A Memory of Light

out very badly.
    The old man stopped ahead of them with an annoyed expression. What would he do if they refused? Pevara was tempted to create a gateway for them to flee.
    We follow, Androl thought, striding forward. Were never going to find Taim in this unless we talk to someone.
    Pevara frowned as he walked after the man, the other Asha’man joining him. She hurriedly caught up. I thought we had decided I was in charge, she thought to him.
    No, he replied, I thought that we’d decided you would act like you were in charge.
    She sent back a calculated mix of cold displeasure and an implication that the conversation was not yet finished.
    Androl sent back amusement. Did you. . . just glare at me mentally? That’s impressive.
    We’re taking a risk, she sent back. This man could lead us into anything.
    Yes, he replied.
    Something smoldered inside of him, something only hinted at until now. You want Taim that badly?
    . . . Yes. I do.
    She nodded.
    You understand? he sent.
    I lost friends to him as well , Androl, she replied. I watched the?n be taken right in front of me. We have to be careful, though. We cant take too many risks. Not yet.
    It’s the end of the world\ Pevara, Androl sent back. If we can’t take risks now, when will we?
    She followed without further argument, wondering at the determined focus she sensed in Androl. Taim had awoken something inside of him by taking his friends and Turning them to the Shadow.
    As they followed the old Sharan, Pevara realized that she didn’t understand what Androl was feeling, not completely. Aes Sedai friends of hers had been taken, but it wasn’t the same as Androl losing Evin. Evin had trusted Androl, looked to Androl for protection. The Aes Sedai with Pevara had been acquaintances, friends, but it was different.
    The old Sharan led them to a larger group of people, many of whom wore fine clothing. The highest noblemen and women among the Sharans didn’t seem to fight, for not one of them carried a weapon. They made way for the older man, though several looked at his swords and sneered.
    Jonneth and Emarin moved in around Pevara and Theodrin, one to each side, like bodyguards. They eyed the Sharans, hands on weapons, and she suspected that both were holding the One Power. Well, that would probably be expected of Dreadlords who were walking among allies they didn’t fully trust. They didn’t need to protect Pevara in such a way, but it was a nice gesture. She had always thought it would be useful to have a Warder. She had gone to the Black Tower with the intention of taking multiple Asha’man as Warders. Perhaps . . .
    Androl immediately felt jealous. What are you? Some Green with a flock of men fawning over her?
    She sent back amusement. Why not?
    They’re too young for you, he sent back. Jonneth is, anyway. And Theodrin would fight you for him.
    I’m considering bonding them, she sent back, not bedding them, Androl Honestly. Besides, Emarin prefers men.
    Androl paused. He does?
    Of course he does. Haven’t you been paying attention?
    Androl seemed baffled. Sometimes, men could be surprisingly dense, even observant ones like Androl.
    Pevara embraced the One Power as they reached the center of the group. Would she have time to make a gateway if something went wrong? She did not know the area, but so long as she Traveled somewhere nearby, that wouldn’t matter. She felt as if she was walking up to a noose and inspecting it, deciding how well it would fit her neck.
    A tall man in armor made of silvery discs with holes in the middle stood at the center of the group, dispensing orders. As they watched, a cup moved toward him through the air. Androl stiffened. He’s channeling, Pevara.
    Demandred, then? It must be. Pevara let saidar flood her with its warm glow, letting it wash away emotions. The old man who had been leading them stepped forward and whispered something to Demandred. Despite the enhanced senses of saidar, ; Pevara could not hear what was said.
    Demandred turned toward the group of them. “What is this? Has M’Hael so quickly forgotten his orders?”
    Androl dropped to his knees, as did the others. Though it galled her, Pevara went down as well.
    “Great One,” Androl said, “we were merely—”
    “No excuses!” Demandred yelled. “No games! M’Hael is to take all of his Dreadlords and destroy the White Tower forces. If I see any of you away from that fight, I will make you wish I’d given you to the Trollocs instead!”
    Androl nodded