The Fires of Heaven: Chapter 28
Trapped
Author: Val a'Shain
Characters: Gareth Bryne, Siuan, Leane, Sheriam, Carlinya, Myrelle, Anaiya, Morvrin, Beonin, Nuhel, Min, Logain
Setting: Salidar
Point of view: Gareth Bryne, Min
Gareth Bryne's point of view:
When Gareth Bryne enters the village Nuhel is waiting for him to take him to the Aes Sedai that will speak to him. He spots Serenla and when he is lead before the six Aes Sedai waiting for him he sees the other two as well. Maybe they are Aes Sedai agents? The six Aes Sedai are introduced and Sheriam explains to him that they will see that the three honour their oath but that they can't go with him right that instant. Bryne says he'll be happy to wait for the Aes Sedai to finish with them. Sheriam then tells him who they really are.
The trap snaps shut. Since Bryne is going to stay with them a while they would be pleased if he could do them a favour. The chances of his men getting away are nonexistent with so many warders around. Bryne decides to state his conditions. It is obvious to him the Tower has split and that this group of Aes Sedai vulnerable so close to Amadicia. If they need him they plan on raising an army and remove Elaida from power. He will recruit and lead their army under three conditions. First, he recruits, decides on promotions and leads the army. Second, they will heed him when he says something can't be done. Third, they will see it through to the end. If they decide to accept Elaida after all it will cost him his head.
While the Aes Sedai debate his terms Siuan wants to know what possessed him to follow them. It can't be for a barn. He replies it was for an oath but to himself he admits it's her blue eyes that drew him here. Siuan is not pleased and she gives him the rough side of her tongue. They argue a bit about an incident at the court in Caemlyn, the first and only time they met before Kore Springs. The Aes Sedai return and tell him they accept his conditions and pledge themselves to follow them without reservations. Bryne kneels and vows to serve them.
Min's point of view:
After seeing Bryne Min suspects she will be held to her oath very soon. Min tells Logain to stay where he is while she goes to find out what is going on. She is sent right back to him by Siuan though. Logain feels Siuan sold him to the Aes Sedai. Apparently he is still well aware of what goes on around him. Then Siuan appears again carrying a large pile of laundry. She is in a bad mood indeed and hands the laundry to Min since she is now Bryne's serving girl. Min tells Siuan she had a viewing when Bryne came in. If she wants to live she'll have to stay close to Bryne. Siuan isn't sure dying would be worse. She tells Min to get on with the laundry.
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