Gawyn drew himself up. “General,” he said, “I think you mistake yourself. I’m no longer your student.”
“I know,” Bryne said curtly. “The boy I trained would never have pulled a childish stunt like that one to get my attention.”
“The watch sergeant was belligerent, and I had no patience for the posturing of a fool. This seemed the best way.”
“The best way to what?” Bryne asked. “Outrage me?”
“Look,” Gawyn said, “perhaps I was hasty, but I have an important task. You need to listen to me.”
“And if I don’t?” Bryne asked. “If I instead throw you out of my camp for being a spoiled princeling with too much pride and not enough sense?”
Gawyn frowned. “Be careful, Gareth. I’ve learned a great deal since we last met. I think you’ll find that your sword can no longer best mine as easily as it once did.”
“I have no doubt of that,” Bryne said. “Light, boy! You always were a talented one. But you think that just because you’re skilled with the sword, your words hold more weight? I should listen because you’ll kill me if I don’t? I thought I taught you far better than that.”
Bryne had aged since Gawyn had last seen him. But that age didn’t bow Bryne down—it rested comfortably on his shoulders. A few more traces of white at his temples, a few more wrinkles around the eyes, yet strong and lean enough of body that he looked years younger than he was. One couldn’t look at Gareth Bryne and see anything other than a man in—certainly not past—his prime.
Gawyn locked eyes with the general, trying to keep the anger from boiling out. Bryne held his gaze, calm. Solid. As a general should be. As Gawyn should be.
Gawyn looked away, suddenly feeling ashamed of himself. “Light,” he whispered, releasing his sword and raising a hand to his head. He suddenly felt very, very tired. “I’m sorry, Gareth. You’re right. I’ve been a fool.”
Bryne grunted. “Good to hear you say that. I was beginning to wonder what had happened to you.”
Gawyn sighed, wiping his brow, wishing for something cool to drink. His anger melted away, and he felt exhausted. “It has been a difficult year,” he said, “and I rode myself too hard getting here. I’m at the edge of my mind.”
“You aren’t the only one, lad,” Bryne said. He took a deep breath and walked to a small serving table, poured a cup of something for Gawyn. It was only warm tea, but Gawyn took it thankfully and sipped.
“These are times to test men,” Bryne said, pouring himself a cup. He took a sip and grimaced.
“What?” Gawyn asked, glancing down at his cup.
“It’s nothing. I despise this stuff.”
“Then why drink it?” Gawyn asked.
“It’s supposed to improve my health,” Bryne grumbled. Before Gawyn could ask further, the large general continued, “So are you going to make me throw you in the stocks before you’ll tell me why you decided to fight your way into my command post?”
Gawyn stepped forward. “Gareth. It’s Egwene. They have her.”
“The White Tower Aes Sedai?”
Gawyn nodded urgently.
“I know.” Bryne took another drink, then grimaced again.
“We have to go for her!” Gawyn said. “I came to ask you for help. I intend to mount a rescue.”
Bryne snorted softly. “A rescue? And how do you intend to get into the White Tower? Even the Aiel couldn’t break into that city.”
“They didn’t want to,” Gawyn said. “But I don’t need to take the city, I just need to sneak a small force in, then get one person out. Every rock has its cracks. I’ll find a way.”
Bryne set his cup aside. He looked at Gawyn, firm, weathered face an icon of nobility. “But tell me this, lad. How are you going to get her to come out with you?”
Gawyn started. “Why, she’ll be happy to come. Why wouldn’t she?”
“Because she’s forbidden us to rescue her,” Bryne said, clasping his hands behind his back again. “Or so I’ve been able to gather. The Aes Sedai tell me little. One would think they’d be more trusting toward a man they depend on to run this siege of theirs. Anyway, the Amyrlin can communicate with them somehow, and she’s instructed them to leave her be.”
What? That was ridiculous! Obviously, the Aes Sedai in camp were fudging the facts. “Bryne, she’s imprisoned! The Aes Sedai I heard talking said that she’s being beaten daily. They’ll execute her!”