The Shadow Rising: Chapter 23

Beyond the Stone

Inanna Landred

Characters: Rand, Egwene, Mat, Moiraine, Lan, Aviendha, Rhuarc, Amys, Heirn, Couladin,

Setting: The Aiel Waste, Rhuidean

Rand barely manages to channel everyone to Chaendaer where a large number of Aiel is already assembled at Rhuidean. He has to be supported by Lan for sheer exhaustion and Moraine comes over to heal him straight away. The 4 Wise Ones, led by Amys, who offer the peace of Rhuidean, greet them. The men all visibly relax, it seems they were not so sure the peace would hold. Aviendha promptly starts to move to the camps, but is stopped by the Wise Ones, saying she has ran long enough. Rhuarc goes to greet his wife Amys and tells her she probably didn't expect him to turn up like that, to which she replies she knew he would be there that day. Egwene finally understands Moiraine's remarks about how useful Dreaming would be and why Moiraine did not try and talk Rand out of using the Portal Stone. Heirn is there to meet Rhuarc, saying that he has come to protect the Wise One's.

Lan whispers to Moirane and Egwene that the Wise One's can go anywhere without being in danger from attack, so Heirn really came to protect Rhuarc, only it would not be honorable to say so. Moiraine raises an eyebrow at Lan's knowledge of the Aiel and he remarks she never asked him about it, something she plans on correcting very soon.

The Shaido are there and have send Muradin to Rhuidean to become their new Clan Chief. Couladin remarks he will enter should Muradin fail, but the Wise One's flat out refuse him, saying he is flawed inside. Rand formally request to be admitted to Rhuidean and although the Wise One's are mildly surprised they agree. To everyone's surprise Mat also asks to be permitted to enter Rhuidean. Couladin, already furious that Rand has been permitted, now tries to kill Mat for the insolence of even asking. He hurls a spear at Mat, but is flung back with the Power by one of the Wise Ones.

Egwene is shocked to find out the Wise Ones can channel although Moiraine seems less surprised.

The Wises Ones initially refuse as Mat is a Wetlander but Rand says Mat is coming with him and they eventually give in.

Aviendha is called to them and told she must join the Wise Ones now and can no longer be a maiden of the spear. She reluctantly gives up all her belongings and goes into Rhuidean naked, overtaking both Rand and Mat on her way there.

Moiraine and Egewene are taken into the Wise Ones tents and Amys attempt to explain the principles of Ji'e'toh to them. She lets slip that they have seen Moraine enter Rhuidean in their dreams and thus it is settled that Moiraine goes there.

Egwene asks them if she should go too, but they did not see her coming at all and there is no need for her. Instead she stays behind to start learning the basic principles of dream walking.

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