The Path of Daggers: Chapter 25
An Unwelcome Return
Author: Val a'Shain
Characters: Elaida, Andaya, Alviarin, Duhara, Rubinde, Sedore, Shivan, Silviana, Velina
Setting: The White Tower
Points of view: Elaida, Alviarin
Elaida's Point of View:
Elaida has six sisters, all Sitters for their Ajah meeting in her study. What they are saying is really of no interest. She mostly ignores them. Elaida is firmly in control again, still able to hide the catastrophe at the Black Tower. Before the meeting breaks up Elaida reminds them to promptly implement the decrees she has given them and what will happen if they don't. The Mistress of Novices has been busy lately.
When they leave Alviarin appears though. She takes the decrees and leafs through them. She holds most of them back. When the Sitters have left she makes it clear to Elaida she is angry over all the decrees that have gone out without her approval. Alviarin reminds her she has no choice but to obey.
Elaida had hoped the woman was dead when she disappeared for a while. Her foretelling had was clear, she would triumph. But not now it seems. She has no choice but to bow to Alviarin no matter how hard it is. She can wait a while longer but light send her victory over the woman is near.
Alviarin demands Elaida signs a decree. Like most of the things the woman has her sign it makes very little sense. She has no choice though. After she signs Alviarin tells her she has other matters to attend and that she expects Elaida to be there when she has time to talk to her again. A bit later the Mistress of Novices, Silviana appears for some private penance. When she is done Elaida is too tender to don a shift. Light let her victory come soon.
Setting: The White Tower
Characters: Alviarin, Mesaana
Alviarin's Point of View:
Alviarin grovels before Mesaana. The Forsaken is not pleased that Alviarin had Elaida beaten. She didn't give orders for that. Mesaana already knows the decree she wanted has gone out. Alviarin carefully suggests that maybe it would be better if they didn't have to work with Elaida any longer. Mesaana seems to think that such small ambition is acceptable for her. But not yet. The Forsaken has another task for her. She wants Alviarin to find out what the Heads of Ajah discuss in private. They seem on bad terms in public but they still meet with surprising frequency. Alviarin hears and obeys of course. Mesaana doesn't know everything after all. That's interesting.
<< Previous Chapter / Next Chapter >>
