"My, my," the Ebou Dari says, dark eyes boring into the Questioner's. "I heard your lot were bad boys, but you? You're sweating, boyo. You had a nasty shock, didn't you? I wonder what that might be..."
He was sweating. Alot. Time to see if this man was a loyal servant of the Empress. "Seeker, in the name of her Imperial Majesty and as a captain of the Death Watch and leader in the ever victorious army, I order you to state your full name and the entirety of your mission including who issued it and your target."
Jedric is taking his time absorbing all this new information, names, Seanchan accents, and what that means. How many in this Return? he asks himself, but chooses to stay quiet for the moment, his veil still in place, and spear held loosely, ready for whatever it may be needed for.
Seeing Fiallain study the stranger, Taldo turns watching the man, listening. 'No military guy? "He Lies they are all military, their here to conquer, they must be stopped.' Ignoring his alter ego, Taldo looks from the man to Ryvin. 'the dragon lord fought them, I wonder if this traitor would side with Rand or serves the dark lord.' He looks from the man to Ryvin, 'sweating?' Then to the Ogier. 'Order?' Taldo looks from the Ogier to the 'seeker' waiting for answers as Lucian stills, waiting to hear of the betrayal.
The man purses his lips, twisting them side to side as he looks at chen. finally, as if regretting his decision, he slowly speaks.
Faden Molrot. I am to track down the traitor O'brein Narylso who is escorting the marath'damanae Ja'neel, and kill them both for betraying the Empress and Seanchan lands. She seeks to inform unknown people within these lands about where the a'dam are manufactured.
Ryvin's eyes widen ... then narrow. "Well. Well. Well..."
"And this person was just in the inn? hmm.."
'Where the a'dam are manufactured! That information could help Rand win the war!' Taldo looks from the Seanchan to Ryvin, as Lucian gloats. "and you want to keep him alive so he can stop her! Ha Ha Ha!" 'Shut up! I didn't know!' Looking wide eyed from Ryvin to Fiallain, he whispers to the Aiel woman. "She's right we may have to kill him."
Jedric looks confused at the terminology being bandied about by the others, Forgive my ignorance of wetlander and Seanchan ways, but what are you talking about? marath'damanae, a'dam I do not understand the relevance, or why this man would be sent as an assassin to kill these people.
"The a'dam are collars the Seanchan use to collar and command those who can channel. Those people, they call marath'damane."
"The a'dam are collars the Seanchan use to collar and command those who can channel. Those people, they call marath'damane."
"A lie at the core of our Empire's culture I'm afraid." Chen says to Jedirc, expounding upon Ryvin's explanation.
"He wishes to stop the man from giving away a state secret. We should aid him. The most unconcerting aspect of his reports is that the traitor is selling to persons unknown. For all we know, it could be an agent of the the Shadow or the White Cloaks the former far more horrifying than the latter but neither a good outcome for the women of these lands that can channel. If it is the White Cloaks, they would likely force the women to still one another, until none are left who can channel. If it is an agent of the shadow, the Forsaken would wear the bracelets and form cirlces of captured women, turning one after the other until all serve the shadow." The large Ogier visibly shudders at the thought.
'We should aid him?' Looking from the Aiel to Chen, Taldo blurts out "We should not aid him! We should capture this person ourselves and provide the information to the Lord Dragon!"
Chen grins at the young man. "I wish to assit the traitor in finding or following him to the buyer Master Taldo, that I might destroy the threat at its source."
Id like to see both of them dead. The Seeker says to no one in particular. Well, im supposed to Kill the traitor and return the marath'damane. She'd be made an example of, having her arms and legs cut off so she cannot run off again. It's not like you need your arms or legs to channel.
'Destroy the threat? Does he mean the buyer, or the seller or the woman or where the a'dam's are manufactured?' Concerned Taldo looks from the Ogier back to Ryvin. "What if the buyer is a representative of the Lord Dragon himself. This information is too valuable to destroy, Ran... the Lord Dragon needs to have access to those A'dam." He looks back to Chen, "Or at least make the decision to destroy them or not."
'Need your arms or legs?' appalled, Taldo steps near the seeker lowering his blade so the man can feel the unnatural heat coming off of it. "Just as a spy doesn't need his to tell us what we need to know." When Taldo stops speaking he can hear Lucian laughing in the back of his head, he tries to silence the sound, but is unable to.
The Seeker tilts his head away slightly from the heat,yet manages to look at Taldo and convey a sense of nonchalance.
perhaps. Yet spy who is without arms or legs is still a spy. Not a very good spy, but still a spy nonetheless. However, as i am not a spy, I feel my legs and arms to be securely attached to my body
Jedric watches the interaction between Taldo, Chen, and the Seeker, Chen, what do you think? This seems like a matter of honor for your people, and while Taldo makes sense that the Car'a'carn may want this information, should we risk the Seanchan taking up spears against us and the others? the Aielman asks from behind his veil...
"I mean to go with this traitor to the buyer. If it turns out to be a representative to the Dragon, then I will facilitate the introduction of the Dragon to proper intermediaries for dealing with our leadership. I won't idly sit back and watch state secrets be sold. If it turns out to be an agent of the Shadow, I could use everyone's help disposing of that threat. I would then allow Seeker Faden to complete his mission in part by removing Narylso, I would like to speak to this woman Ja'neel and I would like Fia and Ryvin's counsel as to how to handle her when we meet. Faden, do you know what faction this woman belongs to? Is she Aes Sedai, Aeil, a dark friend."
Jedric nods, removing his veil and lowering his spear, That is well Vice Captain Chen Armad. Let us seek this dealer in secrets together then.
He looks to Fiallain for confirmation, Should the Car'a'carn require this information then we should get it for him, that he may continue to lead us against Sightblinder.
"Facilitate the introduction to proper intermediaries to the dragon? They are at war!" Looking dumbfounded, Taldo turns from Chen to Jedric. "Your 'Car'a'carn' is actively at war with the Seanchan. These woman he's after posses secrets that Your 'Car'a'carn' can use to subdue that enemy so he can lead you against Sightblinder." He points at the man on the ground. "The light has blessed us with a gift to give your 'Car'a'carn'" He then gestures towards Chen. "And this Seanchan wants to either destroy this information or keep it for the Seanchan in their war against your 'Car'a'carn.'" Glaring from the man on ground to Chen then to Jedric. "You need to decide which side your on." Taldo spits and walks away, releasing the weave on his blade he sheaths it as Lucian's laughter echo's in his head.
Fia nods her head at Jedric. Perhaps not only the Car'a'carn but also the Wise Ones as well. In addition to, or separately from, the Car'a'carn. Although...Once word get's out that the location of this facility is known, we lose the ability to control Who knows about it. Even if we were to prevent Sightblinder from having this information this time, if it's spoken of in a camp around a fire, it is possible this still gets back to his agents.
"And that is why," Fia continues calmly, "we should go back and pick up the trail of this man as quickly as possible. I would know what he and his charge are up to, and who they intend to meet with."
She turns to Faden, eyes intently boring into his. "You have not answered the Death Watcher's question. Who is this 'marath'domane? What does she and Narsylso look like? How long have you been tracking them? Where did they escape from? Who else seeks them?"
Mulling over in thought for a moment, "I am on the side of the world free from shadow. This information is dangerous and the use of the tools it creates is an abomination of the Creator's will. It is the greatest shame of the Seanchan and it stains our honor. I learned that from those here." Chen nods at Ryvin and gestures at Fia as well. "However master Taldo, I am Seanchan. Make no mistake of that. Our prophecies state that the Dragon will kneel before the Crystal Throne and lead our armies as our greatest general. If we must prove our worthiness until he is ready to lead and follow, than so be it. I would not have this information removed from the Seanchan and used against us. Nor would we even continue to use it if I had my way."
O'brein Narylso who is escorting the marath'damanae Ja'neel
Faden twists his head and listens to Fia, a strange look upon his face from having to twist to see her.
Faction? I know not, just that she is to be captured and brought back to Seanchan...well, to Seanchan controlled lands, preferably Ebou Dar or Tanchico. As for how long and from where...Since the land of Seanchan. A city you never heard of, nor would you care to visit. As for what Narylso or the 'marath'damane looks like...well, there he is. He nods his head down the alley to a passing old gentlemen with a horrible limp, who's clothes barely cover his bony frame and parchment skin.
Or is it him? Faden twists his head and looks down the opposite, away from the old man, to a young man who skulks in the shadows, seeking something from someone...
Or her? he finally nods his head back at Fia.
Seems we are at an impasse. Release me, or kill me.
Tilting her head slightly, Fia replies in a flat tone, "Those are not the only options available."
She looks up at Chen. "Convince him to work with us, if you can."
"Do we know of any other Aiel nearby? Chen may wish the Seanchan not to use these collars, but that is only his wishful thinking and not a belief ever likely to be shared by his fellows. If we can learn the secrets of how they function, then we may be able to counter the threat they pose, and that is far too important an opportunity to let slip away... no matter what."
The aielman senses the growing tension in the alleyway, but doesn't shift his stance or raise his veil.
'Walking away doesn't help the Lord Dragon.' Taldo turns back towards the group as Faden declarers they are at an impasse. Closing his his eyes as Lucian begins to scream in the back of his head. "Kill Him! We need to kill him now!" Squeezing his eyes tighter, 'Shut up! We have other options.' His eyes still shut placing his hand on his forehead, as one does when they have a very bad headache, Taldo speaks up. "We should turn him over to local authorities. He's a Seanchan spy and we are at war with the Seanchan's." He opens his eyes he looks at Chen. "I know Rand. He will never bow." Gesturing towards the prisoner "If the authorities learn that you have released him, they may consider you a spy. Would you rather be fighting the locals, or trying to stop your countrymen?"
At the Seeker's lack of cooperation, the Ogier Gardener's countenance visibly darkens. He looks at Taldo considering his proposal. Trying one more thing, Chen grabs the man by the neck and lifts him so he meets the massive Ogiers eyes. The seeker's feet dangle six feet off the ground. He growls through clenched teeth. "The only impasse here is your refusal to cooperate with the Empress's Royal Guard, even the High Blood would never be so bold. Outright treasonous. That makes me think that you aren't who you say you are. Release you or let you go? I can think of another option. How about I cut off your arms and legs and have one of these nice people heal you, and then, I carry you around, mouth gagged and head bagged in my rucksack for the the rest of your life to answer questions or entertain me whenever I feel inquisitive or bored? Does that sound a reasonable option to you? Or how about you lead us to your target and together we can fufill your mission and stop the buyer."
Watching as Chen lifts the man, threating to destroy him, Taldo tries to understand what the Seanchan is thinking.
Jedric impassively watches the interaction between Chen and the other Seanchan, simply awaiting a sign of which way the wind is about to blow, or if spears will need to be danced...
ailen mord, Carai The man responds simply
"What did he say?" Fia asks, readying a weave of air should it be necessary.
Ryvin looks from Faden to Chen, yet answers Fia's question.
before death, honor? or honor before death?...perhaps Death before dishonor
"Although, he is being less than cooperative and while in the past that would have been enough for me to kill him, that is no way to bring peace to this land or victory against the shadow. While I don't necessaryily like it, to you all techinically this is an enemy agent, I would let him go but the ultimate say as to if he walks away will be yours." Chen looks to his group. "Turn him over to the authorities or kill him yourself." Chens says, dropping the seeker to the ground roughly.
Fiallain nods, still watching the man carefully and holding a weave ready to ensnare him should he attempt anything. "That is... unfortunate. Very well. Then let's secure him and divest him of anything on his person, weapons tools, and the like."
Her hard eyes bore into Faden's.
"Since you refuse to cooperate with your countryamn, then you leave me no choice but to take you under my custody instead. That was a foolish decision, I assure you. I am not half so gentle as he."
Jedric nods, and trots off down an alleyway in search of an out-of-the way barn, loft, or abandoned building....
Jedric quickly looks around and spots a small, narrow alcove with a recessed door just down the block, aged door boarded up, a couple of small crates stacked in front of it. Whoever owns this place hasnt used it in a very long time.
'Yes what did he say?' Taldo looks expectantly form Fiallain to Ryvin. 'Death before dishonor?' Taldo squints his eyes as Lucian begins to laugh manically in his head.
Watching as Chen drops the man and ultimately turns him over to the others. As Fiallain gives instructions, Taldo looks to her. "I hope you have him." He then begins to frisk the man, relieving him of all possessions. 'Not half as gentle as the Ogier? Well she is Aiel, he has no idea what he's in for.'
As Jedric trots off, Taldo turns, "I have no rope or manacles, does anyone have something I can bind him with? If not I can use his own belt."
Jedric will force open the boarded up door, quickly check the building for appropriateness, and then lope back to the group.
Jedric nods to Fiallain,
It saddens me this comes to this outcome, but you left us no choice Seeker. Jedric hoists the seeker to his feet, and begins leading him and the others down the alleyway.
As Jedric trots off, Taldo turns, "I have no rope or manacles, does anyone have something I can bind him with? If not I can use his own belt."
"I have both." Fia hands the requested items to Taldo.
When Jedric returns, Fia nods. "Lead the way."
Falden nods simply at Jedric. It's nothing personal between you and me, sir.
Jedric picks the man up with ease, and carries him into the abandoned building.
Stepping inside, the pungent smell of dankness, or stagnant air, mold, and mildew fills your noses immediately. Darkness holds to this building like a shadow upon a moonless night. Taldo lifts his fiery blade high, banishing the darkness from within momentarily as the flames curl up upon its created form.
A long narrow hallway leads before you, several doors to the left hang open, revealing old desks, chairs, papers, and other typical office equipment found within buildings of trade. Further down, a lone door at the end of the hall stands open, beckoning. Taldo steps through first, sword leading the way, and the light reveals a large rectangular room, approximately 40 x 60 feet in length.
Long tables, made of large massive legs and stout boards, run the length of this room. Small crates stand stacked 10 high on the back wall, several boxes deep. Glints of dulled white and muted yellows flicker within the yellow torch light of the flaming sword. From the ceiling hang pulleys, hooks attached to pulleys with long chains, the block and tackle allowed to roll back and forth throughout the room. Hammers, chisels, iron and steel rods, and more, lay scattered throughout the room, discarded as if in a hurry, or if someone had at some point inspected the contents and found them to be worthless.
Taking the manacles from Fiallain, Taldo carefully puts them on the prisoner, making sure they are good and tight. He steps back as Jedric picks up the man, following them toward the dark building. Embracing the source, he draws his sword doing weaves of air and fire for 'wand of fire' he ties it off on his drawn sword, Using the sword as a he steps into the building. The stench causing him to catch his breath, he leads the team down the corridor eventually entering the large room.
Pointing towards one of the tables, "There's as good a place as any, I'll check the room." He then moves around the room, looking for anything unusual; or anything that might help him understand the buildings present condition.
As Jedric, Fiallain and Ryvin deal with the spy, Taldo returns from his investigation of the room. He moves near Chen, getting the Ogier's attention. "I don't like not having an exit." He points towards the old outline of a large door on the backwall, hidden behind a hasty remodel and several crates stacked in front of it. "Would you be interested in seeing if we can open that doorway back up?"