buddy. A letter from the white tower. And im the Bloody Dragon reborn some of his companions at the table laugh out loud.
The man draws one card from the pile and puts narrow smile on his face. how about we see this letter, eh friend? I mean, how can one refuse the White tower, am i right?
A Kandori man enters the inn. Young, but weary enough to appear older by way of tiredness. He is in commoner clothes, dusty and worn from many a night on the ground and days on the road. He has a plain sword at his side and keeps his dark cloak and hood pulled up.
Glancing around the inn. Bataar breathes in the smell of food hungrily. It had been a day and a half since he had eaten anything. The patrons looked friendly enough. Until he saw her. A beautiful woman with a yellow fringed shawl. Beneath his cowl his face paled. It was all he could do to keep from running right out the door. Deciding that would be far more suspicious than just having a drink, he made his way to the bar, giving the woman a wide berth.
Perhaps she just likes yellow? he thought with wry mirth. He had never been very lucky.
"Ale and food." He said softly to the bartender. He sat at the end of the bar and tried to his best to look invisible.
The bartender, a large, lovely woman with large braids in her hair nods and smiles a warm smile at bataar. no problem, sir. Been on the road long? Would you like a hot bath as well? she asks as if by rote.
Keeping a wary eye on the group and especially the woman. Bataar nods after feeling the weight of his coin purse.
"That would do nicely madam. I've been on the road a right spell. Six months or so now I'd say. Hear anything of note from travelers lately. Trouble or comings and goings in the parts near by?"
One of the men sitting at the table with Marik guffaws with a loud snort. sure buddy. A letter from the white tower. And im the Bloody Dragon reborn some of his companions at the table laugh out loud.
The man draws one card from the pile and puts narrow smile on his face. how about we see this letter, eh friend? I mean, how can one refuse the White tower, am i right?
He sighed and made a big show of rolling his eyes.
"I was told you borderland folk were of stout heart and skilled swords. I should have used my words better though, A brown Aes Sedai gave me the letter, Annora Sedai, She had told me with the ... "
He paused trying to find the word he was looking for, no doubt the troubles in the tower hadnt reached everywhere and he certainly wouldnt be the one to be spreading any sort of noise about the tower...at least not yet.
"with all the false dragons appearing and the trouble going about, It was inferred upon me that the tower didnt have time to search for lost things that 'may' be there. Tower treasures go to the tower of course, the arms and armor they certainly dont need."
He began reaching into his cloak and slipping out from an almost hidden pocket inside it a rolled up scroll being held up by a silken string. Untying it he slowly opened it up enough that the men at the table could see a wax seal inprinted with stylized version of the great serpent ring.
"If you boys dont want in thats fine."
He said gathering up his remaining coin and stowing the coin and the letter back away as he rose to drain his drink. There were a couple of prospects in the tavern he hadn't spoke with. As he approached the bar his eyes slid over a woman in the yellow shawl sitting across from a dangerous looking fellow wearing some sort of leather cord. He frowned at the cord, something about it was tickling his mind, but it was the shawl that set his spine cold for the moment. He sat beside the tired looking man at the bar speaking to its tender. He gave the man a nod and waited patiently for the moment for a pause in the mans conversation with the staff...
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She shrugs her shoulders. nothing concrete. Theres talk of a new Dragon, went to Falme and drove off the Hawkwings armies, then heads to Tear and pulled the sword. Aes sedai all in a tizzy. Why there was a trio that left up out of here naught three days past. Heading north. Something about an ancient relic being recovered. Dismissed any attempts to help them they did. we need no man to slow us down strange women. Always wearing red. And a scowl on her face. Light she could make the Dark One pretty. Of course, youre a pretty one. My shift is done in about an hour, how about we take a bath together, hmm? she laughs.
Bataar listened carefully to her rumors. North, Red. Mention of Brown, possibly a Yellow in this very bar. I shouldn't have stopped here.
"Thank you kindly, if we keep the ale flowing I can definitely spare an hour to have some fine company such as yourself." Bataar winked at her and did his best to look jovial. Only when she turned away did the worry touch the corner of his eyes.
Dragon to the south. Waayyy south. I'll never get there alive. A thousand leagues of witch country.
Casting a glance at the man who sat next down next to him. "Hail friend, what brings you up to the borderlands? Tired of the warmth and politics of the Southlands?" Bataar chuckled half heartedly. He hoped his well found concern with this tavern, now bordering on fear didn't show in his voice.
"Couldn't help but notice all the tower talk at the table, Tar Valon meddling all the way up in little Fal Daran inn's now." He pitched it as a light hearted joke, but couldn't keep the slightest hint of a man being testing and threatening out of his voice.
Catching the innkeep's eye again, he signaled for her to bring a drink to his new companion. "Name's Bataar friend, a no account Kandori. And you?"
The Shienaran scout motioned the bartender down for a refill as the man looking for swordarms left the table and came to the bar. Once she came down, he said, "Pardon for asking, but did I hear you say there was a new Dragon who had pulled the sword down in Tear?"
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"Tenora, did you hear what Cairheinian in the grey cloak said? Is it possible that he would carry a letter from the Aes Sedai? He doesn't look the sort that King Easar Togita would send to me."[/b]
Tenora whispers "No...I wonder why they didn't send it to me. I told my Ajah that I'd be in the area in case anyone was looking for me. I wonder if it's true"
Tenora whispers "No...I wonder why they didn't send it to me. I told my Ajah that I'd be in the area in case anyone was looking for me. I wonder if it's true""Tenora, did you hear what Cairheinian in the grey cloak said? Is it possible that he would carry a letter from the Aes Sedai? He doesn't look the sort that King Easar Togita would send to me."
’Seems this just proves no one understands why the Aes Sedai do what they do, even other Aes Sedai.’ Nodding his head sagely but keeping his thoughts to himself, ’May as well go ask.’ He looks up, not quite making eye contact, ”At least you will be able to tell if the seal is real, and if not your arrival may give him something to think about.” Moving his chair back and adjusting his sword on his hip, he asks. ”Care to join me?”
Turning, he moves towards the bar ’That accent isn’t quite cairheinian I wonder where he is really from.’ Shifting his cloak off his right shoulder and running his hand through his shoulder length hair. He pauses as the Kandori youth approaches the solicitor and begins talking to him.
’ Bataar, hhhmmm ‘a no account kandori’? no such thing in my experience?’ Hearing ‘Bataar’ introduce himself, Elek, approaches within easy hearing distance. ”Gentlemen” Nodding first to Bataar then to the other, ”A curious announcement and an even more curious letter. Would you mind letting my companion take a closer look at it?” He then gestures back towards his cousin, Tenora, letting her composure and shawl speak for itself.
The matron nods at Renlo
Yes, that's what i said. the Sword that is no sword was pulled from the Stone of Tear. Could be a sign that he is the Dragon himself reborn, but until i see him with my own eyes, then he's just another False Dragon.
The Stone of Tear will never fall, till Callandor is wielded by the Dragon's Hand. The Stone of Tear will never fall, till the People of the Dragon come.
If someone had pulled Callandor from the Stone of Tear, that meant even more evidence that the Dragon was Reborn, and the events at Falme had been his declaration to the world. Still, this Dragon moved fast. Tear was a long way away, and an army large enough to conquer the Stone could not have traveled that far that quickly, even in a southern winter. There would have been news of battles - with Tarabon, the Whitecloaks, Illian. He would have to conquer the entire South to get there.
Unless, of course, they were two separate people. That could explain how quickly things had happened. That meant the one in Tear was more likely the real one. Or...he could use the One Power to move quickly in some way. Could that be it?
Losing himself in thought, Renlo nodded to the woman and said, "Thank you. I'd not heard that news out of the south. You'd think that an army marching from Falme to Tear would have been news we'd hear long before he pulled the Sword. When Logain, the false Dragon, was said to be marching for Tear, it was all anyone talked about until the Aes Sedai captured him. Does this Dragon have a name?"
"Marik Carter friend, from the greatest city in the world Tar Valon. Here this far north on an expidition for the greater good and to enrich ones own pockets. You have the look of a man who knows his way about. You interested in making good coin?"
He began his pitch to the man (Bataar) who looked like he had spent more than his fair amount of time in the wilds... just the sort of man who Marik felt could be useful in hunting down lost arms and armor.He paused when the other man approached giving him his best smile as he let his eyes quickly run his eyes up and down Elek quickly.
Swords, two of them, no sense of nerves, dull enough clothes not to stand out. When he glanced to the woman his breath caught for a moment. Warder. With no hesistation he gave a simple smile and held out the envelope. With the woman in front of him he offered a slight bow of his head his eyes dipping down to her hand. It was clear he was aware of what the shawl and self possessed look meant, and it was also clear while respectful he was not awed by the moment.
"My apologies for disturbing your meal Aes Sedai."
He whispered lowly while handing her the letter. He wasn't worried about the letter and it showed. After all she hadnt announced her presence yet no sense in yelling it for everyone to overhear. His attempts to get enough folks to find the possible lost gear either just got so much easier.... or harder it depending on the Aes Sedai's next words.
A man that is sitting at a nearby table watches as the yellow-shawled woman walks over to the boisterous gambler and holds out her hand for the letter. With his coin pouch a bit lighter than a few days ago, the man had to admit he was more curious than perhaps he would normally be at this grandiose tale of a lost tower full of treasure.. With a wry shake of his head, he gets to his feet and walks over to the bar to order an ale, making his way around the pair as he does.
He is a somewhat older man, perhaps resting comfortably somewhere in his forties. Dressed in black leather boots, breeches, and the robelike tunic peculiar to Shienar, the earth-toned clothing is well fitted for his frame, but otherwise not particularly noteworthy. Despite not currently being garbed for battle, he wears a sword and moves with the easy grace of a man well-practiced in its use. His chiseled jaw is clean shaven, as are the sides of his head, leaving the greying hair up top to be pulled back into the top-knot.
Leaning against the bar’s edge near Bataar, he nods to acknowledge him and then looks back at Tenora, his brown eyes glancing briefly down at the letter and then up at her as if wondering about its authenticity and watching for her reaction to what she sees.
”Peace favor your swords, friends,” he declares with a friendly nod at Bataar, Marik, and the other men nearby, then lifts his finger at the busy barkeep to grab her attention. "An ale please, when you get a moment."
inside is the flowing cursive writing from a feminine hand.
Greetings.
Know that the person who holds this letter is working with my full confidence. Please extend to him all customs and courtesies accorded my station, and grant him any request that he has made. The Tower shall validate said requests upon completion, and shall reimburse any expenditures.
The Amyrlin,
Siuan Seanche
Burn after reading
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Tenora holds out the letter.
"It's a writ from the tower" She looks around, then places it in a pocket and turns to Marik.
"What exactly did she say about these "lost things that 'may' be there." Where? And what did she mean by "Tower treasures go to the tower of course, the arms and armor they certainly don't need." And of course what is your relationship to her?"
Looking from his fellow Kandori toward the solicitor, ’Ah, not a Cairheinin but a Tar Valoner, at least that geography is more realistic.’He’s quick to give a smile, does he aspire to be a gleeman or a horse trader.
Seeing the Tar Valoner’s eyes shift and the immediate bow, 'Good, now that he has noticed Tenora’s, all attention will be on her. I’m just fine with that. At least he’s willing to hand over the letter, I don’t think a charlatan would have been so quick.
Out of the corner of his eye, Elek notices the Shienaran making his way around Tenora and Marik finally settling in near the Kandori. ’At least our Shienaran friend is polite, I wonder if he is a local, or a traveler like the rest of us appear.’ Nodding politely, ”And yours as well.”, Turning back toward Tenora as the Shienaran orders more alcohol.
Looking at the letter quickly as Tenora displays it his general direction, ’ Siuan Seanche’ Any one would recognize that name.’
Elek studies his cousins face watching. ’Hmmm, not sure watching Tenora would give anything away, she has already mastered their composure, not that she was easy to read anyway. If she says it's a writ, I believer her.’
He makes eye contact with her briefly when she looks around then he looks back towards the one who calls himself Marik, waiting for the answer to her questions. ’Curious, what does she have in mind.’
"Thats my writ Aes Sedai to help pay for...
He sighed.There wasnt much he could do to get it back from her. Time to switch tactics.
"My Great Aunt is Alia Sedai of the White Ajah. My father is Ambrose Carter, Dockmaster of the eastern docks. My mother may have made that shawl, Shes a weaver who does work for the tower."
He began somewhat calmly. He politely folded his arms in front of him appearing calm as he continued.
"My Alia Sedai got me touch with a Brown Sister Bennae Sedai. She had come across some documents detailing a large shipment of arms and armor along with other possible power linked items that were gathered in the last days of Malkier. It was a.... what was the word she used, un verified report, and with all of the troubles in the world, it was deemed not important enough to send a delagation of sisters and warders. My older brothers are being trained to operate the docks and Im terrible with a needle. Ive studied trade, I've dealt with Caravan masters, some trade. My great Aunt thought maybe this would be something to give me purpose, instead of me spending my time in 'dens of iniquity' as she put it."
He waved to the bar tendress for another drink he was getting thirsty.
"The weapons and armor is of little concern to the tower, I was told if anything was found with it, from books to jewelry to statues to any sort of junk I was to give that back to the tower. Which is my plan assuming i can find enough stout folk to try to find this stash."
Bataar nods with a stoic face to the men who approach him at the bar. They were to close for comfort. Better to act calm than cause a scene or suddenly flee. Looks suspicious. he thought to himself.
As the Aes Sedai joined them, his hackles stood up and a cold sweat formed on his back under his coat. In preparation he didn't move, but embraced the One Power.
It raged into him like he had stood in a valley before a river released from a dam. The wall of energy heightening his every sense and making him sick to his stomach. He grimaced but gave no other outward sign.
"You gentlemen would be wise to leave tower business to the tower." he said quietly.
The older man who approached looked friendly enough. "And your's as well sir." The Tar Valon agent prattled on about being friends with all kinds of Aes Sedai.
A fool or a liar. Aes Sedai don't befriend men, except to enslave them or order them about. Even among their own, they likely have mutually beneficial acquaintances other than true friends. he thought ruefully.
Korin nods and smiles at Bataar and Elek when they return his greeting. Then, while waiting for his ale, he turns and leans his back against the bar, listening to Marik's tale, which appeared to command a deal of the other men's attention as well.
'Interesting. She seemingly confirms the letter is real at least. I wonder about the rest of his tale.'
Korin nods and smiles at Bataar and Elek when they return his greeting. Then, while waiting for his ale, he turns and leans his back against the bar, listening to Marik's tale, which appeared to command a deal of the other men's attention as well.
'Interesting. She seemingly confirms the letter is real at least. I wonder about the rest of his tale.'
The bar maid looks at Renlo and shrugs. a lord of Andor was what i heard. Lord Matt i think it was...or was it Alen? Not sure. Was an Andorian though.
”I’m sure he will ignite rumor like a fire. Peace favor you.”
Matt or Alen. Not a name to inspire, like Logain or Mazrim Taim. Still, might as well travel to Tear. This one must be real.
Hearing the man with the letter speak, he suddenly pays attention. So that’s why he’s recruiting. Taking his ale down to the conversation, he says, ”Peace favor you, Aes Sedai. Peace favor your swords, gentlemen.” Fixing Marik with his gaze, he says, ”You seek to lead an expedition into the Blight with only the promise of rewards that may never be realized. The Blight is not a place to be traveled lightly. What experience have you in such expeditions?”
"You gentlemen would be wise to leave tower business to the tower." he said quietly.
Looking briefly from Marik to Bataar, Elek resists the urge to smile, He’s not wrong, but this one is my cousin, and I would not let her go into the Blight without me, especially since she was meeting me here.’
’So he’s from Tar Valon, related to an Aes Sedai and eager enough to share his life’s story. He’s studied trade? And worked with caravan masters? Who hasn’t, doesn’t mean I’d lead a wild goose chase into the blight.’ Elek, raises an eyebrow but holds his tongue.
Glancing from Marik to Tenora, 'Strange folks these southerners. What an odd choice, I wonder if his great aunt wants him dead. It doesn’t sound like he has any experience with leading missions or worse, any experience with the blight.’
Hearing the man with the letter speak, he suddenly pays attention. So that’s why he’s recruiting. Taking his ale down to the conversation, he says, ”Peace favor you, Aes Sedai. Peace favor your swords, gentlemen.” Fixing Marik with his gaze, he says, ”You seek to lead an expedition into the Blight with only the promise of rewards that may never be realized. The Blight is not a place to be traveled lightly. What experience have you in such expeditions?”
He then notices the Shienaran, ale in hand, move down the bar. Elek crosses his arms, so as not to rest his hands on his swords.’This one looks as though he can handle himself.’ As the man address Tenora then himself. ’At least the Shienarans understand manors.’ Relaxing a little he nods, ”And yours.”
He looks from the weathered Shienaran back toward Tenora then toward, Marik waiting for him to answer the questions.
Fixing Marik with his gaze, he says, ”You seek to lead an expedition into the Blight with only the promise of rewards that may never be realized. The Blight is not a place to be traveled lightly. What experience have you in such expeditions?”
"A fair question," the other Shienaran says, nodding at Renlo before turning his gaze to Marik. "One I'd be curious to hear the answer to."
A man, heavy on the waist, yet his hair and beard indicate prior military seasoning.
He stumps up to the bar and raises his fingers, ordering a double hit of liquor. He looks at everyone before resting his eyes on Marik. Bladesman staff, Marlane. Thanks. So, youre looking to go into the Blight to get some swords, armour, and whatever treasure and trinkets you can find in the Seven Towers? Tell you what. Im feeling adventerous. I'll lead you, and your group in, for 20% of the total. Ive made the trek into the Blight a few times now, killed my fair share of Trollocs. Even stared down a Fade. I know a way in. More importantly, i know a way out. You cant just walk into Malkier, boy. The usual ways in are filled with roving patrols of Shienarians, and trollocs. Trollocs will kill and eat you. The Shienarians will brand you a darkfriend, then hang you...maybe might eat you too if times are bad.
"I'd wager most present have had their fair share of blight excursions as we're mostly Borderlanders here. And Shenarians aren't That likely to eat you. Also you'll know that no one will take percentages for this type of danger, if all but two people die, your giving them eighty and you'd have failed you're job. Only fair way is equal split after the tower claim." Bataar said to the newcomer.
"Not that I've made any sort of commitment." he hastily added.
He still clung to the power like the safety of a mother's skirt. These seemed like decent people, but even so, in the borderlands, the nicest of people would put down a male wilder no questions asked. And the Aes Sedai, Bataar didn't like his chances with her. Although, if I could recover weapons or artifacts of power, it's possible that I could buy safe passage into the Dragon's army. he thought.
Watching as the portly soldier approaches, making eye contact as he looks around the group. ’Marlane, at least polite enough to introduce himself...the seven towers?... The white tower wants to scavenge Malkier?’ Elek frowns, looking from the scout toward Marik. His hand subconsciously dropping to his belt near his sword, barely hearing anything anyone else says, until Tenora speaks.
Looking toward his cousin. ’She would help with this?.’ He blinks, making eye contact for a split second, ’I cannot let her go into this danger alone, no matter what I think of it.’ He bows, left hand on his knee, ”An honor to serve, Tenora Sedai, to Malkier and back, my life above yours.”
He quickly stands, adjusting his large curved blade, making eye contact with Marik, ”I am Elek Kardforgató I will go wherever she does," Turning to the ‘guide’ speaking matter-of-factly ”Malkier isn’t that hard to find so even shares for all taking up the mission. Those who die, their share will go to their families.”
Renlo's lips quirk in a smile. "Is that so, Marlane? You'll find you aren't the only one whose survived excursions to the Blight or battles against Trollocs."
Turning to the others, he said, "I am Renlo Tacksa, an experienced Blight scout and Shienaran soldier, a veteran of many engagements with Trollocs and other Shadowspawn - including Tarwin's Gap last year. If you will allow me, Tenora Sedai, I shall accompany you."
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Tenora turned to Marik looking a bit annoyed. "If the writ is YOURS as you say, I'm sure at the right time that Bennae Sedai and Alia Sedai will vouch for you. As to your claim to these artifacts. I'm sure the Amyrlin Seat will want to study them and make sure they don't fall into the hands of Dark friends." She nods her head a bit. "And WHO exactly that "if anything was found with it" to give it back to the tower? And I expect that you're looking to make a hefty sum or coin off the armor and weapons? Hmm?"
His story might ring true but he certainly has a glib tounge
She quickly turns to Renlo. "Thank you good sir. I'm sure we'll straighten this matter out and we'd welcome your hand in protecting us"
She places her hand underneath her chin and turns back to Marik. "So...getting back to your story. So is it your story that Bennae Sedai hands you this writ from the OFFICE of the Amyrlin Seat which basically asks the Tower to subsidize your treasure hunting?"
Let's see if he has an answer to that one
The man holds up his hands in a placating gesture. Peace friend! Peace. We all are friends here. I was just offering my services as a guide. All I am saying is that i know a way in that will get us past the guards and the Trollocs...Sure you can take the straight approach to Malkier, but you need a pass to get past the sentries. You know them Sentries are there to protect us from the trollocs, and to protect us from ourselves. 20% of something is still something, whether there are 10 or 2. Im not a greedy man, i know my value and my worth. Nodding his head to Tenora, and then rest he turns and walks back to his table, picking up his tankard of ale and drinking from it.
Tenora turned to Marik looking a bit annoyed. "If the writ is YOURS as you say, I'm sure at the right time that Bennae Sedai and Alia Sedai will vouch for you. As to your claim to these artifacts. I'm sure the Amyrlin Seat will want to study them and make sure they don't fall into the hands of Dark friends." She nods her head a bit. "And WHO exactly that "if anything was found with it" to give it back to the tower? And I expect that you're looking to make a hefty sum or coin off the armor and weapons? Hmm?"
His story might ring true but he certainly has a glib tounge
She quickly turns to Renlo. "Thank you good sir. I'm sure we'll straighten this matter out and we'd welcome your hand in protecting us"
She places her hand underneath her chin and turns back to Marik. "So...getting back to your story. So is it your story that Bennae Sedai hands you this writ from the OFFICE of the Amyrlin Seat which basically asks the Tower to subsidize your treasure hunting?"
Let's see if he has an answer to that one
He cringed back from the obvious threat from the warder(Elek). Ignoring his threat for the moment though he turned to Renlo and fought off a sigh as The Aes Sedai suddenly decided it was her expedition to lead.
"I've no experiance with the blight at all friend, Its why I began recruiting for an expedition here not back in the city. If i were to take an expedition to search for lost Islands I would start in a port. It a sensible course of action. Now I'm aware that it could be a fruitless search and I have some coin pocketed to help pay for your time if that occurs but I have faith in the research."
He paused, looking even more exasperated and possible annoyed now. The tone the Aes Sedai was taking with him...
"I did not know the letter was from the Amyrlin seat, I never broke the seal. I was told it would be of help to get an expidition here in the borderlands. Yes, I expect to make coin out of the deal, im not a kept man, nor noble prince, Food and drink and a roof over my head take coin. You are an Aes Sedai, what use would you have for weapons and armor?"
He started to open his mouth again to complain more but then instead closed his eyes took a deep breath.
"Blood and Ashes they are making this so complicated. You would think im a bleeding darkfriend the way they keep questioning me."
He thought to himself, finally calm he opened his eyes again.
"If you wish to keep the letter fine Tenora Sedai. I was to return everything not a weapons or armor to the tower, where else would I take them? I would have been willing to give the arms and armor to those in need, but I am not rich, and the expedition deserves to get paid for their troubles. As that gentlemen over there said, its a lot to ask a man to risk his life over something that might not exist. Clearly Alia Sedai was wrong, and Bennae Sedai as well to ask me to try this."
He let his shoulders slump clearly defeated in the attempt tossing a couple of extra coins on the table and moving away from the gathered group.