Tarabon
They say the world changed. That a man called the Dragon broke the world. He went mad. No one knows what exactly happened. That only the men went mad when they touched the Source. The Dragon had tainted the men’s side. When he broke the world, mountains shattered, seas boiled and the land changed. The world fell into darkness. It fell to the women of the Aes Sedai to pick up the pieces. Once darkness was now light. For now none who lived remembered what happened. Those whispers of the Dragon would come again. To make or break the world. The child was now of age. Born to who, we do not know. For he or she will be someone we would not expect.
The heat from the sun was beating down pretty hard this summer day. Bel Tine was near and she was smiling while closing her eyes. Feeling a light breeze in her long hair as she inhaled the fresh scent. Wiping the sweat from her forehead as she was tilling a garden that her mother loved to work on.
“Come on dear! Almost dinner time!” A man’s voice spoke.
“Of course, Mr. Solstice!” Another young woman’s voice spoke. She looked to the owner of the voice. It was a woman now of age. She had blonde hair to her shoulders and piercing gray eyes. “Alessia, your father is very kind.” The woman’s voice spoke again. Alessia smiled and nodded her head at this.
“Of course he is Jane. You are like family already. Mother loved you like her own.” Alessia spoke with a smile. She went back to tilling the earth as they heard horses galloping as she looked up. It was a group of women in red riding past them. One had long honey blonde hair. Alessia couldn’t make out the sight but they were gone before they came.
“Inside! Quick!” Her father’s voice spoke as Alessia nodded and ran into the house after Jane did.
“Why are they here?” Jane asked.
“I do not know. The Aes Sedai are not welcomed around here.” Her father replied as he entered another room. Alessia followed. “I made some soup. I think your mother will like it.” He replied.
“Thank you Mr. Solstice.” Jane spoke softly. “Can I join you for dinner and I can take some after?” She asked.
“Of course. Go freshen up ladies.” He spoke. Alessia nodded and took her leave to another room in the back of the small house. She lit a lantern and looked up. The mirror was broken. Hearing water splash as Jane was washing her hands and face. She was quick in her work as she left. Alessia however looked back into the mirror. It stared back at her. Long black hair. Black as the night. Her eyes. Dark ocean blue. Her skin pale, it made the townspeople question her birth. She was skinny but well fed. She turned away and went to the bucket. Putting her hands into the cold water as she began to freshen up. The soap was used with her hands and face before she set it aside. Rinsing off as she took the bucket and headed down the hall to outside again. The heat was still high as she walked outside to the side of the house. Tilting the bucket over as she dumped the dirty water out. It may be dirty to them but the plants around her loved it.
“I wonder why they are around the area.” Jane’s voice brought Alessia back to reality. They were all sitting at a low lit table. A few candles were lit as the sun was almost done.
“Rumors that a male channeler was found.” Her father spoke. Alessia frowned at this. She had heard several stories of the past. That she was lucky to be a descendant of someone from the Age of Legends. She rolled her eyes at this.
“Do you think he is the Dragon?” Jane asked as she was slurping her soup.
“No, there was another man who claimed the title.” Her father replied. There was a knock at the door. Alessia stood up and walked over to it. Opening the door and greeted the person but stopped. There stood a woman in blue. Tall and confident.
“I am sorry to bother. I was wondering if I could get directions.” The woman’s voice was calm. Their blue eyes met her. The woman gave her a look as if she knew something.
“Alessia dear, who is it?” Her father asked as he walked over.
“This is Moiraine Sedai. I am Lan.” The man spoke as he took a step to the side from behind her.
“An Aes Sedai?” Alessia softly asked as Moiraine nodded her head. The woman did look good in blue. She was beautiful. They were still locking eyes.
“What is it that you need?” Her father asked.
“The nearest tavern please. It is dark and getting late.” Lan spoke.
“The nearest tavern is in the city. Several miles from here.” Her father replied.
“We may have to make camp.” Lan whispered.
“You are welcome to stay and rest for the night here.” Alessia spoke.
“Daughter.” Her father began.
“We have a spare room and they are in need, father.” Alessia spoke. “Remember what mother used to say?” She asked.
“Fine. Very well. We have left over soup. Jane, help her get the room prepped.” With that, he left. Alessia stepped to the side to allow their guests to enter. She followed Jane to the back of the house where a well resided. She was humming softly while pulling up buckets of water for a bath for their guests.
“Why do you think she is here?” Jane asked. Alessia shrugged her shoulders at this. For whatever reason, she hoped they would not get spotted. After gathering a few buckets, Alessia looked around and closed her eyes. Feeling the heat nearby as she placed her hand into the water. She opened her eyes as she felt the warmth leave from around her arms into the water.
“Alessia!” Jane hissed in a whisper. “You can’t do that around them! They can sense you.” Jane was whispering.
“I barely touched it. She won’t know.” Alessia replied back. “Come on. We need to get the soup to your mom.” She spoke as she stood up. Drying her arm while following Jane out of the washroom. Alessia stopped by the spare bedroom.
“Is it one of them?” Lan’s voice came.
“I do not know. One of them is a channeler. I just sensed her using the Power.” Moiraine’s voice came. Alessia blushed like mad. How could she sense her? She barely used it. Was this woman one of the stronger Aes Sedai? She knocked on the door. Lan had answered it.
“Hello. The bath is ready.” Alessia spoke with a bow before taking her leave.
“Please drink, mother.” Jane spoke with a frown. Alessia was sitting next to the older woman on the other side of the bed. They were at Jane’s home and Jane was trying to feed her mother some soup. Alessia frowned at this. The woman was very sick.
“Can you try again?” Jane asked.
“I thought you didn’t want me to use it?” Alessia asked.
“Please! You can do it better.” Jane protested. Alessia nodded her head and closed her eyes. Calling the Source to her. She felt the pleasure as she opened her eyes. Feeling the weave around her wrist as she placed it upon the older woman’s chest. Hearing breathing is slightly better now. Hearing the horses again as Alessia stood up. Walking over to the window. It was the Red Ajah again.
“The red ajah are in town again.” Alessia spoke. Jane stood next to her. It seemed like they were looking for someone again.
“We lost him!” A voice shouted from one of the sisters as they took their leave again. Alessia had a raised brow before turning to face Jane who had the same expression on her face. Hearing a soft groan as they both walked over to the woman. Her eyes were closed.
“Mother?” Jane’s voice broke as she shook the woman gently. “I thought you healed her?!” Jane shouted.
“I did! I don’t know what happened.” Alessia responded with a frown.
“No! Mother please!” Jane shouted. Alessia touched her friend’s shoulder. Trying to comfort her. Hearing her friend sob as it broke her heart.
“Go please. Get someone.” Jane’s voice broke through her sobs. Alessia stood up and quickly left the house. Running over to her own.
“Father?!” Alessia shouted while looking around the house. She could not find him.
“Is something amiss??” Moiraine’s voice came. Alessia was just staring at the woman. Hearing the door open and closed.
“Is everything alright?” Her father’s voice came.
“It’s Jane’s mother. She passed.” Alessia spoke in a soft voice.
“Lead the way.” Her father spoke as Alessia nodded and took the lead. Not knowing that Moiraine had followed as well. She followed the dirt path down the side of the road. Small amounts of dust came from each step as they came upon the house. She held the door open as she could hear the sobs. Alessia frowned as her father entered as did Moiraine, followed by Lan.
“Go get the leader.” Her father spoke. Alessia turned on her heels and ran. Seeing the church nearby as Alessia slowed down. Her heart was pounding against her chest as she pushed through the door.
She looked around and saw a man in all white speaking to someone. She stepped into the light and saw the woman in red again.
“I do not care what he said! He needs to be gentled!” The woman shouted. Alessia stopped dead in her tracks as she was spotted.
“What is it dear?” The man asked.
“It’s Jane. Her mother passed away.” Alessia spoke with a frown. Watching the man in white take his leave to another room. She was alone now with the woman in red.
“I’ve seen you a few times over the years.” The woman spoke. Alessia nodded her head.
“I’ve seen you as well.” She replied.
“What’s your name dear?” The woman asked as she walked up to her. Raising her hand as a strand of hair was pushed back behind her ear.
“Alessia. Alessia Solstice.” Alessia spoke softly. Her dark blue eyes were watching the woman. She could see her fully now. Long blonde honey hair that was braided in several different ways. The woman wore different shades of red to make out a beautiful outfit. Her top fitted her figure well. Her eyes trailed around the woman’s face. Sharp jawline that gave her a strong firm look. Her smile was another story. Feeling the finger trace down to her jaw. The gentle touch gave her a small tingling sensation as she looked back into the light blue eyes. This woman was the same height as her.
“I am Liandrin.” Liandrin spoke.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Alessia spoke as she stepped back and gave the woman a bow.
“She knows her place.” Liandrin smirked lightly while putting her hands behind her back.
“Why is the red ajah here?” Alessia asked.
“We are on the trail of a male channeler. Know anything?” The red asked. Alessia shook her head.
“No. Sorry.” Alessia spoke softly.
“No worries.” Liandrin spoke in time to hear a loud explosion. Alessia gasped and turned her head towards the direction. She ran out of the church and looked around. Seeing a crowd starting to gather around. Seeing it was Jane’s house. Alessia frowned and ran towards it again. Seeing the house was now destroyed. Jane was standing in the middle of it.
“I didn’t mean to!” Jane shouted. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. Alessia could see the weaves swirling around her friend’s body.
“Is she channeling?” A boy’s voice came.
“Shush.” A woman spoke.
“Witch!” A man shouted. Alessia ran forward and stood in front of her friend. She stood tall and ready to fight anyone who dared to come at her friend. Hearing Liandrin gasp softly at this.
“Why do you protect her?” The man asked as he came from the church.
“She’s my friend.” Alessia spoke.
“She’s a witch!” A woman shouted.
“Enough!” Liandrin’s voice came as everyone parted into different sides. Creating a path in front of the red ajah.
“Liandrin Sedai.” Moiraine’s voice came.
“Moiraine Sedai. Come to help?” Liandrin asked. Moiraine only kept her silence at this. “Typical blue. Come along dear. We can take you to the Tower.” Liandrin spoke as she raised her hand up for Jane. Alessia looked at her friend who was frowning. She nodded her head at this.
“Go. We will take care of things here.” Alessia spoke softly. Jane shook her head and hugged Alessia tightly.
“I don’t want to go.” Jane spoke softly.
“You have to. Learn to control it.” Alessia whispered. Jane frowned again. Seeing her friend pick up a bag and began to follow the red ajah away from the crowd. She was going to miss her friend.
Alessia was sitting back at the table in her home. Moiraine was sitting next to her as her father was outside talking to the church.
“What was it that your mother always said?” Lan asked. Alessia was silent for a moment.
“Help those who ask for help. Kindness always comes back.” Alessia replied. She put her head on her hand while looking up at the ceiling. Silence had fallen over the three of them again.
“Did you know?” Moiraine’s voice broke the silence. Alessia looked up with a confused look.
“Know about what?” Alessia asked while looking into the blue eyes of the Aes Sedai.
“That she could channel?” Moiraine asked. Alessia nodded her head at this.
“Ever since we were younger. I spotted her. She begged me not to tell anyone.” Alessia spoke. Moiraine nodded her head lightly and took a drink from her goblet. Alessia was getting tired. It was an eventful day and she did not like it. Watching her friend leave with the Red Ajah after hugging her one last time. Hoping in the future she would be able to see her friend again. If anything, at least write to her. The moon was now high in the night sky as Alessia could hear excited chattering of the townsfolk. The night cooled off the day’s heat. Allowing the townsfolk to be more active.
“Tomorrow is Bel Tine. Will you be joining?” Alessia asked.
“Unfortunately no. I have a task I must complete.” Moiraine spoke. Alessia nodded her head at this. Hearing her father’s voice as Alessia turned around as he came up.
“They are holding a vigil tonight. Come join.” He spoke. She stood up and walked into another room. Her room. The one she shared with Jane. She frowned at this while grabbing her cloak. It was too small for her now but she didn’t mind. It still kept her somewhat warm. Making sure she was ready before taking her leave. Following her father out of the house. Alessia sighed a little. Feeling her shoulder touched as she looked up. Seeing her father who nodded his head before looking around. It seemed the town had come together for this woman. A woman who was kind and caring to those around her. There was a large bonfire in the center as people were gathering around. Some had their own candles lit as well.
“Folks of Tarabon. We gather here tonight to mourn for a lost soul. A soul that was precious to us in many ways. She healed the sick and helped the weak. A kind soul that the Mother took back home with her.” The man spoke as many were agreeing. Alessia frowned and sighed a little. Feeling her other shoulder touched. Moiraine was watching while standing close by. Alessia turned her attention back as she saw the body lifted. Being carried to where they buried their dead near the church. Alessia turned and left. Wanting to be alone as she sighed. Looking up at the night sky as she could see the stars. So many were shining that night. Maybe it was the Mother watching them. Hearing footsteps that followed her. She looked over her shoulder again. It was the blue ajah.
“What now?” Alessia asked softly.
“Your friend. How old is she?” Moiraine asked.
“Twenty-Two.” Alessia replied.
“And you?”
“Just turned twenty.” Alessia replied.
“You just came of age?” Lan asked as she nodded her head. She felt an uneasy feeling coming from somewhere as Moiraine was watching her closely. Alessia heard whispering. The wind picked up as the whispering grew louder. She frowned at this. It felt like a warning of some kind. Looking around only to find nothing.
“What is it?” Moiraine asked. Alessia shook her head.
“It’s past midnight. We should get some rest.” Alessia spoke. She took her leave to head back to her home. Seeing a single candle lit to show her the door was unlocked. She held it open for the Aes Sedai and her warder. Closing and locking it.
“Goodnight Alessia.” Moiraine spoke as she headed in the opposite direction of the house. Alessia nodded before heading back to her own bedroom. Blowing out the candle as she laid down on her bed. Hearing the whispering of the wind against her window again. She frowned and turned onto her side. She had never seen so many Aes Sedai in one day and in one place at a time. Then she heard voices again. This time in the room on the other side of hers.
“Do you think it’s her?” Lan’s voice came.
“I do not know.” Moiraine spoke.
“Can’t you sense her?”
“Yes, but I do not know for sure. We need to go.” Moiraine spoke. If the woman in blue could sense her, then why didn’t she say anything?
“Where to next?” Land asked.
“The Two Rivers. I heard there are four there. The old Blood runs deep in those mountains.” Moiraine answered.
“You think the Dragon is there?” Lan asked. So, they were looking for the Dragon Reborn. Alessia had heard many stories about this. That a man called the Dragon had broken the world over three thousand years ago. Alessia felt like this was a child’s tale. She learned about the former Dragon from the school she went to with Jane before they had left not long ago. Alessia always hated how her father talked down about the Aes Sedai. How they pulled the strings of the world from the White Tower. She of course never told her father about her channeling.
“We leave at first light.” Moiraine then spoke.
“I thought you wanted to stay for Bel Tine when Alessia asked.” Land spoke.
“Plans change. We need to get going. It’s a long journey.” Moiraine spoke. Then there was silence. Alessia yawned lightly as sleep came to her.
Darkness surrounded her as she took a deep breath and began walking down a pathway. Alessia frowned at the sight. She couldn’t make anything out. She was still in town of course. Though she saw many shadowy figures walking around. Ignoring her as she called out. Wondering why this was. She sighed and looked behind her. Seeing a large tall tree in the distance. It was black and dead. The branches hung low. She was curious as she began walking towards it. Her heart pounding against her chest while slowly making her way down the pathway. She was letting curiosity get the better of her. She stopped once she reached it. Putting her hand against it gently. Gasped as the scene around her had changed. Hearing screaming and explosions as she turned around. Seeing the town being burned down to the ground. She frowned at the sight. She let go of the tree and ran forward. Feeling the wind against her as she raised her hand. Channeling to protect the people around her. Nothing came as she frowned. She stopped only to see that she could not interact with anyone or anything around her.
“I don’t understand.” Alessia spoke out. No one heard her. More screaming as she looked over to the harbor. She saw several ships coming in. Then when she looked closely she saw something familiar to her. Weaves. So many of them. Coming from the ships as more explosions had shook the ground. Alessia took cover from a nearby tree that had fallen. She shouted again. Hoping that someone could hear her. She looked around and saw several men in beetle-like armour marching down the streets. Women that had collars around their necks and gagged. They were weaving by the names of the shouts they were collared by. Alessia frowned at this sight. Was this real? It couldn’t be. She never saw anything like this. Maybe her mind was just playing tricks on her? She stood back up and turned to run again. Only. She stopped. There was a shadow figure in front of her. Eyes like embers. She was curious again. The figure raised its hand. Its mouth opened and a scream came from it. Then, blackness took over as the ground gave out. Alessia was falling into the abyss. Screaming into nothingness.
-Time Skip. Several months.-
Alessia sat up screaming as she was covered in cold sweat. Feeling her shoulder shaken as she stopped and looked over. Seeing her father shaking her to wake her up.
“Hurry! We must go!” Her father shouted. Alessia was confused at this. She stood up and stretched before hearing screaming. She gasped and ran to the window. Seeing several houses on fire and men marching around.
“What’s going on?” Alessia asked as she was pulled away from the window.
“We are under attack. You must leave!” Her father spoke.
“Why?” She asked with a frown.
“We are being attacked. They are taking all women that just came of age away. You must leave. Hide.” Her father spoke as he handed her something. She looked at it. It was all their money. She frowned at this.
“Father.” She spoke softly as she quickly packed her bag.
“The horse is already ready. Go! I will see you again.” He spoke. She nodded and hugged her father before following out of the house. The screaming had gotten louder. She saw some women that were a little older than her caught and pinned down by weaves. She frowned at the sight.
“Go!” Her father’s last words rung in her ears. She mounted the horse and kicked its sides. Taking her leave from her home. It had been months since her friend had left them. Hearing her horse protest as she yanked on the reins.
“Go!” She shouted. The horse had obeyed and began galloping away from the town. She took one last look as the town burned down to the ground before turning back to the front. She remembered that Moiraine was heading towards the Two Rivers. She had decided to head in that direction. Once all the shouting had stopped, she slowed down. Pulling out the map from her bag and frowned. She had no idea where she was now. Maybe another town would be nearby so she could ask for directions. For now, she needed to get as far away as possible. Hoping she would not have to ride into the night. Her horse began to run again. This time she went into the forest. Hoping to be out of sight and the scent masked. She hadn’t channeled in days, there would be no way they would be able to find her? Or could they? She began to worry again. Seeing a light ahead as she slowed down. Wanting to make sure not to startle anyone. It was a woman.
“Hello?” Alessia called out. Seeing the woman go alert and look her way.
“What are you doing here stranger?” The woman asked. Seeing a little boy run up and have a slingshot ready at her.
“I am sorry. I am just passing through. Can you show me which direction is the Two Rivers?” Alessia asked.
“What an odd thing to ask dear. No one usually goes there except one Peddler. Follow that path and it will lead you there.” The woman pointed to a gravel dirt path.
“Thank you.” Alessia spoke as the woman nodded and pulled her son with her. Heading out of sight.
It had now been days since she had been on the road. Knowing that Moiraine was probably months ahead of her. ‘Maybe I should go to the White Tower instead?’ Alessia thought while looking around in the forest. She was still alone. Making the horse stop by a nearby river as she sighed. She dismounted the horse and led him to the water. Watching him drink as she leaned against a tree. Hearing her stomach growl as she fumbled into the bag. Pulling out a day old bread to eat. It was stale but she did not care. It calmed her stomach at the moment. Seeing her horse was tiring out now. She frowned and started to pet him. Feeling him perk back up as she was getting tired herself. Looking around as she was alone. ‘Maybe this would be a good spot to rest?’ She asked herself. Making a makeshift rope to tie her horse nearby but for him to be able to escape if needed. Grabbing her bag off the horse and laid down after pulling the saddle off. She sat down and leaned her head back. Her eyes drifted off as she fell asleep. Not knowing she was out for a while. Feeling the ground vibrate as her horse squealed. Alessia jumped up while weaving at the ready. The horse was already gone.
“Come back!” She shouted. The thumping was getting louder. She grabbed her bag and began to run. Not daring to look back. She placed the bag strap around her shoulder as she was running as fast as her legs could carry her. She tripped over a root. Hitting the floor rather hard as she felt her nose break. Crying out as turned around. A large creature over six feet tall stopped in front of her and roared. Feeling the saliva from it as she covered her face and screamed. Seeing it raise its axe as she acted on instinct. Waving her arm with weaves and flung the weave forward. Slicing the creature in half. Feeling the black blood splatter everywhere. She gagged at the smell before turning around and coughed. Feeling her throat burn as it came up. Feeling around for her waterskin as she found it. Taking a drink to rinse her mouth out before laying back down on the dirt ground. The high had fallen off as Alessia sat back up. Pulling out a broken piece of a mirror. Looking into it as she saw her reflection. Her nose was bloody and to the side. She grabbed the shard and stuck it into a tree. Looking in as she grabbed her nose with both hands and moved it. Hearing a crack from her bone as she screamed from the pain. She could feel the warm liquid again. She weaved again. Moving it to her nose. It did not heal. She frowned wondering if she couldn’t heal herself but others? Pulling out a rag and holding it up to her nose and sighed. Wanting to stop the bleeding as she leaned against a tree again. Hearing a river nearby. Pondering for a moment before she decided to stand up with her bag. Taking the mirror from the tree and wrapped it before placing it back into her bag. She was still covered in her own blood and the blood from the creature. She stripped her clothes off and slowly waded into the cold water. Moving her hands about to wipe off all the dirt and blood. She had never seen such a creature before.
Once she was done washing her body off, she stepped out of the water. She shivered before putting on clean clothes again. Washing the bloody clothes. She frowned as it was no use now. It was stained and it stunk. She walked over to a nearby tree and dug a hole. Burying the dirt clothes before standing back up. Putting the bag over her shoulder again. Hearing voices shouting and horses protesting. Alessia ran behind a tree and saw a few different figures making haste towards a wall. She looked at the direction they were going. Goosebumps had raised on her skin for some reason. Hearing more roaring from more creatures from behind her, Alessia felt her heart pound again as she made her way towards the hole in the wall of a darkened city. Hearing another roar as she looked behind her as the ground was vibrating again. Alessia gasped and ran forward. There were more creatures following her as she made her way towards the city. She stopped only to see the creatures all stop as well. She was confused by this and decided for the better of it. She went forward. Following the others inside. She stayed out of sight as she watched them take shelter. Alessia was curious but did not want to startle them. She slowly made her way across the area from them. She sighed in relief. Hearing a sword drawn and against her neck.
“Who are you and why are you following us?” A voice she knew spoke.
“Lan?” Alessia asked.
“Alessia? What are you doing here?” He asked.
“My town got attacked and I escaped. I’ve been on the road for several days. I got chased by those creatures and saw you guys.” Alessia spoke softly with a frown.
“You were chased as well?” Land asked as Alessia nodded her head quickly. “Come. There is a fire.” Lan spoke as Alessia nodded her head and followed him. She took a deep breath and stopped. She saw one woman her age and three men her age as well.
“Who are you?” The girl asked.
“I’m Alessia. I got chased.” She spoke and sat down by the fire. Seeing Moiraine asleep.
“I’m Egwene. This is Rand, Mat, and Perrin.” Egwene spoke as she introduced each of them. Hearing a soft gasp as Alessia turned her attention back to Moiraine.
“What happened to her?” She asked with a frown.
“Trolloc poison.” Lan answered.
“Those are trollocs?” Alessia asked as Lan nodded.
“You said they chased you as well?” Egwene asked as the guys stood up and left.
“Yes. Though, I do not know why.” She spoke. Seeing Egwene stand up and leave as well.
“What is this place?” Alessia asked.
“Shadar Logth. Also known as The Shadowed City.” Lan answered. Seeing Moiraine stir a little.
“Can’t you heal her?” Alessia asked.
“Only an Aes Sedai can heal this kind of wound.” Lan answered. Alessia began to channel as she moved closer. Seeing the sword against her neck again.
“What are you doing?” She demanded an answer.
“Do you want her healed or not?” Alessia asked, giving him a look. Lan then nodded.
“So, you can channel then?” He asked.
“Yes. Though, I have never healed this kind of wound before.” She spoke while pulling the fabric aside. She gasped and covered her mouth. It was infected and filled with pus. She weaved again. Moving her hand towards Moiraine. Letting the weave drain from her own energy towards Moiraine. Seeing the wound stitch itself back up. Hearing a gasp as Moiraine sat up. Alessia felt dizzy and was swaying a little.
“Alessia? What are you doing here?” Moiriane asked as their blue eyes met each other.
“Town. Attacked. Chased.” Alessia managed to say as she fell as darkness took over again.