This is a blog about fantasy fiction, so you will never see a post on politics or religion. I have no problem discussing my views with someone who is serious, and not just looking for a name calling contest. I might offer an opinion on a particular writing technique, or lament the trials and tribulations of trying to create quality stories, but that's about it.
If you're not familiar with the story my fanfic is based on, sorry but it would take more than a blog post to explain it to you. Hopefully you will like my voice and style. For those of you familiar with the story, I hope you will get some small enjoyment out of this.
Thanks for your time!
* * *
Perrin stopped a
few paces from the Wise Ones, and swiftly sorted through the aroma of emotions that
emanated from each of them. Sorilea’s were easy to pick out, not only because
she was foremost in the group, but because they were the strongest.
Determination was the most prominent, which he expected, but what he didn’t
expect was a certain amount of uncertainty. Well, these were uncertain times,
so maybe it wasn’t that surprising after all. The others put off such a jumble
of emotions, it didn’t really tell him anything at all.
“I see you, Sorilea
of Clan Shande. May you always find water and shade. It isn’t much, but I offer
you the shade of my tent and water to share.”
Pleasantly
surprised by his traditional Aiel greeting, Sorilea graciously tipped her head
and replied in kind. “I see you Perrin Aybara. May you always find water and
shade. The traditional guest gift I have for you may not be what you want, but
I offer it regardless. Several clan Chiefs and their Wise Ones have approached
me with the idea of serving under the Banner of one of the Wetlander Kings.
Many of the Brotherless, and even several small Septs of the Shaido, who were
unhappy with the leadership of Savanna, have contacted me with the same desire.
Do not treat this lightly, Perrin Aybara. If you accept this gift, it will be
for life. They will become your people and give up being Aiel.”
The mood turned somber
as the import of Sorilea’s words penetrated the thoughts of all gathered there.
This cannot be my ta’veren nature at
work here, Perrin thought. This was much deeper than that. The fate of an
entire nation was at stake. No wonder she had smelled uncertain. Sorilea
understood that if they survived the Last Battle, a new Age would come and the
Aiel would have no purpose in it. Their numbers would dwindle and eventually
die away. Could he provide the leadership and protection they would require?
“Bloody ashes,
woman. This is a heavy responsibility you have presented to me, but I gladly
accept. I believe that I understand your reasoning and I agree. I give you my
oath, that in the hope of my salvation and rebirth under the Light, I, Perrin
Aybara will lead and protect all of my people to the best of my ability. Now I
ask of you another gift in return. There are thousands of Aiel warriors who are
serving their time as gai’shain. I
ask that you release them from their servitude for the duration of the upcoming
battle. Every spear will be needed, Sorilea. It bothers me that we may lose a
battle because some of our best warriors are serving tea or washing clothes somewhere.”
Before she could
answer, a ray of sunshine broke through the clouds to the north and a perfect
circle of blue sky spread out from that ray. A soft breeze sprang up, carrying
the scents of green and growing plants. The grass at their feet slowly turned
from a yellowish brown to a bright green and started growing taller. It was one
thing to hear the stories of how Rand affected
the land around him, but to actually witness it was something else. It gave
Perrin a renewed sense of hope and strength.
Turning away from
the sight and adjusting the shawl on her shoulders, Sorilea narrowed her eyes.
“You are uncommonly wise for a Wetlander, Perrin Aybara. The gai’shain never entered my mind. If they
survive, they can always go back to their easy life. I will send out the word
right away.”
“Thank you, I
think,” Perrin snorted. “You’re pretty wise for a Wise One yourself. Now, I’m
sure you wish to meet with the Wise Ones who just arrived and I need to go to Rand . Edarra, I must ask you to welcome the new Aiel to
our camp, get them settled, and tell them I will meet with them later.”
Turning back to
study his old friend for a moment, Perrin continued. “Gaul
my good friend, as a personal favor to me, will you meet with the Brotherless
and find out who leads them? Tell them that if they don’t have a leader, I will
give them one.”
“Dealing with the
Brotherless will be distasteful, Perrin Aybara, but you have just given me back
my sanity by having Bain and Chiad released from being my gai’shain. Maybe now I can have some peace.”
Sorilea walked away
laughing and called back over her shoulder. “May you always find water and
shade, Perrin Aybara.”
No comments:
Post a Comment