Ripple Six: Aftermath: Unconvinced
written by Saphire en'Damier, Ellisande Alenar, Sigmund von Danzig, Caden Ives, Kira al'Haram and Shyne

"I do not understand why you would keep this information from us." Saphire looked pointedly between her own Gaidar, the Mistress of Arms, and Caden.

"Furthermore, I have not heard anything that convinces me that these four are darkfriends."

Her fingers drumed against the crystal glass of water.

"It is not uncommon for like-minded boys to develope their own exclusive groups (even within the first month of training) and be noticed working well together by an Aes Sedai looking for protection." Her hand griped the stem hard and her glance shot to Sigmund. "We train them hard, units are forged, competition is encouraged, and trainees rank themselves and exclude their infiriors." Then to Ellisande, "Sometimes this inflates heads and the Trainees think they are too big for their uniforms. Bullies are not unheard of, even in extreme cases similar to those we've heard today. Not tolerated, but not unheard of, and not prooving aliegance to the Dark One either."

It was true that the issue hit close to her heart. Saphire looked up as if to draw strength from the Creator, then back to the Council. She spoke steadily. "We must truly consider whether rumors have spun out of proportion. I had personally reviewed all three of these boys before raising them above their peers, each has contributed greatly to the Yard." Her voice grew more vehament with every name. "Clavil has negotiated with several sources to gain the Tower's desperately needed matierals, such as the precious metal we forge Blademaster blades with. Jhedan has expanded our research into text he has written on tactical manuvers by sea - we all know how difficult it is to get anything out of the Sea Folk. And let us not forget Ranno," Her eyebrows raised as if they would all know his virtue, "who teaches an important class on crossbows, a weapon we have had difficulty finding trainers for; and he trains by mounted at that!" Her voice raised as if the accusations were slanders against the most illumiated of the Creator's path. "How could outstanding Sa'ji'alantin do such things with ill intent in their hearts towards us?" Saphire looked plainly incredulous, as if she herself - their judge - was implicated for honoring darkfriends.

"And Eya . . I know her! Miahala Sedai and I had several discussions with her before her raising, judging whether she was worthy of the Green shawl. She joined the Ajah on a battle against the shadowspawn in Kandor just last year and showed considerable promise as one of our best leuitenants against the Shadow. And let us not forget how influential she has been in the Ajah for gaining support of the Citadel since her raising." Saphire's eyes were wide now, blinking away the moisture as if her own family were being attacked. She retrieved a deep breath to settle her temper. "How could we point fingers so suddenly, and without proof?"

Steadily, she placed her hands on the table. "As the Representative of channeler interests, I can not abide by direct action until there is physical proof. The Amyrlin Seat, the M'Hael, let alone the Hall of Justice would not stand for it, especially with regards to a sister. How do we know that these deaths are not caused by an infiltrating greyman? Or a mercenary of a noble House the Tower has offended? Or a White Tower agent beant on undermining our position? I think it is wise, Caden, that you have sent out unbonded Warders to investigate the matter, but let us not judge in haste.

"We need to keep the Yards calm. The chain of command and respect for rank must prevail especially in crisis. If we let ourselves be turned against each other a true threat from the outside may rise and we will not see it. That is why I am concerned about why this was not brought to Council as soon as there was suspect of ill deeds. Are we already finding each other untrustworthy?"

"Rumors?" Ellisande's eyebrows shot skyward. She had been studying her hands, her head bowed thoughtfully, but now her chin jerked up a bit. "Rumors, Saphire? Three deaths--and possibly four, if Drin'far'ji Wensa is not found--and we speak of this moving Shadow as a mere rumor?" Her eyes were bright, her pale features now white.

She drew a steadying breath; she could not ignore the flares from the Bond. She pressed her palm to her brow and paused for a moment, considering her words. She had sat in relative silence while Caden had offered his briefing to the Council, gathering her thoughts as best she could. The day was certainly headed downhill, and though it was still only mid-morning, she felt vaguely muddled. Tired. She took a sip from the glass of water at her left hand.

"You are right on many counts, Saphire. We cannot afford to act brashly, nor can we allow this crisis to foster argument among one another." She glanced to her Aes Sedai, then. Steeling herself, she continued icily, "On the other hand, we have been dormant too long. Four deaths, and the rumored Darkfriends remain at large. I will not sit idly while we debate the merits of previous service or discuss the psychology of our trainees."

She focused her attention on the Green Sister. "We have testimony from trainees who admit torture at the hands of these Ji'alantin. One Drin'far'ji--fearing for his life!--has been removed to the Farms, but he did not leave before recanting his tale. Torture, Saphire! These illustrious Sa'ji'alantin have been trying to sway recruits beneath our very noses, and we have failed to protect those among us who are most vulnerable." She sighed heavily, her voice now quiet. "Luantar cen Thaal paid for his resistance with his life."

She glanced around the table, but her gaze rested at long last on Saphire. Her tone softened a bit. "Our fallen comrades are not the only ones who suffered under the hands of Shadowsworn. Let us not forget that we too have been stung by the infidelity of these young men, of this Aes Sedai." Ellisande met Saphire's eye meaningfully. "We all were quick to trust; we are all of us, and none of us, at fault in allowing these agents in our midst to go undetected for so long. We were all duped by these boys, but this Sister.

"And yet we cannot allow to ourselves to continue in blindness. Contributions to the Yard and Tower--however honorable they may seem at first glance--hardly indicate a lasting allegiance to the Light."

She briefly reached across the table and pressed her hand over Saphire's. Her brow was knit together, her countenance earnest. "As for our own circle, there is no man or woman within these chambers who I would not trust with my life. It seemed, at the time that Caden and I spoke of this matter, wisest to pursue a quiet course--to wait until our suspicions could be confirmed. It seemed safest at the time, for all involved.

"The more who knew of this matter, the more we placed in peril."

She drew another deep breath, her gaze studying the smooth tabletop. "Perhaps it was not wisest to remain quiet and inactive for so very long. Perhaps we would not have lost another Drin'far'ji. Or perhaps it was the right decision; think what might have happened, had the Black Ajah," here, Ellisande glanced quickly at Saphire, as if uncertain of the Aes Sedai's reaction to the words, "or the Darkfriends in our midst discovered our investigation before we could successfully apprehend the culprits, before we could properly defend ourselves and our Yard.

"We cannot dwell on decisions already made, however. The Council must now act as one. And," she continued, "I fear we must act swiftly. I do not advocate hasty action, but... I fear that unwarranted delay will be costly."

She glanced across the table at Caden. She had the feeling that the Gaidin Captain was waiting for the initial reactions of the Council before presenting the rest of his report. Her blue eyes then moved to Saphire once more. She gave her Aes Sedai's hand a brief squeeze before withdrawing her hand. She looked finally to Sigmund. She tilted her head in his direction, giving the floor to the Gaidin.

"We must not act too hastily," Sigmund said softly, trying to quiet the voice inside screaming for blood. Your time will come soon. "If we strike too swiftly, yes we will catch the Darkfriends we know of, but the leaders will go to ground and ambush us once we pass them by. Yes, if we move swiftly, we can catch these few Darkfriend Ji'alantin and their Aes Sedai. But what of the ones who give them orders?"

Sigmund took a deep breath. "If the Shadow is moving this openly, then our problem is much larger than a few Darkfriends. We must use these Darkfriends to aim our strike at the root of the problem, and burn out this festering wound once and for all. Eya is probably the one who has been relaying the orders onward to these Darkfriend Ji. We need as much information about her as we can get. If we can learn who gives her orders, and who gives orders to her, then we will have made much progress." He turned to Saphire Sedai. "By investigating this problem, I believe we will find all the evidence you need, Saphire. But this accusation is the most grave, and we must treat it as if it were true, or we risk exposing our undefended bellies to their claws."

"Do any of us know anyone who has knowledge of Compulsion?" Sigmund asked. "For that would make our task far easier."

Whether the mix of icy resolve and warmth of strength came from the bond or from her own self, Saphire did not know. But she suspected one or the other eminated from her Gaidar. Saphire steadied herself and spoke with all of the calm she could muster.

"There are other causes of murder than the shadow." Her tone was carefully worded and measured after being rebuked for calling the reports rumors. "As I mentioned, it could be another source such as the White Tower which which sees us as a threat."

"Although," as much as she hated to admit the mere possibility, looking into the eyes of her Warders forced it to be considered "if there is truly the Shadow in our midst, I agree that it must be purged and fast. If it is true, then I would have retribution for betrayal."

Saphire relished the public comfort and trust that Ellisande showed her. She released a breath she did not know she had been holding back.

"Yet on the same note, I feel it is important to keep our circle together and closely knit. I do not appreciate being kept out of important matters, whether they threaten me or not. I am Green Ajah, I stand between the blade and the sycthe. And I trust that my Warders would see to such threats." She would have to speak with Ellisande about this later, behind closed doors, and find a way for her Gaidar to trust with knowledge of the threats that stalked them.

Saphire realized that Sigmund supported her in one degree, but not another. He called for them to not act hastily, yes, yet for other reasons. He did not doubt that these four were darkfriends, yet more importantly, he seemed too seemless in his nonchallance. Yett he had a point . . an investigation would foster further proof.

She rolled her neck on her shoulders as if loosening up stiff joints. "None the less, I stand under the chain of command. I do not have the power to approve of an investigation of Eya Sedai without the Amyrlin Seat or M'Hael's aknowledgement and approval, and neither does this Council. I must bring evidence back to at least one of them in order to represent their interests in this.

"They could authorize a release of the Oath Rod or a quiet investigation among the Indigo Ajah to find a sister or brother with the illegal Talent of Compulsion who might further the quest for the truth." Her chin lowered, as if holding back a flood. "As long as it is done with a Healer's scaple, not a sword."

"Caden," Saphire's emerald eyes shot back to him, calmer than before but no less resolved, "is there anything else to your report? Any proof I can bring back?"

His gaze as unblinking as a reptile's, Caden Ives regarded Saphire as she turned to him.

Ellisande had spoken his very thoughts after the Aes Sedai had attacked his judgement and his many week long efforts. While she and her Warders had spent months more to than from the Citadel upon its near completion, the Gaidin Captain had been alone to run the Yards. While he had done that, he had spent his nights stalking the Yards and the Green Ajah Halls. He had done his duty and beyond, and he would not have brought it to the Mistress of Arm's attention had he not been sure about his word. His Domani anger had flared hotly when the Aes Sedai brushed aside his brought intelligence, without reason beyond her protectiveness towards the sa'ji'alantin of the Yards- at least that's what he suspected. Leanna would probably have raised an eyebrow when she felt that furnace of emotions through the Bond.

Yet Ellisande had stepped in and his anger had subsided to a low sizzle, though none of this or the previous had shown much in his chiselled Gaidin features. Holding his tongue he had watched and weighed the words spoken. He was relieved that Ellisande's and Sigmund's standpoint showed out to be closer to his own.

"These are the facts," he said in his faded Domani accent, which contradicted both his blonde hair the cut of his Tairen Garments. He would not sink so low as defend his standpoint, not when there was so little time for decision. His hands were still folded beneath his eyes and e leaned upon the table with his elbows. "Two drin'far'ji died under mysterious circumstances. One fell from the battlements and the other drowned in a small stream in the Gardens. What either did there during the night-time none I questioned knew. Fact. This morning, Luantar cen Thaal hung from the roof of the Warder Hall, bloody and beaten. Fact. Wensa Fuon is missing. And where he was posted to guard Luantar's body, there had been fighting and blood other than Luantar's was found on the wall. Fact. Many of the Trainees now bear more marks of injury than before this came to my attention. Fact."

Leaning back a little with his elbow upon the arm of the high back chair, his chin upon his thumb and two finger resting along his face, he continued. "There are two primary witnesses. The ji'alantin named Nald Orthan who to this day is hidden on the Farms. I had to pry loose the truth from him. The truth he claimed being the same as the report I just told you all. Witness one. Then we have Antar al'Kadar, which have no association with the first to what I've seen. He spun the very, same, tale." He paused then and took a long breath. "After these two, there are witnesses down he ranks who will flesh out the events this morning, who can also strengthen the fact that something strange his happening in the Yards among the Trainees. Light, I can witness to that! The young men and women look over their shoulders like they were afraid the Forsaken themselves were stalking them."

He fell silent a moment in thought, glancing around the round chamber. The strategist in him awoke, the sense of tactic and command which had earned him the title of Gaidin Captain alive and vibrant. He was the field commander of the Unbonded Gaidin in the event of war- also a scholar in present and ancient warfare - planning came to him like a sixth sense. "What are our needs? We need the Amyrlin or M'Hael to make our investigation official. However, from a strategic point of view, we must not let the fact that we search for Shadowsworn and the Dark Ajah become official. If we do that, we will most likely stir the beast in our garden. Offically, we search for the truth behind Luantar cen Thaal's death. That would do, doesn't it? Also, we need to interrogate more of our Tranees, and if they seem likely to know something, we might have to put some pressure on them. We need more witnesses. Else our case will not stand in the Hall of Justice.

"Yet then what? If our investigation provides enough proof ... how do we proceed? In which end of the knot shall we begin? If we take the sa'ji'alantin, there is no knowing what Eya Sedai and the one above her will do. It could end with a bloodbath. And we cannot do it the other way either, for the sa'ji'alantin now holds sway of an unknown number of Warders-to-be. They could present us with a bloodbath while they flee the Yards." Looking to the three before him, he concluded "We must take both, if we take any at all. And given we find the people above Eya Sedai, we will have to act against them as well. And we need to do it at the same bloody time. I need not tell you how hard it will be to bring such an operation to success, when the Shadow now has eyes all over the Grey Tower grounds. This is my suggestion, do you agree or do any of you have an alternative tactic we can use?"

Saphire stole a deep breath. It didn't take a Mistress of the Game to sense that the tension was thick. She hated that the Council was at odds with itself, yet she was prideful and stubborn to boot, still smarting from what she felt were slights. She waited several moments before speaking again.

"I beleive there is enough evidence for me to bring this to the Amyrlin Seat and give my own approval of an official, but quiet, investigation in the Yards."

She glanced to Caden, "You have the most knowledge of the state of the Yards, I believe it would be best if you lead a subtle inquiry in the Yards - supposedly concerning the death of Luantar Drin'far'ji." she agreed on that note, and then looked to Sigmund, "The Yards are large and you are an intimidating force, as you've intended, perhaps you would be best aiding Caden in gathering evidence in private interviews. They may speak more for fear of - offending - you."

Lastly to Ellisande, "That is if you approve, Ellisande. I suggest this because it may be best if you were distanced from direct investigations and I would prefer you to be at my side. I will ask Leanna Sedai to appoint me to investigate Eya Sedai and confer with Miahala Sedai. It is a matter that the Green Ajah should be personally concerned with, and as her superior Eya should comply with me. The Green Ajah investigates its own." While she would conceed to an investigation, Saphire would not compromise on that point. If implicaitons were to be drawn against her sister of the shawl, then it would be she who determined what those implications were. And if she had betrayed them . . .

Saphire rose and splayed her fingers on the circular council table. "IF she is a darkfriend, I can pull her away from the others on some 'needed mission'. Out in the open, the sky will be my aly."

She studied her hands for a moment. "I think that Saphire Sedai is correct. Caden, Sigmund, you two are best equipped to handle inquiries in the Yard. Be careful, though. Even under the guise of solely investigating Luantar's death, I am sure you will be targets for the Dark."

She paused, glancing at her Aes Sedai, "I will aid Saphire as best I can in her work and investigations." She worried for her Aes Sedai; if Saphire uncovered the proof necessary to convict Eya of daliances with the Dark, Eya--and whatever alliances she may have in the Tower--would be very much a threat. Ellisande knew it was for the best that she did not join Caden and Sigmund in their interrogations. I have Saphire's safety to see to.

Ellisande glanced around the table. "With the Council working on separate fronts, we must keep open the lines of communication, however difficult it may be to insure security. I think that our dual investigations depend very much upon one another." She pursed her lips. "And we must, above all else, retain the illusion of normalcy. With Luantar's death so public, it will be understood that the Council is looking into the incident.

"I would prefer that news of the greater investigations go no further than the Amyrlin and M'Hael, and in the case of Eya Sedai, Mia'hala. I know that we have no choice but to report to these leaders, but further discussion of these matters--even with those we perceive as trustworthy--could be disasterous."

Caden Ives had seized to listen to Ellisande Gaidar. Instead the noises escaping the thick double doors had caught his attention. Steel against steel? Fighting outside!

No more had he gottento hsi feet when the sound of fire screamed.

Saphire Sedai heard the sounds outside as well. Across from her, Caden heard to. She straightened abruptly. Fighting, in the Warder Hall? It was a bizzare thought, but more so. Who would dare? But her third thought was towards the children outside. On her way to the door she swept her metal capped staff in a single swift motion. She expected Sigmund and Elllisande to be with her in an instant. Dispite their disagreements in peacetime, they were a single unit in crisis. She paused only a moment for Sigmund to take his prefered place at the foreguard and Ellisande behind and to the side.

The weight of two bodys came through the door, if a bit uncomfortably, Kira tumbling through in the lead, hoping to the Creator that Shyne was behind her, and unscathed.

She rolled carefully, glad that her training in Unarmed Combat allowed her the reflex to keep from being injured too much. Light, I hope Dust Storm's safe...

She got to her feet carefully, wincing at a pain in her shoulder where she had connected full force with the door. "Pardon the intrusion, Council," she said carefully, her calm exterior betrayed by the shaking of her hands and knees as she knew how close they had come to dying in that inferno.

"The matter got out of hand, and it seems we need a little help..." She trailed off, looking at group of faces to be seen, ashamed at her dirtiness.

Ellisande pounced, throwing the door shut without looking beyond into the hall. She threw the latch and deftly secured the lock. But there was no time for dalliances; the door would hold for only so long, particularly depending no the threat. She looked to Shyne and Kira, her eyes blazing. She too had broken off at the sounds of conflict beyond the heavy door, leaping to her feet. Though the tip of her shortsword was lowered, she was tense and expectant. Her hand was ready.

"What's happened?" she demanded immediately. "Quickly, one of you! What's happened?" Unspoken: who? She looked to Saphire and Sigmund, and then cast her eyes towards Caden.

An attack! A public attack on the Warder Council!

Ellisande had the sinking, resolute feeling that the Council's plans were about to change.

As Dust Storm headed back from killing the archer, Shyne flattened on the wall beside Kira. Seconds later, flames began rushing down the hallway, the wolf leaping aside just in time. Entranced, Shyne felt Kira pull him along through the door.

By the time he'd shaken off the fall and gotten up, headed back toward the door in a very determined manner, it was already bolted and Ellisande was speaking to them. He was too angry, too blinded by rage to really here her. All he did was fumble with the door, unable to think clearly enough to realize why it wouldn't open.

The last straw had been placed on this bull's back. He'd only assumed earlier that it must be a Warder or a Sa'ji'alantin behind this, but now it was obvious that whoever had initiated the attack, cost those five drin'far'ji thier lives, was obviously a channeler. They were being attacked by one of the people they were training to protect, betrayed by thier greatest ally. Now... now it was time for retribution...

Not much makes Shyne angry anymore... but when he gets angry he's not someone you want as an enemy... this phantom channeler was in for a shock... as soon as this bloody door decided it wanted to open...

"Answer your Mistress of Arms child!" Saphire Sedai barked, then to both of the trainees, "Get behind us. NOW."

There was no room for negotiation. The children would be ashes before they could approach the channeler that roared beyond the wall. She did not even think to ask why. The fire of her temper flared against the encasement of stone restraint. Saphire clenched her fists until her knuckles were white. Her Promising ring to the dead Head of the Indigo Ajah bore into her palm. She was thankful that the ring and the dragon bracelet, the only keepsakes she had of him, were still on her person. It hurt to be so near them, but broken as her heart was, he could save her life through them once again . .

To her trusted Gaidar Saphire spoke more gently, but no less urgently. "That door will not hold him." Her firey emerald eyes spoke volumes. They were at a disadvantage if they waited like sheep for the slaughter. "If you cover for me, I can take him." The trio had practiced as a unit together, and they all knew that Sigmund was trained to fight channelers. Perhaps Caden could act with the unit as well. If Saphire could at least hold the Dreadlord in a stalemate it would allow the others to attack with physical force. She felt deadly certainty that they could survive this and hoped Ellisande would feel that and believe it through the bond.

This is what I was born for.

Saphire unlached the bolt.

I am Green. I stand between the sword and the sythe.

Kira hurried to obey Saphire Sedai and the Mistress of Arms. Sh ehurriedly moved behind the three while trying to explain.

"We heard noises... and then the Drin'far'jis came... and then we fought them, but didn't hurt them, we just knocked them out for a while, but Dust Storm killed the archer, then fire, and now they're dead, we couldn't save them, we tried..." Kira was ranting, her hands shaking from their near death experience.

Soon, however, she came to a stop, running out of words. She mumbled quietly something that sounded like "I'm so sorry," before quieting fully.

Smoke soon filled the chamber and the air grew sticky to breathe.

His mind working faster than the thoughts trailing it, Caden Ives lowered his brow-ridge over the dead centres of his green eyes. Now I understand, he thought as the Aes Sedai in the chamber drew back the bolt. The grip around his hand-and-a-half sabre tightened in cold fury. Small flames now licked the surface of the wooden double doors, and the chamber had grown mordantly hot.

"I should have foreseen this," he said slowly while he stepped forward to fill the vacant spot of the pointed triangle of Warders surrounding Saphire Sedai ... thus adding his blade to the formation, "If the Executive Council was no more, our seats around this table must be filled before our bodies cooled. Look at us. Three of the yards and one of the Tower. There is no coincidence that the number equals our enemies. With Eya Sedai as the new Representative and her three foresworn to take the other seats when they are raised in need of still-living Gaidin ... the Yards would fall under the dark reign by turn of the moon.

He lifted his sabre in Swallow Rides the Air ... blade held wide out to the side ... his stance allowing him to rush forward when the time proved right Death is nothing to me, since when I am, death has not come, and when death has come, I am not. The Void came to him unbidden. "Yet first," he said finally, his voice lacking emotion, "our lives are in their way. And I won't die without blood decorating my blade."

With that said, Caden Ives stood ready to cross the threshold together with the rest of the Council ... and enter inferno.

Shyne could barely pay any attention to his surroundings, as obsessed as he was with the door. But soon, he realized people were trying to get him back, and Saphire Sedai seemed like she wanted outside just as much as he did. He knew she could open the door, so he stepped back, allowing her to do it.

A thought hit him. Could she be trusted not to attack them next. Yes, yes he supposed she could. She could easily kill everyone in this room, but would only kill herself in the process, bringing that much pain to two of her Gaidin. Besides, she'd never done anything to betray Shyne's trust, and if she could get him through that door, he didn't care what she did...

Then imitate the action of a tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, conjur up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage"
(Henry V, III,i,1)

Caden's words filtered through Saphire Sedai's ears, but they were not thought on. Not yet. "Why' was not important. Saphire Sedai spent that precious time on spreading a filtered shield of Spirit into a sphere around the group. She had no Talent for it, but any Green Sister mastered the basics that would prevent channeling from entering space but allow her to channel out. If the One Power was used out there, their group would not survive the blast outside of its bounds.

"Hold your breaths." The Aes Sedai advised. Outside the sky grew dark with an unnatural sudden storm. Behind them the two windows burst open casting their glass panes across the room. One shattered against the far wall and the other against the round table of the Executive Council. Shards of clear reflective glass swept across the surface like sharp drops of water.

Saphire Sedai raised the tip of her long oaken stave above her head in a spiral that drew the winds inward. The Green Sister chanted above the roar, "There is no rock so strong that water and wind cannot wear away, " winds drew into the whirlpool with exponential force drawing the smoke that filled the room inwards towards the tornado. The tapestries ripped off their hangers violently amidst fluttering paper. A smoky whirlwind now surrounded they who stood calmly in the eye of the storm. "No fire so fierce that water cannot quench it and wind SNUFF it out! " With her stave the Green Sitter hurled the thunderous wind forward in one single beautiful arch. The One Power that she drew through her Promised ring pushed the Air and icy Water into a horrible gale that burst the double doors open with a thunderous clap. Ice-wrought storms hit the far wall of the hall and parted right and left, sweeping up and around all that they encountered. Saphire Sedai's velvet dress whipped around her ankles, her sleeves fluttered, and hair threatened to come loose from its bounds.

The fires died for lack of air to fuel their rage. The boards that held the Hall together creaked from the strain. Doors ripped off their hinges and plummeted down the hall. Charred bodies toppled backwards and over themselves.

A second later the corridor was frosted with ice. That was when the unit moved together as one forward and towards the Asha'man. The tapestries of the hall fluttered once more like waves, then shattered against the walls. Saphire expected this had caught the Dreadlord off-guard, if not knocked him off his feet and out the other side of the blown-out Hall. Yes, an Asha'man by residue of saidin-wrought fire. Daimor's gift allowed her to see it as clearly as her own weaves. She smiled on the verge of madness. Sweet saidar promised to take hold of her in the bliss that was One Power battle, the only feeling that replaced his love.

Yet she held herself together. The counter Saphire Sedai anticipated was a shield and she set her focus on that. She pressed her own fiercely to parry his and resolved not to budge until it held him in check. She was not about to make the same mistake she had made at Atreus' death. Oh no, not a chance.

"Take him." She growled to her comrades behind gnashed teeth. "Now."

The only thing that kept Shyne from rushing through the door the moment it was torn off its hinges was the shear amazement that it had been torn off its hinges. That shock only lasted a second though, and he started forward again, swords drawn, only vaguely aware that the others were moving with him. Some part of him very much doubted they were moving with him, more likely of thier own accord. It mattered little to the enraged and slightly-psychopathic Shyne.

He caught a movement out of the corner of his eye, as he turned down the hallway. There were more people, scurrying out of hiding. And they were dressed like Ji'alantin. And carrying swords. And eying the group suspiciously, apparantly on the verge of attack.

But Shyne couldn't be bothered. He turned the other cheek, and turned it in such a way that all of his attention was easily focused on the Asha'man...

Kira followed Shyne's gaze cautiosly, looking at three Ji'alantin making their way down the corridor, swords out. She seemed to debate for a minute, then started forward towards them, her ashanderei coming to her hands faster than you could blink.

If you've hurt my Sister... the thought came as a snarl came to her lips. The wolf was no where in sight, but she wasn't in Kira's mind either. Someone would pay if the wolf was hurt.

She raised her long weapon into an attack position, hoping that the three were not as good as they looked. A last thought came to her mind before the wolf took over, I hope someone will help me before I die...

His eyes widening as he saw the door being ripped open by air, Sigmund looked over at Saphire. Such power she has in her! Quickly, he focused himself. He saw the two foolish trainees rush out to the left, down the corridor. Kira was even wielding a glaive of some kind! Have I trained her no better than that? There's not enough room for a polearm in these quarters! However, since those two were going left, that meant Sigmund needed to go right. "Ellisande, Saphire! Lets get their backs!" With that, Sigmund darted around the corner. As he went, he drew his dagger. Sigmund also grabbed the charred wall, ripping off a large chunk. Glancing down the hallway, he saw the Darkfriend responsible for the damage. Before the Asha'man could recover, Sigmund dove behind a downed support beam, kicking up soot as he took cover. He momentarily considered his options.

The blizzard had torn at his fancloak when it passed over him ... yet the protection Saphire Sedai had provided helped Caden Ives to keep his footing. He had remained as he was as chaos passed over them, keeping his blade perfectly still, his eyes narrowed. When it was over, the door was no more in their way, and the fires were quenched in the corridor. When the time came, the Gaidin Captain had rushed forward together with the rest of the council and the two Trainees ... entering the aftermath of frost and ashes.

Where are you, dead man? he wondered for a brief moment before spotting the enemy at the right end of the corridor. An Asha'man was crouching there, black coat and all, as if he just had come to his feet. He saw how Kira al'Haram tensed and took to the left, and with a glance in that direction, he saw that the channeler was not alone. Samsu, Tansa and Kethin, he thought while he saw them lift their curved blades in unison before their faces in a brief salute ... he knew the names of the ji'alantin after a moment of reminiscence. This day is one where all show their true nature. The three were students of the sword to him, and they were already quite competent. A flutter of fear in his stomach cut the void for a moment, fear of how many of the Shadow's cause had dared enter their midst ... unchallenged.

Kira would not be able to take the three on by herself. And if one would get through, the Shadowsworn would cut down Saphire from behind without delay. "Take him, " she said then, "Now."

Time was short and his mind worked quickly when his green eyes found the other ji'alantin turning towards the Asha'man. "Shyne!" he barked to him, breath misting in the now cold air. He grabbed his shoulder and turned him around in the other direction. He searched the Trainees eyes. "Aid Kira, and don't let them get through. That's an order." When Caden turned to follow in the wake of the other Gaidin, he just had time to see the three Shadowsworn rush forward with steel teeth first.

Like a bolt from a crossbow, he shot forward. She stall the channeler, and it's we that make the kill. Shoulder first, Caden slammed into a fallen support beam and toppled it over. He was by the wall opposite to Sigmund and Ellisande now. When it slammed to the ground, it sent up just enough soot, ashes and frost to cover his next rush. With a leap and a roll, he made it to the other side of the corridor and crouched low behind a heap of debris which once had been the roof. He was past them all now ... closest to the enemy and about four spans ahead of the other two Warders. Long sabre held out to the side, he was ready to rush forward when the time presented itself. He mouthed the Saniral family saying while he adjusted his hard grip, Courage is fear when it has said it's prayers.

Commotion rose behind her before the Warders took their places. A threat from behind and afore. This was planned. She gritt her teeth in annoyance. Ahead she even recognized the man who was standing up to fight. Sagone Asha'man. Traitor! Either it was a kick in the teeth or the man was so old the taint had finally taken him. She wracked her memories for something to latch onto, his weakness, something about the man . .

. . . who took her by complete and utter surprise.

Saphire watched the fire roar up the hall like a cat frozen in an avalanch. Her whole body tensed off-guard. There was less than half an instant. No time to plan. No time to weave. Even if she could, to relinquish her concentration on that shield would cost everything. She had to push on. If she were shielded by him . . no, no time to think on that.

Saphire fought her instincts and stood her ground. As the fire burned forward she managed to warn them, "FIRE!". In the last instant she steped forward from a firm offensive stance to that of defense, instinvtively submerging Sigmund behind her shield without abandoning Ellisande behind her.

Had there been time, she would have prayed that Caden ducked into the nearest room, she would have prayed that the younglings returned to safety under her Power-wrought protection, or at least dodged into a hall and let whoever they were fighting burn.

But there had been no time. Instead Saphire's heart punded against her chest as she watched the fire engulf her thin bubble. For an instant her faith wavered and she was certain she would die here, now. But it was passing like memories through the wheel. With any luck, the madman had lost a measure of concentration and she could press the advantage. Saphire pushed, harder, stronger, drawing on the power that Daimor's 'angreal leant her. Sweat beaded her brow.

A single voice cut through the hysteria. The voice of his Captain. "Shyne! Aid Kira, and don't let them get through! That's an order!"

The Ji'alantin came to a halt and glanced at his Captain. He looked at Ellisande and Sigmund, Caden and Saphire all focused on the Asha'man at the end of the hall. He would be dealt with, and he would be dealt with by Warders. That's what really mattered. The four of them could handle one Asha'man, Shyne was sure, and so long as the man died at the hands of Warder's, Shyne felt he could follow orders.

This thought came and went in an instant, and then he turned and went to meet his peers. Two against three weren't exactly fair odds, but there was never a doubt in Shyne's mind that he and Kira would prevail. He stepped into a fight with one of them, unaware of the inferno beginning to rage again behind him. He used his left sword to parry the man in front of him, the used his right to almost blindly stab at the central ji' who appeared not to have decided which fight to help with yet.

Running, Kethin advanced against the group together with his two companions. The expectation of battle built in his wide chest and his dark eyes gleamed like the frost coating his grey uniform. Only one woman against us,he thought as he bared his even teeth, There is no turning back.

"Don't expect to die peacefully, wench!" roared scar-faced Tansa to his far left and sped ahead of the three. With his Tairen-wrought longsword he engaged Kira al'Haram with Bundling the Straw ... a form good for quarterstaff opponents yet would work just as well for one with a ashandarei. Several quick chest-level thrusts followed by an arc and a pair return arc flashed before Kethin and Samsu even reached them.

Yet then came the other ji'alantin ... Shyne wasn't it? ... and Kethin was forced to change his attention to him. Eager to die, are you? With a mighty overhand blow, he engaged the Arafelin when they met.

Only Shyne was better than he thought, and his blow was glanced wide of to the side. And fair Samsu, who had been deciding which opponent to attack, received the second blade into his left shoulder. His scream was short and he retreated backwards a step. Kethin threw back his long hair over his shoulder as we whipped back his sword in the Kingfisher Takes a Silverback, the downward stab coming short to rise again in Tower of Morning.

Kira snapped back to her senses, her momentary lapse in concentration over the health of the wolf fleeing as the Ji, Kethin she thought his name was, came at her with his sword bare. She held her ground, realizing at once that she should try to learn a weapon that doesn't take as much room as hers did. After a few moments of the attack, she shortens her grip, making the ashanderei more like a horse sword.

"I don't expect to die at all," she snarled, dropping back as Shyne came at Kethin and forced him back while wounding another.

Kira turned her attention to the third, pulling her weapon back into a more comfortable grip and setting about to hamstring him.

Sister, I come. Kira nearly dropped her ashanderei in suprise when her sister came rushing by.

I thought you were... Kira started, but soon came back to her senses and returned to her fight, letting her sister take on the wounded one.

Shyne focused on the man before him, only noticing he'd hit the other because of the force that stopped his blade. Now that Samsu had dropped back, Shyne was alone with Kethin.

Kethin's sword jabbed down, then arced up. Shyne was working in close quarters now, so he was forced to step backward to get out of the way. As the sword was rushing past him, Shyne swept across with his left hand in an attempt to drive Kethin's Sword into the wall, and at the same time stepped forward with his right foot, effectively switching stances, and moved his right sword into Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose (or "Quick jab at the face," as his father had called it...).

No time for thinking, Kethin ducked underneath the jab while he stepped back and tore his blade loose from the wall in River Undercuts the Bank. "Pray..." The blow was aimed horizontally over Shyne's front right leg and it came up again as Kethin rose to his feet with Low Wind Rising ... now stepping forward again. "...while you can!" Vaguely he registered the arrival of the wolf they had spotted in the corridor before the council came out.

Samsu ... as fine limbed as a girl yet with a man's leathery muscles and sinews ... had now gathered himself after the blow to his shoulder and joined in with the scarred Tansa in fighting the ji'alantar. "Your resistance," said the malicious man-woman in his Mayene accent, "is in vain!" While Tansa attacked Kira with a flurry of overhand blows, Samsu lived up to his words and struck out like a viper against the wolfkin with his unharmed sword arm ... using the first stab against the side of the woman and the second, pivoting slash at the rabid wolf.

Once again, Shyne shuffled back to get out of the way of the horizontal and diagonal attacks. As the sword passed harmlessly inches from his leg, he rushed forward again, his right sword followed Kethin's sword, to keep it in check, his left performed Parting the Silk, as he he continued coming in close, hoping to get close enough to tackle the man in a bull rush.

Kira flinched at the blow that came from the other, the blade catching her side while her attention was on the un-injured male in front of her. The wolf lept at the one who injured Kira, and she rejistered the fact that he was using a sword on an unarmed wolf.

Sister, treat him like a Neverborn, she said, snarling at the two Ji that she and the wolf were facing. A pack would do anything to kill a Neverborn, even if it meant the death of them all. She pressed her attack as much as possible with her now injured side, making sure to attack as far from her friends as possible.

Kira went into a new form she learned not long ago, but she had perfected it as much as possible. It was The Butterfly's WIngs and she had practically begged her teacher to let her learn it. It was good now, though because of the mulitple opponents factor. Also, Dust Storm and Shyne were out of range.

She felt cloth rip at the edge of her pattern, but didn't spare a moment to glance in the direction. Kira was focused, feeling as if she was about to lose herself to her wolf side...

Return to "Aftermath"

Chapter Two: The Martyr's Letter
~Ripple One: All But Pride Mended
~Ripple Two: Serpent in Shawl
~Ripple Three: A Shadow in a Black Robe
~Ripple Four: Seekings
~Ripple Five: The Twin Archers
~Ripple Six: Aftermath
~The Final Ripple

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