The Gathering Storm

"I don't think so," Gawyn said, glancing over his shoulder. "She was hiding among the washwomen." As he thought about it, he realized that she could very well be a spy for the White Tower loyalists.

Bryne's frown deepened. Perhaps he had the same thoughts. "Show me," he said, striding toward the tent flaps. He threw them aside, walking back out into the morning light, Gawyn following.

"You never did explain what you are doing here, Gawyn," Bryne said as they walked through the orderly camp, soldiers saluting their general as he passed.

"I told you," Gawyn said, hand resting comfortably on the pommel of his sword. "I am going to find a way to get Egwene out of that death trap."

"I didn't mean what you're doing in my camp. I meant why you were in the area in the first place. Why aren't you back in Caemlyn, helping your sister?"

"You have news of Elayne," Gawyn said, stopping. Light! He should have asked earlier. He really was tired. "I heard that she was in your camp earlier. She's gone back to Caemlyn? Is she safe?"

"She hasn't been with us for a long while," Bryne said. "But she seems to be doing well." He stopped, glancing at Gawyn. "You mean you don't know?"

"What?"

"Well, rumors are unreliable," Bryne said. "But I have confirmed many of them with the Aes Sedai, who have been Traveling to Caemlyn to listen for news. Your sister holds the Lion Throne. It seems that she's undone much of the mess your mother left for her."

Gawyn took a deep breath. Thank the Light, he thought, closing his eyes. Elayne lived. Elayne held the throne. He opened his eyes, and the overcast sky seemed a little more bright. He continued walking, Bryne falling into step beside him.

"You really didn't know," Bryne said. "Where have you been, lad? You're the First Prince of the Sword now, or you will be once you return to Caemlyn! Your place is at your sister's side."

"Egwene first.'

"You made an oath," Bryne said sternly. "Before me. Have you forgotten?"

"No," Gawyn said. "But if Elayne has the throne, then she's safe for now. I'll get Egwene and tow her back to Caemlyn where I can keep an eye on her. Where I can keep an eye on both of them."

Bryne snorted. "I think I'd like to watch you trying that first part," he noted. "But regardless, why weren't you there when Elayne was trying to take the throne? What have you been doing that is more important than that?"

"I ... grew entangled," Gawyn said, eyes forward.

"Entangled?" Bryne asked. "You were at the White Tower when all of this—" He cut off, falling silent. The two walked side by side for a moment.

"Where did you hear sisters talking about Egwene's capture?" Bryne asked. "How would you know she's being punished?"

Gawyn said nothing.

"Blood and bloody ashes!" Bryne exclaimed. The general rarely cursed. "I knew that the person leading those raids against me was too well informed. And here I was, looking for a leak among my officers!"

"It doesn't matter now."

"I'll judge that," Bryne said. "You've been killing my men. Leading raids against me!"

"Leading raids against the rebels," Gawyn said, turning hard eyes on Bryne. "You may blame me for bullying my way into your camp, but do you honestly expect me to feel guilty for helping the White Tower against the force besieging it?"

Bryne fell silent. Then he nodded curtly. "Very well. But that makes you an enemy commander.'

"No longer," Gawyn said. "I've left that command."

"But—"

"I helped them," Gawyn said. "I no longer do. Nothing I see here will return to your enemies, Bryne. I swear it on the Light."

Bryne didn't respond immediately. They passed tents, likely for the high officers, approaching the palisade wall. "Very well," Bryne said. "I can trust you haven't changed enough to break your word."

"I wouldn't turn against that oath," Gawyn said harshly. "How could you think that I would?"

"I've had experience with unexpected renunciations of oaths lately," Bryne said. "I said I believe you, lad. And I do. But you still haven't explained why you didn't return to Caemlyn."