Ripple Eight: Darkness
written by Caden Ives, Kile Durann, Bassal Toram, Dax Pohgi, Janis Tearsin and Nykolai Deoddyn

His green eyes searching the darkness ahead of them, Caden Ives had his hand-and-a-half sabre in hand... read for use if any shadow would come alive.

In the very depths of darkness they were... far far below the Grey Tower. Behind him, two drin'far'ji named Nykolai Deoddyn and Janis Tearsin hurried along in his wake, both ready for anything... just like him. After the discussions in his chambers, they had made their way down the great staircase to the foyer on the ground floor. Now they had descended almost as far down again. And if they would die by unseen blades, none would hear them scream. Caden knew that this was far away from the reassuring... no, illusive... training in the Yards. The mid-day meal and the afternoon tea after stretches and washing were a world apart from what they were doing. The Shadow was alive in their adopted home.

The Dark One had turned its eyes to them.

Before they had descended from the foyer, Caden had turned to them both with an intent look in his eyes. He had been silent, searching their eyes. Was there fear in them? He knew they would be frightened soon, and spoke to forestall the fright before it took them in its claws. "Courage," he said in slowly in his Domani accent, which contradicted his blonde hair and green eyes and Tairen armour ",is fear, when it has said it's prayers. Prey now, for you'll have no other time."

After that, they had left the occupied levels of the Tower. Only once, they had stopped in a storage room on the second basement level. He had posted the drin'far'ji outside the door while he picked up two large bundles. They were exactly where Caden's liegeman Niga had told they would be a few weeks ago. He had given them to Tearsin and told him not to light any form of fire near it, and to stay clear of the torches on the walls. It was cold in the bed-rock, and their breaths misted. The lit torches became more and more sparse, and soon, they all strained to pierce the darkness with their eyes. The little light there were was just enough to find their way, and it was unthinkable to bring a torch by themselves, since that would blind them to an attack.

It was then they heard motions in the darkness. Footsteps of men echoed faintly in their ears, and when Caden motioned for the others to stop and stand still, he heard that they came from ahead. Who goes there? Hefting his long blade in both hands, Caden moved forward very silently... the tip of his blade aimed forward. The void and the flame came to his mind, and all thoughts burned to nothingness.

He came to an intersection of corridors, and he heard the footsteps coming nearer from the left. Before he walked out into the crossing, he pressed himself up to the wall. There was just enough space for him to use his long weapon... to the disadvantage of any Shadowspawn or the like walking down the corridor. He bided his time in preparation, until the source of the sound came to his side. His brow-ridge lowered and?

No... they were not to be killed.

When they had passed, Caden Ives stepped out behind Ji'alantin Kile Durann, and the two Drin'far'ji Bassal Toram and Dax Pohgi. He gripped the hilt of his sabre hard as the void left him. His Domani fury glowed in his eyes. "What in the Light are you doing here? Did you not understand my orders, Kile Durann?"

As he regarded the Trainees he had found, the two behind him caught up with him.

Kile whirled around and half raised his blade before he recognized the voice that sounded behind him. He smoothly sheathed his blade and brought his right hand to his heart in a salute. The fury in his voice was unmistakable, and the air between them was crackling with tension. Kile's nervousness was only betrayed by the widening of his eyes.

"Captain," He started. "We were attacked at our post by Clavil Fon'har and several rogue Drin'far'ji. We held our position, but the Ji'alantin escaped." Kile said emotionlessly, he purposefully left out the honorary Sa' in front of his title. Traitors have no Honor. "We took prisoners and they are being held at our post by a pair of Drin', but I decided that it was important to stop Fon'har because he is obviously a larger part of what is happening here,Sir." Kile hoped that his voice was steady, between the broken rib and his nervousness around the Gaidin Captain, the Void threatened to shake itself apart.

The Drin'far'ji under his command were blessedly silent and the're backs were just as straight as his was. I've already got enough on my plate without being chewed out for having undisciplined soldiers. He thought as he awaited the coming storm.

He walked at the back of the group of three his blade raised slightly. He almost collapsed when he heard the voice come from behind them he turned to see the Gaidin Captain decked out for war and decided it would be better if he wasn't holding his blade in a guard, in fact it would be better in its sheathe.

He quickly reminded this by Folding The Fan as quickly as he could without cutting his thumb off and rested one hand on the hilt and the other and his side his back straight and allowed Kile to make his report as he stood in silence his Focus shattered himself and he looked straight ahead trying to regain it.

At first, the darkness was silent... only their misty breathing heard.

Slowly turning his long sabre around in his hand, he grounded the tip and curled his fingers around the hilt. "You do not decide such importance, not until you are raised to the fan-cloak. However, you did well to defend your position, Ji'alantin." he said, his voice still hard, but softer than before... like steel covered in leather. "In this case, you took an initiative which gravity outweighed my orders. If you are pursuing Clavil Fon'har it means that he is leaving the Tower for good. He cannot stay when his true aims have been discovered. He won't resurface though... there is too much in the way for him to reach the Main Gate. He must go for the ruins of the Old Tower. From there, tunnels lead to places no man has ventured in decades... even centuries."

Caden's eyes focused on something distant, and his lips curled to bare his teeth. "But I know where he is going."

You were a student of mine, Clavil. I know how far your resolve takes you. I know at which point you break. Your already crude swordsmanship was in the end honed by me. You know that I will kill you if you raise your blade against mine. You better run now, for now I breathing down your neck.

Looking over the three trainees before him, he measured their state and condition. Kile was bleeding, and lines of suppressed pain cold be seen around his eyes. The others seemed unhurt, besides ruffled uniforms. "I relieve you of your command Kile. I will continue the pursuit. Because of the possible dangers ahead, and since you all have seen action enough for one day, I will not order you to follow me. However, if you do not wish to go back to the Yards above, I welcome your help."

He looked them over again, searching their eyes. "Make no mistake. This morning might have been the last you ever saw daylight. The Shadow's minions could wait at the end of our path. And an ambush is likely since Clavil will reach it before us."

Kile stood at attention as the Gaidin Captain dressed him down, and then he praised him on holding his position. At that, Kile bloomed with pride inside. The Gaidin Captain had praised his efforts in battle, and Kile only wondered what the man would think when he got down there to see the number of bodies. Lo'arn is dead The thought came crashing down on him and threatened to tear apart the Void that buffered him from all his pains and emotions. A single tear ran down his face before he had control again.

"I understand Captain, and unless you are opposed to it, I would like to continue."

He stood his back rigid looking at a spot to the left and 6 inches behind the Gaidin Captains eyes as he began to speak to Kile, first giving him a dressing down then praising him. He had managed to reattain his Focus as the the Captain continued. He is not ordering us....I can leave now and no one will think less of me was the thought that came unbidden into the void, he knew it was his own thought but he sneered at it contemptuiously as soon as he thought I've gone to far to leave now, I'll see this through to whatever end.

Looking at the Gaidin Captain's eyes he pressed his right fist to his heart and said "Sir,I'll continue unless you order me otherwise," he said meaning ever word of it.

Hearing Caden dismissing them, he began to feel sour. It is true that his body was aching in many parts, he was tired, and lines of blood was streaming down his cuts, but the adrenaline was still running furious in his veins, and if he was to be effective, he thought that he would be effective in the hunting party too.

He swayed his head at Kile, then to Bassal, and to Kile once more, he wanted to stay, but insubordination was wrong.

Suddenly he heard Bassal gave a declaration, and an idea instantly formed in his head, Perhaps a suggestion will not hurt.....

"Caden Gaidin..." He began to speak in a clear voice. "...I wish to stay too, if you would permit, Sir." And he kept still at attention to wait the Gaidin Captain's verdict.

Jan had kept silent for most of the trek through the dungeons. He had only nodded acceptance of orders when Caden had handed the two bundles to him, and he had not done anything save follow the Gaidin Captain for the remainder of the dark journey. He was alert, his senses tuned outward to sense any threat or danger that might be lurking just out of sight, but no more than that. He was wrestling with a hard question within the recesses of his own mind. Already he had come up against two of the rogue drin'far'ji, and one was dead now. Ironically, the dead one had been turned back to the light in his final moments of life, whether by Jan's words or by his own conscience the Aielman did not know.

The other Drin, Guara, had been taken alive. Thanks mainly to Jan's furiousness at the death of the other drin, and to his skill with his fists and feet. Guara was being questioned now by Sigmund Gaidin and a few others, and doubtless he would be dead soon as well. Neither of the deaths were of Jan's doing, so his conscience was clear. But he had to wonder if that clearness would last the day.

Now he was being led into a situation where he might be forced to raise his blade against more of his brothers in arms, against men he had eaten and drank with as friends. Jan wasn't sure he could handle that, especially if he was forced to slay them. Too, he wasn't sure how he would be able to tell friend from foe. How many, he wondered, were true Shadowsworn, and how many were merely frightened boys and girls who had been bullied into serving their evil masters?

Jan became aware of the presence of others in the corridor a split-second after Caden, and the big man seemed to melt into the shadows. It was a trick he had learned in the back-alleys of Fal-Dara, and one that had served him well on many an occasion. The Aielman's hand closed around the hilt of Skyfire, but he resloved not to draw the blade unless he or his companions were in danger of being hurt.

As it turned out, there was no need for the blade. Jan recognized Kile from the few practice bouts the two men had shared, and he caught glimpses of a few other faces he recognized among the Drin's following behind Kile. Men I know... Jan wondered again if he could raise a blade against other members of the Tower. He wondered how under the Light he wsa going to AVOID it. The problem turned over and over in his mind, and Jan wondered if Caden was thinking the same thing. Woolhead, he chastised himself. Of course he's thinking that, these ARE his students, after all.

The Aielman's ears perked up at the word 'ambush,' and an idea began to from in his sharp mind. He kept silent though, preferring to wait and ee how Caden planned on handling the situation before coming forward with any of his own suggestions. "My blade is yours, my Lord Captain," he said quietly but firmly, "for as lonmg as my arm has the strength to wield it."

Nyk followed the Gaidin Captain down to the bowels of the Tower. Nyk struggled to maintain the Void, one of the things he had learned in his time in the Warder Yards. Guilt and memory of pain threatened his hold on the void and sanity time and time again, but Nyk had to keep going. He had to stay alert. Lives were at stake now, including his own, and he had to be ready for anything. Hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Nyk continued on.

When Caden pressed himself against a wall, Nyk's senses heightened and he was able to hear other people coming down the hallway. His grip tightened and his palms began to sweat. He and Janis were a little ways behind the Gaidin, and Nyk let the walls and shadows fold in over him as he continued to creep forward. It was just as well that they were back: it would give an element of surprise, again, if it came down to a skirmish again. To his relief, the young men coming down the halls turned out to be friends of the Light, loyal Warders-in-Training. While Nyk and Janis closed the distance between them and the otehrs, Nyk heard the Ji' reporting to Caden, the the Gaiding berating him momentarily. All that he could think was that he was glad it wasn't him under fire this time.

The Gaidin Captain gave them another chance to turn back. Part of Nyk fought through the Void, screaming for him to turn and run back to the safety of the barracks. The Void prevailed over it, and the other part of Nyk took over. He already had blood on his hands, what difference would it make if he shed more? He didn't want to be a coward, not in front of the Gaidin Captain. Not in front of these other Drin' and the Ji'. But most of all, not in front of his new friend and companion, Janis. So he steeled himself for whatever they would face, and when the others had responded, Nyk heard himself replying quietly, "I, too, will continue to follow you, if you would have me."

Would it be suicide?

When all the trainees had spoken, Caden Ives had inclined his head to each in acknowledgement. "Your common choice gladdens me, Warders-to-be." He lifted his sabre's tip from the ground and held the long blade by his side again. "Know that you don't have to prove yourselves to me in the times that come. You all have already shown me your quality... the very finest of iron which Gaidin are made of. Kile Durann, your sole purpose will be to guard Janis Tearsin from any harm and make sure the two bundles he is carrying doesn't come near any form of fire. If they do, we are all dead and the Tower is forsaken. Now steel yourselves for the worst, and follow me."

By those words, Caden set a rapid pace through the dark corridors, with his eyes darting over shadows through his blonde strands of hair. The Shadow might have sent scouts in advance, though those would not venture to the higher levels... or even thread near the opening of the passageway. They know the bonded Gaidin can sense them with half a mile. That was why he did not fear trollocs rather than shadowsworn just yet, for he would know them to be there before they heard him.

It did not take long for them to reach the decrepit passageway to the Old Tower... a stone gate opening into a broad corridor. Twenty man could walk along it abreast and the ceiling was as high any minor hall in the Tower. Caden bared his teeth as he saw the expanse of the passageway's roof. It's too wide to seal the path with the black powder. I need someplace more narrow. He had hoped it would be sufficient to blockade the opening to the Old Tower, though he had suspected they would have to venture further on. He had been right, so he had no choice but to wave the others on. He grabbed a torch now, and gave it to Bassal Toram, who walked just behind him. He did not want the torchlight directly in his eyes, since he was the first who would spot any potential danger.

The air was damper in the straight passageway, and the bedrock around them grew even colder. Even though the bond he had to Leanna rendered him unaffected by the temperature, Caden could still feel it. Leanna... She was behind him now, and above... far above. She would feel every injury he sustained and would know in which manner he died, even if he was deep underground. Forgive me for not returning to your side right away, though I had to do this... else I would let the Shadow come up underneath the Tower and kill you all before you knew what was going on.

The passageway to the Old Tower was rather plain, and moss had gathered wherever a torch holder was set, hanging like banners along their path. He could make out some chiselled patterns trailing the walls, but it was too hard to discern what they were. Time wore on, and the flickering torchlight became their world in the solid darkness. From time to time, Caden crouched down and inspected the dust and gravel upon the floor. Each time he saw the faint trails of a man.

After half an hour, they reached a long section of the corridor that had caved in by the pressure of the mountain above. Boulders in sizes from horses to small cottages blocked their way, so Caden sheathed his sabre and began to find a path for the entourage. There was a dripping sound there, and the mosses spread like fingers over the damp stones. His eyes constantly searching, he climbed, crawled, leapt and pulled himself up to make their way forward. The task would not have been a problem if it were not for the darkness and the fact that they only had one torch, which had to wander between the hands of each man for all to move along some sections. His scaled armour and fan-cloak did not help very much either. If it had not been for the bond, which let any Warder gain strength and energy above normal, he knew he would have been drenched in sweat and his breathing thorn.

When he stepped up upon the highest peak of the small landscape of stone, he could see that the tunnel continued on the other side, but water had escaped from one of the mountain-rivers above... leaving the passageway knee-deep in water. Hence the dripping sound... They would have to wade though it the rest of the way. On top of that, he knew that shadowspawn were close. I was right. Even though I hate the fact, I was right in my suspicions. He crouched and ran his hand over the damp stone, and when he raised it to his face, his nose drew back. He straightened.

"A Fade stood here." That was yet another ability of the bond. Turning his head, he continued; "I sense the minions of the Dark One ahead. Not close... yet they are in our path. How fare you all? Report your condition." His voice echoed faintly between the distant walls and the roof... only five spans above him.

Jan's eyes went wide and his heart suddenly leaped up into his throat. A fade? Oh blood and ashes, a FADE! The scar on his arm started to throb, even though he knew it was just his imagination, and he started to break out in a cold sweat. For all his skill, for all his size and strength, Jan was terrified of Myrdraal. It was not any rational fear, it went far beyond that. It was a paralyzing, soul rending fear that made any action impossible, a fear hat froze Jan to his place and did not allow him to move.

He managed to find his voice, but it was cracked and weak as his mouth had suddenly gone dry. "I am well, Captain Ives," he croaked. "but if we do meet uo with a..." Jan gulped and tried to moisten his mouth. Light, it was hard to even SAY the word. "If we do meet a ... Myrdraal... I will be of little to no use to you. I have met such a shadowspawn only once, and that encounter left me with a fear of them that goes far beyond anything I have ever felt before. If I see a Myrdraal, I will become unable to do or say anything, even movement will be beyond my capabilities. I am sorry, Captain Ives. Perhaps I should return to the surface, lest I endanger the group?"

"Kile Durann, your sole purpose will be to guard Janis Tearsin from any harm." Captain Ives had given him another important task, and Kile was feeling sickly sweet about that when Caden mentioned that there were Shadowspawn ahead. He shook his head, as if to be rid of the queasyness, assuming the Void his mind floated in a world where there was only one purpose. Guard Janis Tearsin. When Janis asked if he should go back because he wouldn't be much help, Kile kept silent, but wounded pride slid across the Void. Does he think that I can't protect him? Then it was gone, as quickly as it had come.

Either way Kile knew that the Captains desicion would be a good one. Kile wiped his brow with his free hand and answered the Gaidin, breath misting as he spoke. "I am well, ready to move on Captain." Kile said as he winced in the dark from his broken rib. His right side felt like it was being stabbed everytime he drew a breath, but he wasn't about to stop with battle so close again.

Nyk was drenched in sweat and his ribcage ached from the journey so far. How long would it last? How far would they have to go? He was already beginning to notice that, though it was good armor, it was not made specifically for him. Mentally adding that to a list of things to do when they finished the battle, Nyk realized his mindset. He was convinced that they were going to survive, and that the Gaidin Captain would allow him to stay to train in the Warder Yards. Nodding firmly as they continued to walk, Nyk decided to keep that outlook. He mused on whether the Captain's comment about not needing to prove himself would actually extend to Nyk, especially after this situation was resolved.

They had stopped, and Caden told them to report their condition. The fear in Jan's voice and words did little to settle Nyk's nerves. If his friend, a seasoned fighter, was that terrified of meeting a Fade, would it be instant death for Nyk, a relatively new warder-in-training with only one real combat encounter? He hoped not, and he tried to ready himself mentally and physically for what was to come. "I am ready and able to continue," he reported solidly. Despite the assurance that he didn't have to prove himself, Nyk knew that his time spent with the Gaidin Captain would profoundly impact his future at the Tower.

When Caden started to move it he stepped in behind him re-drawing his sword and walking slowly. His mind was sharp and his fear again traqpped behind his Focus as they moved. He woul refuse to drop his Focus for the fear that he would be unable to reatain it. Eventually Caden handed him his torch and he held it firmly in his other hand as he moved.

When finaly they came to a stop his knee was throbbing from the after pain of his tackle earilier but he ignored it. As Caden spoke his eyes widened Blood and bloody ashes a Fade! his hand gripped his sword tight. As he heard the others report he grit his teeth I won't be afarid! I REFUSE TO BE AFRAID! He nodded when it was time for him to report his voice came out low but firm with only a slight quiver in it betraying a hint of fear "I am prepared sir!" and may the creator shelter and protect us.

In utter silence, Caden listened to the reports of his small group of men-at-arms.

When nothing but the dripping water was heard again, he spoke in Janis Tearsin's direction. "We stay together. I know the fear you speak of, for I have felt it myself. Remember this, you need not fight the Myrdraal if we face it, for your main concern will be to keep those two bundles safe from both fire ?and water. Whatever happens, you will not fail in this. If you do, the Halfman will be a lesser concern of yours." He turned the dead centres of his eyes to Kile next. "Ji'alantin Kile Durann, you know your orders. Stay close to him." His boots scraped as he turned and began to descend down towards the water on the other side.

When they had left the great rubble of stone and moss, their passage grew slow as they waded through freezing water. Moss hung from the ceiling, caressing them as they passed by. However far they came, only more darkness seemed to await them. The old water reached them to their knees, and quickly filled their boots. After a few minutes, Caden could no longer feel his toes. The walls trailing their straight path were now more heavily marked by the spread of mosses, and the inscriptions were almost impossible to make out. Thankfully, there were no intersecting paths leading from the passageway, because he knew that it would be next to impossible to track Clavil Fon'Har through water.

The shadowspawn he felt... whatever kind it happened to be... was coming closer.

When Caden began to suspect that they had missed an opening because of the growing density of moss, and when his throat began to feel raw after breathing the damp and cold air, when his thighs began to ache with the effort of their progress, and when the torch threatened to die on them... like a revelation, the passageway opened up before them.

The light of their torch would never have reached the domed ceiling, but it didn't have to. Far, far above, like a window to the real world, a caved-in opening spread rays of sunlight through the air of the great hall they stood in. The water spread over the wide expanse of the floor, and since the light could not penetrate the surface far enough, Caden had no idea what mosaic could cover it. Like islands, crumbled boulders and rocks made the hall appear to be a tranquil archipelago. Four giant columns ascended through the still air... as if defiant to the withering of their bodies and in denial to the passage of time. Those four pillars summoned the name of the hall to Caden's memory. In reverence, Caden spoke softly. "This is Late Pariah's Hall."

He was constantly aware that the Dark One's minions were very close, and thus he pushed back the memories of what he had read about this place. His forehead knuckling into a fist, he glared across the calm waters. "I sense the Shadow here. Whatever awaits us, it is near. Very near."

Motioning for them to follow, Caden made his way towards the centre of the Hall.

When Captain Ives respoke his orders to Kile, he kissed his blade and saluted. Despite the broken rib on his left side he felt good, ready for what ever lay ahead of them. When Caden began to move on Kile layed a hand on Dax's arm until all the others except himself, Janis and Dax remained. He then followed signalling for Janis to follow him and then Dax. He didn't speak for a couple of reasons, he wasn't sure what was close enough to hear, plus he didn't want the Gaidin Captain to think that he was giving orders undermining his command, he mearly wanted someone he could count on to watch Janis's back until the real action started.

Walking through the knee-high freezing water proved to be a chore, but cloaked in the Void he merely noticed the fact that he was spending more energy than he wanted and that his feet were begining to numb. Working his toes in his waterlogged boots helped they were tingling and starting to come back to normal. The moss covered walls bore no sign of Fon'har or anything else that had been in there other than the people who had made the markings on the walls origionally.

When they finally entered a large chamber with four very tall decaying pillars leading up to a crumbled roof that let in the sunlight from outside. "This is Late Pariah's Hall." Caden said as they entered. Its still light outside? It seemed like they had been underground for days, but he knew consiously that it was still the same day.

"I sense the Shadow here. Whatever awaits us, it is near. Very near." The Gaidin said as he motioned them to follow after him. Kile steeled himself for what was to come. No matter what he would live or die with the same fervor protecting Janis. He looked back at the man, who was looking rather sick, and gave him an encouraging nod before turning again and studying their surroundings.

Jan took a deep shuddering breath and let it out slowly, calming his nerves and his heart as best he could without entering the Void. He never entered the void anymore, that was the Walker's territory, where the cold and merciless side of Jan resided. The Aielman would not enter into that place unless he had no other choice, regardless of what else might happen. He was not quite sure if he was supposed to be calmed or frightened by Caden's words, but he nodded his acceptance of them anyway.

Jan adjusted the bundles on his shoulder again, wishing that he had brough some rope to tie them up with. It would be difficult to wield Skyfire with the added weight of the bundles on his shoulder, but then, that was probably why Caden had assigned Kile to guard him. As the troupe started to move off, Jan noticed that one other Drin had stayed back as well, presumeably under Kile's orders. The Aielman nodded his thanks to both men, and there was a soft hiss as Jan drew skyfire from it's sheath. He could do so, now that he knew that it was not his fellow Drin that they would be encountering.

Jan moved on, then, following close behind Kile and keeping his eyes moving, watching for any sign of ambush or enemy. There were none that he could see, and until they reached the Pariah's Hall, Jan dared hope that they would manage to leave without meeting any shadowspawn whatsoever. His hopes were dashed when Caden made his announcement, but the Aielman's jaw tightened in determination, fighting back the fear. He had a job to do, and he would be burned eight ways from sollens if he left his duty un-fulfilled.

Jan readjusted the bundles again, and tightened his grip on Skyfire. If the foe were to come, it would find the Aielman waiting for it. Jan caught Kile's eye and nodded again, letting the older man know that he was not paralyzed, that he could be counted on in the coming fight. Then his eyes sought out Nyk, wondering whether the boy would be alright in the coming battle. Jan resolved something then and there, if it looked like the boy was in trouble, neither bundles nor Myrdraal nor the Dark One himself would keep Jan from coming to his aid.

A grim smile worked it's way across the Aielman's face. Alright then, Shadow boys, he thought as his eyes searched the cavern. Let's dance, you and I.

He walked on his leg throbbing with every step the torch held in front of him dancing light around his sword held firmly in the other hand. When they reached the water and he took the first step into it he almost stopped dead the cold running up his leg like long icy fingers, the throbbing in his leg grew worse. With a grimace he waded on seeing nothing, hearing only the dripping of water, and the sounds of the others as they trudged through the water.

They walked on, on a seemingly endless hike through the waters. His head had taken up a dull throb that threatened to shatter his Focus, his muscles ached and his chest was tight but there was nothing to do but walk onward. He gave a quick glance back to the three bringing up the rear for something to end the oppressive darkness in front but when he turned around he knew it would be there again.

Just as he was given in to the thought of living the rest of his days wandering around in the dark in the freezing water the passage opened up and he breathed a lot easier in the openness of it. His head spun to Caden as he spoke "This is Late Pariah's Hall." He frowned as the name didn't conjure any images or feelings in him, he had never heard the name before, but he shrugged it off Learn history later fight now! he thought to himself with a nod, and as if to underline that thought Caden spoke again "I sense the Shadow here. Whatever awaits us, it is near. Very near." His hands instinctively tightened on the torch and the hilt of his blade and he didn't say a word just scanned the area he could see and waited patiently.

He could smell death. It was waiting for them.

His eyes searching the dimness around them, Caden Ives cursed the fact that they carried no long-range weapons. Had someone carried a bow, he would have ordered him to seek a high vantage point and scan the vast masses of water and rock around them. Right now, any fade could get but a few feet away before they would have chance to know the danger. The small and scarcely spread hills of stone that blocked their sight could hide any number of enemies. Yet the most depressing fact of all, was that the Gaidin Captain needed to find the trail of Clavil Fon'har to know where the tunnel to the Claw Stone was. Thus, he led the way through the water, searching the surface for floating moss and other vegetation that had been torn by their prey. He was still on the trail though. And he was relentless in his pursuit.

The Shadow was very near... they could just as well be watched by it right then. Trollocs did not like water in a sense, but this water was too still for them to pose anything more than just loathing. Outwardly, Caden did not acknowledge this to his followers, but his eyes narrowed to make out every little detail of the surroundings. If he told them that the Shadow was this close, Janis or someone lese might do something foolish. He did not want the trainees to panic prematurely. They needed to stay alert and keep their eyes open until?

There!

Spotting a wide circular altar that broke the surface before them... with a three man tall dome suspended upon three columns of twisting grey stone, Caden motioned with his sabre for them all to move towards it. He left the trail of Clavil behind, making sure exactly where it was before leaving it with his eyes. The group would have sure footing upon the altar and much easier hold under any form of attack. The enemies would have to come up of the water to be any real threat. He realised that the altar was directly between the four giant pillar who bore the vaulted ceiling upon their shoulders... marking the very centre of the hall. The faint rays of light from the gap far above was centred on the roof of the dome, as if to make it a beacon for their refuge. Two high-backed chairs in grey stone stood in shade underneath the dome, with five steps each leading up to the seats. The chairs of the Amyrlin and the M'Hael, when they judged the traitors of the Old Tower. There was no Hall of Justice back then.

The Shadow pulsed in the veins across is temples. It was right upon them! Only forty yards away to the altar... Then... It was then it came. He was too late.

From the surface of the water before them, a dark shape rose slowly. It's cloak hung heavy with water around its serpent-like frame. From the blackness inside the cowl of the black cloak, an eyeless and mordant stare met them. His black blade dripped by his side. Myrdraal! came his thought with the fear that began to claw at his mind, only an instant grasp of the void and the powers the Bond bestowed upon him managing to keep it at bay. Raising his long sabre, he shouted to his followers without leaving the Fade with his eyes, "Run! To the altar, quickly!" The light from above dimmed then, as if heavy clouds blocked the sun finally. The storm has come above, thought Caden and with that, the storm began in Late Pariah's Hall too.

His legs heavy in the water, which rose him to his thighs, he moved forward as quickly as he could with his sabre ready. The Myrdraal came forward to meet him, his motions seemingly unhindered by the water... like a swimming snake. Raising its blade, it spoke to him. "You should not have followed," it said, its voice like leather slowly crumbling, "you will have enough time to regret your curiosity... since this hall shall be your tomb."

Caden did not answer, he did not loose his breath to the ears of a never-born. When it came into the range of his poised strike, he began the dance of death.

Something was wrong, Jan could feel it. It wasn't Shadowsense, or anything else reserved for warders through their bond. This was Jan's sixth sense, his warrior instinct that had been built up over a lifetime of battles. The hairs on his neck stood straight out, and he felt a chill creep down his spine. He was being watched, and the watcher was not friendly. He was about to speak up when Caden told them to head for the altar. Jan swore at himself for his stupidity. Of course, the Gaidin Captain would know that they were being watched, he probably knew it even better than Jan did. And, if he had a reason for keeping silent, then Jan figured it would probably not be a good idea to speak up. His fingers tightened around Skyfire's hilt, his knuckle's whitening as he felt the watcher's eyes grow closer.

As they passed through the four Pillars, all hell broke loose. Jan saw the Myrdraal for a split second before Caden's form blocked it out as he rushed to meet it. For a second, Jan felt the ages old fear creeping into his heart, stealing the strength from his limbs and the courage from his soul. Then the Trollocs appeared, and the feeling left. Myrdraal he couldn't even look at, but Trollocs he could handle. Jan's face split into a grim smile as he counted up the odds against them. Five trainees, plus the Gaidin Captain, against four trollocs and a Mydraal... Jan glanced up at the altar and saw Clavil Fon'hair standing at the top of the steps, just waiting for one of Jan's companions to get within range. Okay, Jan thought with a grim chuckle. four trollocs, a myrdraal, and one dead Ji'Alantin.

The big Aielman set his feet and met the gaze of the closest trolloc with his own steely glare. four trollocs, Jan shook his head. I could take that many down before breakfast on a bad day. This guy must REALLY be sure of his fighting prowess. Jan shifted the bundles on his shoulder and set his feet as best he could in the water. An idea suddenly occured to the Aielman, and he switched his sword from his right hand to his left, and his right hand drew the littl four-edged stilleto from it's forearm sheath. "Come on you light burned son of a goat," Jan muttered under his breath as he shifted his grip on the little knife. "Just bring your pretty face a little closer..."

Jan heard the clash of steel as the battle was joined behind him, but he forced himself to concentrate on his own opponent. "Come on, one more step..." The trolloc obliged Jan, and took one more step forward. It raised it's axe as it did so, and opened it's mouth to let out a bloodcurdling roar. Jan's hand flashed out, and the little dagger spun from his grasp and out at the Shadowspawn. The trolloc's roar became a gurgle as Jan's little knife buried itse;f up to the hilt in the back ot the thing's open mouth. The Trolloc gasped and gurgled for a second, then fell face down into the water and disappeared beneath it's surface.

One down, five to go... Jan moved his blade back to his right hand and whirled around, seeing if any of his companions needed help.

Kile watched Jan's back as he downed the trolloc in front of him. Kile silently cheered when he saw the beast go down, but the joy he felt was short lived as a trolloc came up on him. The things face was contorted in a howl of rage, its wolfish snout had its lips pulled back to reveal a row of yellow putrid teeth. Kile got his sword up just in time to block the furious overhand blow that the shadowspawn had attacked with. He brought his sword down and around in a tight cirle to ensnare his enemies weapon. With a flick of his wrist the scythe-like blade splashed into the water.

Kile smoothly transitioned from the Grapevine Twines, to Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose. The tip of his curved blade started through the trollocs armor, but Kile didn't stop pushing until the hilt touched the beasts breast. When the mutilated animal cried its death rattle he kicked the beast off his blade and turned to find another. The broken rib in his side felt as if it were totally out of place, but still, in the void Kile struggled on.

Looking toward the front of the column he saw that the men in front were still fighting their trollocs, but beyond that he saw Clavil Fon'har awaiting them at the altar. Kile trudged through the thigh deep water past Caden and the Myrdraal. He couldn't find anyplace to put his blade into it with out the distinct possibility of harming the Gaidin Captain, so he trudged on toward the Dias. Where a former comrade awaited.

His hands tensed around the hilt of his sword in his right hand and the torch in his left when the Fade appeared in from of the captain. When heordered them to the alter something isntantly struck hom There's something not right but regardless of his own thoughts he moved his way towards the alter as the Captain moved to engae the Fade and then he spotted movement just upon the alter "Clavil Fon'har" he muttered under his breath but he noticed a more immediate danger.

The four Trollocs where making there way towards the five of them and he bit off a curse and moved towards the Trolloc closest to him a grotesque thing with the head of a bull carry a wicked looking curved blade, the beast took a swing at his chest but his own blade got in and meet it for a parry he let out a gutteral incomprehesible cry and swung the torch forward towards the beasts head Not to smart these things are they he thought from within his Focus as it stummbled back and he brought his blade sweeping round in Arc Of The Moon slicing the Trollocs head clean off. He quickly glanced round and made his way towards Janis and Kile.

Nyk was silent as they trudged on to Late Pariah's Hall. Speaking would only break his focus and would make him nervous, so he heightened his senses and continued into the hall. The water was deep and dark, weighing down his legs as they walked. He almost regretted the armor, but knew that it would be helpful in the upcoming battle. They were veering toward a high point, an altar of some sort, surrounded by four pillars and light from above.

A Myrddraal stood up in front of the Gaidin, nearly making Nyk jump out of his skin. He avoided looking at the Fade, trying to suppress the fear that was threatening his hold on the void. Suddenly, Caden was telling them to run to the altar. Nyk tried to run, but the water up to his thighs hampered the effort. It was easier and faster to cut through the water smoothly with his legs. The five trainees remained together until the Trollocs appeared. Three of the trainees were taking on Trollocs, looking like they were having great success in their endeavors. Janis was taking care of his own, but another Trolloc appeared to be lumbering over to double-team the Aielman. Nyk gripped his sword tightly in his right hand and lunged for the Trolloc. Even if he wasn't as skilled as the other Trainees appeared to be, he could prevent anyone from having to face two foes simultaneously.

The Trolloc turned quickly, but Nyk was ready. He assumed a defensive stance, expecting the Trolloc to make the first move. The snarling beast attempted to stab Nyk's throat, but Nyk was able to lift his blade in time to block the attack. The Shadowspawn's blade slid harmlessly to Nyk's left side, but the creature kicked out and connected with the drin's abdomen. Falling in thigh-deep water was different from falling on normal ground, but Nyk was able to utilize the techniques he'd learned from his unarmed combat class to control the fall. He sucked in a huge gulp of air before his head went under water.

Nyk opened his eyes, but could see nothing in the dark, murky waters around him. Still underwater, he log-rolled to his right, hoping to catch the Trolloc off-guard. Or at least not provide it with a sitting target. Nyk felt and heard the nasty creature's blade splashing around in the water where he'd fallen. The armour he wore made it difficult to surface, but Nyk forced himself to launch up and out of the water. The Trolloc rounded on him, and Nyk knew there was no way he had enough strength to block the next set of powerful attacks that the beast had initiated. Nyk felt his sword-arm losing strength rapidly as he defended the thrusts. Some glanced off him solely due to his armour, but he knew he couldn't hold the creature at bay much longer. "Janis!" he managed to call out through ragged breaths.

Jan spun around when he heard Nyk's call, and he swore passionately when he saw the boy's predicament. The Aielman started forward, but his movements were hampered by the water, and even more by the two bundles he was carrying. He saw Byk's guard begin to break, and knew that there was no way he could reach the boy in time. He considered throwing his blade for a split second, but rejected the idea. Such things only worked in Gleeman's tales, and besides, it would leave him defenseless against a dangerous enemy. But there had to be a way, the Aielman would not stand by and watch Nyk get skewered on a Trolloc's foul blade...

Jan's quck mind siezed on a desperate plan. It was not garaunteed to do anything, but it was the only chance Nyk had. Jan took a deep breath and, once his lungs had filled with air, started to scream.

It wasn't a scream of terror, or even of anger. It was a strange ill-earthly wail. A high keening that sounded like something from a monstrous bird-of-prey, or an unknown monster come to life. And, in a way, it was. Jan had heard stories long ago of a strange and mythical creature called a banshee. It was a fictional monster who's scream could shatter metal and rend flesh from bones. The Trolloc's skin didn't melt off it's bones, nor did it's brain drain out it's ear, ot it's armor shatter, but it DID spin around, it's eyes searching frantically for the new threat.

By that time, Jan was in striking distance, and Skyfire lashed out hard and fast for the Shadowspawn's gut. The Trolloc managed to recover in time to block the thrust, and even managed a return swipe, but Jan smiled grimly. The stupid creature had positioned itself between two foes, and If Nyk could just make it to his feet, the thing would be dead within a few seconds.

The Trolloc had recovered what little wits it had and was wading into the Aielman with a will. Ordinarily, Jan could have taken the thing down with no trouble, but the water and the bundles combined seriously hampered his fighting abilities, and the trolloc started to gain ground on the suddenly hard-pressed Aielman. Come on, Nykolai, I could use a little help right about now Jan thought as he blocked another swing from the thing's blade.

Nyk was grateful for his Aiel friend's keen mind and inhuman cry. The monster whipped around to face Jan, and Nyk was finally able to regain his footing. He followed quietly behind the Trolloc as it advanced on Jan, slowly overcoming the drin'. Nyk knew that he was under a time constraint, but he had a little time to work with to find a good opportunity. One came as the trolloc lifted its blade to crash it down on Jan's skull.

Nyk used both hands to thrust his sword into the Trolloc's side, about where a human kidney would be. The beast screamed, but didn't die instantly. Nyk pulled out his bloody blade as the shadowspawn turned to face him. Another thrust up into the Trolloc's gut killed it. Nyk sidestepped as the creature fell to its knees and then face-down into the water.

Turning to Jan, Nyk breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks for being there, man," he thanked the Aielman. Nyk began to trudge through the water toward altar, where the Sa'Ji was defending himself.

The sparks raining upon the water, Caden Ives drove the Halfman rearward.

The grip around the hilt of his sabre was moist yet sure, and whenever the Myrdraal found an opening in his defences, the Gaidin Captain had provided it to lure it into a trap. The creature was as quick as a viper, and it seemed to have no trouble fighting in the water, and only that had saved its neck thus far. The void and the flame let him concentrate on out-witing the faster adversary, and striking the Fade's blade aside to deliver a thrust to its chest, Caden thought he had finished it.

It was at that time it happened. Through the bond, Caden could feel his Aes Sedai being knocked out of consciousness.

No! Leanna! His eyes widened as he lost the grip of the void. The Myrdraal regained his guard and retaliated with massive overhand blows.Caden could do none but deflect them and give ground to the creature. Once, then twice his scaled armour saved him. His mind was not cooperating any longer. Leanna! I need to go to her! How could I leave her to the hands of the Shadow? He could hear the hissing breath of his opponent mock him. He glanced a strike off to his left and spun his sabre around in a tight arc over the head. However, the creature was faster and stalled the blow... heaving it away from itself the next instant. Desperate to keep his life, Caden shoved his long blade back into guard... deflecting a cut towards his neck. Yet his balance was not intact, and by the next tick, his head was underwater.

The world blow the surface was dark and green, and it took him half a moment to orientate himself. He kicked out towards the knee of the Fade, and only that saved him from the black cutting edge that came for his side. Using the kick as leverage, Caden pushed himself away. He nearly avoided the second thrust... but his scaled armour saved him from any harm again. As he broke the surface, he steeled himself mentally... evenly seeking the void once more. There is nothing I can do for Leanna right now. Nothing, but surviving and returning to her side. Focus! He bared his teeth to the creature as he lifted his blade in Lion on the Hill. "I don't have time or tolerance for you. This... is... the end!"

By his words, the void returned.

With Wind and Rain he drove the creature back. He had battled Myrdraal before, in Ilian and in Cairhien when he first served Leanna Sedai as her saviour from the Black Ajah and later on... when he was bonded to her... during a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Grey Tower itself. This one was not different from the others, he found, for their quickness only carried them to a certain point. And when Caden found where their tenacity and boneless swordsmanship failed, he cut them down. He changed into Falling Leaf all of a sudden, and when the Fade thought it had moved to stall the strike, his blade changed its direction. Tearing through black chain mail and foul flesh, he rid the creature of his sword arm. He knew it wasn't enough, and the reverse cut came high to finish it.

With a splash, the Myrdraal's head landed in the water a moment later.

With a disgusted face, he kicked the still flailing body of its feet and turned to the aid of his group. The creature would not die until the next day, nor would the trollocs bound to it. Shrieks like those of wounded animals rose to the ceiling in a dreadful chorus. There were more trollocs in Late Pariah's Hall... beyond the altar... Clavil... The cold dead centres of his eyes saw that the altar was empty.

Kile waded through the water advanceing on the altar where Clavil waited. Kile had never sparred with the man before but he had been told the he was cold and ruthless. Kile more than believed it now, but duty pressed him onward through the fear that was gnawing at his gut. He pulled the throwing knife out of his grey coat sleeve and prepared to hurl the dagger at Fon'har when he heard a sword tearing through armor and flesh, and the gutteral cries of trollocs in the distance that were linked to the Myrdaal. When he looked back toward Caden he was standing over the thrashing monster, he quickly looked back toward Clavil, but there were only echoing boot steps. With Janis and Nyk not far behind him Kile redoubled his efforts and when he finally reached the altar he climbed up carefully and checked it for enemies. He was about to turn around and help the two men behind him when he was savagely attacked by a pair of trollocs that were aparently unaffected by the death of the Myrdraal.

Kile took a blow to his left shoulder that peirced his armor, although not too deeply before he could react. He groaned inside the Void with the power of the blow he took, but he instantly stepped back and used Hummingbird Kisses the Honeyrose to hold them back. they had started to circle around him so when they were in proper postiion, he used Lizard in the Thornbush. The first thrust at the opponent in front of him was blocked, but not waiting to parry the next attack he kneeled while pivoting and slashed the trolloc behind him across the belly spilling his inards behind the Amyrlins Seat.

When he saw Janis and Nyk finish of the attacking Trollocs he changed direction and advanced towards the alter follwoing behind Kile. His focus almost shattered round him as he heard the guttural and deafinig screams of the Trollocs dieing it took him a moment before he stopped scanning for new enemies and spotted the thrashing Myrdraal in the water behind him Those must be the Trollocs linked to the Fade! he thought to himself.

He truged slowly onward his muscles aching as he moved I don't think I can keep this up much longer than now, but I will go down fighting if need be his hand hodling the torch ached and the sword hand throbed in pain but still he plowed onward. He was almost at the alter when the two Trollocs appeared and went for Kile. He saw Kile get hit and grunted and moved as fast as his aching muscles and the water would let him. He was on the alter now as Kile went into Lizard In The Thornbush. When the second trolloc was gutted he noticed the first bringign its sword down in a heavy over hand blow to Kiles head. Only one chance he thought as he dropped the torch to the ground and ran forward dropping over and placing his left hand on the ground he shifted his weight forward and rolled across his shoulders keeping his sword safley away from his body he came up just in time to lunge his blade forward and take the Trolloc striking at Kile's head in the side using pushing his blade throught the chainmail as hard as he could with bothe his arms, the thing screamed and dropped its sword.

When Caden lifted his eyes, he was an instant late to warn Kile Durann of the two trollocs upon the altar. However, the Ji'alantin managed quite nicely together with Bassal Toram. By the time he reached the altar, all the trainees were waiting for him. His fancloak dripped as he walked towards them. "Well done, all of you," he said in a low voice as he passed them, looking over the other side of the grand hall, he turned to Janis and Nykolai and held their eyes "Only Clavil knows the way leading to the Claw Stone. If we loose his trail, there is no way we can seal the tunnel which leads there. There are thousands of passages here underneath the Old Tower. We seek only one," then to all, he added: "There is no time to waste here, come! And Bassal, pick up the torch again before it goes out. We might need it."

Striding to the other edge of the altar, he decided that the other three needed to know exactly what was at stake. Over his shoulder, he directed himself to Drin'far'ji Deoddyn while he jumped down into the water. "Nykolai, you cover our rear, as you do so, tell the others what is about to happen. Tell them what the Shadow has in store for us. Kile, I want you by Janis side again in the centre, the two trollocs you encountered were linked to another Myrdraal. Dax and Bassal, you protect our flanks. Hurry now."

He led the way again now, through screaming shadowspawn and rock. In the back of his mind, he listened while Nyk carried out his order. With his sabre held by both hands, he set the course towards the only opening on the other side of the Late Pariah's Hall.

Nyk listened to the Gaidin Captain's information about the necessity of following Clavil. It had seemed a nearly hopeless adventure before he knew that there was a strong possibility of getting lost in this tunnel system... now it seemed like certain doom. Part of Nyk screamed to go back, to return to the Infirmary, that he was of no use to the warriors present here, all with much more training than he. However, the adrenaline was still pumping through his veins from his last encounter with a Trolloc, and he knew that he couldn't go back. What if there was nothing to return to?

Nyk was startled when Caden commanded him to cover the rear and to let the others know some of the vital information. He hoped that there would not be an ambush from behind, but he would do his best to protect himself and this small attack party. After only a moment of hesitation, Nyk nodded and let the rest of the party pass in front of him before he continued moving forward. As they passed, Nyk told them of the possibility of an ambush that would lie ahead, and of Caden's suspicions that the underground and Claw Stone assault was only a diversion, and that something bigger, more critical, was likely happening or about to happen right outside, or maybe even inside the Tower proper.

Nyk was able to hide most of the nervousness in his voice, steeling himself for what they would soon face.

Continued in the Final Ripple of this Chapter...

Chapter Four: The Shadow Unleashed
~Ripple One: To the Claw Stone
~Ripple Two: Chance
~Ripple Three: Continued Hearing
~Ripple Four: Fate
~Ripple Five: Death in my Wake
~Ripple Six: True Purposes
~Ripple Seven: The Wait and the Pain
~Ripple Eight: Darkness
~The Final Ripple

Return to the Ripples Intro