From the Almoth Plain

Almoth Region, town of Cassidia..... 

 Cassidia was a small, riverside town that hardly ever saw trouble. Truth be told, the other thing its citizens seemed to worry about was who was courting who.  A big town by absolutely no means, Cassidia had just enough commerce to sustain itself and it seemed happy with that.    

The Gloater's Inn, named for an oldtale that has faded into the history books, is the biggest buildingin town.  Next to it sits the General Store where Petre, his youngwife Daniella, and their odd assortment of children reside. 

 One ofthose children, related to neither parent by birth was Tal'Aren. Also known as Ren, he was a tall, handsome boy and was ten days into being seventeen. His eyes were as blue as the clear sky, his shoulders broad and his hair black and as fine as silk.  Many atown's maid, young and old, had eyes for young Tal'Aren.   However,he seemed oblivious to their efforts. He spent his days helping his step father with the store,or the Innkeeper with his errands.  The quiet boy would spend his time off teaching his younger stepbrother the finer art of horseback riding or walking with his stepsister by the riverside.

Kaitlyn Damarsk made her way easily over the river stones, toward the baker's house across the creek from the inn, looking toward her stepbrother.  She really couldn't be more different from Tal'Aren, her hair a deep brown and her eyes nearly black.  "I had a dream, last night."

"A dream?" Ren replied, turning his face a little bit away as to not show Kaitlyn his smile. "What kind of dream?"

Kaitlyn nodded, bending over to lift a small stone and skipping it across the stream.  "A beautiful woman and monsters took you away from this town.  I think I went as well, but we didn't get to go together... it was very strange."

Ren let out a chuckle. "A beautiful woman and monsters? That doesn't sound quite right.  Maybe the woman took me to the monsters or away from them?" He kneeled downed to pick up a stone and skipped it across the stream, landing it on the opposite shore.  "Did you want to come with us? Me and the monsters? Wouldn't that be dangerous for a girl like you?" he asked with a small grin, obviously picking on her a little.

"I think maybe the woman took you away because of the monsters, or something similar... the monsters and the woman together were the reasons you left, and you wouldn't have left without them both.  As for me..."  She grinned at him.  "You'd be lost fifteen feet outside the village without me."

"What? Oh really? Weren't you the one who was trying to break in that new mare, and had to have me come and rescue you because you couldn't find you way over the river again?" Ren says, laughter in his voice.

"No... that was Colby."  Kaitlyn smirked.  "Dressed as me.  There's the baker's place... do you need me to go in and help you collect the order?"

"You better. I don't know if I'ld be able to make my way to the counter without your aide.  In fact, I feel so weak. . Help me walk." He leans down, draping his tall frame over the girl's shoulders, knowing full well he's being silly.

Kaitlyn laughed softly, shrugging off his arm and rushing to the door of the baker's shop.  "Better hurry!"

It took Ren a moment to recover."H-Hey! Wait!" He chased after her,not able to contain his laughter. His long stride enables him to catch up to her quickly, catching her by one of her small wrists. With a slight tug he pulls her to him, and is suddenly face to face with her.  Alarmingly close.  His witty retort never made it to his lips as he stared into her eyes a moment before releasing her and stepping back. 

Kaitlyn stepped back as well, a little flustered, then turned to open the door to the shop.  "It was a long list that the innkeeper wanted, wasn't it?"

"Y-yeah.." Ren replied, snapping out of his daze. "Illian breads, crossiants, cinnamon buns, fluffy pastries.." He read from a list he pulled out of his vest pocket. "And a cake. A wedding cake. I think this is for the miller's daughter's wedding.  Must be having it at the Inn.  Isn't she marrying the blacksmith from Tamoth?"

"I believe so.  Probably going to be a large wedding; the peddlers say they're able to sell the blacksmith's wares from Tear to Caemlyn."

The baker, Jon al'Weris, was a large man - huge, actually, and not powerfully muscled.  It was said he ate more than he sold of the sweets he baked, and he certainly looked as though that were true.  Bald, normally jolly, yet today he gazed at both youths suspiciously.  "What do you need?"

Ren read off the list the innkeeper had given him, wondering to himself why Jon was looking at him suspiciously.

Jon shook his head.  "I can fill the breads and most of the pastries, but the cake'll take a few days.  Have to get ingredients, and a cake like that, I'll need to send someone to Falme for proper sugar.  Can't make a wedding cake without proper sugar."

"That's all right.  Looks like he doesn't need the cake til a week from yesterday." Ren pulled out a purse of gold that the innkeeper had given him. "Wanted me to pay for it in advance though." He paused for a moment. "Hey Jon.  You all right?"

Jon took the purse, pulling it open.  "I'm all right."  He then looked to Ren, speaking softly.  "You're a good lad.  No matter what happens... don't think I think anything different of you."

Ren is obviously taken aback. "Ah. . Yeah. What is that supposed to mean, Jon? Someone been telling tales about me?"

"Something like that... no need to worry about it, though.  It'll be dealt with soon."  Jon shook his head.  "Real soon."

Tal'Aren was getting more and more disturbed by what Jon was saying. "W-What do you mean, dealt with soon?" He glanced nervously at Kaitlyn, remembering her dream, and than looked back at Jon. "You can't just not tell me, that isn't fair!"

Kaitlyn tugged at Ren's sleeve lightly, looking worried about both Ren and Jon.  "No need to start a fight... if Master al'Weris says it'll be dealt with soon..."

"But. ."Ren cooled for a second, but than the fire within him sparked again. "I'm not mad at Jon, Don't worry Katy! I just wanna know. What's being dealt with soon? Whose been spreading stories? What are they saying?"

Jon shook his head.  "Village Council business, lad.  You'll know when the Council's done investigating."

"Village council. . ." Ren says softly, as if not hearing correctly. " I. . .I'm sorry to of gotten worked up Jon." He makes himself grin. "I'll be back in a few days to pick up that cake, all right?"  And with a wave he heads to the door of the bakery.

Once outside, Kaitlyn spoke quietly.  "I don't trust it any more than you do... I think we should poke around, and find out more."

Ren broke out in a relieved grin at Kaitlyn's words, tenderness showing in his eyes. He takes her hands in his and kisses them excitedly. "You can talk to the village ladies. They are privvy to all the gossip. I'll see what I can get from the other members of the council."

Kaitlyn blushed at the kisses.  "Meet you at home at sundown?"

"Yes. See you than. " Before the pair splits, he glances back over at her and winks. "Keep an eye out for monsters and beautiful women. " 

Tal'Aren went immediately back to the Innkeeper.  The stodgy old man had been a member of the Village Council since Ren was just a boy,and still had a soft spot for little Ren.

"Sho'Nan! I'm back!" He called out as he entered the inn. Sho'Nan wasn't the inn keepers name, it was Shotaro Naneese.  But ever since Ren had been a small boy, he always called the man Sho'Nan.  Especially when he wanted a favor or a broken lamp overlooked.

The door to the inn banged open, and the innkeeper - too slender for an innkeeper, most said, and indeed the man was stick-thin - stuck his head out.  "How long on the cake, lad?  Tana's baked lemon squares; you can have a couple before you go."

"A few days, Jon said he had ta send someone to fetch him some sugar.  Make the cake special." Ren walked over to the counter, and took a lemon square off the proffered plate. After taking a bite and enjoying the tartness, he looks over at Sho'Nan with earnest eyes.

"Something Jon was saying bothered me.  Something about the Village Council investigating me.  Have I done somethin, Sho'Nan?" Tal'Aren pleaded, really hoping he would get some answers.  He had done nothing wrong, but couldn't help but be suspicious.

Shotaro blinked at Ren's words.  "Nothing I know of, lad, and I'm on the Council.  You're well-regarded so far as I know... I'll ask the others, see if there is anything I've not been told."

Ren looked visibly surprised. "But. . Jon at the bakery said. ." And he went to to fill Shotaro in on what the baker had told him.

"So there's something going on, Jon wouldn't lie to me." Tal'Aren insisted as he took another bite of lemon bar.

"True, lad... Jon's got his faults... maybe more faults than stomach.  But lying isn't one of them.  Neither's fear... I remember when he was younger and half the man he is now, he stood up to a bunch of bandits cast off from some false Dragon's army as well as any of the village's men did.  Got his stiff shoulder in that one."

Ren nodded.  "Well. . .will you at least let me know if word gets 'round to you? I'ld greatly appreciate it." He smiled, as he pocketed another lemon bar.  Paused for a moment, and than took a second for when he met Kaitlyn later.

But now, Ren didn't know where to head.  He had been so sure Sho'Nan would of known what was going on.  It worried him that Sho'Nan was as clueless as he was. Jon had said it wasn't anything to worry about, but. . when someone is investigating you and you don't know why. . . It's only natural to try to find out why. 

Unfortunetly, Now it seemed like Tal'Aren's only hope lied in Kaitlyn.  So he headed to the meeting place and waited for, munching on one lemon bar and keeping the second as a gift.

The noblewoman moved across the Almoth Plain, toward the small village of Cassidia.  As she rode, she turned to glance at her companion.  "Our current journey may end here... and the harder begin."
 
"You worry too much, little sister." Stroking the mane of her blood-dark stallion with one gloved hand, the noblewoman's guardian flashed a brilliant smile at the sky. "It's far too lovely a day to spoil with ruminations on future disaster and discomfort."
 
The noblewoman nodded, then, surprisingly, spurred her horse sharply, sending it racing toward the town.
  
The low, ringing alto of her companion's laugh pursued her as hooves pounded after her, and she didn't need to turn her head to know what she would see - dark, worn skin flushed with the excitement of the chase, wild dark hair flaring in the wind, her protector's powerful frame flattened against the blood-red skin of the stallion's neck as the two of them ate away the ground beneath them like a soaring hawk.
   
On arriving at the first of the town's buildings, the noblewoman slowed her horse to a trot, turning to her companion and grinning.  "I do so love to run."
  
"You would have made a good Kandori, little sister. If you'd had me to teach you the boy, you'd have made a scout to be proud of." Soothing her mount with a touch of her palm, the taller woman reached out and laid a leather-gauntleted hand on the noblewoman's slim shoulder with gentle familiarity. "What a loss it was when the Power called you to chasing over the earth."
  
The noblewoman smiled to her companion.  "Imagine the world if I were not holding it together."  She glanced about.  "If you were a lad of about sixteen, who looked very different from your neighbors, where would you be on a day like this?"
   
Leaning back in her stiff saddle, the guardian shifted her head slowly from side to side and then pointed sharply. "That hill, there. Under the spreading trees, or in them."
  
The noblewoman smiled, finding a pole to tether her horse before dismounting.  "Then that is where we will look first."  She started up the hill, toward the trees, then paused at the sight of a girl of fifteen.  She gazed at the girl for a long moment, drawing a look in return from the girl, before speaking.  "I am called Alys... might I ask where to find the best beds in the village?"
    
The girl looked to the noble, nervously, before replying.  "There is only one inn in town, m'Lady.  You'll find it toward the square."
   
The noblewoman nodded to the girl, gesturing for her to be on her way, then turned to her companion.  "...Quite a fascinating little town we've found."  She continued up the hill.
   
"If you say so." The words told her that her irony was utterly lost on the hard-worn woman whose long stride carried her up the gentle hill with lupine ease, her keen eyes picking out ever fallen branch and broken stone. "They all look alike to me."
   
The noblewoman smiled mysteriously, continuing on her way.

Ren sat on the grass, close to the stream, waiting for Kaitlyn to show. It was just about sundown and it wasn't like Kaitlyn to be late. Tal'Aren was greatly disappointed that he had not been able to find anything out and was embarrassed that his hopes rode on what a younger girl might have been able to uncover.

Kaitlyn made her way over, sitting next to Ren. "I wasn't able to learn anything either... it seems no one knows."

The boy sighed, shaking his head. “Oh damnit.” He sat in silence for awhile, before remembering the lemon bar. He took it out and offered it to Kaitlyn. “Sho'Nan offered me some, so I got an extra for you.”

Kaitlyn smiled, taking the bar and biting it. "Thank you. Always so considerate to your sister.." She turned her eyes on him. "I did find something else interesting."

"Yeah... My sister." He said softly, barely audible. It took a moment to shake out of his funk and realise that Kaitlyn had said more. "Oh?What's so interesting?"

She took another bite, then gestured into town. "There's a noblewoman and her retainer in town... they asked me about the inn. They're also certainly not from Falme..."

Ren sat up straight. “A noblewoman? Well, that's peculiar. Theres nothing out this way. No big cities. And if she had been here for the wedding, she would of known about the Inn.” He considered, than broke out into a grin. “Wanna go check it out? Might take out minds off the village council thing.”

Kaitlyn grinned. "Thought you'd never ask." She offered her hand with a wink.

He took her hand, and they both stood up. “Lets head to the Inn, I bet they have their rooms by now. Did they walk? or come in on a fancy carriage?”

"They weren't going toward the inn... that's one of the odd things. They were heading up the hill..." Kaitlyn shrugged. "They came on horseback."

"The hill? Were they fancying a romantic picnic or something? The hill doesn't have that good of a view. Too many trees." He said as he led Kaitlyn by the hand, heading towards the hill.

Kaitlyn moved with him. "I don't know. Who knows how nobles think, or foreigners? But there was something strange about the noblewoman..."

"Something strange?" Ren asked,glancing back at Kaitlyn as they approach the hill. He starts stepping quietly as they get closer and closer. "Maybe she's the woman from your dream?" He chuckled softly.

Kaitlyn paused for a moment, thoughtful.

Tal'Aren paused as well, looking at Kaitlyn with a raised eyebrow. "Come on, I was joking. You seriously don't think. . ?"

"I... don't think she was. The woman in my dream... I couldn't see her face. But... there is something."

“Well, come on. Maybe if you get another look at her, you'll figure it out.” He replied, giving her hand a tug to get her moving again.

Kaitlyn nodded, moving with Ren up the hill.

Ren slowed their movement as they reached the top of the hill. He tugged on Kaitlyn's hand again, pulling her to him as he hid behind a wide oak. “Shh.” He said softly as he peered around the tree, looking at foreigners.

The noblewoman stood amongst the trees on the hill, gazing about.  "Well, it looks as though our trip up this hill was quite fruitless, my friend..."  Her ear seemed to twitch, and she turned, directly looking at the tree Ren and Kaitlyn hid behind.  "Or perhaps not.  Come out, I do not bite."

Ren looked at Kaitlyn, putting a finger to his lips. "You stay here. We don't know if they're friendly." He said softly before boldly stepping out from behind the tree.

"I am Tal'Aren Damarsk. Excuse my rudeness, but you are obviously foreign and I was curious at to what you might want with our small town." He said, as he stood tall and probably towering over the noblewoman, but not standing threateningly.

The noblewoman looked Ren over for a long moment, then nodded toward her companion.  "It looks as if our trip has not been in vain after all."  She then returned her gaze to Ren.  "You may call me the Lady Alys.  There is work that I need done, if you would be willing.  There is coin in it."

Ren narrowed his eyes, not quite trusting the noblewoman. "Work? What sort of work, Lady Alys?  What kind of work would you travel to a backwoods town just to hire a random farmboy for?"

Alys considered.  "I would like to have you guide me around town... show me the things of interest, the places, and the people.  I plan to meet someone here... someone who I believe is most comfortable in remote places."

Ren keeps his eyes narrowed, not quite trusting the noblewoman. There was something about the way she twisted her words.  Made it almost seem like she was either saying something she wasn't, or trying very hard to not say what she wanted too.  Either way. Tal'Aren did not trust her.

"...I apologise, Lady Alys.  I am not the boy to show you around. I have duties I must attend too." He said, somewhat coldly.

It was the fact Lady Alys had paused.  She had offered him work, sounding as if she had something in mind, but than had to think of something.  As if she was making it up or lying.

Ren than bowed respectfully. "But please, Enjoy your stay here.  If you stop by the General Store tomorrow, I am sure my brother Colby would be happy to show you around. " He than turned to walk away, hoping Kaitlyn would be wise enough to follow.

Alys spoke softly as Ren left.  "Very well, then.  I will seek out the general store in the morning."  She looked to her companion.  "Let us go and find a room for the night."

Kaitlyn followed Ren from the hill.  "Are you sure that was a good idea?  She's a noble!  They have armsmen and headsmen and bannermen and footmen."

As they walked off, Ren replied to Kaitlyn somewhat sharply.  "I see no headsman. I see no footmen, bannermen, armsmen.  For all we know she's just a foreigner in a fancy dress, being followed around by that armed dog that does her bidding."

He grumbled, and he knew he was being unpleasant, but circumstances as of late have not been to his liking. The Village Council, and not this woman.  What was going on in the Almoth Plain?

That Night

The alarm was audible from Ren's bedroom above the general store: The voice of Lady Alys, clear, far easier to hear than it should be - as if she were right next to him, rather than outside where she must be - calling out.  "To arms!  All who can carry blade or cudgel or bow!  Shadowspawn!"  It was only after her cry that the sound of fighting could be heard - coming from various places throughout the village.  A few moments later - faster than he could descend the stairs - the smell of smoke became subtly noticeable.

---------

The noblewoman stood next to her companion, eyes half-closed.  "Trollocs... a full fist, nearly.  The Myrdraal is further than I can sense.  They should not have been able to come so close without me feeling them."  She gestured.  "We save as many as we can, but the boy is the first priority.  They must be here for him."  She then spoke again, with the same unnatural volume as her original alarm.  "Out of bed... trollocs attack!"

Tal'Aren was up at the first sound of Alys's voice.  He was up, dressed only in a pair of soft leather pants.  He immediately exited his room, and ran down the stairs.  He grabbed a cast iron fire poker from the small common room before entering the general store proper. 

"Mom! Colby!" He said, immediately noticing Daniella, belly large and obviously with child, holding the smallest child Cyrio.  Colby stood protectively near his mother, trying his best to not burst out into tears.  Kaitlyn was also by her mother, looking scared.

"Colby." Ren went to his younger step brother, and hugged him while whispering in his ear. "You've gotta be brave, All right buddy?  You gotta take Momma,Cyrio, and Kaitlyn, hitch up Stella to the wagon we use for deliveries.  And get away from here."

Colby looks up at Ren, his eyes wet with tears. "Bu..but.." He stuttered, almost shaking with fear. "You. . you and Daddy. . "

Ren shook his head. "Don't ya worry, Bud.  Your Daddy and I will meet up with you soon.  You've gotta be a man for me now, Bud."

Colby gulped, and nodded. "O..Okay. I'll take 'em to Tannia.  We have cousins there. . ."

"That's my boy." Ren said with a grin before releasing Colby and moving to his adoptive mother.  "Mom.."

Daniella, still a beauty even in her thirties.  She looks at her adoptive son, a sad sort of smile on her face. "It's all right." She fights back tears as well, holding her youngest born close to her and resting her other hand on her swollen belly.  "I'll always be with you Ren.. Dont ya fret now." Daniella leaned over and Ren leaned down to accept her kiss on his cheek. "Colby will take good care of us."

Just than, Colby spoke again. "Ma! Sis! Come on! Stella's hitched."  Ren glances at Kaitlyn, not allowing himself more than that for fear his knees would go weak and he wouldn't be able to fight.  He than hurried out of the General Store and into the fray.

As Ren burst from the building, poker in hand, he saw the source of the smoke - the roof the the inn was ablaze, as was the butcher's shed.  Alys stood toward the middle of the village - in the square - directing the villagers, as if she knew where the enemy was without sight.  Her companion somehow seemed to be in more than one place at a time.

Then Ren caught sight of his first Shadowspawn - a huge being, over a foot taller than him, at least twice his weight.  Its body was built for raw power, long limbs and agile, clawed hands allowing ample use of that power.  Its general body plan was human, but its head was that of a great bird of prey - a falcon, perhaps, or an eagle.  At the sight of the poker-armed lad, it charged, brandishing a wickedly curved sword that seemed to consume light.

Ren felt panic.  But only for a second.  He swung with his cast iron fire poker, barely getting it up in time to parry the Eagle-headed thing's dark sword.

"augh.." He grunted as his cast his eyes around to try to locate some of the other townsfolk. Unable to make out anyone's face, Tal'Aren focuses onto the trolloc before him.  He gathers his strength and than rams his shoulder into the Trolloc's gut, catching it off guard for a moment.  A moment was all Ren needed to pull his poker down and thrust it through the Trolloc's abdomen.  The Trolloc stumbled, and was ready to charge Ren, but suddenly there was a flash of steel and Petre was at Ren's side, a slightly curved gleaming silver blade in his hand.  Ren recognized it instantly.  It was the sword that always hung above the fire place.  Ren had always thought it was ornamental but apparently it wasn't.

"Ren, Behind you!" Petre said as he shoved a long steel blade into Ren's unarmed hand.  It was a sword he had taken off a dead trolloc.

This time, Ren was too slow, the dark blade came down, slicing a ribbon thin incision down the lenght of Tal'Aren's chest.  He winced in pain as the wound began to throb and bleed. 

Not long after Petre handed the sword to Ren, the two found themselves separated again.  It seemed there were Trollocs everywhere... two ran past Ren without seeming to notice him, one with the head of a wolf and the other a boar's head.  A moment later, it became obvious what they were fleeing - a bolt of flame came not long after them, striking one in the back, bringing it down, flesh and fur burning.

Yet the next group of trollocs did not run past.  Three - with heads of a jaguar, a hyena, and a lion - came around the corner.  The hyena-headed beast snarled something in a gutteral, hideous tongue, and they charged.

Ren didn't have much time to pay attention to his savior.  He heard a familiar yell, and glanced quickly to the side.  There he saw the baker, Jon, trying to defend his wife and young son.  There were two Trollocs on the baker.

He's a Baker, not a Fighter.  Ren though fervently. He hurried over to them.  Tal'Aren shouted, getting the attention of both of the Trollocs.  Immediately they came at him. 

Raising the fire poker just in time to catch the blade of the wolf headed trolloc, Ren swung his steel blade catching the Hyena headed trolloc right across the face.  It howled in rage, and Jon was able to strike a lucky blow into the hyena's back while it was distracted, leaving Ren with the wolf headed Trolloc.

It put pressure onto the fire poker, forcing it to inch closer and closer towards Ren's face. 

I can't hold him off much longer. . Tal'Aren though, than suddenly he had it.  With a twitch of his wrist, and a sudden yanking of the fire poker underneath the Trolloc's sword, the backwoods boy had disarmed the Wolf headed beast.  He than followed up by impaling the rather surprised looking Trolloc with his steel sword.

Jon looked to Ren.  "Thank you, la..."  He then paused, turning to look to his family.  "Run.  Run now.  Get away.  Don't look back."  When his wife paused for a moment, Jon called out, "RUN!"

The woman scooped up the child and ran from that place, and Jon turned his eyes on Ren.  "I'm sorry, lad.  Sorry for everything."  Then he turned to run as well.

-----------------

Alys lowered her hand, gazing at three trollocs nearby, advancing on the town inn.  Where's the boy?  His sister, too... she has to be found and brought to the Tower.  She let a burst of fire fly from her hand, incinerating the beasts.  And the Eyeless.  If it can be killed... yet I'm not even sure my Warder can stand against an Eyeless with its followers available.

Tal'Aren watched Jon run off, wondering what the baker was apologizing about. He didn't have much time to ponder this, as he noticed that noble woman, Alys as she incinerated the three trollocs headed towards the inn.

A channeler.  That's no noble woman. Ren thought as he made his way over to her.  Once by her side, he yelled over the sound of battle.

"You! Aes Sedai! What are these shadow spawn doing here?!" He caught the blade of another trolloc who had advanced on them, and held off its attacks long enough for Alys to finish it off.  ". . . You. . ." His anger raged at this woman, but suddenly it faded as he remembered Kaitlyn's dream.

A beautiful woman and monsters. . . Ren thought, glancing at the Trolloc's before looking at Alys again, this time with a great saddness in his eyes.  He spoke, his voice barely audible and sounding somewhat like a small child. "Y.. you're here to take me away, aren't you? These monsters are here because of me... Aren't they?"

Alys paused, gazing at the lad for a moment.  "Wise boy... the world may have been lucky, this time.  Stay alive, and I will speak with you when the battle is done and the injured healed.  To put it simply, however... yes."

She turned her gaze on another trolloc, unleashing another bolt of flame.  "I have channeled much tonight, and if I am to save those wounded in the fighting I will be channeling much more.  I need my breath for fighting, right now."

Tal'Aren nodded, and went back to the fighting.  His body took over, fighting off of instinct it seemed rather than knowledge, and he had a few lucky breaks.

Unfortunately, his mind wasn't on the battle.  It was on the town, his family.  If he survived, he was going to leave them.  If he died, he would already be gone.

. . .Kaitlyn. . .

Nearly an Hour Later

Alys knelt next to the smith, her hands on the gash on his shoulder.  Sweat covered her brow as she worked, and the man gasped in pain as his wounds closed.  "The strength for Healing comes from you, so you will be tired and hungry for a few days... there was much blood lost.  You should rest, and eat well, and your strength will return."  She then rose to her feet, pocketing the short wand of ivory she had held.  "How many lost?"

The smith also stood, shakily, looking to Alys, her companion, and Ren.  "Two dead... the thatcher is one of them; that will make rebuilding more difficult.  Jon's missing; he was last seen fleeing the village, unhurt.  A few more small wounds, Aes Sedai, but nothing that needs your attention."

Alys nodded.  "Go and fetch this lad's sister.  Gather the rest of the wounded, as well... I have the strength to check for tainted injuries.  A mere scratch from some of the blades the trollocs use can kill... as can handling the blades themselves for long.  Have the corpses burned and their weapons placed somewhere that none will disturb them, and make sure that the people of the village know the dangers of keeping trophies.  Now... I must speak with the lad."

The smith nodded, bowing to Alys before taking his leave.  The Aes Sedai turned her ageless eyes on Ren.  "I have done what I could with your injuries... a wound can only be Healed once, and drawing out the taint took most of what I could channel at a time.  Healing is not my strongest Talent, and for that I apologize.  The wound should close on its own, however, with the taint removed."  She paused.  "I will not tell you everything that I believe, for to tell certain things before I am truly certain would put you and those you love in even more danger than you are in right now.  However, I will tell you what I do know for certain.  Will that be satisfactory to you?"

"He will not find my sister in this town.  I had my brother lead my family out of town at the beginning of the attack.  They are heading to a nearby town. I can take you there." Tal'Aren said as he sat close by the Aes Sedai.

"And. . it goes without saying. Tell me everything you can. Whether or not I believe you is yet to be known."

The Aes Sedai nodded, folding her hands and closing her eyes for a long moment before speaking.  "I am Saluna Mosavi, Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah.  I travel under a number of assumed names for my own safety and that of those who help me.  As an Aes Sedai, I can speak no word that is not true... I can mislead and misdirect, but everything I say must technically be truth.

"Before I was raised to the shawl, I heard a Foretelling... the birth of a Ta'veren, someone around whom the Pattern of Ages weaves itself for a time.  This Ta'veren would be someone who the Shadow would want to control or to destroy, and, even if I were not concerned about the life of an individual child - which I am - this would draw my attention, for whatever Baalzamon wishes, I oppose.  I have dedicated my energies to locating this Ta'veren, based on sketchy clues and very little information, since the day he was born.  I believe you to be the one who I seek."

She inhaled deeply once more, bringing a handkerchief to her forehead to wipe some of the sweat of her earlier exertion dry.  "I apologize; I am very tired.  Channeling is neither easy nor safe."  She then returned to her story.  "I have sought this Ta'veren for my entire life, and now I find you.  My intent is to protect and guide you until you have learned enough of the world and yourself to reach the destiny you were born to, alive and free of the Dark One's touch.  After that... I hope that you will accept me as an advisor still, but you will be as free as the Pattern allows you to be.  You are a clever man, and I believe that even without the Pattern wrapping itself about you, you would have potential for greatness; however, for good or ill, if you are truly Ta'veren, it will be thrust upon you."

She smiled a little.  "I plan to offer the girl the choice to travel with us.  As an Aes Sedai, I can sense the potential to channel in another woman simply by being near her, and she holds that potential... she could be Aes Sedai, or stay in the Tower long enough to learn to channel safely then be released should she choose to.  She is not a wilder, so she could also choose to refuse to come along."  She rose to her feet, shakily.  "I should see to the rest of the wounded.  You may ask questions, and I will either answer them without misdirection or forthrightly refuse to answer."

Ren looked at the Aes Sedai, his face that was once full of anger bore a softer expression. "Are there others?  Others you are seeking out?" He asked, jumping on the chance to ask questions she had offered him.

The Aes Sedai shook her head.  "I seek one person.  That person may be you, or may not.  I believe you are that person.  However, it seems from this attack that Baalzamon or some powerful Darkfriend believes that you are the one I seek."

The village boy nods. ". . . Yes, that would be the case.  Where are you taking me? The tower?  Kaitlyn as well?  She will be taken care of?" He stressed the last part of his question, a look of urgency in his eyes.

"Kaitlyn will be taken to the White Tower, should she choose to join us, and her name entered in the novice book.  As for you... my plan as of now is to bring you to the White Tower as well.  For most of history, it has been the safest place in the world, and until we know what the Pattern's plans are for you and what you will need to achieve them it should likely be our destination.  However... I have a feeling, little more than a nagging instinct, that ther may be a better place for you to be taken to.  If I find evidence of that being true, and learn where that place is, we can discuss your eventual destination then."

He sighs rather heavily. "I have no choice in this?  How will I help rebuild my town if I leave? Care for my family? Petre is getting on in years, he needs my help come winter time to make the long treks for him."  Ren knew he had no choice.  Kaitlyn's dream had come true, and Ren would have to leave the village.  Destiny or no, it couldn't stop him from wanting to be at home.

The woman looked to him, and he could see honest sympathy in her eyes.  "You have choices, but staying here and keeping those who you care about safe is not among them.  So long as you are here, the Trollocs will come, and next time there will be other, darker things.  If I could offer you relief from this burden, I would.  I will send what help I can to this town... I have investments in Falme that cannot be traced back to the Tower, and which can provide material and perhaps even labor for the rebuilding.  But you cannot remain long enough to see it done."

"How will I pay my way? Must I travel on your dime?  Petre has taught me that a man earns his keep if he is able." Ren shakes his head. "I am young, strong. I must be able to do something to repay your kindness."

"As we start, an extra pair of eyes on the road will in itself be a great help.  I could teach you to play the flute, or my companion to use a sword... you have the talent for the second already.  One cannot travel without learning things that will allow one to survive on the road... keep your eyes open and learn from everyone who you meet who can teach, and soon you will be able to go from the Aryth Ocean to the Aiel Wastes, starting the trip with two coins and ending it with enough to buy any farm in Almoth."

"We better head to the next town over than.  Colby should of gotten everyone there by now." Ren said, a sad tone to his voice.  He was obviously not eager to say goodbye, so would rather avoid it all together.

Saluna nodded.  "We can leave in about an hour... that should give me sufficient time to rest and see to the rest of the injured."

"I will help. I know first aid.  I can not remove the taint, was it? But I can patch wounds.  Make braces." He stands, and begins to move, allowing the importance of his task to weigh in his mind and drown out the deep feeling of saddness at his upcoming departure.