11-05-2017, 05:38 PM
Jai could feel the charge of saidin on the air and for a heartbeat braced as though it were about to turn toward him. It didn't. The spike of instinct soon calmed itself. It was simple reunion with a son and his home, and he absorbed the current like a sweet spring wind. Nothing could ever be so truly terrible, he reminded himself, if saidin remained a companion.
As though suddenly remembering who he really was, he greeted the stone court as though the green woods of Tar Valon were years behind him.
Everything within sight was flawless stone: designed by masters and constructed by channelers. A powerful combination when it came to crafting a form pleasing on the eye. The walls were dark and the stone stained like slick, black ice. The floor puddled obsidian like fresh-spilled Myddraal blood. The corner of his mouth twinged upward. If only, right?
The private alcove in which his gate arrived expanded into a true courtyard complete with overhead sky and fresh air. A central meeting place for the numerous private hubs like the one Jai left behind. He paused before falling completely into sight to let a pair of Dedicated pass. They hadn't noticed someone watching them. Or had, but chose to ignore a fully uniformed Asha'man. Not likely, unless the Black Tower underwent drastic changes lately. They spoke of war and trampled grasslands, Almoth Plain, maybe? They walked on and Jai took a right turn once the way was clear. Other figures, some in black, some not, strode onward in both directions, but all seemed intent on arriving to whereever they intended to go. Some were talking with their companions, but most were content ignore one another. Finally an Asha'man caught Jai's eye as he went by. He pushed a bundle through the air ahead of him. It bulged with enough weight that it'd take two strong men to heft by hand. The man was slightly older, with veins of gray in his reddish beard. The fellow planted every step as though used to more uncertain terrain than the smooth flagstones underfoot. Jai didn't know him though. They exchanged short nods and each walked on. Thirty
It was quite the change in experience from the first time he strolled these halls. He'd been thirty percent younger and a hundred times more foolhardy back then. His shoulder twinged just then, unprovoked now. Maybe that last bit was an underestimation, he thought. He squeezed it absently, but the nursing accomplished little beyond making his fingers tingle. He made a note to track down someone to give it a look sometime. Probably shouldn't mention the knuckles when he did. It was a dirty thing to punch a guy in the face then run off to get your hand Healed.
Definitely a right idiot. But his name was clean and Nythadri should be reuniting with her brother's keepsake today. A nobleborn’s thief would see the Crown's justice and a ruined family might live out the rest of their lives with a higher standard than the squalor facing them. So at least some good came of the whole ordeal in Caemlyn. He wished there'd been a way to hear about Nythadri's reaction, but he couldn't risk the potential trace back to himself. There was still something going on in Tar Valon, but those were tracks for the next hunt. Still, it made him uneasy. Best think of something else. Jogging back to Tar Valon could wait. He had other business to see.
Definitely a bloody idiot. But better now than back when Mikel propositioned that wager in the first place. The shock when Jai flared the flame dancing between him and the hard-faced Asha'man administering the test was enough to coast the first few insane days here. It took two more weeks to reproduce the Power alone. The next couple years saw orders carried out without too much question, but not without enormous amounts of amusement. Unfortunately, it took a lot longer to figure out the Black Tower was serious about orders than it did to puzzle out how to channel. At that first fight on the Border, the Legion's order to fall back landed on defiant ears. Good mens' lives littered his feet for Jai’s defiant flight forward.
The lesson stuck. It took ten years before anger kicked his caring to the curb, and more bodies littered the ground behind him. In Arad Doman Jai carted their weight invisible on his back. But who didn't these days? He gnawed his wrists down to blisters writing out algorithms with blood tainted ink. He ruined more than one change of clothes not rising hour after hour to avoid a break in concentration. But any built up enmity rotted away under the ecstasy that was his job. Reducing the best of Imperial security into puzzles he'd picked apart since childhood was almost as addicting a powertrip as the massive Source itself. A terrible thrill to love, just as a saidin was a beautiful thing to need. One eleven.
His turn down the right took him away from the courtyards and into a newer area of the Black Tower where he knew to find command and there turn himself over to well-deserved justice. As much as any area of this place could be called old, that is. Well-deserved, definitely earned, should probably pay attention to this sort of justice. Had a Dedicated been so errant with his responsibility, Jai would be the first to make sure he straightened out his priorities. Enough to remind him there were things in the Black Tower to dread. No matter how valuable the successes or how proud the commander, they didn't save a man who dropped duty like a bad ale whenever he wanted. The Black Tower was in the right to remind such a man what his life meant and where he belonged. Jai's report may be a friend, a powerful one in his own right. But ruling a country did not make one man equal to M'Hael, even if Daryen had the pull to reduce the charges. He didn't. Which was fine. Thanks to Fate, Jai's sabbatical didn't last long, but Daryen was obligated to turn in report of a missing subordinate either way. It was a fine line between dereliction of duty and flat out traitor after all. If Fate knew how much she'd saved him by orchestrating him back to Arad Doman, she'd probably sit there sipping her light-forsaken, bloody carve out a piece of your soul, spicy, flaming, flimsy thing of a drink and smirk high and mighty as the sun itself. Maybe he should send a big box of ribbons so she can bow tie up anyone she wants..? She was not the usual Brown. That was for certain.
A surge of Saidin drew his attention sideways a short distance later. One forty two. His steady steps forward paused. He craned his neck back, following the trail of Power upward. This section of the Black Tower was expanding in height, rather than width apparently. It seemed nobody could have calculated the rate of men who might come to fill the grounds in the fullness of time. Well, none that would listen to a cocky Soldier attempting to tell his seniors their forecasted curves for recruitment rates were all wrong. He smirked at that memory, and could still feel the sheet-stuffed folio tucked under his arm he'd carried off after it slammed back into his face. And the invisible backhand that sent it there. That day hadn't been the first taste of blood on his lips, but definitely one of the funniest.
The surge came from a small group of Soldiers putting their practice to good use. Two looked almost young enough to fill Haitham's toddler shoes. Maybe not that young, but close enough. Light, he was feeling older every year. While the others seemed like transplants from whatever part of the world they came from. Likely old enough to be the others' fathers. A scraggly haired fellow who looked more farmer than warrior fumbled with the single weave he was directing at a block of stone, attempting to lift it, Jai thought. Another was heating the block with Fire and Earth, though no lacquer slicked its surface yet. The final two looked soaked through their black uniforms enough to seem as though they were taking a break from their turn at the same task. Or after failing their turn. A wall of similar blocks two floors high were melted into one seamless structure so far. Reinforcement cores criss-crossed the structure, turning what would be a stacked wall of stone into one intimidating slab. Evidence perhaps of how long they'd been working this morning? He could feel another group nearby. Maybe someone finally took the hint to coordinate smarter construction projects.
He nodded in approval. It'd be nice if the place stopped looking so piecemeal and began to feel like an actual structure. The twists and turns were impressive passages but mind-numbingly disorganized. What was more surprising than leadership's newfound interest in architectural efforts was the presence of a fully raised Asha'man directing Soldiers through routine construction channeling. Indeed, there were more men of the pin than ever before, but each and every one was too prized a specimen to devote one to basic teaching any Dedicated was qualified to lead. The guy looked to be about his age; a deceptive assumption among channelers. He was tall for a midlander, but if he stood straight from the cane his weight supported, he'd come up short against any Borderlander. His long hair was secured neatly behind his neck, and even burdened by the cane, he somehow managed to maintain a strict posture. Jai went over to them, not particularly concerned about interrupting.
The two Soldiers taking their turn off saluted him as he approached. The other two were oblivious in their channeling. An understandable necessity at so early a stage. And their Asha'man leader turned at Jai's greeting. Jai cut in before the man finished his curse.
"How you doing, Dex? I see you finally got that cane you always wanted."
Dex lifted a brow, shifted his weight to his good leg and hefted the sturdy cane with some impressive stave-like showmanship. "It comes in handy. And I always thought they were rather dapper looking. I think a hefty mustache would pair well."
Jai leaned away with a grin as the aid turned weapon whirred by his face. "Goes with everything."
"Like Black?"
He replied with mock tension.
"Absolutely!"
Jai spread his arms to demonstrate the fine combination of weapon and uniform then splayed his thumb and forefinger across his upper lip as though smoothing out an invisible, but no less impressive mustache.
The two observing Soldiers exchanged looks. Dexter barked a pity-laugh for the dramatic display then the two ended up in a quick hug. One-armed since one of Dex's was tied up leaning on the cane now firmly back on the ground at his side. And one of Jai's was, well, he didn't put too much effort into raising it at the moment. When they stepped back, both men were rather astonished to actually see the other one still alive.
"So where you been, man? I heard you were dead. If so you're looking great."
Jai gestured for the meticulous upkeep in appearance. Dex nodded in self-assured agreement, "Except maybe for that. What happened there?"
Jai nodded toward the cane.
"Saldaea. Had a bit of an accident in the Mountains."
"And nobody around to Heal you?"
"Oh, sure there was. Back at base camp on the other side of the Border. This is after he was done with me."
Jai raised his brows, looking Dex up and down a bit more. "You should have seen the rest of the guys."
Jai expressed his understanding. Morose. But understanding. By mountains then, he meant the Mountains of Dhoom if he had to cross the Blightborder to get a Healing. Blood and ashes, his leg must have been nearly ripped off his body if he was still walking it off. Which meant he was sent back to recover. And likely report whatever his group was there to do. Which explained the teaching. And the glares for his friend from ducking Soldiers as they passed by. Well, Dex did tend to dance on the impatient side. Who knew what a few rounds in the Blight did for someone of such sunny disposition.
"Looks like you've found something to fill the time?"
Noting the watching students. The other two ceased their channeling by then since their leader was occupied, taking advantage of the moment to catch their breath. All four of them looked like they knew far too much of what was going on. Probably about to beg like pups up at their master for a break by the looks of their mounting courage. Not that he blamed them, their foreheads glistened like a barebacked Domani at noon. Still. Soldiery was a hellstorm they all had to ride out. "Spirits up boys! It only gets worse from here."
Jai's laugh was more roguishness than devilry. They passed worried looks between themselves and Jai turned back triumphant. Now they were looking appropriately appalled.
Dex ignored his antics and grumbled something about being bored. Jai understood all too well. It took him a good six months to get back to working shape after the Myddraal's slice and dice of his intestines. Much to the boys' relief, Dex waved them toward breakfast and the two of them continued their conversation alone. Heading in the direction Jai was originally taking. Which by Dexter's fatigued hobble meant at an old man's pace. At least the guy had a leg to Heal. Jai had yet to hear a tale of someone able to regrow limbs. Plausible tale, anyway. The counting in his head resumed, albeit a few clicks slower than before.
"So they've moved on from scout parties and sending actual raids into the Blight now?"
Dex stumbled a step, seemed he did better standing still than walking, but the determination to move around a bit forced the grimace from his face. "Something in between,"
he explained, "we've been going with hunting parties trying to find passes across the Mountains of Dhoom over to the Blasted Lands."
That explained the gravity of his injuries. But Dex's flash of frustration answered his next question. They hadn't found much yet.
"What about you? Last I remember you were throwing a fit over a southern assignment, Tear was it?"
"Illian, actually"
Jai corrected. One sixty one. Sneaking into the Blasted Lands, bloody Dex and his awesome assignment. "Which, my good man, is infinitely worse. At least the Dragon Banner flies above the Stone of Tear. Aiel walk around like they own the palace. It would have been a few shades better than Illian. Illian, just, sucked.”
“Then the Border for a while."
Jai didn't elaborate. And Dex didn't ask. "Then back to Illian. The last few years in Bandar Eban."
Dex's expression morphed into curiosity. "Bandar Eban?"
He asked thoughtfully, as though puzzling out what Jai could be doing there. One of their own ruled the country, even the most baby faced of Soldiers knew that. Daryen was a legend among Asha'man. The only other channeler who ruled was the Dragon himself. Dex fell quiet. One seventy six.
Jai kept with the pace Dex set with hands clasped behind his back and looking around at the newer construction they passed. Breezeways overlooking grounds. The outer wall was higher than before. Somewhere out there Saidin rumbled like a storm barely out of earshot. "Anything new around here I should know about?"
"Have you heard about Lennox Orander?"
Jai shook his head. The last name would strike a deaf man's bell, but the first was foreign as a demure Domani.
"That'd be Councilman Orander's brother."
Dex elaborated.
Jai considered that statement. He didnt know the guy had a brother. Though he didn't exactly keep tabs on the Councilmen either. "What about him?"
"He waltzed in one day and could channel. Interesting thing is nobody knows who trained him. And M'Hael promoted him to Asha'man on the spot."
That was not awe and wonder in Dex's voice. Respect, maybe. But something else overshadowed it. Galled? Antagonized, maybe. Every man knew here knew what it was like to suffer through Soldiery. And Dedicated wasn't exactly a feastday either. The pins just didn't quite carry the same significance among their kind without surviving that hellstorm. Except to one Orander, apparently.
"Really. Without training? Suppose it helps to have family in high places. He any good?"
Dex's knuckles tightened on the cane, "Blow you or I out of the water, that's for sure. Here's the interesting thing. The Councilman didn't teach him. Because they hate each other. It took the M'Hael forbidding them to see one another for likelihood they'd try to kill one another on sight."
One ninty. One ninty one. Forbidden from seeing your brother? Lucky bastard. Jai lit with amusement remembering the few times he was stuck in Asha'man Kent's troop back in the day. That guy was not exactly a basket of kittens. "Huh. Talk about family drama."
His own brother's face floated by for a second. It'd never occurred to him to see if Zakar or Andreu could channel. Definitely a bad idea, that. "So what's he like?"
"Lennox? Keeps to himself. Pretty quiet. The lads have learned to steer clear of him."
Dex sounded sympathetic. The guy must be pretty rough then, he thought idly, distracted by another group of training Soldiers. One had fallen to his knees in exhaustion staring up at the attempt to hold the flows he'd constructed. Dex didn't seem to notice the group. "The only thing he's teaching them is how to take a pummeling with the sword. He doesn't even accept spars unless it’s with a fully trained man, and he beats them every time. They say he was warder trained before this. Like Kent."
A fully trained swordsman, eh? Hand falling gently to his hilt, Jai mused over the possibilities. Might be fun to give it a go against a Blademaster, if the guy was one. Assuming, of course, Jai still maintained use of his arms and legs after today. Amputees can still channel, after all. Though they are a burden for the offensive line to cart around. Such punishments were rare enough Jai wasn't too concerned about hemming his clothes any time soon. Though ending the day limbless would be an unfortunate turn of events.
Dex read Jai's thoughtful expression well. "I'd steer clear of him if I were you. At least get a look at the guys he leaves behind in the dirt before you get any insane ideas in your head."
Jai broke into a mirthful grin, Two ten. and clapped Dex on the shoulder. "It's far too late for all that, brother. Insanity runs in my family."
Dex hefted his cane and laughed it off.
The two Asha'man took the corridor at the twentieth pillar they passed. "Just let me know ahead of time to round up some guys interested in losing some coin."
"I'm touched. You'd bet on me?"
"Absolutely Jai. I'm sure you could last at least a minute,"
Dex encouraged. Such confidence. "What brings you here, anyway?"
Resigned to his fate, Jai sighed and explained. "Summoned. Or as good as. Dereliction of duty. Figured it would be easier to just show up than wait for a couple guys to pound down the door."
Two thirty nine. Dex out right stopped his hobbling. He looked shocked. Maybe a little sick.
He affirmed Dex's thoughts with a nod and resumed walking. They both had a good idea what that meant. Dereliction of duty was only a step below traitorous conduct. And that never ended well. Except for the birds.
Jai shrugged. He'd been heading toward the M'Hael's wing.
As though suddenly remembering who he really was, he greeted the stone court as though the green woods of Tar Valon were years behind him.
Everything within sight was flawless stone: designed by masters and constructed by channelers. A powerful combination when it came to crafting a form pleasing on the eye. The walls were dark and the stone stained like slick, black ice. The floor puddled obsidian like fresh-spilled Myddraal blood. The corner of his mouth twinged upward. If only, right?
The private alcove in which his gate arrived expanded into a true courtyard complete with overhead sky and fresh air. A central meeting place for the numerous private hubs like the one Jai left behind. He paused before falling completely into sight to let a pair of Dedicated pass. They hadn't noticed someone watching them. Or had, but chose to ignore a fully uniformed Asha'man. Not likely, unless the Black Tower underwent drastic changes lately. They spoke of war and trampled grasslands, Almoth Plain, maybe? They walked on and Jai took a right turn once the way was clear. Other figures, some in black, some not, strode onward in both directions, but all seemed intent on arriving to whereever they intended to go. Some were talking with their companions, but most were content ignore one another. Finally an Asha'man caught Jai's eye as he went by. He pushed a bundle through the air ahead of him. It bulged with enough weight that it'd take two strong men to heft by hand. The man was slightly older, with veins of gray in his reddish beard. The fellow planted every step as though used to more uncertain terrain than the smooth flagstones underfoot. Jai didn't know him though. They exchanged short nods and each walked on. Thirty
It was quite the change in experience from the first time he strolled these halls. He'd been thirty percent younger and a hundred times more foolhardy back then. His shoulder twinged just then, unprovoked now. Maybe that last bit was an underestimation, he thought. He squeezed it absently, but the nursing accomplished little beyond making his fingers tingle. He made a note to track down someone to give it a look sometime. Probably shouldn't mention the knuckles when he did. It was a dirty thing to punch a guy in the face then run off to get your hand Healed.
Definitely a right idiot. But his name was clean and Nythadri should be reuniting with her brother's keepsake today. A nobleborn’s thief would see the Crown's justice and a ruined family might live out the rest of their lives with a higher standard than the squalor facing them. So at least some good came of the whole ordeal in Caemlyn. He wished there'd been a way to hear about Nythadri's reaction, but he couldn't risk the potential trace back to himself. There was still something going on in Tar Valon, but those were tracks for the next hunt. Still, it made him uneasy. Best think of something else. Jogging back to Tar Valon could wait. He had other business to see.
Definitely a bloody idiot. But better now than back when Mikel propositioned that wager in the first place. The shock when Jai flared the flame dancing between him and the hard-faced Asha'man administering the test was enough to coast the first few insane days here. It took two more weeks to reproduce the Power alone. The next couple years saw orders carried out without too much question, but not without enormous amounts of amusement. Unfortunately, it took a lot longer to figure out the Black Tower was serious about orders than it did to puzzle out how to channel. At that first fight on the Border, the Legion's order to fall back landed on defiant ears. Good mens' lives littered his feet for Jai’s defiant flight forward.
The lesson stuck. It took ten years before anger kicked his caring to the curb, and more bodies littered the ground behind him. In Arad Doman Jai carted their weight invisible on his back. But who didn't these days? He gnawed his wrists down to blisters writing out algorithms with blood tainted ink. He ruined more than one change of clothes not rising hour after hour to avoid a break in concentration. But any built up enmity rotted away under the ecstasy that was his job. Reducing the best of Imperial security into puzzles he'd picked apart since childhood was almost as addicting a powertrip as the massive Source itself. A terrible thrill to love, just as a saidin was a beautiful thing to need. One eleven.
His turn down the right took him away from the courtyards and into a newer area of the Black Tower where he knew to find command and there turn himself over to well-deserved justice. As much as any area of this place could be called old, that is. Well-deserved, definitely earned, should probably pay attention to this sort of justice. Had a Dedicated been so errant with his responsibility, Jai would be the first to make sure he straightened out his priorities. Enough to remind him there were things in the Black Tower to dread. No matter how valuable the successes or how proud the commander, they didn't save a man who dropped duty like a bad ale whenever he wanted. The Black Tower was in the right to remind such a man what his life meant and where he belonged. Jai's report may be a friend, a powerful one in his own right. But ruling a country did not make one man equal to M'Hael, even if Daryen had the pull to reduce the charges. He didn't. Which was fine. Thanks to Fate, Jai's sabbatical didn't last long, but Daryen was obligated to turn in report of a missing subordinate either way. It was a fine line between dereliction of duty and flat out traitor after all. If Fate knew how much she'd saved him by orchestrating him back to Arad Doman, she'd probably sit there sipping her light-forsaken, bloody carve out a piece of your soul, spicy, flaming, flimsy thing of a drink and smirk high and mighty as the sun itself. Maybe he should send a big box of ribbons so she can bow tie up anyone she wants..? She was not the usual Brown. That was for certain.
A surge of Saidin drew his attention sideways a short distance later. One forty two. His steady steps forward paused. He craned his neck back, following the trail of Power upward. This section of the Black Tower was expanding in height, rather than width apparently. It seemed nobody could have calculated the rate of men who might come to fill the grounds in the fullness of time. Well, none that would listen to a cocky Soldier attempting to tell his seniors their forecasted curves for recruitment rates were all wrong. He smirked at that memory, and could still feel the sheet-stuffed folio tucked under his arm he'd carried off after it slammed back into his face. And the invisible backhand that sent it there. That day hadn't been the first taste of blood on his lips, but definitely one of the funniest.
The surge came from a small group of Soldiers putting their practice to good use. Two looked almost young enough to fill Haitham's toddler shoes. Maybe not that young, but close enough. Light, he was feeling older every year. While the others seemed like transplants from whatever part of the world they came from. Likely old enough to be the others' fathers. A scraggly haired fellow who looked more farmer than warrior fumbled with the single weave he was directing at a block of stone, attempting to lift it, Jai thought. Another was heating the block with Fire and Earth, though no lacquer slicked its surface yet. The final two looked soaked through their black uniforms enough to seem as though they were taking a break from their turn at the same task. Or after failing their turn. A wall of similar blocks two floors high were melted into one seamless structure so far. Reinforcement cores criss-crossed the structure, turning what would be a stacked wall of stone into one intimidating slab. Evidence perhaps of how long they'd been working this morning? He could feel another group nearby. Maybe someone finally took the hint to coordinate smarter construction projects.
He nodded in approval. It'd be nice if the place stopped looking so piecemeal and began to feel like an actual structure. The twists and turns were impressive passages but mind-numbingly disorganized. What was more surprising than leadership's newfound interest in architectural efforts was the presence of a fully raised Asha'man directing Soldiers through routine construction channeling. Indeed, there were more men of the pin than ever before, but each and every one was too prized a specimen to devote one to basic teaching any Dedicated was qualified to lead. The guy looked to be about his age; a deceptive assumption among channelers. He was tall for a midlander, but if he stood straight from the cane his weight supported, he'd come up short against any Borderlander. His long hair was secured neatly behind his neck, and even burdened by the cane, he somehow managed to maintain a strict posture. Jai went over to them, not particularly concerned about interrupting.
The two Soldiers taking their turn off saluted him as he approached. The other two were oblivious in their channeling. An understandable necessity at so early a stage. And their Asha'man leader turned at Jai's greeting. Jai cut in before the man finished his curse.
"How you doing, Dex? I see you finally got that cane you always wanted."
Dex lifted a brow, shifted his weight to his good leg and hefted the sturdy cane with some impressive stave-like showmanship. "It comes in handy. And I always thought they were rather dapper looking. I think a hefty mustache would pair well."
Jai leaned away with a grin as the aid turned weapon whirred by his face. "Goes with everything."
"Like Black?"
He replied with mock tension.
"Absolutely!"
Jai spread his arms to demonstrate the fine combination of weapon and uniform then splayed his thumb and forefinger across his upper lip as though smoothing out an invisible, but no less impressive mustache.
The two observing Soldiers exchanged looks. Dexter barked a pity-laugh for the dramatic display then the two ended up in a quick hug. One-armed since one of Dex's was tied up leaning on the cane now firmly back on the ground at his side. And one of Jai's was, well, he didn't put too much effort into raising it at the moment. When they stepped back, both men were rather astonished to actually see the other one still alive.
"So where you been, man? I heard you were dead. If so you're looking great."
Jai gestured for the meticulous upkeep in appearance. Dex nodded in self-assured agreement, "Except maybe for that. What happened there?"
Jai nodded toward the cane.
"Saldaea. Had a bit of an accident in the Mountains."
"And nobody around to Heal you?"
"Oh, sure there was. Back at base camp on the other side of the Border. This is after he was done with me."
Jai raised his brows, looking Dex up and down a bit more. "You should have seen the rest of the guys."
Jai expressed his understanding. Morose. But understanding. By mountains then, he meant the Mountains of Dhoom if he had to cross the Blightborder to get a Healing. Blood and ashes, his leg must have been nearly ripped off his body if he was still walking it off. Which meant he was sent back to recover. And likely report whatever his group was there to do. Which explained the teaching. And the glares for his friend from ducking Soldiers as they passed by. Well, Dex did tend to dance on the impatient side. Who knew what a few rounds in the Blight did for someone of such sunny disposition.
"Looks like you've found something to fill the time?"
Noting the watching students. The other two ceased their channeling by then since their leader was occupied, taking advantage of the moment to catch their breath. All four of them looked like they knew far too much of what was going on. Probably about to beg like pups up at their master for a break by the looks of their mounting courage. Not that he blamed them, their foreheads glistened like a barebacked Domani at noon. Still. Soldiery was a hellstorm they all had to ride out. "Spirits up boys! It only gets worse from here."
Jai's laugh was more roguishness than devilry. They passed worried looks between themselves and Jai turned back triumphant. Now they were looking appropriately appalled.
Dex ignored his antics and grumbled something about being bored. Jai understood all too well. It took him a good six months to get back to working shape after the Myddraal's slice and dice of his intestines. Much to the boys' relief, Dex waved them toward breakfast and the two of them continued their conversation alone. Heading in the direction Jai was originally taking. Which by Dexter's fatigued hobble meant at an old man's pace. At least the guy had a leg to Heal. Jai had yet to hear a tale of someone able to regrow limbs. Plausible tale, anyway. The counting in his head resumed, albeit a few clicks slower than before.
"So they've moved on from scout parties and sending actual raids into the Blight now?"
Dex stumbled a step, seemed he did better standing still than walking, but the determination to move around a bit forced the grimace from his face. "Something in between,"
he explained, "we've been going with hunting parties trying to find passes across the Mountains of Dhoom over to the Blasted Lands."
That explained the gravity of his injuries. But Dex's flash of frustration answered his next question. They hadn't found much yet.
"What about you? Last I remember you were throwing a fit over a southern assignment, Tear was it?"
"Illian, actually"
Jai corrected. One sixty one. Sneaking into the Blasted Lands, bloody Dex and his awesome assignment. "Which, my good man, is infinitely worse. At least the Dragon Banner flies above the Stone of Tear. Aiel walk around like they own the palace. It would have been a few shades better than Illian. Illian, just, sucked.”
“Then the Border for a while."
Jai didn't elaborate. And Dex didn't ask. "Then back to Illian. The last few years in Bandar Eban."
Dex's expression morphed into curiosity. "Bandar Eban?"
He asked thoughtfully, as though puzzling out what Jai could be doing there. One of their own ruled the country, even the most baby faced of Soldiers knew that. Daryen was a legend among Asha'man. The only other channeler who ruled was the Dragon himself. Dex fell quiet. One seventy six.
Jai kept with the pace Dex set with hands clasped behind his back and looking around at the newer construction they passed. Breezeways overlooking grounds. The outer wall was higher than before. Somewhere out there Saidin rumbled like a storm barely out of earshot. "Anything new around here I should know about?"
"Have you heard about Lennox Orander?"
Jai shook his head. The last name would strike a deaf man's bell, but the first was foreign as a demure Domani.
"That'd be Councilman Orander's brother."
Dex elaborated.
Jai considered that statement. He didnt know the guy had a brother. Though he didn't exactly keep tabs on the Councilmen either. "What about him?"
"He waltzed in one day and could channel. Interesting thing is nobody knows who trained him. And M'Hael promoted him to Asha'man on the spot."
That was not awe and wonder in Dex's voice. Respect, maybe. But something else overshadowed it. Galled? Antagonized, maybe. Every man knew here knew what it was like to suffer through Soldiery. And Dedicated wasn't exactly a feastday either. The pins just didn't quite carry the same significance among their kind without surviving that hellstorm. Except to one Orander, apparently.
"Really. Without training? Suppose it helps to have family in high places. He any good?"
Dex's knuckles tightened on the cane, "Blow you or I out of the water, that's for sure. Here's the interesting thing. The Councilman didn't teach him. Because they hate each other. It took the M'Hael forbidding them to see one another for likelihood they'd try to kill one another on sight."
One ninty. One ninty one. Forbidden from seeing your brother? Lucky bastard. Jai lit with amusement remembering the few times he was stuck in Asha'man Kent's troop back in the day. That guy was not exactly a basket of kittens. "Huh. Talk about family drama."
His own brother's face floated by for a second. It'd never occurred to him to see if Zakar or Andreu could channel. Definitely a bad idea, that. "So what's he like?"
"Lennox? Keeps to himself. Pretty quiet. The lads have learned to steer clear of him."
Dex sounded sympathetic. The guy must be pretty rough then, he thought idly, distracted by another group of training Soldiers. One had fallen to his knees in exhaustion staring up at the attempt to hold the flows he'd constructed. Dex didn't seem to notice the group. "The only thing he's teaching them is how to take a pummeling with the sword. He doesn't even accept spars unless it’s with a fully trained man, and he beats them every time. They say he was warder trained before this. Like Kent."
A fully trained swordsman, eh? Hand falling gently to his hilt, Jai mused over the possibilities. Might be fun to give it a go against a Blademaster, if the guy was one. Assuming, of course, Jai still maintained use of his arms and legs after today. Amputees can still channel, after all. Though they are a burden for the offensive line to cart around. Such punishments were rare enough Jai wasn't too concerned about hemming his clothes any time soon. Though ending the day limbless would be an unfortunate turn of events.
Dex read Jai's thoughtful expression well. "I'd steer clear of him if I were you. At least get a look at the guys he leaves behind in the dirt before you get any insane ideas in your head."
Jai broke into a mirthful grin, Two ten. and clapped Dex on the shoulder. "It's far too late for all that, brother. Insanity runs in my family."
Dex hefted his cane and laughed it off.
The two Asha'man took the corridor at the twentieth pillar they passed. "Just let me know ahead of time to round up some guys interested in losing some coin."
"I'm touched. You'd bet on me?"
"Absolutely Jai. I'm sure you could last at least a minute,"
Dex encouraged. Such confidence. "What brings you here, anyway?"
Resigned to his fate, Jai sighed and explained. "Summoned. Or as good as. Dereliction of duty. Figured it would be easier to just show up than wait for a couple guys to pound down the door."
Two thirty nine. Dex out right stopped his hobbling. He looked shocked. Maybe a little sick.
He affirmed Dex's thoughts with a nod and resumed walking. They both had a good idea what that meant. Dereliction of duty was only a step below traitorous conduct. And that never ended well. Except for the birds.
Jai shrugged. He'd been heading toward the M'Hael's wing.
Only darkness shows you the light.