Romanda spoke first. "And so you would not oppose the Hall taking over prosecution of the war, managing General Bryne's armies and the Tower Guard?"
"That depends," Egwene said, "upon how the provision was worded."
There was movemenr in the hallway outside, and Saerin bustled into the Hall, accompanied by Janya Frende. They shot Takima withering glances, and she shrank down like a threatened bird. Saerin and Egwene's
other supporters would have been informed of this meeting just after Egwene herself was.
Romanda cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should see if there is anything in the Law of War that can help."
"I'm certain you have studied it quite thoroughly now, Romanda," Egwene said. "What is it you propose?"
"There is a provision for the Hall taking up prosecution of a war," Romanda said.
"That requires the Amyrlin's assent," Egwene said idly. If that was Romanda's game, then how had she intended to get Egwene's approval after meeting without her? Perhaps she'd had a different plan.
"Yes, it would require the Amyrlin's agreement," said Raechin. She was a tall, dark-haired woman, and liked to wear her hair in a coil of braids atop her head. "But you said that you thought us wise to take this measure."
"Well," Egwene said, trying to sound as if she were being pressed into a corner, "agreeing with the Hall is quite different from allowing a provision to ban me from the day-to-day workings of the army. What is the Amyrlin Seat to do, if not see to the war?"
"By reports, you've been dedicating yourself to wrangling kings and queens," Lelaine said. "That seems a fine task for the Amyrlin."
"Then you'll stand for such a provision?" Egwene said. "The Hall sees to the army, while I am given authority for dealing with the monarchs of the world?"
"I . . ." Lelaine said. "Yes, I'd stand for that."
"I suppose I could agree," Egwene said.
"Shall we put it to a vote?" Romanda said quickly, as if pouncing on the moment.
"Very well," Egwene said. "Who will stand for this motion?"
Rubinde rose to her feet, and was joined by Faiselle and Farnah, the other Greens. Raechin and her sister stood quickly, though Barasine was watching Egwene with eyes narrowed. Magia stood next, and Romanda reluctantly joined her. Ferane rose slowly. Lelaine was next. She and Romanda shot daggered glances at one another.
That was nine. Egwene's heart beat quickly as she glanced at Takima. The woman seemed very disturbed, as if trying to sort through Egwene's plan. The same went for Saroiya. The calculating White studied Egwene, tugging her ear. Suddenly, her eyes went wide, and she opened her mouth to speak.
At that moment, Doesine and Yukiri arrived, striding into the room.
Saerin stood immediately. Slim Doesine glanced at the women around her. "What motion are we standing for?"
"An important one," Saerin said.
"Well, I suppose I'll stand for it, then."
"As will I," Yukiri said.
"The lesser consensus is given, it seems," Saerin said. "The Hall is given authority over the White Tower's army, while the Amyrlin is given authority and responsibility for dealing with the world's monarchs."
"No!" Saroiya said, climbing to her feet. "Don't you see? He is a king! He holds the Laurel Crown. You've just given the Amyrlin sole responsibility for dealing with the Dragon Reborn!"
There was silence in the Hall.
"Well," Romanda said, "surely she . . ." She trailed off as she turned, seeing Egwene's serene face.
"I suppose someone should ask for the greater consensus," Saerin said dryly. "But you've managed to hang yourselves quite efficiently with the lesser rope already."
Egwene stood. "I meant what I said about the Hall's choices being wise, and nobody has hanged herself. It is wise of the Hall to put me in charge of dealing with the Dragon Reborn he will need a firm, familiar hand. You are also wise to see that the details of managing the army were demanding too much of my attention. You will want to choose someone among you to go through and approve all of General Bryne's supply requests and recruitment schemes. I assure you, there are a multitude of them.
"I am pleased that you have seen the need to aid the Amyrlin, though I am deeply displeased at the secretive nature of this meeting. Do not try to deny that it was done in secret, Romanda. I see you preparing to object. If you wish to speak, know that I will pin you by the Three Oaths into answering directly."