Spirit (Story)

From Tar Valon Library
Jump to: navigation, search

Story by Rayonin Charin for Project Gaidin's Death Match Week 1.

A cold wind topped the peaks of Dragonmount, exciting flurries of snow and rushing down the slopes towards the Walls of Tar Valon. It stormed over the battlements, tearing at a recruit’s cloak as it passed. Ray allowed the wind to snatch at his cloak, keeping a gauntleted hand on the swords on either hip. Ray was neither warm nor cold, he was simply there, just like the freezing wind and the snowy banks that kept him company. A slew of grumbling announced Maris before Ray saw him.
“Blood and bloody ashes, why is it so bloody cold on my watch?” asked the Tairen as he approached Ray.
“I’m sorry Maris, would you like me to send a pigeon to the whitecloaks, ‘To Captain whoever of the Children of the Light, Since it’s too cold for Maris to take watch, you won’t be attacking us , right?’ Suck it up man, you’ll never make it as a Warder if you don’t. “
“Shut it. I stand to relieve your watch Recruit Ray.”
“I stand so relieved, Recruit Maris.”
They saluted, and Ray departed for the Barracks. The snowy Tower grounds were pleasant, and the weather did not halt the regular Business of Tar Valon. Novices whose chores took them out of the Tower were bundled against the cold and a few recruits willing to brave the cold were practicing in the training yards.
Snow that had fallen on Ray’s heavy beard melted as he stepped into the relative warmth of the Barracks. Ray shook the persistant snow off his cloak before he turned into the room that he shared with Bayrd, Locus, and Ivanor. Ray hung up his cloack and sat down on his bunk. Bayrd was asleep while Locus and Ivanor were playing stones. Ray pulled out his log book, recorded the date and the significant happenings of his watch. Bayrd sat bolt upright and blinked through the beginnings of sleep.
“Marrow.” He said and jumped out of bed to scramble into clothes moments before the door burst open admitting the Captain of Recruits. All four recruits were on their feet and saluting the Captain.
“As you were,” growled the Captain as he strolled over to Ray, looking more like a blade ready to be unsheathed than a leisurely inspection of his recruits. “For some reason, you seem to have impressed the higher ups. I wouldn’t be surprised if you actually made soldier soon. But for now…” Marrow smiled with more mallace than genuine joy, and handed Ray a cream envelope with his name on it, “you’ll have to deal with that.”
Ray took the envelope and saluted, Captain Marrow stalked out of the room. Ray reflected on how rare it must be for the Captain of Recruits to deliver corresponence. He turned over the envelope to look at the seal. He imagined it was even more rare for a recruit to receive a letter from the Aymrlin Seat.
Ray moved to his desk, drew his knife and warmed it to carefully lift the seal off the envelope.
“Recruit Ray,
Your service to the White Tower and Tar Valon is greatly appreciated. I have a personal request that I wish you to fulfill. Please prepare to travel and meet my agent in the northern Stables at Dawn tomorrow. Enclosed you will find three notes of mark, good for 500 gold coins apiece. Please cash one before you leave tomorrow. You make keep whatever is left over as a gift to you. I am asking for your service in this matter because you are a skilled fighter, and will be able to protect my agent should any trouble come about. You are no doubt aware that the Children of the Light have been more aggressive lately, and your past interactions with them may lead to a more peaceful resolution than some of the other men of the Garrison may be able to offer. I have already spoken to Captain Marrow, and you are temporarily relieved of your regular duties as a recruit to fulfill my request. Please have a safe journey.
Eleyen Sedai,
Watcher …
Ray immediately began to prepare for the trip with the strict attitude of a lifelong military man. The Saldean Calvary had taught Ray how to pack light, while still being prepared for anything. An hour later he was packed and asleep, waiting for Dawn to come. He dreamt of what he could do with 1,500 gold marks. The star filled sky of early morning found Ray approaching the stables, saddlebags in hand and swords on his hips. Sora’Nor pranced in his stable, knowing Ray’s cadence. Ray saddled his horse, checked the girth strap, and kneed Sora’Nor to the yard in front of the stables. A woman in a burgundy woolen riding dress appeared from the Tower entrance.
“You must be the Aymrlin’s agent.” Ray called out.
“And you must be the dumb child they set to protect me.”
“I suppose I am at that.” Ray replied.
“I am Adriana Sedai.”
“I am Ray, at your service Aes Sedai. Although might I ask that you tell me exactly what service I am to perform.”
“Well I see Marrow at least tried to teach you manners, even if he failed miserably. You’re here to deal with any problems we might run into.”
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.” She replied.
“Then I suppose we had better get a move on while the sun is still in the sky.”

The sun was peaking over the horizon as the pair left the stables, and they made quick time getting out of the city. The travel was uneventful, but Ray stayed vigilant. He was not sure what to make of the Aes Sedai. Obviously a Red if she didn’t have a Warder. Even though Mother was right about his past encounters with the Whitecloaks, Ray wasn’t sure about being the only guard for an Aes Sedai.
The peculiar pair travelled to Whitebridge through the snowy land. As the town came into view, 5 horses pounded toward the Aes Sedai and recruit.
“Halt! State your business!” shouted the Lieutenant, drawing rein. He was a young man, with eyes that bulged out of his helmet.
Adriana Sedai began to open her mouth, but Ray cut her off. “Our business is that of the Light, that all his Children may ride in peace and prosperity.” Ray had not used that phrase in a long time. Adriana Sedai only stared. The Children saluted Ray, and the young lieutenant trotted over and shook his hand.
”it is good to make your aquatance, what is your name and rank.”
“I am an agent of the Light, to remain anonymous to all save the Light.” Ray replied in a harsher tone than Adriana had heard of her new companion.
“Of course, of course.” Muttered the lieutenant. “May we escort you to your destination?”
“Thank you lieutenant, but that will not be necessary. I seek information that prevent me from wearing my appropriate attire. It would not do to have that jeopardized because we had an escort into Whitebridge. Return to your duties.”
“Yes sir…” The lieutenant and his men rode off, and Adriana Sedai nearly knocked Ray off his horse.
“How did you do that?”
“Mother told you that I have a unique past with the Whitecloaks, didn’t she?”
“Yes but I never could have imagined that you could order them to go away.”
“Well, I can thanks to a short term of duty in their ranks. Let’s go.” Ray drummed the sides of his horse onward to Whitebridge.”
“Wait, “ called Adrianna Sedai, “you were a Whitecloak?”
“I’d rather not talk about it. Let’s ride.”

They entered Whitebridge and made their way down the snow ensconced streets of the city. The light overran the frosty windows, as did the sounds of joyous music spill from the inns that surrounded the city square. Ray began making his way to an establishment he had heard about from one of the recruits, but Adriana Sedai had other plans.
“Silly child, arrangements have already been made. Follow me.”
Ray turned his horse and followed the Aes Sedai away from square. They made their way towards the docks, and the town got quieter and dirtier. Adriana Sedai halted her gelding outside of a dismal looking building that looked like it was once an inn, but bore no sign identifying it as such. Despite this, light sprung from every window, and the sound of many children playing filled the ears of the two travellers.
“We’re to stay in an orphanage?” Asked the recruit.
“Yes, now take the horses.” Said Adriana Sedai, “And don’t forget the saddlebags!”
Ray did so begrudgingly, and took the reigns of Lamplighter and guided the horses around the dilapidated orphanage to an even more unkempt stable. The hay was damp, and the roof was more absent than not. Ray set about the tasks of housing the horses, removing the saddles and brushing them down, stabling them under the remaining roof. He took oats from Sora’Nor’s saddlebags and attached feedbags to each horse. Ray shouldered the saddlebags of Adrianna first, a muted jingle came from within, but he chose to ignore it. He claimed his own bags, crossed the musty stables and entered the main building.
As he opened the door, Ray was met with the howling, screaming, and laughter of children. He took in the room, about 27 children ranging from age 3 to 16 were in what was once the common room of the inn. Adrianna Sedai glided over and whispered into his ear,
“Here I am known as Lady Ashlai Caen. Our rooms are on the third floor at the end of the hall.”
“Of course my Lady.” Ray bowed.
As he made his way to the narrow staircase under the weight of the bulging saddlebags, Adriana Sedai frowned at him. Ray opened the door described to him by Adrianna Sedai. There was an antechamber with a pallet, and he set his own bags down there, and then entered into what would be Adrianna Sedai’s room. Inside, was a bed with a rather lumpy mattress, a chair and washstand, a scrap of carpet, and a girl occupying herself by playing with her hair. He set down the Aes Sedai’s saddlebags with a muted clink and turned to leave,
“You aren’t even going to introduce yourself? That’s quite rude.” The girl called out.
Ray didn’t miss a stride, “Manners never got me anywhere, so I don’t bother with them.”
“You’re so serious,” laughed the girl, bouncing to her feet.
Ray continued to the antechamber to unpack his own saddlebags. A blanket roll went down on the pallet, and he sat down on top of it and began to clean and sharpen one of his two swords. The girl appeared from the inner doorway moments later.
“So you’re a warder?” She asked.
“How do you figure?”
“You’re obviously a soldier, you carry yourself differently than a merchant’s guard. You travel with one woman who you aren’t related to, and neither of you like whitecloaks. How am I doing?”
“You may be right about all of those things, but I’m not a warder.” Ray inspected a nick in the blade he got from fighting the Seanchan.
“And I saw her ring while she was talking to Mistress Emili.” She smiled.
Ray paused, looking up at the girl. She wore a threadbare green woolen dress, and had bright blue eyes and pink lips turned up in a grin, with sandy gold hair falling about her face. She was slender, not quite thin, and held herself like a miniature noble. If Ray had cared much for children, he would have asked why a nobles child was living in an orphanage, or why she was so interested in him and the Aes Sedai. Instead he replied, “Go away.”
“My name is Musa.” She was stubborn.
“Very well, go away Musa.” Ray was also stubborn.
“Well at least tell me your name?”
Ray balanced his sword across his knees. “If I tell you my name will you go away?”
“Yes!” she replied.
“My name is Otus.”
“Otus, it is my pleasure.”
“That makes one of us.” Ray grunted.
“I’ll see you at dinner.” She giggled and left.
Ray watched the door slam shut and returned to the care of his sword, glad of the peace. By the time he finished inspecting and cleaning the blades, Adriana Sedai came up to the room.
“Aren’t you supposed to be downstairs, Otus?” she harped.
“Why would I go down there? It smells.”
“Because this is the mission.”
“To wipe up drool and snot by the bucket?”
“You are insufferable child. Are you coming to dinner?”
Ray sheathed his swords and hung the scabbards on a peg over the pallet, he kept his belt knife on his hip. “I suppose I have to eat don’t I.”
“Are you really so self involved?”
“Well, making it to the age of 22 on the battlefield isn’t done by etiquette.”
“I wish I could put you in white. The novices actually learn how to present themselves.”
“I don’t need to be presentable, I need to be invisible to be a Warder.”
“That’s all well and good, but you should at least learn formalities.”
“I know what I need to know, and that’s how to survive.”
“You are a sad boy aren’t you?
“I’m alive.”
“Hardly.” She sniffed. “I’m going to dinner, you can come if you want. Just don’t embarrass me.”
They went down stairs where Adrianna Sedai introduced Ray to Emili, who ran the orphanage. She was a tall thin woman with a face like a chisel.
“Thank you so much for coming Otus!” The onslaught of high pitched gratitude was unsettling.
“Just doing my duty, Ma’am.” Ray replied.
“Well we’re just so glad to have you and Lady Ashlai here.” She beamed.
Mistress Emili gathered the children into the common room and sat everyone at the table, smiling all the way. Ray couldn’t see how she did it, so many children, and she seemed so happy. Musa made a point of sitting across from Ray and Adrianna Sedai at the table. She didn’t say a word during dinner, but kept her eyes latched onto the recruit. Ray also stayed silent, eating the bland stew. Adrianna Sedai and Mistress Emili chatted about the town, the docks, what the price of food was. After dinner Ray stalked outside into the nights cold to smoke his pipe.
“Musa, what are you doing?” Musa sighed and dropped down from the roof of the porch.
“I wanted to see if you were going to start a fight.”
“Why would I do that?” Ray asked.
“Because you’re a warder! You can take on anybody.”
“If my Captain could hear you say that he would laugh his helmet off.”
“I don’t care. I know what you are. I want you to teach me.”
“Teach you what?” Ray took a long draw on his pipe.
“How to fight.” Her voice sounded more serious than it had inside.
“Why would I teach you that?”
“Because I need to get revenge.”
Ray blew smoke rings at Musa, which disintegrated against her face. “You? You need to get revenge?”
“Yes. For my parents.” Ray looked at her. The moonlight showed the tears in her eyes and on her cheeks, but her jaw was set in a serious manner. Ray knew that look, he had worn it once before.
“Musa, I’m not going to teach you that.”
“Why not?”
“Girls don’t need to know how to kill.”
“But I need to know how to protect myself.”
“You live in an orphanage in a city. You aren’t in much danger.” Ray turned to head inside.
“But what about when I leave. I won’t stay here forever.”
“Then you’ll have to learn as you go, like I did.” Ray entered the common room, and mounted the staircase despite the child’s protests.
Ray returned to the anteroom. After he sat down to clean his pipe, Adrianna Sedai appeared from the inner door. “So what do you think of the orphanage?”
“I still don’t understand why we’re here.”
“That’s a shame.”
Ray slammed the pipe down on the floor, “Why me? Why am I having to go through this.”
“You were requested for this trip for a reason. You are here for my protection as much as I am here to help you.”
“How could you possibly help me?” Ray snapped.
Adriana Sedai towered over Ray, “Because with all of your experience as a soldier, why are you ranked as a recruit? Why aren’t you in charge of a squad of soldiers? In fact, why aren’t you qualified to be a warder yet?”
Ray stared. He had thought about that often, but never disclosed it to anyone. Captain Marrow had told Ray he might make a half decent bar brawler one day, which is as close as the Captain gets to a straight compliment.
“It’s because of your history.” Adriana Sedai explained. “When someone has killed as much as you have, they lose a part of themselves. You have the skills to make a good warder, but you don’t have the heart. Or if you do you havn’t shown it around Tar Valon. Look at what the other recruits do. Aldus reads the paper to those who can’t. Azi gives his time to the poor, Locus can be found repairing the docks in his free time, and he doesn’t take pay for it. What have you done? Nothing. I brought you to the orphanage in hopes to rekindle who you were before. You don’t have to show emotion as a warder, but you need to know who you are. You need to remember why you fight!”
“I joined the Saldaen calvary when I was 13. My parents died in a trolloc raid, I was a farmer’s son. I couldn’t go to an orphanage. I know why I fight, it’s my only choice!”
“It’s not, Ray. Until you can make a reason to live besides being a fighter, you won’t be.”
“Blood and bloody ashes, this is ridiculous.” Ray stormed out of the room, stopping long enough to collect his pipe and tabac.
Ray made his way to the square, and located an inn. The frivolities of the evening were coming to a close, but Ray dropped a gold piece on the counter, and the innkeeper didn’t ask questions. Ray leaned by the fireplace with the mug of stout ale and his pipe clenched in his teeth. How dare her, that stupid Red, how could she know what would help him, and why would the Aymrlin be interested in a recruit? Ray had half a mind to defect and make his way south. It wasn’t an option of course, but that didn’t mean that it didn’t cross his mind. For some reason Musa came to mind.

Adriana Sedai sighed as Ray escaped into the night. It could mean trouble for him if he didn’t come back. Marrow didn’t take kindly to AWOL recruits. She looked out the window across the rooftops of the city, the moon reflected gently off the snow. She did hope that Ray could dig something up. It wasn’t rare for her to care for a man, unlike many of her Red sisters, she did not find anything wrong with men in general, which is why she occasionally did these missions. It was justification in a way. She worked against men who would go insane, and eventually die, and the Aymrlin asked her to help save a man from a type of insanity. She prepared for bed, brushing out her hair and struggling into a thick woolen night gown to keep out the cold of the night. Tomorrow would bring its own requirements. She would have to get into contact with several Red eyes and ears, as well as deliver a message from the Aymrlin.
Adriana woke to the din of children. The orphanage bustled with the morning activity of breakfast. Hot porridge and tea would chase away the nights cold. Adriana Sedai walked to the dilapidated anteroom, Ray was awake, staring at the letter from the Aymrlin, and the notes of mark. When she walked in, he quickly pocketed them.
“Good morning Lady Ashlai.”
“Good morning Otus. Have a chance to cool off?”
“Yes, I am sorry about how I acted. It was unbecoming of a re… my station.”
“Indeed it was. You will be accompanying me on my errands today. There are still whitecloaks in the city, and I will need someone to watch my back.”
“Of course my Lady.”
The pair went downstairs into the din of children just awake. Ray ate quickly, and went out to prepare the horses. Adriana spoke with Mistress Emili, and ate more leisurely.
The children started their daily class, and Adrianna Sedai and Ray left for the duties in Whitebridge. Several inns and shops later found them with their duties complete, the pair returned to the orphanage. Adrianna Sedai noticed that Ray was quieter than he was the day before, he lounged in the antechamber reading “The Tactics of Battle and War in Andor,” while she worked on reports for their return to the Tower.
“We are to return tomorrow, is everything ready?” Asked the Aes Sedai
“Everything is ready on my end.”
“Excellent. Do you have anything
“Well I’ve been thinking about what you said last night. You’re right, I need to change. I’ve forgotten what I picked up a sword for in the first place.”
“I’m glad you see that. I think you will find that your burdens are lighter for it.”
Ray was suddenly overflowing with energy. “May I run a few errands before the shops close?”
Adriana Sedai blinked in surprise, then smiled. “Certainly. Go ahead, I should be fine here.”
Ray did not return for dinner, and was still gone by the time Adrianna was preparing for bed. Before she turned in, she heard Ray return, and peaked into the anteroom. She found Ray with several parcels with a light in his eyes she hadn’t seen before, and she had a feeling it had been a long time since they were that bright.
“Good evening Lady Ashlai.”
“Good evening Otus. Did you get everything you need?”
“Yes, now then please don’t mind me, I have some work to do.” He produced thread, and began threading a needle.
Adriana smiled, and let the recruit go to work.

Adriana Sedai woke once again to the sound of the orphanage, but it was different. The sound was just laughter. She dressed quickly and went outside. Scraps of cloth littered the antechamber, and Ray was gone. Downstairs, the girls exclaimed about their dolls, and the boys dueled with wooden swords.
Among the din, Ray sat with several of the children them a story from a book of Saldean legends. Ray smiled at Adriana Sedai as he finished his story and the children cooed and clapped.
“Otus, what is all this?”
“Well Lady Ashlai, I remembered an old children’s story from Saldea, about a spirit who bore gifts for boys and girls. Last night I decided to make the story a reality.”
Mistress Emili rushed over and nearly collapsed onto Adriana Sedai.
“Lady Ashlai, Lady Ashlai! Your generosity is too kind!”
“I’m sorry Emili, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“One… one… one… th th th THOUSAND GOLD PIECES!” She held up a large purse filled with gold.
Adriana Sedai looked at it, then looked at Ray who placed a finger over his lips and winked, and then back to Emili with a smile. “That wasn’t me, Emili. It must have been someone else.”
“But who? Who would have such riches to bestow on us during such times?” cried Mistress Emili
“I don’t know Emili, perhaps a benevolent spirit.” Adrianna smiled wide. Ray would become a good man indeed.

Ray knocked on Musa’s door.
“Hello?” She said sticking her head out.
“Musa, I’m sorry about yesterday. I want you to have this.” Ray handed Musa a doll. He had given it sandy hair of cloth and cool eyes of beads, just like hers. It also had two short swords strapped to either hip, just like his.
Musa took the doll turning it over in wonder.
“Musa, when you’re ready to move on, come to Tar Valon first. Ask for Ray in the Garrison if the Tower doesn’t snatch you up. I’ll teach you how to fight.”
“Thank you Otus, I will!” She planted a teary kiss on his bearded cheek, and Ray strode down the stairs and out the door to where Adriana Sedai was waiting with the horses.
“Well then, you did learn something.”
“Yes I did Lady Ashlai. Perhaps if your duties require you to come this way again, would you request my company?”
“I think I will, my friend. I think I will.”