In The Age of Legends

The Builder threw himself to the ground as cords of red flame whiplashed overhead. Val Trakard Tel'sara unleashed fiery death as he opened a corridor in the sea of men. The building housing the Vault stood but a short distance away; but for all that they had been fighting for nearly an hour, to cross a mere three city blocks. Tel'wansho desperately held on to the black sphere in his hands, trembling in fear that he might drop it - Even though he knew that nothing short of the sun itself could have any hope of breaking it open. The sphere seemed to drink in the light, holding darkness close to itself.

"MOVE!!" Shouted Val as he booted Tel'wansho forward with a fist of Air. Stumbling he caught himself and suddenly dashed forward through the now blood soaked ground and screaming men. Charred flesh filled his nostrils making him gag. He forced his legs to carry him forward through the dying grounds. The Vault Building loomed before him, he threw himself at the doors. "Open up! Open burn you!!" He flung himself ineffectively at the door, striking it with his fists and screaming obscenities. The Power crafted door yielded not an inch.

'Open!' Val bellowed, throwing his voice at the building like a thunderclap. The door opened almost immediately - of course considering the power a Praetor wielded, that wasn't particularly surprising. But that did not prevent Tel'wansho from glaring at him as they stumbled inside.

Tel'wansho launched himself down the hallway like an aircar at full acceleration, grabbing hold saidin he blindly threw himself at the now visible wards. Slicing thin blades of Spirit into them, he twisted the Strands violently cutting the weaves apart and opening it like a curtain. As Val passed behind him, he wove the weave back together like weaving a blanket. A feat that would have had the guardians rigid with shock - except for the well aimed explosive suddenly landing in their midst.

Narrowly catching the Pulse grenade thrown in before the guards could get the doors locked. One solid glaring flash and a crack like the hand of the Creator striking the earth, the pair was thrown to their knees as the shield took the impact. Sadly the men at the front doors had no such protection. They picked themselves up and did not spare a single glance between them for what lay behind them. Finally the Vault entrance loomed before him, "Open the door Val" yelled Tel'wansho. Ominously the door failed to open. "Val?" he turned in gut wrenching fear as he felt a sudden storm of saidin suddenly blow past him.

Val's face was twisted in concentration as he picked apart a solid bar of Balefire as a thick as a forearm. Standing down the hallway a man stood calmly as if without any apparent effort as he channeled a massive amount of the power though several Sa'angreal he had on his person. Behind him rushed a mob of twisted abominations, each one a parody of the Creators work. Twisted boar faces sat on human shoulders standing on goats legs - and a hundred other obscene combinations. Val channeled Fire and Air into reed like stalks and swept them through the room lacerating the beastmen with ripping glowing daggers, and leaving angry purple bruising on the other mans shields. "A little busy right now Merrick, why don't you open the bloody door." Val said with only a trace of tension in his voice. "Uh... right." Tel'wansho said and he hurriedly wove the complex key combinations for opening the door.

Suddenly the wall spun around to reveal a doorway, and Tel'wansho ran inside and held the sphere above its resting place a cup of pure white stone, "Val, open a bloody Gate!" he screamed and dropped the sphere. A single ring of brilliant white light formed and then swelled into a shimmering globe, revealing the fall back point for the army. Val and Tel'wansho launched themselves at the glowing sphere just as the ball landed in the cup and settled to rest. The room swiveled in place and the doorway shut and then with a flash fused in place. It's Power absorbing abilities awakening as the matrix Tel'wansho had woven into the stone aligned. The vault lay deathly still and the mind within the sphere sighed to itself and settled down to wait.



The Wheel of time turns, and Ages come and pass leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Age of Nightmares by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a chill fell from the Mountains of Dhoom. The chill was not the beginning. There are neither beginning or endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.

South blew the wind over the Hideous maw of Shayol Ghul, picking up a deathly chill as it then sailed over the broken, mist leaden Blasted Lands, sending even the alien evils concealed there a moments shiver. Further south it poured past the mists of the Blasted Lands and approached the broken ruin of Malkier. Over the seven lakes it poured, across the now twisted and broken lands of the ever growing Blight. Seeming to grow even chiller as it flowed through the nation of the Shadows triumph. It folded in upon itself, gaining speed as it raced towards Tarwins Gap, gathering more strength as it passed through the chill mountains peaks.

At a Shienarian Outpost overlooking the pass, sharp eyed men stood in unceasing vigilance. Yet even these stalwart men gave a moments pause at the brutal blast of frost that flowed past them, shattering glass and sending lanterns and signal fires out. Darkness plunged the post into a frenzy of activity. Uncaring the chill flowed into the heartless chill of the Wastes night. Dawn rapidly approached and the blazing sun ripped the land with a fierce heat.

Feeling that brutal heat did nothing to Shadar'mael as he approached the now unburied Stasis box. A brief breath of cool air swirled around him fluttering his cloak as he channeled the box open.
Tel'wansho shuddered and stumbled forward, Saa poring forth from his eyes as he drew in a shuddering breath. Bewildered he glanced around and then locked onto Shadar'mael's face. Shadar'mael smirked in mirth at Tel'wansho's expression, causing Tel'wansho's face to quickly turn into a petulant scowl. This, of course, only served to widen Shadar'mael's smirk until it was undeniably a grin. Suddenly a suprioir expression crossed Tel'wanshos face.

"I know what has been done" he said darkly, "he has prepared the way for you to become the next Shayol Ghul. And that I and others have been chosen as well. I have had dreams, Val" he shuddered then, "I am glad to see they were real." Shadar'mael face returned to stolid ridgedness, yet there seemed to be but the briefest pause. Tal'wansho's gaze suddenly snapped over Shadar'mael's shoulder as a woman stepped forward clad in expensive silks and jewelry.
"What is this babble? Shall become the next Shayol Ghul, explain yourself!!" Tel'wansho's eyes grew cold and Saa, trailed from his eyes. "I am no mere apprentice to be addressed so by one such as you, I stand your equal and to my mind your better. My creations once spread the breadth of a world and touched almost every life. Who are you, and what have you done my Queen, to compare to such an accomplishment?"

As she prepared a withering response Shadar'mael began to quietly chuckle. "Rahien'Nai meet...-" Shadar'mael began. "Deyeniye al Mordin, or perhaps Allora Tethorn, Sitter of the Yellow Ajah." He shrugged as he interrupted with a bored expression. "I'm familiar with her." Deyeniye eyed him up and down with a cool expression, weighing and measuring him like a curious specimen.
Rahien'Nai turned then and reached back into the Stasis box.
Instantly he regretted it. The mirror backed Stasis box showed his horrific continence. His face was pale and skeletal, and his skin webbed with black veins as the Saa yet flowed through his body. A moments concentration and a Ter'angreal he often had found useful sprung into a tight weave, enshrouding him in an illusion of health and strength. He pulled out a large knife sheathed in a scarlet sheath, and slid it into his belt. Then he reached down and pulled out a gold choker and put it on. When it closed with an audible click, Deyeniye gave no sign of the sudden quiet female moans emanating from the choker, Shadar'mael if he took any notice showed not a trace of it. He turned.

"I'm ready to go now, Val." Rahien'Nal grinned as a brilliant bar of light twisted into an open gateway. "There's work to do".


~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~~`,~

The endless passageways of the Ways drifted throughout and within the world, each simple curve translating to complex movements in the outside world; A single step traversed cities, a dozen could cross naught but a door way. Deep within(?) the ways there lie the Crossroads. Difficult to put into words the Crossroads represented the point where the Ways turned back into themselves, allowing them to shorten and extend the distance between two points by ‘moving’ that space… elsewhere. In this ‘elsewhere’, you can find a collection of alabaster towers spanning an inconceivable distance, yet filling a finite span of a nigh infinite area. Interconnected with bridges and ramps, theses towers used to allow easy access to different portions of the Ways simply by crossing a bridge or entering a doorway. Now the number of those who know of these passages even as legend could be counted on one hand. Rahien'Nal, at Shadar'mael’s direction, changed that in an instant.

A bar of white light appeared and opened like a curtain, revealing the Waste in all its horrific splendor. Shadar'mael stepped though the Gateway and gazed upon the Axis, the now familiar towers and spires left little impression on him. Nor did it seem to affect Shaytan or Zhemri, who stood there in dignified silence as they watched the trio step though the gateway, which then snapped shut with unusual force. All the men except Rahien'Nal, flinched as saidin whipcracked, rending the weaves into a shapeless mass, destroying any possibility of being followed—or escape.

Shaytan and Zhemri, however did have a moments pause, although the reason would have been lost on Deyeniye. As the weave collapsed into a shapeless mass both men noticed… an oddity. Both saidin and the True Source, wove together like old lovers--although the True source carried the weight of the weave, and saidin seemed more like an afterthought-- both men noted the event and looked at Rahien'Nal, with a trace of… something, curiosity perhaps, in their eyes. Rahien'Nal bowed and grinned mockingly at the two. “Welcome all, to the Axis!” a superior curl to his lip as he deigned to reveal his knowledge. He threw his arms out dramatically and cackled. Zhemri glared back at him with hostility, then addressed Shadar'mael. "Sie zog mich hier und hat mich hier wie ein Hund. Warum?"

Rahien'Nal turned to Shadar'mael his spine tight with fury. His words, delivered with a venomous hate, seemed to ripple the air and Saa leaked out of his eyes as he spoke in formal High Court. “Who doth this cur believe he addresses in such a tone! Shall I whip him for his insolence?” Weaves of Air formed savage cat-o-nine tails’ glimmering and transparent as crystal glass. “Rahien'Nal, enough.” Shadar’mael spoke sharply, also in High Court “this is not the world it once was… as you no doubt failed to understand him, now he cannot understand us, are you aware that the language you are speaking is not even rumored amongst their historians? That they now refer to our language as the ‘Old Tongue’?” Shadar’meal turned to Zhemri, who was holding his own weaves barely in check, his longing to strike apparent on his face. “Speak only in the Old Tongue, show him respect, or he will take it.” Zhemri continued to stand and glare at Rahien’Nal, and a tense moment passed. Rahien’Nal let go of the True Source and his weaves evaporated. “Introduce yourselves,” Shadar’mael said as Zhemri dropped his weaves but did not release saidin. “You see before you—what you might consider, a ‘New’ Chosen. Shadar’mael tone carried the weight of dread violence. Zhemri released saidin reluctantly, and looked at Rahien’Nal with a more measured gaze.

OOC: Done have at it. By the way what you said was:
"You brought me here and left me here like a dog. Why?"
It doesn’t translate literally but I figured it didn’t matter. Its Germen btw.


Wonderful, just perfectly wonderful. Another idiot joins the exalted ranks of who would be the second wave of Chosen. Shaytan LightDestroyer mused sardonically. He was careful to keep his features devoid of his thoughts, letting a hint of boredom creep subtly into his expression. Let them think him uninterested, that would be to their folly.

The newcomer decked himself with all sorts of exotic wares from an ornately crafted gold choker to an Aiel sized long knife sleeping snugly in the scarlet sheath on his belt. Even from this distance, the silver haired Chosen could tell that the weapon was much older than any Aiel blade and the ease with which the man’s hand instinctively grasped his weapon as he met Zhemri’s challenge showed his familiarity with the knife. After adding the strange way he manipulated saidin and the True Power together, this man was deadly both physically and in channeling. Not to mention, Shadarmael and this man seemed to have some sort of history from their words and the way they interacted. They used the Old Tongue, a language which was hardly common in today’s context.

However, this man was emotionally weak. Like Shaytan’s big-sized colleague, he was prone to rash outbursts. This attracted unnecessary attention to oneself and could prove fatal. True, there were circumstances where one had to stand out from the rest. But, one had to be prudent at times and keep a low profile.

Most likely, this fool thought that his exceptional abilities gifted him with a shield of invulnerability and granted him to crush all opposition standing in his way. The silver haired Chosen pondered, studying the man. He was stupid enough to volunteer information like as if he would bask under their admiration of his intellectual capability. Such arrogance and short sightedness, it would be interesting to see how far he lasted. Shaytan refused to be baited by such amateurish boast and power, it was beneath one such as he who had survived the Choosing when those around him succumbed. The strong shall inherit this world and the weak shall perish.

“It is only fair“, He drawled, brushing off the dirt that might have landed on his clean and well pressed suit of midnight. “that our esteemed new colleague introduce himself first.” As the man glared at him with burning eyes and opened his mouth in what was no doubt yet another dose of lethal threat, Shaytan LightDestroyer slanted his cool azure gaze from Shadarmael to the angry man. “It is no insult, merely good manners.” He stated simply in the Old Tongue.

The Second Chosen smile mirthlessly and deigned not to reach for saidin as he kept a lazy and almost careless gaze at the saa emitting man’s heated glare. The relaxed stance belied the aura of danger whispering around him, intimidating those who would not be afraid of open threats of violence. Come now, my friend. Show me your powers if you dare. If he attacked, Shaytan would be forced to defend himself and perhaps silenced the man in self-defense before Shadarmael intervenes. It took but a single thought for balefire to form and no matter how powerful the man was, he was finished.

There was a moment’s pause as the newcomer struggled to collect himself. From the corner of his eye, the Lord of Vengeance saw the lips of the Shadar’Nae’blis quirked in an almost smile and sparked a hint of satisfaction in Allora’s eyes.

“You may call me Rahien’Nal, the Engineer of the Shadow and the greatest of this profession who ever lived.” The man declaimed in grandiose tones.

If I wanted an orator, I would have brought one with me.

“I have built countless horrors in ages past.” The man continued, “Those who fought for Lews Therin and the Light will remember me forever for the destruction and death I wrought and the nightmares I unleash upon their lands!”

Blah….blah….blah…I am the best, the strongest, the most feared…blah..blah They were all the same, regardless of the Age they were born in. How shallow minded these people were.

“Welcome, Rahien’Nal. I am Shaytan LightDestroyer, a Second Chosen and wielder of the One Power. It is good to see such a gifted and sensible person like yourself working for the Great Lord of the Dark.” Shaytan said plainly. His description of himself were obvious and deliberate. There was no point in telling a potential enemy more than what was necessary. Perhaps he could twist the man into doing his bidding when the time was right.

Allora rose from the luxurious stained mahogany bed silently she drew her sheer silk robe about herself a token gesture to cover her nakedness. Softly stepping away from the bed and heading towards the mirrored vanity that contained her perfumes and make up. Steadily Allora tidied up her braids re-braiding a few that had come loose during the night. Allora effected not to notice the unsettling nature of the room, the fact that it was unstable to her eyes was simply ignored. Her hair tidied Allora now paid attention to her face a slight frown crinkling her brow as suddenly a bowl of steaming rose scented water appeared in front of her a cake of lavender soap sitting upon a thick woolen towel beside it. Allora slowly washed her face removing the sleep and makeup left over from the night before. Another moment of concentration and the washing utensil’s disappeared from existence again her vanity was covered in the makeup instruments needed to enhance her features.

Rumors had begun to circulate in the tower about the usually stern sitter’s sudden interest in her appearance. Many sisters speculated that Allora had found herself a young, handsome noble or soldier who had caused this change in appearance. Laughing softly to herself Allora mused If only they knew the man that has entered my life…Fools no pretty child could hold my interest, I desire power and a commander fit to wield it. However at times Allora regretted allowing herself to be arrogant enough to change her manner of dress, at least she held herself aloof of other sisters to the point that none now noticed her regal arrogance. But it was not appropriate that her lover was made to wait for her when he called and as such she must be well attired at all times. However the fact that she was now moonstruck and content to come at his beck and call rankled Allora no end.

Shadar'mael, the name evoked a strange longing in her chest, he presented so many opportunities even perhaps the dreaded love. However it was important that Allora held herself well away from that foul emotion it could perhaps cloud her judgement and compromise her position.

Allora shook herself slightly and ceased to stare at the mirror consciously she banished the aforementioned thoughts in favour of simple beatification. Sighing slightly she began to steadily enhance her features. Allora’s eyes were lined with dark kohl a slight point painted at the end of each eye giving her an alien appearance. Slowly she enriched the natural colour of her lips with red dye staining them to unnatural perfection. Finally Allora outlined her finely chiselled features with foundation steadily coating her cheekbones with reddish rogue and eyelids with ground silver. Content her appearance was proud and royal Allora turned and surveyed the man that she had moments ago lain next to.

Allora stared down and remembered when their relationship had begun. Allora had noticed the way Shadar'mael had stared at her oddly the moment they had met in his chambers in the former palace of Malkier. The fact that his gaze had followed her all evening had not escaped Allora’s notice either. Instantly she had been attracted to the possibility of power and furthering her place in the scheme of things. With that in mind the seduction had begun and Allora had rushed into more than she had bargained for. When they were alone it was as if another person existed Allora had to struggle not to get carried away by her emotions and feelings. One did not survive as a darkfriend for as long as Allora had by getting tied up by relationships and emotions. Allora hoped that Shadar'mael was merely tender in their quiet moments to aid in what he required from Allora. The alternative to such aloof tenderness threatened to undermine Allora’s sanity and her stability in the Second Chosen. It was better for her if Shadar'mael was merely using her for her body and as a tool to further his will. Safer Allora believed if that was the case for the both of them.

It was Allora’s fears that caused her to wear a cold demeanour and to ooze arrogance like a cloud of over applied perfume. As far as Allora knew everyone knew that Shadar'mael and Allora were having relations but she was certain everyone saw her as merely a woman plying her charm to further her station, perhaps she was. Becoming frantic Allora looked up away from Shadar'mael’s sleeping form to where her dress was laid out for today’s adventures into the blight. The gown was amazing, fine black silk of the highest quality from the strange land of Shara beyond the waste. The gown itself was inlayed with thread of gold and seeds of pearl in the stark Cairhienen fashion that Allora so preferred. Slowly and steadily Allora drew the simple silken shift the nestled beside the gown over her naked body, smoothing the silk down her body sent a thrill of pleasure into Allora’s very being. The Dark one new how much Allora adored the finer things in life and even the simple joy of a silken shift was enough to fill the outwardly appearing stern sitter with joy. Allora gently lifted the gown from its resting place and slipped into it, twisting about to tie the seed pearl buttons that trailed up the side.

Content Allora walked over to her small travel case and slipped the golden diadem that nestled within the her precious velvet case as well as her diamond ring angreal and a necklace of heavy gold and precious emeralds. Gathering her things up quietly Allora opened a gateway into Shadar'mael’s palace in the blight. With only a cursory glance at the Tel’aran’rhiod created bedroom she had spent the night before in.

Allora knew that Shadar'mael would arrive later in the day to escort her to the prescribed meeting place and as such Allora preferred to be away from her lover for the moment to collect her thoughts. Humming softly to herself a trait Allora did not realise she was exhibiting Allora slowly headed towards the library intent on staring out at the beautiful grounds below. In the weeks that Allora had spent at the Malkier palace the grounds had steadily been transformed under the watchful eyes of the many servants that Shadar'mael had at his disposal. Allora effected not to notice the stark contrast in the health of the plants at the bottom of the hill outside of the ring of protection that surrounded the palace. Instead she gazed wistfully at the flower beds that patterned beautifully in the courtyard below the great windows of the extensive library chamber. Allora mused that considering the rooms size that it had perhaps once been the palaces key ballroom, surely the decoration was to fine for a simple library.

Allora got the shock of her life when strong and surprisingly warm arms wound about her waist. Looking back in surprise Allora was further puzzled by the curious expression on Shadar'mael’s face. It was clear he was enjoying her surprise and possibly the embrace but what was the intent behind his embrace was it simply to surprise her? Allora silently prayed that that was the reason behind this display of effect. Shunning her emotional anxieties to the back of her mind Allora turned about easily stepping outside the protective ring of Shadar'mael’s arms.

“To where are we going my lord?” Allora bowed slightly in respect at the end of statement. Let him make of that what he will.

Shadar'mael merely grunted in acknowledgement before turning on his heel as a gateway sprung into life. He turned and gestured for Allora to join him on his arm and silently Allora rushed forward schooling her face to arrogant serenity. Allora was content to watch and wait for the moment.


After all that had transpired over the last few hours Allora did not know what to make of it. Dutifully she stood beside Shadar'mael throughout it all her face a mask hiding her true feelings. Although she paid attention to the exchange between the men present it was thoughts of her relationship with Shadar'mael that clouded her judgement. Allora did not however fail to notice the lust in Shaytan and Zhemri’s eyes when Rahien’Nal showed of his axis, not fully understanding what was happening between the men filling away the situation to pick at later and possible probe Shadar'mael about when she thought it would be appropriate.

The revelation that Rahien’Nal was to be a new second chose alarmed Allora slightly but she still managed to control her facial reaction however in side she was reeling slightly. Before Allora could Shaytan acted and welcomed Rahien’Nal to their esteemed ranks. Allora followed quickly in his example detangling herself from Shadar’mael’s arms to stand forth before Rahien’Nal to present her own welcome.

“Brother, I welcome you to our esteemed and dare I say noble society. Although I must confess I feel inadequate before the prestige you bring with you in your long standing service of the Dark one. Humbly I ask you to know that you are welcomed and respected for you accomplishments and your aspirations may we all follow the Great Lords plan as directed through the Nae’blis.”

Amusement was not an emotion Shadar'mael was accustom to when not directed at the children who called themselves Asha'man and Aes Sedai and their feeble gropings to entangle him. But Shaytan LightDestroyer's hidden disgust, Zhemri's jealous outburst and Allora's manipulative humility was amusing, very amusing, considering the show that Rahien’Nal was enacting for them. One would almost believe that Rahien’Nal was insane, or a fool, if one did not look closer into the Saa tainted eyes.

Rahien’Nal was laughing at them as they all passed judgment. Rahien’Nal was laying foundations for yet another construct, this one social in nature, that would likely have many layers and many hidden strengths.

Amused to no end Shadar'mael stepped to the middle of the group and interrupted Zhemri before he began to make a fool of himself."Enough prattle. I did not send for you all so you could circle each other and test each other for weakness. I have gathered you because our Lord has a task for us." Eying each he saw with satisfaction that they all soon lost interest in testing each other and awaited his word. As it should be.

"First I must explain Rahien’Nal and his presence here. He is and has been a Secret Chosen as long as I. He is in fact older then myself. His title of Engineer of the Shadow is not a title he himself has chosen. In many ways he has our Lord's blessing. Think on that as you devise ways to try and get in his way, to kill him, to usurp his favor in the Great Lords eye." Shaytan actually let an eye twitch at that. Good he was getting through." He has been brought back to us now as a weaponeer, as our master smith, our creator of great war machines and devious tools of carnage. He is our builder, the architect of war. It is the will of the Great Lord of the Dark that you consider him off limits to your child play and inner strife."

The Silence was oppressive. None before now had been so claimed. But Shadar'mael was not yet finished." As for the rest of you there is a reason it was but you few invited here. Each of you have a role to play as we march steadily to Tarmon Gai'don. These roles will define you or you shall be replaced. The time for petty personal gain has ended. Now is the time that we bring our end to the world." The winds of the Axis began to pick up. Wails were heard in the distance as a small tremor rocked the multiple levels of the structure that they all stood upon. Only Shadar'mael and Rahien’Nal seemed not to be rattled by this. But the disturbance was over almost a quick as it began, so Shadar'mael continued.

"Zhemri, you have a calling you will respect I believe. Your title of Lord of Blood will take on new meaning. In war there shall be information that will be needed. You shall be the Lord of Blood in a truer sense then ever. You shall be our High Inquisitor, our knife of truth. So know that and accept. I warn you Zhemri as the High Inquisitor of the Dark you shall have a long fall if you fail." Shadar'mael turned from a pale Zhemri to Allora.

"Allora, Deyeniye al Mordin, you are hence the Dark Lords Herald. Soon you shall be called by him in your mind and he shall explain your dark mission. You sweet voice shall be the one that the Dreadlords and Darkfriends know best. My orders and the Great Lords orders shall grace your lips for the countless agents we have around the lands. You will whisper in the hearts of of every hidden Black Ajah, bend the ear of every Asha'man who serves us, guide the actions of the assassins placed in every dark corner, order the Kings in our pockets to our bidding. You are the shadow voice, the Mistress of the Hidden. You fail in this and there is a special despair in store for you. That is your fate." Then from her he looked to Shaytan. This one he saved for last.

"Shaytan LightDestroyer, you there is a special fate. I know that you lust for my mantle. I know that you eye my back and drool over the power and privilege that has ever been bestowed to me. Nae'blis, the true and secret Nae'blis. Yet you have never tasted the truth of it, never felt the Great Lords grasp on your soul, your mind, your very thread in the web of the wheel wholly HIS. To be the Master of the Chosen means to be entirely owned forever by the Great Lord of the Dark. You shall taste such a fate now for under him you shall be second only to me." Allora gasped, Zhemri cursed, Rahien’Nal giggled and cooed.

"Shaytan Lightdestroyer, as I am the hand of fate you are the sword, as I am the crown of shadow you shall be the scepter. General of his Armies, tactician of his will. Take the fate that Logain of the Black Eye failed, Leader of the First in the Shadow, High Lord of the Dark Ones legions. Take the fate offered to Lord Coraman that led him to flee and seek redemption like a fool. If you fail you will be aware of turmoil and pain in it's most primal essence forever. But succeed and your Kingdom after the fall could very well rival my own. Sword of the Shadow." With that Shadar'mael opened himself to the bond that he shared with the Great Lord himself.

Instantly pure darkness explode from within Shadar'mael. Arms flying wide and back arching Shadar'mael opened his mouth to scream but nothing sounded. Instead four thick lines of shadow shot outward slamming into the Chosen around him. Shaytan, Allora, Zhemri and Rahien’Nal were all knocked back many feet landing on there backs. Withering they all felt the connection forming directly to the Great Lord through Shadar'mael. They felt power seeping in inch by painful inch. Only once before had another felt this overwhelming experience, only Allorum Fallon had experienced it as he had become Lord Coraman. It had destroyed him.

Shadar'mael felt them all, felt the Great Lord directly and how he was a filter for the Great Ones bond to them. He had been the Dark Warder for so long sharing it now with these four others was both exhilarating as well as a doorway to a rage Shadar'mael never knew he could posses. But after this these four would forever be joined in Shadar'mael's fate. What had Rahien’Nal said? "He has prepared the way for you to become the next Shayol Ghul. And that I and others have been chosen as well. I have had dreams, Val, I am glad to see they were real." Their fate was set.

Then it was over. Like being destroyed and then remade Shadar'mael stood in silent shock that he remained on his feet. Laying around him were the four others who had joined him in the Axis. Shaytan was staring at his own hand, smiling at the power he felt and that waring with the outrage at not being informed before action was taken. Zhemri sat dumbfounded and disoriented, Allora hugged herself and smiled ecstasy plain on her face, and Rahien’Nal had dropped his mask, his True Power corruption showing plainly and the Saa rolling in and leaking out of his eyes. It was done, they were all now, through him, bonded to the Great Lord of the Dark.

"Val..." Rahien’Nal said in the ancient language they both were the last on the planet to understand." He has us now forever no matter what." Shadar'mael eyed his old friend and remembered back before they had traded sides. Merrick Daan Tel'wansho and Val Trakard Tel'sara were dead finally, they had just died that very second."No Merrick...no....he had us from the day we failed to destroy him...when The Dragon was the one made to march on him. He had us when we gave in."

Turning to the other three he found all three Chosen staring at him. Life had forever changed for them as well but all could sense that this was not the end of why they had gathered."Now...now what?" Allora asked. Turning to Shadar'mael Rahien’Nal smiled and stood."Have you ever read about the lesser Darkness? Well how do you feel about warring with the primal essence of nightmares?"

Rahien’Nal shuddered as the Saa raged through his eyes, an endless intelligence weighed upon him like a mountain. For a moment, he could barely think -- his mind crushed into a small piteous ball. Rage. Endless fury poured through him like blood. Red veins, the color of life's blood, began to contract and thin, making a lattice in his mind caging him but giving him enough room to find himself. The dizzying eternity of the Axis came suddenly into focus and the hard white stone came into focus as he slammed into the ground. He raised himself to his knees and looked at Shadar'mael with a mingled joy and fear. "Val..." Rahien’Nal said in the ancient language they both were the last on the planet to understand." He has us now forever no matter what." Shadar'mael looked down at him and voice seemed to come more from inside Rahien'Nal's mind then from Shadar'mael voice. There was no doubt in him now, that Shadar'mael was Nae'blis. "No Merrick...no....he had us from the day we failed to destroy him...when The Dragon was the one made to march on him. He had us when we gave in."

All three Chosen sat in shock, Allora regained her wits back faster then the others. "Now...now what?" Allora asked. Rahien'Nal forced himself to his feet and turned to Shadar'mael, his mind falling into familiar groves as he turned to the three Chosen. "Have you ever read about the lesser Darkness? Well how do you feel about warring with the primal essence of nightmares?" His face glowed with an unholy glee and he spread his arms magnificently. He created a chair of Air and sat, a moment later a table of Air formed into a circular blue disc floating above the seamless stone, as Shadar'mael created that and a chair for himself. "Sit please, all of you," he folded his hands as he rested his elbows under the tables, "I want to tell you a very old story, one I, of course, played a critical part in. Oh, and Shadar'mael as well." he waved his hand airily. He turned and made eye contact with each of the Chosen as he spoke.

"In this age, many of the old powers have been contained, or slumber quietly. Others are bound within borders, or are fading slowly into nothing. One of my... projects as it were, was to find a way to contain or control such powers. I met with, as you all no doubt have assumed, astounding success." He leaned back in his chair, his face carrying pride as he went on. "I created a vault that could contain one of these powers, specificaly one that formed in emptiness in between dreams in Tel'aran'rhiod then forced itself -- somehow we never did discover how, we suspect it came through someone who dreamed a nightmare that caused their own death -- into our world and impose it self there. This force allowed the dreams of those nearby to form into actuality, but as you can imagine, only their nightmares. Awake or asleep make no difference, those night terrors would form and walk the land. Whole nations were wiped out but more often a small town or distant outpost would suffer a 'plague'. Now, there is a limit to what can happen, and it seems it has a finite number of dreams it can maintain, and having many many people looking at something of dreamstuff seemed to cause them to weaken and fade. But I cannot overstate the sheer scale and power of this thing, but as i have said I have a way to contain it. "

"However at the moment the stasis box it was in was broken by the shifting of the earth. The chasm it had been dropped in had grown shut after many many years, closer to now then, then actually. Eventually some prospectors discovered pieces of the box on the surface and began to dig into the earth and eventually found my Prison Sphere." Here he smiled broadly. This sphere is a complex application of resonating field frequencies, causing -- as I have learned is the easiest to understand -- the 'threads' of the pattern to become extremely resistant to the effects of 'outside' influence, there by giving the essence no way to change it's surroundings and be released from the Sphere. Which... was made from a complex crystal covered in cuendillar, a crystal it could not pass through, because it acted as a natural focus of certain energies. The crystals were grown from a process-" He started and noticed almost universally bored expressions then shook himself and continued.

"At any rate -- they opened it. It took some time for it to return to it's power, but it has the whole of the world to do so. We" he gestured to Shadar'mael," have only become recently aware of it because the Dark Ones interests did not require us to. I have already sent agents to retrieve the Sphere and bring it to me, we can expect my receiving it shortly."

"Unfortunately the Prison Sphere was only designed to function once. Time was short when I designed it, and I did not build a way for it to seal twice. The power to repair cuendillar greatly exceeds that needed to create it, and I did not have time to find a way to make that possible for it on it's own. So to solve this problem I needed the strongest and most experienced channelers or ones that I believe can cast threads and weaves as complex and fine as I can -- or at least the talent for it. This will allow me to fuse the parts back together properly then activate it. Wherever it is it will be trapped again in short order, allowing us to proceed without it wreaking havoc on the chessboard so to speak."

Power….raw, pure power flooded his entire being, threatening to drown his sanity with the sheer immense volume sweeping through his conscience. Sweet malice and corruption soaked into the pores of his skin accompanying the tangible vortex, melding his body and soul with a core of eternal darkness that was as merciless and as vorpal as the sword of midnight riding along his left flank. Swirls of jet black forms hung around his being, slowly dissipating as his body consolidated its reserves and released him from the state of inertness.

Abruptly, Shaytan found himself gazing at the palms of his gloved hands with a triumphant grin pasted firmly on his lips. He knew he should not be doing this, it did not fit one as perfect as himself but…the potential of the gift he unlocked was almost limitless! Within the confines of his mind, the Second Chosen dimly sensed what appeared to be the life forms of the shadowspawns moving in the Waste. It was interesting that the fades and trollcs would risk their hides to step into the Dying Grounds. Hmm…

Sending his probes outwards, Shaytan touched the mind of the nearest fade wandering the Waste. He skimmed the edge of its thoughts, reading a mission of ambush and revenge by a group of reckless Aiels who had dared to hunt them for sports. He could sensed the outrage and cold anger emitting from the Eyeless like heat radiating from fire, laying false the claims that they were dispassionate creatures. The Second Chosen admired this one’s resolve. Slights given had to be met and repaid with additional interest thrown in. This was the rule he subscribed to. Those who were still living did so on borrowed time.

He delved deeper into the core of the fade’s brain where there was access to its body functions and its special abilities. Going on an ambush was all and well, to pull one off successfully required great skills and opportunities. Let us show these barbarians that the Shadow is not a force to be trifled with, fade. A small drop of conscience effort from his mind was all that required him to dominate this shadowspawn. Imagine how many he could force to his will when using all of it!

Returning back to his present location, Shaytan sensed Shadarmael recovered first, pulling himself together to answer Rahien’Nal’s question. He stood up in a fluid motion and reached out for saidin, feeling the familiar sensation of winter’s wrath and the searing inferno exerted their pressure on him. This exercise was a constant test of his capabilities and will. Only the strongest among the lot of the Great Lord’s minions can inherit this world from him. In a way, Zhemri was correct that men were the rightful rulers under Him. The females surrendered to the one power before they could use it, it made him curl inside to actually yield to get something. If one wanted a better life, one had to fight for it and if necessary, kill or did what it takes to attain his goals. Male channelers fought tooth and claw to wield what was rightfully theirs rather than beg for it.

However, it was also not prudent for him to underestimate the powers of a female. If they could reach such a lofty position, it meant that, excluding their methods of using the one power, they had a certain degree of determination and cunningness to achieve their objectives. Take this Allora for instance, Shaytan had done some research regarding each of the new Chosen’s background. For one of those they called Aes Sedai to rise to the so-called Herald of the Dark Lord was no so feat. In one single stroke, Shaytan’s network had already been potentially compromised depending on the extent of her new powers. The best part was that the irritating truce that the Nae’blis forced down each of their throats severely impaired his options of fixing the situation. The only thing he could do was to limit the extent of the damage and well….to rely less on his men to carry out the missions he deemed significantly material.

He adjusted his cloak as he settled comfortably into the high backed chair created from saidin and allowed his long and dexterous fingers drummed softly against the arms. It did not take long for the rest to create their seats. Shaytan’s keen eyes noted that Allora predictably chose to situate herself on Shadarmael’s left while Rahien’Nal placed himself on the Nae’blis’ right. Zhemri inserted himself between Shaytan and the Builder which meant that the Aes Sedai was sitting on the silvered hair Chosen’s other side. Apparently, his chubby ally’s antipathy of females far exceeded the mutual animosity with Rahien’Nal or the jealousy of Shaytan’s position. Perhaps it was also because of this same position that inspired Allora to sit beside him. Anyway, the Second Chosen somehow found himself approximately opposite where Shadarmael sat. Was this a subconscious decision?

Shaytan laid his long heron marked sword on his lap and kept a neutral expression on his face while waiting for the rest to be comfortable. He made a note to remind himself to visit Zhemri to repair the alliance they shared with one another. Dealing with others who perceived to be his equal or better was never easy. Thankfully, the man had a loophole which he could exploit when he needed to although Shaytan had to remain cautious and vigilant against the Lord of Blood’s new found powers. Being the High Inquisitor may provide Zhemri with more options to pursue his answers which would be somewhat problematic for him. Regardless, he would do what was necessary.

At last! His fade found the small band of Aiels crossing a wide stretch of flat grounds with sparse protection from the sun. Against this background, they were easy pickings for an archer. However, although there were ten of them against his thirty trollocs and one fade, there was only one trolloc which had bow and that itself was nothing compared to the fine Aiel horn bows. Three trollocs against one Aiel was not very good odds especially when the battle was in the Waste. Still, the fools appeared to still be in their teens or at the beginnings of adulthood.

"I created a vault that could contain one of these powers, specifically one that formed in emptiness in between dreams in Tel'aran'rhiod then forced itself …..”

Fade, Have the trolloc archer find a good spot-there!- and assign two trollocs to protect it. Send the rest out at a full length charge against the Aiels. Go with the archer. It was nothing less than a suicidal charge but who cared so long as it reaped dividends? With one part of his mind focused on what Rahien’Nal was talking, the Second Chosen was planning his strategies against the Aiel. The suicide charge was to pin the Aiel to one spot because they thought that the odds were in their favor. Even the archer was the distraction. When the archer finally was in position, the fade signaled the commencement of the attack. While one half of the Aiels uncased their bows and the other readied their short spears and beat them against their bucklers, the trollocs sprinted at full speed across, bellowing as loudly as possible.

Shaytan subconsciously flowed into the fade’s body like it was a suit of armor. It walked into the shadow of the trolloc archer and simply disappeared. Then, its dark form coalesced within the Aiel’s shadows, directly behind their backs. The long double edged sword silently swept across from right to left, beheading two Aiel archers swiftly in a heartbeat. Without pausing, the Second Chosen guided the fade’s sword right into the spine of a third young man and hamstring a fourth before the rest finally noticed that the yells were a screen to distract them. The lurk melded with the moving shadows again and reappeared in the middle of a cluster of humans to wield its obsidian blade with lethal efficiency like a farmer scything through wheat.

The barrage of arrows raining on his trollocs were chaotic and uneven thanks to the fade’s distraction. Most of the shadowspawns survived to crash down on the Aiels who maintained a stoic front despite the initial surprise. However, they still remained unnerved by the fade’s ability to vanish and materialize from shadow to shadow, dealing death like an assassin. Combining this ability with its abnormally fast speed of attack, the Aiels who faced it did not stand a chance. Even when they wiped out a number of trollocs, those bestial animals did not cower nor did they flee. Instead, they attacked with greater vigor as if thirsting for vengeance.

The skirmish was finally over when the last Aiel died. Not one of them fled the battlefield. Shaytan did not know whether to admire their bravery or scorn their stupidity. Nevertheless, his forces did not escape unscathed. Of his army of thirty trollocs, only a full ten remained and half of those were injured. They would not survive another day in the Waste. The Second Chosen ordered the fade to return to Shayol Ghul within five minutes, taking whatever trophy or doing whatever was needed during this time.

“…..So to solve this problem I needed the strongest and most experienced channelers or ones that I believe can cast threads and weaves as complex and fine as I can -- or at least the talent for it. This will allow me to fuse the parts back together properly then activate it. Wherever it is it will be trapped again in short order, allowing us to proceed without it wreaking havoc on the chessboard so to speak." Rahien’Nal finished with a flourish, looking at them expectantly.

Shaytan acknowledged his words with a slight nod, indicating he heard what the man said but remained silent. Let the others speak first while he analyzed their words. For now at least, the victory he just had underscored the potential of his powers and perhaps would be able to unlock the secrets of the shadowspawns abilities. The possibilities was endless!

Allora could not believe the power that Shadar'mael was rewarding her with. Is this because of affection? Now is not the time to worry… The power granted to her now was immense she had her subjects and a kingdom of subterfuge to lead. Those that had once scorned her now served her. Joy of a kind Allora had never before experienced coursed through her. Her eyes quickly attempted to assess what the others thought. Unfortunately all eyes were now turned towards Shaytan but Allora was sure she had seen something akin to concern flash in Shaytan’s eyes. What secrets does he hold that are threatened by my new position. Discovering any secrets about the Second Chosen from her spies and servants was for another time.

A part of Allora was surprised at the elevated position Shaytan was being given. Although Shadar'mael was not the sought to indulge in secret giving in the bed chamber some things slipped out, after all he was some what more relaxed about her and tended to answer her questions. Through Shadar'mael Allora was now even more aware of the strained relationship that existed between himself and Shaytan. And now he is elevated to stand directly behind Shadar'mael. It was said Lews Therin had elevated those that coveted his power and it had led to his downfall would Shadar'mael find himself in a similar situation and where did this leave Allora? She had many things to think of on one of which was how to deal with Zhemri. The man was despicable his absolute contempt and hatred for woman disturbed her.

Zhemri had been given a position that she could appreciate the High Inquisitor of the Dark One was not a duty to be shirked from. However Allora would have to ensure the Dark One learned as little of her schemes and failures to ensure she did not end up in Zhemri’s hands. The Great Lord shelter any woman that fell into Zhemri’s hands. Allora was jolted into awareness after Shadar'mael declared that they were to be bonded to the Great Lord. What does he mean? Then there was no more time for thought as Shadar'mael arched his back and shadow spewed forth.

Allora’s mind rocked as the sheer weight of the power overwhelmed her senses she hardly noticed as she flew through the air. Muscle relaxed as her mind turned inwards the jolt of pain sent to her brain was ignored as she bounced roughly to the pavement.

“ALLORA!”

A voice like that aroused equal amounts of awe, fear and ecstasy boomed within her mind.

“Deyeniye al Mordin what a fool to call yourself something that you have no claim to. Know little Queen that your power over death pales before my awesome might.”

Allora’s mind frantically sought a means of evasion to take control of the situation somehow, but the Dark One gave her no chance. Unknown to her Allora’s hands began to spasm opening and closing at an alarming rate.

“However you have served me faithfully for almost two hundred years and have attained acclaim and status amongst the assemblage of those that name themselves Aes Sedai. I will indulge your petty title and reward you with a gift. You are mine. Your soul is bounded to me now and forever. If you fail now pain will be your only existence.”

Allora knew faintly that her eyes widened slightly and behind taunt lips she struggled not to scream.

“But you won’t fail me will you?”

Waves of ecstasy washed through Allora calming her fear and filling her with adoration. Slowly at first her body began to writhe expressing her minds delight

“Allora, we are now joined as one. This is part of my gift to you now you will be able to find any friend of the dark by merely looking at them or by being in close proximity to them. My will is now always at your disposal through the bond you may communicate with me although at great physical cost to yourself or to someone else whose body is to act as a conduit for my power.”

Allora’s mind boggled and she began to writhe in earnest the cost of the Great Lords presence in her mind beginning to take its toll on her body.

“You will fail and die if I stay much longer but know that you are now stronger in the power and have been granted extra powers derived from me. In time you will discover you skills but for now have faith you power will see you through. All I will say is seek the dream you have skill now were once you lacked”

Allora’s heart began to beat faster in her chest and her heels steadily began to drum on the smooth floor she lay pressed against.

“As we speak now I am transferring information into your mind that you need to know. When I leave you shortly you will know the key plots of the world and will act as my voice to the world. I will summon you in your sleep to Shay Gul come at once when called.”

Sitting slowly Allora’s arms snaked about her weakened form. The Great Lord was awesome indeed… Allora’s thoughts trailed of and she stared at the air in front of her comprehending the extra power now granted to her an ecstatic grin painted across her face. Again Shadar'mael persisted in speaking that tongue that grated on her ears lacking the fluid beauty of the old tongue.

“Now…now what?”

Allora watch dispassionately as Rahein ‘Nai wove himself a chair made of air she was not surprised when a table appeared beside the chair but some how felt the man from the Age of Legends had not created it. Shadar'mael seemed to be the most likely of the pair judging from the detached look that appeared on his face a distance appearing to open between Shadar'mael and the world. Allora prepared to embrace the source to create her own chair when one materialised on Shadar'mael’s left. Allora hardly cared that she was seated beside Shaytan. Shaytan would be a problem for another day. How was she to approach him? Was he someone to treat as potential friend or foe? Scanning the faces now seated around the table Allora’s eyes settled on Zhemri. What powers had the Great Lord given him to further enhance his raging hatred for women? Poor wenches that a dragged before such a monster.

Paying attention with only half an ear Allora nodded every now and then her eyes searching for any hints of what the others experiences had been like. Allora had to suppress a shudder when she felt the Dark One directly touch the bond that bound her to his service. By the sounds of things the world was in for some chaos if Rahein ‘Nai’s little device was unleashed. However it did not surprise Allora that she had been chosen to assist in whatever repairs were to be carried out nightmare prison. Although there appeared to be a fundamental flaw in this plan they would require more female channelers. Whatever the arrogant fools believed she did not have some miraculous powers to be able to link with more than one of them and she was not certain she trusted any of them that far even for that. Shadar'mael…she could trust him couldn’t she? The light blind her that man proved to be unstable ground to much for her liking.

When it appeared no one was willing to speak Allora decided that it was necessary to enlighten the rest of these men as to there current situation.

“I presume that you are intending a circle to be able to carry out the repairs?”

Not waiting for a reply Allora forged straight ahead.

“Although I hate to remind others when they have forgotten important elements necessary to solve problems I feel it is my duty to do so here. I am sure that Shadar'mael, Rahein ‘Nai and possibly others of my esteemed colleagues are aware that there are not enough women to create a circle that includes all you men.”

“As much as I quiver in rage at the chance lost to be your buxom whore I am only able to link with one of you here.”

If I can bring myself to initiate the circle knowing I could possible spend the next twenty years bound to one of these men.

“As always I am here to come to the rescue and serve the greater good.”

Allora almost laughed at the conclusion of that sentence but she supposed that the fools serving the light would find the proposed task to repair such a dreadful device admirable. However what they did once the device was repaired that might not necessarily be viewed by light blinded fools in such a kind light. What where they going to do with it? Was it a weapon of some sorts or to dangerous for that even? This was a question for Shadar'mael later unless someone brought the query up. It seems prudent not to let the thing you have any cause for concern. Arrogance is the best defence right now.

“I have the greatest connections to the Black Ajah both before and after being named the Great Lords Herald. It would be my pleasure to select the strongest Black sisters to assist in linking in this circle. In fact I could probably form a circle with them and bring them to whatever destination blindfolded and with there ears covered. I am always happy to help.”

Allora smiled slightly at the end her eyes casually sweeping across the table from the look on Zhemri’s face being in such an intimate situation with woman disturbed him. If Allora had her way there would be more women in this circle than men that way it would be her that handed control to Rahein ‘Nai. She could not allow the balance to be tipped that the men gained control from the beginning. By the Great Lord most of her hoped that the circle would be dissolved at the end giving Allora freedom. It did not sit well trusting any of these men even Shadar'mael too far.

Zhemri sat dumbfounded by the sheer power of the bond that had almost consumed him. His mind was a tumult of information being driven mercilessly from waht could only be the Great Lord. Not even Shadar'mael had that kind of power...he was certain of it.

High Inquisitor of the Dark. The title itself was a source of pleasure for him, and though he knew the threat of destruction was very real should he fail, in the end, it was of little consequence. The pleasure was all that mattered. Ferreting out secrets and lies and plans from those who thought themselves strong. A crushing voice entered his mind.

Zhemri, Shan'an Shar, you are mine and I know every speck of your soul. You shall listen and obey.

"Yes, Great Lord," he replied without thought, "I submit to you completely."

Tarmon Gaidon is soon upon us and your task will do much to ensure my success. But your methods must change. You can no longer allow your weak emotions to control you. Throw away your thoughts of revenge on those who have thwarted you in the past, for I am all powerful and in they shall submit to me or die, and even in death they shall serve you.

To accomplish your task, I bestow upon you powers that no others possess. First, you will have the ability to enter and control the minds of others. The weaker their minds, the more easily you will control them. Physical torture will not be needed in many cases, as you can rip the information from their minds.

Those who can touch the One Power will have some resistance but their resistance to your efforts will depend on their strength.

Second, you will be able to enter the Unseen World and draw others into dreams of your making.

Third, I lift from you a hidden curse of obendience and make you immune to Compulsion in all its forms.

Your first task will be to root out a thorn in my foot. A group of channelers seeks to oppose me. While they have kept their identities hidden from my sight in some manner, I can tell you this. Follow this name: Shadar Vadin. Find them for me and together, with the other Second Chosen, they shall be destroyed. Without them, the Dragon's power will fail.

Finally, you are my watchman. Some who proclaim loyalty will turn against us in time. Find them and bring them to me.

And then the presence was gone from his mind. However, he was still lost in thought as he sat and let this so-called Engineer prattle on. The man was incomprehensible at times. The fancy words would certainly hide some weakness, though he knew not yet what.

Allora was also an enigma. He knew her only in passing, as he would normally not lower himself to speak with breeding stock. But perhaps, she in her role could be useful to him.

Finally, Shaytan. Zhemri was certain he was the one who had bestowed this hidden curse. Their alliance would remain, he determined, but in the end, he would find a way to pull him down, once the Great Lord's works were complete.

But now was not the time to flex his power. THose here would certainly notice teh intrusion in their minds, as powerful as they were. He would need to find more pliable subjects to practice on. Clearing his mind, he spoke up.

"Shadar'mael, speak to us. Lead us. Give us purpose and direction. What are we to do now?"

“I presume that you are intending a circle to be able to carry out the repairs?”Allora began Rahien'Nai finished his explanation.“Although I hate to remind others when they have forgotten important elements necessary to solve problems I feel it is my duty to do so here. I am sure that Shadar'mael, Rahein ‘Nai and possibly others of my esteemed colleagues are aware that there are not enough women to create a circle that includes all you men.”Allora sneered then, eyes aglow.“As much as I quiver in rage at the chance lost to be your buxom whore I am only able to link with one of you here. As always I am here to come to the rescue and serve the greater good.” Allora sighed, watching everyone present as if she truly was a queen.“I have the greatest connections to the Black Ajah both before and after being named the Great Lords Herald. It would be my pleasure to select the strongest Black sisters to assist in linking in this circle. In fact I could probably form a circle with them and bring them to whatever destination blindfolded and with there ears covered. I am always happy to help.”

"That will not be..."Shadarmael began before Zhemri interrupted him. "Shadar'mael, speak to us. Lead us. Give us purpose and direction. What are we to do now?" Shadarmael turned his eyes toward Zhemri, then looked at Shaytan as well noticing that he too seemed distracted. Slamming his fist down hard on the table, Shadarmael reached out with his connection to the Great Lord himself and barricaded both the new powers and access to the True Power of the other chosen around him. Shaytan's head jerked up, Zhemri and Allora's eyes widened and Rahien'Nai raised an eyebrow at Shadarmael."Our time is short and you all are so wrapped up in your own power you cannot see the danger here. These abilities along with your access to the True Power are not rewards or even yours alone. These are tools granted by the Great Lord to work his will. His will is the destruction of this creature, the essence of nightmares, and I shall not suffer your egos or your personal ambitions to hinder this in any way. I have erased failures from this world for our Lord during my countless years in his service, do not make that necessary yet again."

All those sitting around the table seemed to eye him then, seemed to realize their mistake. Zhemri nodded toward Shadarmael, sensing that his ignorance of what Allora had said had led to this show of power. Alora herself quickly restated her concerns, but this time her condescension was less. Letting his fury abate a small bit, Shadarmael continued the discussion by saying what he was going to anyway, but those around him undoubtedly felt there current restrictions and the fact that they were still in place. Shadarmael had no intent of releasing them till the meeting was done."As I was going to point out before, Allora's point would be valid - but only for lesser beings. As you no doubt understand we are now all connected by our Great Lord. This also grants us the ability to link when needed regardless of gender, as we are all now so much more then human."

Shadarmael smiled then, wickedly."Of course this may be of some concern to you all. Linking requires that someone be in control, and relinquishing control is not something any of us do well." Leaning back in his chair Shadarmael eyed each chosen there."The Great Lord has seen to it that this is mute. While linked if one dies all who are linked die. Furthermore, as Nae'blis, I am the default holder of any link formed. Me, or another who shall arrive later, and therefore I am sure this will be a very infrequent use of our current bonded ability." None present, excluding Rahien'Nai who seemed unphased, could hide the displeasure this announcement caused. Shadarmael simply shrugged it off, it was not their place to question the Great Lords ways.

"Who is this other you speak of?" Shaytan had the presence of mind to ask."Someone already connected as we are to the Great Lord?" Allora asked almost as soon as Shaytan was done speaking. But then something clicked inside Allora's mind and her eyes widened."Mai Johan!" She exclaimed as the answer seemed to magically come as if already known and just remembered. The effect of that announcement was universal disbelief, excluding Rahien'Nai of course who seemed not to care. Shadarmaels smile deepened."She has returned to us and been forgiven. She is in fact, for the first time now, been deemed worthy of joining the true Chosen." Shaytan raised an eyebrow, Zhemri frowned, Allora looked as if disbelief would not release her."She destroyed the Black Ajah High Council, she wounded a good amount of our forces, she had a death sentence brought down on her head from on high, how has she come back with no punishment to be chosen?" Allora asked in shock.

"There was punishment."Said a female voice which sounded like it came from all around them."I simply endured it, survived it, and now I return." Then, from out of the shadows of one of the buildings in the Nexus, walked Mai Johan. The saa flowed through her eyes as she looked at those gathered, and she smiled. Rahien'Nai chuckled a bit then, eyes watching Mai approach."We are finally all here then." The Inventor from the Age of Legends said to no one in particular."Now we are ready."

The screams were always there. Painful wails of sorrow and fear bouncing in her skull, clawing at her skin, threatening to kill her very soul if she let them. Jardam had told her that the True Power was unique for each individual that held it. That that was one of the many things that made it so vastly different from the One Power. The first time Mai held it, however, was the worst. Where the river of saidar washed over you and you allowed it to take you, the True Power seeped its way through your body until it filled you, overwhelmed you, and then erupted from your body by whatever violent means. Her eyes, her mouth, the scar on her stomach from the knife that Lauric used on her and her family those were the exit wound and agony became her world. It bled from her and tried to drown her with its power and after a few moments, when she was on the very brink of death, the Dark Lord brought her back. As if to collect the payoff of a cruel joke, he brought her back. And after that rebirth, euphoria incarnate washed over her as she was freed from the Wheel’s shackles. The elation was maddening, and perhaps a few times she did go mad from the blissfulness. However, each time came with that same price. She once again had to die. Well, she was tired of dying. Tired of the screams of all the people that she had killed over the years ringing through her mind, feeling them scrabble up her body and around her neck, attempting to take back what was stolen from them. Moreover, she was tired of hearing her family’s condemnations.

Nevertheless, here, even as she forced the True Power back into herself or wherever it sprouted from, the screams were heard. They were muted, true, but she could still hear them. The area was swathed in the True Power, blocking out all light so that it seemed farfetched that it could even exist in this place. As a metaphor, perhaps it rang true. Mai doubted that the Light ever shone in any of the individuals seated around the table. However, she also had a hard time believing that this was the best the Shadow had to offer. Placing fingers thoughtfully on her lips, she took them all in. The three men were the only new faces she did not know, which either spoke volumes or barely made footnotes. One man, of Malkieri descent by the way he held his silver hair, eyed everyone warily, seemingly measuring him or her unconsciously. He reminded her of the assassin Telric Zeal, always probing for weaknesses to later be exploited. Half the time he did not even realize that he was doing it and she doubted this man knew it himself. The other man, short with bronzed skin and hair that reminded her of autumn leaves, was disinterested with the lot of them. Yet, when he saw her, his interest seemed to slightly be piqued, almost as if he knew her. Did he know her? And why did she feel like she suddenly knew him? Turning her eyes towards the third man, Mai felt an abrupt disdain for him. All but a few moments was all it took her to want to kill him. Mai wondered if they all felt the same way towards him as she did. She supposed that she would find out soon enough as she was close enough to be within earshot now.

"Someone already connected as we are to the Great Lord?” Allora, though, was someone that Mai knew all too well. A Sitter to the Yellow Ajah, she was on the tips of every tongue in the Tower with her newfound concern for her beauty and the way she carried herself now. She was just a few years younger than Mai—which was not very common in the Tower at all—and the two had known each other in passing while they were Accepted and Novices. Moreover, by the scowl on her face, she remembered very well who Mai was. "Mai Johan!" Yes, very well indeed. "She destroyed the Black Ajah High Council, she wounded a good amount of our forces, she had a death sentence brought down on her head from on high, how has she come back with no punishment to be chosen?" Allora asked in shock.

"Oh, there was punishment." Mai finally said with a smile. “I simply endured it, survived it, and now I return.”

"We are finally all here then. Now we are ready." Mai eyed the brown-skinned man again. Even his voice seemed to scratch the corners of her memories. Who was he?

“Yes, I would apologize for my delay, but I can see that I’ve missed nothing more than the ritual beating of the chest and immodest titles flung around like snowballs in Tar Valon.” She said as she took her place standing, as she should would always, beside Shadar’mael. The two clearly contrasted; while the lord of the Chosen encased himself in hard midnight armor that never gleamed, she was draped in green silk worked with gold threading at the hems, traveling around her bodice and down her sides. Where he regarded her subjects with furnace like eyes, she gazed at each in turn with calculating bluish-green eyes and a sardonic smile instead of the deep scowl her husband wore at all times. As it stood, the only thing that showed any similarity between the two were their raven hair, his in a regal ponytail and hers falling to each side of her face. However, looking deeper, that was not the only thing the two shared. “But let us continue, I do not believe anyone wishes to make my husband any more annoyed with these incessant interruptions. And do stop glaring dear, your face may get stuck like that… and not even that mound of makeup will do you any good.”