Towers of Midnight (The Wheel of Time 13)

You understand what you are to do?" Egwene asked, walking toward her rooms in the White Tower. Siuan nodded.

"If they do appear," Egwene said, "you will not let yourself be drawn into a fight."

"We're not children, Mother," Siuan said dryly.

"No, you're Aes Sedai nearly as bad at following directions."

Siuan gave her a flat look, and Egwene regretted her words. They had been uncalled-for; she was on edge. She calmed herself.

She had tried several forms of bait to lure Mesaana out, but so far, there hadn't been any nibbles. Egwene swore she could almost feel the woman watching her in Tel'aran'rhiod. Yukiri and her group were at a standstill.

Her best hope was the meeting tonight. It had to draw her. Egwene didn't have any time left the monarchs she'd persuaded were already beginning to move, and Rand's forces were gathering.

Tonight. It must happen tonight.

"Go," Egwene said. "Speak with the others. I don't want there to be any foolish mistakes."

"Yes, Mother," Siuan grumbled, turning away. "And Siuan," Egwene called after her. The former Amyrlin hesitated.

"See to your safety tonight," Egwene said. "I would not lose you."

Siuan often gave such concern a crusty reply, but tonight she smiled. Egwene shook her head and hurried on to her rooms, where she found Sil-viana waiting.

"Gawyn?" Egwene asked.

"There has been no news of him," Silviana replied. "I sent a messenger for him this afternoon, but the messenger hasn't returned. I suspect that Gawyn is delaying his reply to be difficult."

"He's nothing if not stubborn," Egwene said. She felt exposed without him. That was surprising, since she'd pointedly ordered him to stay away from her door. Now she worried about him not being there?

"Double my guard, and make certain to have soldiers posted nearby. If my wards go off, they will raise a clatter."

"Yes, Mother," Silviana said.

"And send Gawyn another messenger," she said. "One with a more politely worded letter. Ask him to return; don't order him." Knowing Silviana's opinion of Gawy

n, Egwene was sure the original letter had been brusque.

With that, Egwene took a deep breath, then went into her rooms, checked on her wards, and prepared to go to sleep.

I shouldn't feel so exhausted, Perrin thought as he climbed down from Stepper. I didn't do anything but talk.

The trial weighed on him. It seemed to weigh upon the entire army. Perrin looked at them as they rode back into camp. Morgase was there, off on her own. Faile had watched her the whole way back, smelling of anger, but not speaking a word. Alliandre and Berelain had kept their distance.

Morgase had condemned him, but in truth, he didn't much care. He had deflected the Whitecloaks; now he needed to lead his people to safety. Morgase rode through camp, seeking out Lini and Master Gill. They'd arrived safely, together with all the other captives, as Galad Damodred had promised. Surprisingly, he'd sent the supplies and carts with them.

The trial was a victory, then. Perrin's men didn't seem to see it that way. The soldiers split into groups as they slunk back into camp. There was little talking.

Beside Perrin, Gaul shook his head. "Two silver points."

"What's that?" Perrin asked, handing Stepper to a groom. "A saying," Gaul said, glancing up at the sky. "Two silver points. Twice we have ridden to battle and found no foe. Once more, and we lose honor."

"Better to find no foe, Gaul," Perrin said. "Better no blood be shed."

Gaul laughed. "I do not say I wish to end the dream, Perrin Aybara. But look at your men. They can feel what I say. You should not dance the spears without purpose, but neither should you too often demand that men prepare themselves to kill, then give them nobody to fight."

"I'll do it as often as I like," Perrin said gruffly, "if it means avoiding a battle. I "

A horse's hooves thumped the ground, and the wind brought him Faile's scent as he turned to face her.