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"The E Fortuona’s fingers, "if any of the captured hest Empress--may she live forever--that they did not," Melitene said, sounding worried "And, if IIt seems that the explosion outside the city was an isolated accident--the result of soreal, used imprudently Perhaps there is no weapon"

It was possible Fortuona had already begun to doubt the validity of those rumors The explosion had happened before Fortuona had arrived in Ebou Dar, and the details were confusing Perhaps this had all been a ploy by Suroth or her enemies

"Captain-General," Selucia Voiced "The Greatest One wishes to knohat you would do with a Power such as this Traveling ability"

"That depends," Galgan said, rubbing his chin "What is its range? How large can she make it? Can all damane do this? Are there limitations on where a hole can be opened? If it pleases the Greatest One, I will speak with the daet these answers"

"It does please the E," Beslan said "They could attack behind our battle lines They could open a portal like this into the Empress’s own cha we know about ill change"

The reat disco, his expression grew harder Fortuona knew that he would soon be suggesting a new, rotating location of her sleeping quarters

Fortuona thought for aat that rent in the air That rent in reality itself Then, contrary to tradition, she stood up on her dais Fortunately, Beslan was there, one she could address directly--and let the others hear her commands

"Reports say," Fortuona announced, "that there are still hundreds of marath’damane in the place called the White Tower They are the key to recapturing Seanchan, the key to holding this land, and the key to preparing for the Last Battle The Dragon Reborn will serve the Crystal Throne

"We have been provided with a way to strike Let it be said to the Captain-General that he should gather his finest soldiers I want each and every daht back to the city We will train theo, in force, to the White Tower Before, we struck theht of our sword All of thethe room fall still It was rare that the Empress made such announcements personally But this was a time for boldness

"You should not alloord of this to spread," Selucia said to her, voice fir in her role as Truthspeaker Yes, another would have to be chosen to be Fortuona’s Voice "You would be a fool to let the ene"

Fortuona took a deep breath Yes, that was true She would make certain each in this room was held to secrecy But once the White Toas captured, they would talk of her proclamation, and would read the omens of her victory upon the skies and world around thened

Yes, Fortuona signed back Our previous attack will have the arms

Our next ned But think Delivering thousands of soldiers into the White Tower through a hidden baseainst a thousand anvils!