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Many wondered why Elaida had had the triptych retrieved from the storerooms where it had lain covered in dust; if none spoke openly, she had still heard the whispers They did not understand that constant reminder of the price of failure was necessary

The second painting was in the new fashion, on stretched canvas, a copy of a street artist’s sketch fro the Aes Sedai who saw it Two htning for weapons One had a face of fire The other was tall and young, with reddish hair It was the youth who caused the fear, who made even Elaida’s teeth clench She was not sure if it was in anger, or to keep the But fear could and must be controlled Control was all

"We are done, then," Alviarin said, rising s skirts and shawls in preparation for leaving "In three days, I will expect --"

"Have I given you leave to go, daughters?" Those were the first words Elaida had spoken since telling them to be seated They looked at her in surprise Surprise! Some moved back toward the stools, but not with any haste And not a word of apology She had let this go on , you will reht those halfseated, and she continued as they straightened again uncertainly "I have heard no mention of the search for that woman and her companions"

No need to name that woman, Elaida’s predecessor They kneho she meant, and Elaida found it harder every day even to think the former Amyrlin’s name All of her current problems -- all! -- could be laid at that woman’s feet

"It is difficult," Alviarin said evenly, "since we have bolstered the rumors that she was executed" The woman had ice for blood Elaida met her eyes firmly until she added a belated "Mother," but it too was placid, even casual

Elaida swung her gaze to the others, e of that search, and of the investigation of her escape In both cases I hear of nothing but difficulties Perhaps a daily penance will help you increase your diligence, daughter Write out what you think suitable and submit it to me Should I find it -- less than suitable, I will triple it"

Joline’s everpresent smile faded in satisfactory fashion She opened her ain under Elaida’s steady stare Finally, she curtsied deeply "As you coht, the meekness forced, but it would do For now

"And what of trying to bring back those who fled?" If anything, Elaida’s tone was even harder The return of the Aes Sedai who had run ahen that woman was deposed meant the return of Blues to the Tower She was not sure she could ever trust any Blue But then, she was not sure she could ever bring herself to trust any who had fled instead of hailing her ascension Yet the Tower ain

Javindhra was overseeing that task "Again, there are difficulties" Her features remained as severe as ever, but she licked her lips quickly at the storm that swept silently across Elaida’s face "Mother"

Elaida shook her head "I will not hear of difficulties, daughter To you have done, including all measures taken to see the world does not learn of any dissension in the Tower" That was deadly important; there was a new A as ever "If you do not have enough tiive up your place as Sitter for the Red in the Hall I must consider it"

"That will not be necessary, Mother," the hardfaced woman said hurriedly "You will have the report you require to soon"

Elaida was not so certain; however ; it htfulness marked every eye but Alviarin’s If Elaida was ready to come down on one of her own former Ajah, and even harder on a Green who had been with her fro her as a cerey Perhaps they had put her on the Amyrlin Seat, but now she was the A days should drive it ho penance till they begged mercy

"There are Tairen soldiers in Cairhien, as well as Andoran," she went on, ignoring averted eyes "Tairen soldiers sent by the man who took the Stone of Tear" Sheht, and Teslyn flinched Only Alviarin re out her hand and pointed to the painting of two"Look at it Look! Or I will have every last one of you on hands and knees scrubbing floors! If you have not the backbone even to look at a painting, what courage can you have for what is to come? Cowards are no use to the Tower!"

Slowly they raised their eyes, shuffling feet like nervous girls instead of Aes Sedai Only Alviarinher hands, and tears actually welled in her eyes So would have to be done about Shemerin

"Rand al’Thor A man who can channel" The words left Elaida’s mouth like a whip They ht vomit Somehow she kept her face smooth and pressed on, pushed the words out, stones froo mad and wreak horror with the Power before he dies Butbetween is a ruin of rebellion because of him If the war and famine in Cairhien cannot be tied to hireater war there, between Tear and Andor, when the Tower needs peace! In Ghealdan, soreat for Alliandre’s arer the Tower has ever faced, the greatest threat the world has ever faced, and you cannot e?"

Silence answered her All save Alviarin looked as though their tongues were frozen Most stared at the young , birds hypnotized by a snake

"Rand al’Thor" The name tasted bitter on Elaida’s lips Once she had had that young man, so innocent in appearance, within arm’s reach And she had not seen what he was Her predecessor had known -- had known for the Light alone kne long, and had left hireat deal before escaping, had said things, when put hard to the question, that Elaida would not let herself believe -- if the Forsaken were truly free, all ed to refuse some answers And then escaped before she could be put to the question again That wo Elaida intended to have them both back in the Tower They would tell every last scrap of what they knew They would plead on their knees for