Diary of a Sul’dam - Part 2

Author: Alenya Al'Roran
Published: August 10 2020 Tar Valon Times Blog

This article may contain spoilers for the whole series

14 Adar 998 NE

The Empress, may she live forever, has decided it is time for the Corenne. I will not be a part of the Hailene, but staying here to wait for the next wave of ships. I have been told it is a great honor to be in the next group, but in my heart of hearts, I wish I were part of the Hailene. I want to see this land that has become legend in our history. Perhaps I will get to see it soon if all goes well with the Forerunners.

3 Taisham 999 NE

Something has happened. The Return is not going as planned, and we are too far away to get an accurate picture of why. It has been decided the Daughter of the Nine Moons will be leading the Rhyagelle to find out what is going on and to take command of our people. The people chosen for the Rhyagelle will not be coming home, but settling permanently in our ancestral home. I have been chosen to go, but I have not been told where I will be assigned. I have two days to go say goodbye to my family and to pack everything I am bringing with me. Tilly will be coming with me, as well, and as her sul’dam, it is my responsibility to make sure she has everything she needs, as well. It will be a busy two days, but I am looking forward to the challenge of traveling over the ocean. Maybe I will see my family again someday.

5 Taisham 999 NE

We are on the ship heading to our ancestral lands. I cannot believe my luck, but I have been assigned to the ship of High Lady Tuon (who is really the Daughter of the Nine Moons, but she is veiled, so we must not call her that). Tilly and I are a part of her protection detail, though I don’t see why she would need us since she already has a personal guard and she is able to train damane herself. I suppose it doesn’t matter since it is a great honor to be assigned to her retinue. I am looking forward to what will happen when we get to where we are going. Based on a message that was delivered by raken, we are going to be landing in a city they call Ebou Dar. Since the raken was able to make it to us, it shouldn’t take too much longer for us to get there.

8 Saven 999 NE

We have arrived in Ebou Dar. The sul’dam have been given pleasant quarters in the city. I heard there was a lot of fighting here when the Hailene arrived and I can’t help but to wonder if we are now living in a home that belonged to someone who fought back. Why would they fight, though? We are supposed to lead these people at the Last Battle, and the omens said it was time for us to come here. Do they not watch for omens? Why would they ignore the signs? How do they not know to expect us? There are so many questions. Our damane kennels are in the house next door. Even after we removed most of the furniture, I believe their rooms are the best they’ve had since becoming damane. I hope they don’t get too spoiled, but I am also glad Tilly will be comfortable. We are a good team and I think she will have a lot of work to do in this new land. If there is more fighting in other places, we will be needed. For now, I will get some rest and enjoy sleeping on land and not on a ship.