"Now, is there anything you wish to ask of me while I have time?"

 

Nyssa smiled at the Steward of the Fortress, hiding her mild disappointment at hearing that Tel’Aran’Rhiod would have to be entered with the same rules in mind as the Fortress in this reality. The part she had always liked about the world of dreams was that the rules were different, sometimes even seemingly non existent. In the dream she could defeat and manipulate people that were far beyond her reach in this world. She took care not to eye Con, or whoever he was, knowing full well that there would be malice in her eyes. He would have been a good victim for her in the dream. She would have enjoyed making him scream. Alas, it was not to be. She shoved her disappointment aside and focussed on her reason for being at the fortress. “Shadow’s peace, Rasputin. I’m sure I will manage just fine with the arrangements you have made. For now I think I would like to visit your library.†And perhaps, if he had time, they would discuss the Bore later. She suppressed a shiver at the thought.

 

"Of course, but first you should be shown to your quarters so your things may be put away. You know, while we do have servants..." Rasputin turned to Michael "... 'Con' is such a helpful fellow, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to carry your bags to the... Oh, visitors quarters that are closest to the library, wouldn't you 'Con'? Splendid fellow, well I will leave you both to it then."

 

Watching as Rasputin turned and left, his arms folded in the sleeves of his robe as always, Michael's smile didn't slip once, after so many years he had expected as much. Relieving Nyssa of her bags even as Rasputin left the room, he grinned at her. "Well, lets be heading to your quarters. They no be that far from mine if you do be knowing what I mean." Grinning at the guards as he heard a snicker, their faces were impassive as they walked by them and entered the halls of the Fortress. They passed by a number of people as they did so, many in all manner of dress and not a few in the colours of the Shadarval. "Well, do there be anything you do be wishing to ask about what you see or do you already be having it all figured out?"

 

While Nyssa had intended on getting rid of ‘Con’ as soon as possible, or at least ignoring him as much as possible, he was making it rather hard by almost running off with her bags. Nyssa followed him, in what would have been a meek way if it hadn’t been Nyssa following. She denied all urges to slap, kick, or at least shout at the sniggering men. Useless. “Well, I suppose if I’m going to have to listen to your voice much longer, you might as well tell me something useful. The uniforms, what do they stand for?â€

 

"Of who?" Grinning at the look he got, Michael continued. "The type of armour a guard do be wearing do often be denoting their rank. The colours also do be used to be identifying their role. Those that do be garbed in red do be non-channelers, those that do be in purple do be channelers. Many that do be wearing the purple no be having much strength, but there do be ones amongst them that do b e stronger than you or I. M`aeshadar Rasputin do be their Commander, as they do be entrusted with the defence of the Fortress. During the Trolloc Wars, as a different man the M`aeshadar did be forming them originally as his soldiers and they did be forming the core of his human soldiers."

 

“I can see why it would be convenient to keep up the distinction indoors. On the battlefield though… Would you really want to tell your enemies which of your soldiers are strong, and which are weak?†she smiled at that. “Not that battle is likely to become very fierce. The forces of the Light are scattered, and we’re working very hard at keeping it that way.†She said it without smugness in her voice. It was merely a daily job for her. Creating chaos in subtle ways had been a second nature to her for a long time now. She glanced at ‘Con’ again, smirking this time. “So what is your purpose, in the grand scheme of things?â€

 

Light but it was a struggle not to laugh, she was so self absorbed with her own grand notions of grandeur it was unbelievable, even if she didn't let it show in her voice. We're working very hard at keeping it that way indeed. Grinning at her lopsidedly as she asked him what his purpose was, he deliberately took a look at her bosom before looking up again. "Guide."

 

What to make of this man. Nyssa shook her head slightly, letting out a little laugh. “You’re not that good at it though.†She said, still smiling. “I thought Rasputin had more sense than this. Hiring people who can’t think with their head long enough to actually ‘guide’ someone somewhere.â€

 

Michael laughed in return, now she as starting to get a little fired up. "I do be terrible I know, some would even be saying abysmal. But M`aeshadar Rasputin no be having much sense, he did be marrying a Black Sister and any man who do be so silly no be possessing much sense, that do be true." Smirking at her as he saw the reaction to what he said, he wondered if she'd even known.

 

Nyssa halted in her step, staring at ‘Con’ in shock. Rasputin. Black sister. She thought of the faces of every single black sister she knew. She didn’t know every single one, but many. Who… someone who had been around for a long time. Someone… she saw her guide watching her. “Of course, what man would want to marry a woman who has had a lifetime of experience at dominating everyone.†She walked over to ‘Con’ and gave him a soft pat on the cheek, much like Finella would do with a novice. “I can see why a ‘man’ like you would prefer a meeker partner.â€

 

"That do be why my door always be open to you." Leading on once more with a laugh, Michael continued. "So I do be seeing you be trying very hard so far to be holding it together, it do be rather admirable considering some of the other Aes Sedai that do be coming here in the past. Then again, I do be hearing that you never been to the Pit of Doom. Surely that no be true?"

 

Nyssa sighed and rolled her eyes. “For all their crude behaviour, grown men are no better than novices, gossiping whenever they have a chance.†It came out harsher than she intended. The mere thought of the Pit of Doom sent shivers down her spine. She hadn’t dreaded something as much as… anything in her entire life. And her ‘guide’ made it worse, because now she felt like she had to explain why she had never done so. “We all have different reasons to join the Great Lord of the Dark. My reason has never given me cause to believe that a visit to the Pit of Doom would make me a better servant to the Great Lord.†Until now, perhaps.

 

There was no helping it, Michael began laughing. This was entirely too good, she was afraid of the Pit of Doom! Everyone was, but she was so defensive about it that he knew he definitely had a button he could press now "You no be going to the Pit of Doom? Everyone do be going to the Pit of Doom! I do be giving my first oaths there before the Great Lord of the Dark, and you no be going all this time? You did be doing so well up until then, no be going to the Pit of Doom hahaha."

 

For a moment Nyssa was silent, walking along side the man who deserved more than a few nightmares by now. “You mock me for something that I have mocked myself for many times before.†She finally said, looking quite calm. “State the obvious, if you wish. I am here now, which is more than I had expected no more than a few years ago.†Despite her apparent lack of caring for his words, she wrapped her cloak around herself again. “Besides, I am not afraid of hearing the voice of our Lord. I am afraid of finding out that I do not hear his voice.â€

Laughing as Nyssa finished her piece, Michael didn't bother to say anything further, he'd successfully gotten under her skin. Not that her face betrayed it, rather her silence as she took time to gather herself gave her away. That and Michael had a sense for such things, he'd been stirring people since he was a child and after more years than most people saw in their life, Michael was quite certain when he had someone going. Nyssa was his, and that was enough for him, for the moment at least.

 

Soon enough they had arrived at her room. Opening it up to admit her into her simple accomodations, he followed behind her and dumped the bags on her bed. A single bed, it had a bedstand with a closet off to one side and a chest at the foot of her bed. A mirror was also mounted on the wall next to the closet, a small luxury as such. Also, a desk sat in one corner where a visitor could sit and ready, pouring over documents as they wished. No doubt Nyssa would such rather handy.

 

"Now, I do be supposing you do be wishing to visit the library, do be following me. Now flipskirt, not when you do be done with the mirror. Key do be on the bedstand." Setting a quick pace, Nyssa quickly caught up with him, the Fortress was vast and easy to get lost in and Michael was sure that the thought had begun to occur to her. In fact, the thought had occured to lose her in a couple of areas of the Fortress where it wouldn't be safe for her to be. Well, not seriously, but it had occured to him nevertheless.

 

It was hard to measure how much time passed in the fortress for 'natural' light rarely pierced it, yet it wasn't so long before they arrived before the main entrance to the library on their level. A simple archway, they passed within to find themselves surrounded by a wealth of knowledge, quite literally. Rows upon rows of shelves were visible, and that was only the floor they were on. Grinning at Nyssa, he noted that she was hiding her surprise rather well, because there was no other way that a southerner could react to the sheer amount of knowledge that was stored herein.

 

"You may be wanting someone who do be able to be showing you about the library, and I do be knowing just the person. Come now." They went up three levesl of the library before Michael saw the generous figure of the man he was after. Signaling to Nyssa to follow quietly, they made their way towards the man who was buried underneath half a dozen books that were propped on the desk infront of him with his back turned to the pair. Stopping just behind the man, Michael leaned forward until he was looking over the man's shoulder.

 

"THOM!!!"

 

Michael wasn't sure what made him laugh more, the yelp that almost verged on a scream or the way the books and papers went flying in all directions. Laughing so hard he had to grab a nearby seat to fall into, meanwhile Thom was clutching his heart and trying to breath deeply as he attempted to calm himself down.

 

"Damn you! I hate it when you do that! Don't you have anything better to do Michael?" Standing from his seat, he got down on his knees and began gathering the different papers and books that had fallen off the table.

 

Grinning, Michael decided to let his accent slip with his name revealed. "You know I only do it because you sold out." Chuckling at the harrumph he got as Thom stacked the first set of books and papers on the table and was gathering more when he continued. "I do have something to do, not better necessarily but where Rasputin points I must follow. I'd like you to meet my charge, one of those Black Ajah wenches."

 

Laughing as he saw the look on Thom's face as he realised they weren't alone, Michael managed to suppress further mirth as Thom got to his feet, wiping his hands on his pants before offering a hand to Nyssa. "My apologies for my words earlier, my name is Thom Malard, you need only call me Thom though."

 

Smirking as Nyssa gave her introduction, Michael decided to cut in. "She needs to be shown around the library to do some research, so I thought you would be the best person to show her around. Reckon you could take care of her?"

 

"She looks like she can take care of herself, though I can show her about the library if that is what you mean."

 

Rolling his eyes, Michael got to his feet and was walking slowly backward. "Brilliant, in that case you think you could take her for the rest of the night? Thanks Thom!" At which point, Michael ducked about one of the bookcases to leave a slightly exasperated Thom and an unreadable Nyssa.

 

 

Michael Daemeau

Athan d'ma Shadar

Nyssa’s stare was well beyond icy as she followed Michael until he was well out of sight. It took her some effort to look at least remotely friendly when she turned to Thom again. A rather large man, but with a friendly expression. Perhaps she could get something done without getting insulted now. “Shadow’s peace.†She muttered, inclining her head slightly. She turned to look at the countless shelves that seemed to go on forever. “Impressive.†She said, smiling. Such knowledge. She doubted the library of the White Tower was this large. She would have to pay more attention to it when she returned.

 

Sighing as Michael disappeared, Thom knew that his usual peace would now be disrupted at least once every few days now that Michael was back. The man sometimes seemed to have nothing better to do than to cause chaos, yet at the same time he was someone that he trusted, even if the man was given to popping up in odd places and almost scaring him into an early embrace in the Great Lord's arms.

 

Turning to Nyssa with a smile on his face, he found that she was rather attractive even though she seemed far from welcoming as she looked to where Michael had disappeared. No doubt the man had put her through what he put everyone else through when he picked them up, regardless of background. It had started as a way to try and get himself out of such chores, but now it had become a habit that the man practiced with whoever he met.

 

Still, she had recovered herself and the topic of conversation had turned to something that he was familiar with. "It is the largest known repository of knowledge in the world, even larger than the Royal libary of Cairhien where I spent my childhood. In here you may find texts from as far back as the time of the collapse in the Age of Legends, some are older still. Most books that were ever made during our age, there is most likely at least one copy here. But, I doubt your interests are so esotoric. What are you looking for in particular?"

 

Nyssa smiled slightly at Thom’s brief explanation. It was refreshing to hear a librarian talk briefly about his library, and getting straight to the point. The Brown sisters that ran the library in Tar Valon could learn something from him. Then again, she thought she could tempt half the Brown sisters there were to turn by showing them this library, but denying them access unless they swore to the Great Lord. She mentally shrugged at the thought. She wasn’t there to turn people.

 

“Mayene certainly has nothing that comes close to this.†She said, in a gesture to repay Thom for his openness. Not that he couldn’t have guess where she was from by her current way of dressing. “I’m sure that your library has exactly what I need.†Perhaps Lanfear had meant her to learn offensive weaves, but Nyssa had no use for those. Open battle wasn’t her style. “I would like to learn more about illusion weaves. Any kind of illusion weave.â€

 

"Of course, just a moment." Turning to his work, some of which still on the floor, he took hold of saidin and unconsciously holding out a hand as he weaved, quickly bundled everything together. Laying a warding on the lot of them, he freed saidin from his grasp as he turned to Nyssa once more. "If you would follow me then, we have some stairs to climb I fear."

 

Setting off down an aisle lined with books, he kept to a relaxed pace as he spoke. "Don't mind Michael by the way, he does that to everyone he brings to the Fortress. Over a hundred years and he still thinks he might be able to go far enough to convince Rasputin to stop sending him out on such duties."

 

Following Thom’s calm pace required small steps from Nyssa, who despite not towering over Thom quite as much as she did over some people, still possessed longer legs than he did. She smiled faintly at Thom’s assurance that Michael wasn’t to be minded. “Oh, worry not. I’m quite sure he will get exactly what he deserves sooner or later.†It sounded like a fact, not a threat. “I am curious though… what did he mean when he said you sold out?â€

 

"Oh." Smiling at Nyssa, they rounded a set of shelves and made their way up a set of stairs as he spoke. "I originally served the M`aeshadar Rasputin. When Aginor was released from the Bore, his half-brother granted him the Fortress for his own. Rasputin was tied to the Fortress and by default ceased to serve Demandred and became Aginor's servant. As the other Chosen were released, the Fortress' neutral status was... questioned. This especially became a problem with the current troubles, so Rasputin had myself along with others released from his charge, and therefore Aginor's. Without affiliation, we help maintain the neutrality of the Fortress and to keep it open to all that will respect the Shadow's Peace. Michael on the other hand doesn't serve in a high post in the Fortress, therefore there was no need to release him from the order. That is why he says I sold out."

 

Reaching the top of the stairs, the made their way up a second flight as Thom continued. "Having said that, practically not much has changed. I still do research for Aginor and I still mix with the people I did before. On the otherhand, being neutral as I am I have also undertaken research for other Chosen as required. As I do not take sides, I am a handy tool for when I am needed, and the Shadow's Peace guarantees my safety."

 

Lifting the skirts of her dress slightly as she followed Thom up the stairs, Nyssa found herself fascinated by how the structure had changed when the Chosen were freed. So much had passed her by. She knew her Ajah Head had once sworn to Mesaana, but that didn’t matter anymore, because she had learnt how to walk the Dream, and Lanfear had laid a claim on her. Lanfear was fickle, but she wasn’t as demanding as some of the Chosen. Nyssa could easily keep up with her own agenda while also doing her work for Lanfear. “I’ve never seen the Shadow’s Peace at work. How does it work? I can’t imagine people of different factions, with a knack for dislike and mistrust to get along all of a sudden because of a decree.â€

 

Thom chuckled, many asked that question. "Fear. When the Fortress was first founded, Demandred instituted the peace himself, and as everyone ultimately owed their allegiance to him as he was the nae`blis, it held together easily for the most part. Anyone who does break the peace, and is declared to have done so, finds any protection they enjoyed lost, and they are free game, as is anyone who harbours them. That has become particularly important with the release of the other Chosen. None of them as far as I know wish to lose the right for their followers to meet in such places where the Shadow's Peace holds true. Therefore they keep their own followers in line, and will punish them for breaking the peace as terribly as they are punished here. The last person who broke the peace was ten years ago, something that Aginor took umbrage to. The man is still dying as far as I'm aware."

 

There was no limit to the creativity of the Chosen. Nyssa repressed a shudder. “How pleasant…†she glanced sideways to see another pair of guards waiting. All there to keep the peace. “I can see the benefit of having a place to meet without having to worry about alliances though.†She said, pondering on the consequences of breaking the Peace. “It’s a pity people can’t seem to get along outside of these walls though. It would all be so much easier if the Chosen would unite for once.â€

 

"If things were really that easy, then there would have been no breaking to begin with. But, the Chosen are as human as everyone else, just more powerful. But, I am surprised you have not heard of the Shadow's Peace before, because this isn't the only place to bear it, simply the first. There are other places in the world if you know where to look that you may find sanctuary."

 

“Oh, I had heard of it before… But some of us have duties that keep us out of the shelters.†It came out harsher than Thom deserved, but her day had been trying. She was getting tired of having to explain her motives, or her experiences. “Besides, I prefer living in places where an accusing finger doesn’t mean I have to face the wrath of a Chosen. There are benefits to living where most have not embraced the lore of the Great Lord. It’s entertaining, at the very least.â€

 

Looking at Nyssa sharply as she made her comment about 'shelters', Thom wasn't particularly impressed by it. Then again, she had just met Michael so it was little wonder she was somewhat edgy. "We often enough find ourselves answering to a Chosen sooner or later, even if by proxy. And I suppose there is something to be said for living outside... But, my life is here, and it would have been Cairhien had I not manifested. Ah, here we are." Looking through the shelf, it took him perhaps a minute at most to pick out a couple of books for her in regards to illusion weaves, the greatest of which being the mask of mirrors. "Is there anything else you would wish for?"

 

Nyssa eyed the books, wondering if she could learn these weaves from a book. Perhaps, if the descriptions were clear. “A place to study would be good.†She said, smiling at Thom.

 

"You can study at the same desks myself if you want, I'm rarely disturbed unless I'm absolutely needed. That and... What Michael said earlier, since he managed to run off I'm now required to keep an eye on you. Black sisters from the White Tower on their first visit are required to be supervised at all times save when they are in their rooms. Hence why Michael was so keen to pass you onto me, so he could get a chance to himself while he could. Unfortunately for you, you're going to have to put up with him for the week except when he managed to swap the duty with others."

 

Despite her feelings in the matter, Nyssa laughed. There was very little she could do about it, after all, as a ‘guest’ of the fortress. “Oh, that’s priceless. You mean that, despite the fact that over a hundred Black sisters jump when I give the order, I am to be treated like an untrained toddler? Guided by a man who probably hasn’t said a polite thing in his life?†she clapped her hands, half amused by her situation, and half just trying to avoid yelling at Thom, who certainly didn’t deserve her anger. She rubbed her forehead. “You must forgive me, I’m a little shocked. I did not know Black sisters were regarded this way.â€

 

Thom could sympathise with her frustration, but he was well enough versed in the history to understand why the limitation was in place. "Its to do with a certain bit of old history, you have served the Great Lord for a number of years now no? Though I doubt it, perhaps you ever met Bekkarsorei? Demandred's M`aeshadar?"

 

Before responding to Thom, Nyssa embraced Saidar, levitating the books he had chosen for her behind them as they walked back to where she had first met him. “I have heard of him. I have never met him though, and I suppose that that opportunity has passed now. What does he have to do with the way the Fortress chooses to treat Black Sisters?â€

 

"Everything." Ordering his thoughts, Thom edited the bits out that were of less importance to try and maintain some brevity. "It was... a bit over six hundred years ago now, well before our time. Before M`aeshadar Rasputin... returned, Bekkarsorei ruled over the Fortress. Black sisters had enjoyed free passage ever since the Fortress was built, and despite disagreements here and there everything was well. Unfortunately, ever since the time of the Trolloc Wars, Bekkarsorei was not a man that had worried much with others save to either receive orders from his master or give those orders to others."

 

"But, to the particular matter. The names elude me, but a number of the Black sisters were discontented with the way in which Bekkarsorei dictated to them. They decided to try and overthrow the council of M`aeshadar, with thirty in all including the Ajah head and her council leading the sisters into the chamber. Several M`aeshadar were killed, as were a number of the sisters before order was restored with the Black sisters being subdued. After which, amongst the many things that happened, Bekkarsorei laid down laws in regard to Black Ajah while they are in the Fortress. One of those is that a Black Sister on her first visit is always watched except when in her quarters. To emphasis the fact that they are always being watched, and to know should they come back to the Fortress they are always kept under surveillance."

 

Smiling slightly , he continued "not that Black sisters are ardently watched ever since Rasputin came to be the Master of the Fortress, yet the law is there to be followed and he does so, in part for the protection of Black Sisters. With one of his own watching over a sister, its hard for others to try and pull those sisters into intrigues. I think you will understand that most people would be loathe to try and get by Michael. He is a two edged sword in that respect I suppose."

 

In a way Nyssa wasn’t surprised about hearing this. Not surprised that the Black Ajah had erased this from it’s history, and not surprised that it had happened at all. She told Thom exactly that. “As you can see, all Black Sisters are raised by Aes Sedai standards. The lowest servant girl is trained to accept that she should rule the world at some point. Some sisters get over that sooner or later, but others will always try to change what they see. It is a character flaw which many of us possess.†Those who sought the spotlight, at least. “Nor am I surprised that Bekkarsorei reacted that way.†She laughed again. “Though I dread to think what his face looked like when he realised the Aes Sedai dared to question his rule.â€

 

“I was surprised to find out about… the events in Chachin.†Not that she truly knew what happened there. Perhaps now was a good time to ask. “So tell me, Thom. What really happened in Chachin?â€

 

"Ah, interesting question, and alot more has become apparent since... Recent events." Skipping that thought to elaborate on what he knew, Thom continued. "Aginor was tired of his half brother's rule, as were others. Sammael was once Demandred's second when they both served the light, and playing second fiddle now no doubt chaffed. The pair formed an alliance and attacked Demandred's base in Chachin while his attention was on the Dragon during Dumai Wells. Rather, M`aeshadar Rasputin was sent in Aginor's stead. Between M`aeshadar Rasputin and Sammael, they destroyed the city, M`aeshadar Rasputin was the one responsible for the abyss where the palace used to be, he is a rather powerful earthsinger in his own right."

 

“What came to light more recently was that Demandred himself was killed during the battle. While the battle raged, inside the palace Demandred's order of channelers was gutted and he himself killed by Be`lal and Moghedien. The details are not known, but that much is certain."

 

“Demandred died?†surprise was clear on Nyssa’s voice. Lanfear hadn’t mentioned this, and the reports the White Tower received from Kandor were vague at best. “I guess that explains the creation of the factions as they are.†Nyssa shook her head slightly. “I hadn’t expected this. The Nae’blis…†but his death had proven that he was not the Nae’blis. “What do you think is going to happen next?â€

 

"Lots of people will die, but thats not unusual." Reaching the floor he was on before, they made their way to his table as they spoke. "The Chosen had a meeting not so long ago, and it was then that certain things became known, such as existing alliances like those between Be`lal and Moghedien or Sammael and Rahvin. All of the Chosen are now either allying with those two pairs, or forming a new group around Aginor and Osan'gar. Pooling their resources together, the previous title of Aurani that followers of Aginor once bore has changed to Athan d'ma Shadar for example. I do not know the details of the others, and no doubt your own Mistress will find allies soon enough. The main reason for this is protection so none of them are isolated, how long it will last I couldn't say. In the meantime, we will all be dragged into the conflict sooner or later I fear."

 

“It has been this way ever since the Chosen have returned to us. Though I am overjoyed at the thought that the Great Lord will be with us soon now, I can’t help but feel that our lives have become a lot more complicated now that they are here.†And that was the understatement of a lifetime. Being yanked into the Dream by Lanfear had been… interesting, to say the least. “Do you think the alliances will hold?â€

 

"I think they will last as long as the Chosen wish them to, as long as it serves them best." Finding the cluster of desks he was last at, Thom gestured for her to sit at the desk next to him as he sat down and reached for one of the bo- "ow!" Clutching his hand, a moment with saidin was all it took to remove the warding he had placed on the books earlier. Taking one of the books in hand, he turned back to Nyssa to speak. "I have to admit, I miss the days before the Chosen were released from the Bore, things were alot quieter then and I only had one Chosen to deal with. Things are moving at a face past and they will not slow now, what will be lost behind in the trail I can't even begin to guess. But, these are the times we are born to, living history has its benefits I suppose."

 

Taking a seat on the other side of the table, Nyssa grinned. “I have known women who would have given their life to be in the position we are now, living the prophecy. It could be called exciting, I suppose.†She sighed, staring at the books. “If I were a Brown sister, I think I’d call it just that.â€

The following morning started off a lot better than the previous one. Due to a night of wandering the halls of the Fortress in the Dream, Nyssa was able to find her way without Michael’s advice. The look on his face when she took the lead had been worth the lack of sleep she’d had during the night. He had barely said two words to her, which was quite the improvement from the day before. She smirked slightly when she noticed he looked worried. Perhaps he’d learnt his lesson now, though she doubted it. He had seemed like a rather stubborn person before.

 

Soon enough they arrived at the library. Nyssa made her way over to Thom instantly, intent on asking him more about the history of the Fortress and the Chosen. His knowledge about these matters had proven to be quite extensive, and she intended to pick his brain. "Good morning Thom." She said jovially, ignoring the furtive look Michael sent her way. She’d deal with him later. "I hope that my presence doesn’t disturb you."

 

"No no, not at all. Please, have a seat." Gesturing to the seat next to him, a smile came over his face as if he was realising something just then even as Michael wandered away with a stealth that didn't match the man's boisterous nature. Waiting until Michael was out of site, Thom looked to Nyssa. "Was he that quiet when you saw him this morning?"

 

"Oh yes." Nyssa said, smiling broadly. "I think it might have had something to do with how I could find my way here without his help." Thom looked at her, the question clear in his eyes. "I spent the night dreamwalking through the Fortress. I couldn’t enter every room, which is probably for the best… but I learned enough about the lay-out of the Fotress to find my way from now on." She smirked then. "I hadn’t planned on it, but it seemed like a good way to silence Michael."

 

Laughing, Thom shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I'm going to rob you somewhat. See, last night when Michael gave you into my charge, he did some catching up. On the otherhand, he hadn't realised that Julie had returned from a mission, and she still hadn't forgotten some things that happened before she'd left, not to mention him meddling in her work while she was gone by pranking her on more than one occasion, but she'd been too busy to attend to him. Now that she is finished her task, he's rightly keeping eyes in the back of his head because sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, Julie will have his hide."

 

Nyssa smiled , despite the fact that her little victory had lost some of it’s colour. "It seems like that man just can’t keep himself out of trouble with women. I wonder if he actually tries at it, or if it just comes naturally to him." While smoothing her skirt over her legs a little more smoothly, Nyssa pondered on ways to subtly change the subject into that which she was really interested in. "The Fortress is quite impressive though, from what I’ve seen in the dream. Do you know who built it?"

 

Smiling, Thom settled back in his chair before speaking, he had a feeling he would be speaking for awhile. "The exact date doesn't come to me, but within the first fifty years after the breaking began, construction of the Fortress began. Shayol Ghul had once been on an island, indeed is entire area was a chain of such islands. The hundred companions changed that though, which is why there is ring of earth around Shayol Ghul save for where the Fortress is. Demandred undertook the project, wishing to create a haven for his most loyal followers while those of the other Chosen tried to take leadership in the power vacuum that was left by the sealing of the bore."

 

"It is rather convenient, so close to the Bore itself. I doubt many would be foolish enough to come looking for it here. When did the Fortress gain the Shadow’s Peace?"

 

"After the last great hosts that weren't loyal to Demandred were shattered. It is interesting, while many credit Latra Posae with the victories that brought the Shadow done, a great deal of such was also Demandred finishing off rivals that would challenge him. Between the forces of the Light and Demandred, every dreadlord that had ever once held the title Aes Sedai was dead, and a great deal of lore with them. Drastic measures to assert dominance, but it did work."

 

"And now Demandred is dead, and dreadladies that hold the title of Aes Sedai are in the Fortress once more. I wonder how he would have felt about that." She glanced at the things Thom was working on, without seeing anything she recognised. "So what kind of a man was Demandred? He must have been special, to be named Nae’blis… even if he didn’t live to fulfil that destiny."

 

"He was.... sad, burdened." Shaking his head, Thom realised he needed to explain himself further. "Demandred, when he was Barid Bel Medar, rose to prominence as marshall of the first army of the light during the years of the collapse. His wife already dead, he had only two sons to follow him. Both of them died in sha'je duels despite his best efforts to steer them clear. He was gutted as a result, driven only to his work. During the War of Power, Lews Therin Telamon gave Barid an order which he refused, to execute darkfriends with balefire, about a hundred in all. When Lews Therin moved to perform the execution himself, Barid turned against the Dragon and his personal forces followed his orders. During the battle between the two light armies, Barid escaped to Shayol Ghul and swore himself over to the Shadow before he could be captured. That was... maybe halfway through the war at that point. He had nothing but his work to keep him once he rose to Nae'blis. Others say he simply wished the power. I am unsure myself, but he was a man who radiated command."

 

"Which makes him different from some Chosen I have met in the past." Nyssa said, scorn heavy on her voice. She might be seen as a servant to Lanfear, but she couldn’t bring herself to respect the woman, no matter how hard she tried. All that power, and it was wasted on a pointless quest. "I wonder why he was chosen as Nae`blis though, over… Rahvin, or Lanfear, for example."

 

Unsure where the line of questioning was headed, though untroubled because it was hardly forbidden knowledge, Thom took up the new questions. "He won it, as all things must be if you wish to climb high. It is the Great Lord's way of cutting off the dead wood I think, the way he pits many of his followers against one another. Demandred united several of the Chosen behind him and together they overthrew the old order."

 

Fascinated by the history of the Chosen, Nyssa leaned in a little. History was fractured in the White Tower, the Chosen ignored in favour of fables of how Aes Sedai won battles and such. She wished she had been allowed to visit the Fortress sooner. Perhaps she would have acted differently, when Lanfear pulled her into the Dream. "Who did he unite, and who were the old order?" she asked. It seemed important. Chosen had a long memory, and they kept grudged unlike anything Nyssa had ever seen. Perhaps there was something in their history she could use on Lanfear.

 

"Originally there had been a single Nae`blis chosen by the Great Lord, though his name escapes me. Three of his lieutenants eventually became disconsolate and were unwilling to follow the Nae`blis. Aginor, Be`lal and Ishamael, the three of them were amongst the Nae`blis' most favoured along with others such as Lanfear who had sworn over in the early days of the Collapse. The three united, the Trollocs had been newly developed and these were turned on the Nae`blis troops, the shock of which allowed them to break through the Nae`blis guard where the three threw the man down. Seeing the value of the three, the Great Lord allowed them to rule as a triumvirate. Aginor developed weapons and spawn, Ishamael was concerned with the recruitment of new faithful to the cause, and Be`lal was responsible for the use of the above two to further the Great Lord's design."

 

"The three worked in relative harmony at first, and while Ishamael was content as was Be`lal, by the time of the war Aginor was not. When Demandred took the oaths, followed shortly thereafter by Sammael, Demandred approached Aginor and revealed the truth of their parentage, their father the bridge between them. Demandred used Aginor's ill will towards Be`lal to recruit Aginor against his fellow triumvir."

 

"The result was a coup, Be`lal was almost killed in M'jinn though he managed to hie to safety. Gathering his forces remaining to him, he was strong enough to defend his position. Ishamael was left alone during this and in turn left all others alone, he had different priorities. As Demandred had clearly led the coup, the Great Lord granted him the title Nae`blis."

 

"The Great Lord works in mysterious ways." The strife amongst Darkfriends and Chosen alike was a source of frustration to Nyssa. All that wasted time and effort. If only it had been directed in the right direction… perhaps the sealing of the Bore could have been prevented if the Chosen had worked together, instead of against each other. It was still the same though, with these… alliances. "I wonder if that makes Be`lal the next best candidate for the title of Nae`blis. He succeeded in getting his revenge on Demandred, after all."

 

"Not just any revenge either, it was rather ironic. The same Chosen that had supported Demandred against Be`lal, Be`lal used to help him kill Demandred... But yes, your question. While he has proved himself, the Great Lord has chosen not to recognise him as Nae`blis for a reason unknown, but nor as he said that Be`lal can never be Nae`blis. Perhaps it is because there is no clear power. When Demandred displaced Be`lal, he commanded a great deal of authority and power, especially without Ishamael's opposal and Sammael and Aginor to support him. Not only must you take the prize, you must be able to hold it to be proclaimed. Hence these alliances now, attempts to assert a great enough influenec and power for their leader to be proclaimed Nae`blis."