The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memories that become legend, then fade to myth, and are long forgot when that Age comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose in the Kinslayer's Dagger. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of time. But it was a beginning.
Almoren, Al'cair'rahienallen, Palace of the High Seat
Al'cair'rahienallen was a glistening city. Oiger built though not as famous as some of the other Oiger cities. Still the capital of Almoren was grand none the less. The Palace of the High Seat was large and bustling even as the morning sun peered over the horizon. Not that Morin'staal paid the morn any attention. The man was pacing his set of rooms in the Palace eyes transfixed by the letter he held. His boots clomped on the marble and his servants huddled against the wall. They didn't move lest they provoke his wrath. Yet they stayed ready to serve. Morin'staal usually wasn't an abusive man, but as soon as the letter arrived last night that had all changed.
Morin'staal had been awakened per his orders and given the letter. The aging man had more white in his hair than grey. His beard had no color left. Yet his black eyes still missed nothing after years of politics. Yet his sagging skin seemed to have aged years since getting the letter. Since the Trollocs had first descended out of the Waste in mass and razed Barsine, a great city famed for it's architecture and lace. Morin'staal had visited it just a few months before the attack with his son Ron Morin'staal.
The elder Morin'staal finally stopped pacing as someone knocked on his door. One of the servants ran for said door before Morin'staal could say or do anything. There was a quiet moment broken only by hushed voices. Then the servant closed the door once more. The man hesitated before approaching Morin'staal. The man looked calmer than he had. Everyone in the rooms knew what the letter said without reading it. There was one thing the old man cared about more than his city. And that was his son. Ron Morin'staal had went off as soon as news of Barsine had reached Al'cair'rahienallen. It had been over a year with little news. Nothing else was likely.
"Lord." The servant bowed. "Lady Amarr has called for a meeting. General Isede will be there." The man bowed again and retreated.
Morin'staal wasn't surprised by the early meeting. Hamlin Sorrel might be their High Seat and ruler, yet no one was really happy with him. His father had been a great man. Yet Hamlin was young and not ready for rule and the others pressed him. Particularity Sora Amarr. She was widowed twice, and looking once more. Thankfully Morin'staal was not on her list of potential targets. Their old animosity ran too deep. Her political maneuvering even gave him a head ache. The Lady could dance you around until you believed up was down.
Morin'staal looked once more at the letter than down at his dressed body. He had intended to ride out to fetch his son's body. But hadn't made it out the door. Such an action would have made it all too final. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Blue Jacket." Morin'staal commanded. First the meeting, than his daughter-in-law. His son would be delivered to him.
-----
Tar Valon, The White Tower
Delgen barked order at his men. The morning on the training grounds was a carefully choreographed dance. All the men knew their place. Those who were already Warders were off with their Aes Sedai. Those who were unattached, like Rahien drilled. Potential Aes Sedai watched from the sidelines gauging. Of course there were a few giggling accepted, but soon they would be rounded up and sent back to their chores. One Aes Sedai watched, not for a Warder for she had three already, but for one of the women. When she spotted who she wanted she motions, turned and disappeared back into the tower.
Most Green sisters were out of the tower. They took the Trollocs as a sign of the Last Battle.Others believed it wasn't the Last, but just another play by the Shadow. Still, most of them were eager to match their skills against the invaders. The Green were the battle ajah. And without them the nation's armies would be overwhelmed by the Dreadlords. Yet not all of the Greens left. Galliana Sedai was one of those who stayed. She stayed to watch over those who were left and for those who could not leave. Those who were not sisters yet, but would be. As Captain-General, it was her task as much as her heart was on the battlefield.
Surin, one of the Blue sisters she had been raised with was sipping tea in Galliana's room. Her three warders stood to one side, though Surin's sat with her. Galliana sat down at one of the other open seats and Quinn, her first Warder, handed her a cup of fresh tea. The two Aes Sedai turned to watch Arayna Sedai, a recently raised Green Sister walk in.
