WOT Adv 101

--- The Wheel Turns ---
"I have faith in Maeslyn's abilities," Fiznak responded to Keb. "I've heard of Aes Sedai being able to cause a sphere silence, but that is just hear-say."
Keb nodded and looked at Maeslyn some distance away crouched behind some trees. "She's done it before," Keb responded. "But I think we have to be right next---"
Fiznak held out a hand to silence her and surveyed the soldiers. Most weren't paying much attention to their surroundings. But the officer seemed vigilant, cautiously eyeing the surroundings. His gaze swept across their hiding spot. After a moment went back to converse and eat with his men.
Suddenly Maer was next to them. "Keb, we need information," he whispered. "Finding out information now could save us later on when we reach Falme. Keb, can you pretend you are a wetlander noble woman traveling in disguise with your armsman?" He nodded to Fiznak.
"With him?" Keb looked shocked for an instant, thought about it some, then grinned dangerously and nodded. "What do you want me to do?"
"I know you've got a silver tongue and quick wits. Find out what's going on here. If you have to swear a few oaths, you can break them later. As can you, Fiznak. I was going to ask Thenlir to do this, but he moved like an ox through these trees and there was no way to coordinate this. It has to be you and Keb. We just need information."
"As long as I don't have to speak much." Fiznak grumbled.
"Come on," Keb's brown eyes were fairly twinkling. "It will be fun."
"Light," Fiznak mumbled and shook his head. "How did I get stuck with her?"
"No time," Maer whispered. "The Wise One, Thenlir and I will hide in the woods. If anything goes wrong, we will help fight, if you choose to fight, or we will rescue you later if captured. Don't worry; we're not going to leave you behind. We've spend too much blood and money on you to abandon you now."
"Fine," Keb nodded and ushered Maer away and then turned and addressed Fiznak. "Listen closely. Just say 'yes milady' whenever I ask you do anything, and act the servant! C'mon!"
"Yes milady," Fiznak glowered to himself. She slapped him lightly on the back of the head, grinned again, then masked her face, stood up, and strolled regally out of the woods leading her horse. Her back was straight at she took small mincing steps as if she still wore a dress.
A shout went up and the soldiers scrambled for their weapons, food forgotten for the moment. She didn't stop a moment but walked up to the officer and actually curtsied, which looked somewhat odd in her leather breeches, but she acted the part, the part of a lady.
"Keep your hands clear of your weapons!" The officer shouted to Keb and Fiznak, his hand on his hilt. Three of his squad had bows out, with arrows nocked and three had their curved swords drawn.
Fiznak stood by her side, trying to keep his face blank as he eyed these vicious invaders. He knew these weren't the same ones that killed Bard, but they all looked alike and he figured they would do the same again if the situation were repeated. But he forced his vengeful feelings down and thought servant-like thoughts.
"What is your business here?" The officer asked.
"I can see that you are an officer of some kind, sir, although of what nationality I cannot say. I am a simple traveler, named Keb. This is my brother, Fiznak. We have lost our way."
"You lie." The man said. "You carry yourself too much like a noble woman to be a mere traveler. I ask again, who are you?"
Keb paused as if caught in a web then she smiled at him, a sweet slow smile and then laughed merrily. "Oh I can see that you are a shrewd man, my good captain. You have found me out. I am the Lady Adriessa, heir to the House of Roshik, this is my man servant, Rillan." She curtsied again and gave the officer a grave look. "As far as my business," She actually blushed and sighed fretfully and then went on. "I am of course confiding in you, kind sir," she raised her head straight and looked him in the eye. "I am escaping a marriage. Hence you see me ill dressed in this poor disguise and of frightful mien, I'm afraid. Not appealing circumstances for someone of my station." She sniffed and tossed her head; her brown curly hair bouncing from shoulder to shoulder and she eyed the man critically.
Light, she's good. Fiznak nearly smiled. But studiously kept his face blank when the officer glanced for a moment at Fiznak and then returned to Keb's smiling face.
"I see." The officer said. "Your secret is of no concern to me. Recite the Oaths and you may be about your business."
"Oaths?" Keb's face pulled into a slight frown. "I'm afraid I do not understand."
"Ah," the officer said with a gleam in his eye, and his voice turned grave. "Then you will. You will! Listen carefully, for your lives depend on obedience. We are the Seanchan. We that are here are the Forerunners. You must swear the oaths that you have forsaken! The oaths are these. First, to obey the Forerunners. Second, to await the Return, and Third, to serve Those Who Come Home with your lives. Swear these oaths and should you ever break them, you will be killed on the spot!"
Fiznak's eyes widened slightly at that, but he said nothing.
"Oh my, I heard rumors of an invading army, but I wasn't sure that--" Keb gave him a shocked look and covered her mouth, her eyes frightened. "Oaths, oh my, but--"
"Swear them!" The man said dangerously. Fiznak wanted to reach for his sword but refrained.
"Yes, of course!" she curtsied. "I didn't mean to-- I mean, I-- Oh please, officer, don't hurt me. Whatever you say!" Keb sputtered in a masterful performance.
"Swear them!" he said again.
She gulped and nodded. "You first Rillan!"
"Milady?"
"Just swear them, burn you!" She said frantically, looking about to weep.
"Yes milady." He bowed slightly, and stopped for a moment, considering. He didn't have any compulsion against lying now and then to fulfill other, more important, and more meaningful oaths. So he shrugged inwardly and plunged ahead. "I swear to obey the Forerunners, to await the Return, and to serve Those Who Come Home with my life."
"Good. Now you!" The officer commanded Keb again.
"I--" she stuttered. "I swear to obey the Forerunners, to await the Return, and to serve Those Who Come Home with my life." Her face was pale and shaking.
He nodded gruffly and then gathered up his men. "You may be about your business." And with that he turned his back on Keb and Thenlir, gathered up his men and rode away.
For a few moments all that could be heard were the fading sound of hooves. Then Fiznak finally exhaled as the others came to them from their hiding spots.
"Light," he shook his head in admiration at Keb's performance. "You were good!"
"Why thank you, Rillan." She curtsied again and then patted his cheek. "I rather think I fancy having you as my servant." And with that she turned back to her horse humming a lilting melody.