WOT Adv 66

--- The Wheel Turns ---
You consider her words carefully.

"It is not for men to meddle in the ways of Wise Ones," you inform her. "But I will serve as best the lady sees fit, or until she decides to release me; for I owe her a life debt that I cannot soon repay.

"By the shade, the water, and the blood of my ancestors, I will see her safe and sound until her mission is complete; until her task is done, her secrets will be my secrets, and her tasks my tasks. Then we will see whether our feet will continue in the same direction, or whether the wind will call us down different paths."

Nadira raises an eyebrow at this and glances at Maeslyn. You can see that Maeslyn's eyes are shining.

"Maer," Maeslyn says with some emotion in her voice. "It is I who am indebted to you. Many times you have saved my life and protected me. For that I am eternally grateful."

"Looks like he may be a Youngling, yet." Nadira says with some amusement. "For whatever reason you choose to accept this task, I am thankful you've agreed to help Maeslyn." Nadira says.

"Let me give you some background." Nadira takes a sip of wine, placing it back onto the platter and then continues, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

"Megda was investigating rumors that Aes Sedai--or some other women channeling the One Power--had attacked villages and wreaked havoc across the Toman Head. She was given specific instructions not to engage these channelers should the rumors prove true. She reported her findings every evening. Three weeks ago, all communication stopped.

"Since Megda's disappearance, Gable and I have discovered that Falme has been invaded by an unknown host. The city has been taken and the surrounding villagers are being invaded as well. We know the invaders have channelers at their disposal and they employ strange beasts as well.

"We believe that Megda may have been captured by this group--or worse, that she may have been killed. I would like you to discover which scenario is, in fact, the case. A group such as your own, while capable, should not attract as much attention as a sister and her Warder during these troublesome times."

"Do you have any information on her whereabouts?" Thenlir asks. "Or what she looks like, at least."

"Her current location? No. But she was last in Tobin's Hollow with her Warder, a barrel chested Tar Valoner named Maynard. Other than that, Gable and I do not have a lot of information other than what I have already told you."

"Maeslyn," Nadira turns to her. "I only tell you this information because you are Accepted in the White Tower. Megda was communicating with Tar Valon by way of a ter'angreal--a small slate tablet with a wooden frame. Please try to recover this as well."

Maeslyn nods, deep in thought.

Nadira then removes a hefty velvet bag from her jeweled lock box and hands it to you. "Please distribute this to the others, Maer. This is a down payment, and a small price to pay for your excellent services. Find Megda, or bring me indisputable evidence of her demise and its circumstances, and there is a like sum for each of you."

You take the bag and check its contents. You see many silver marks swimming in the depths of the velvet bag.

"Gable and I shall be leaving Aturo's Orchard immediately. We travel on to Tanchico--there are matters of importance in that city that I must see to as soon as possible. Once you have completed you mission, send word to me in Tanchico at the Inn of the Golden Cup. Do not tarry--Megda Sedai's life is in your hands."

She stands up, concluding the meeting.

"Nadira," Maeslyn says coming out of her thoughts. "If I am to undertake this dangerous task. May I speak with you alone for a time and perhaps seek your blessing."

You have no idea what Maeslyn is talking about, but Nadira's eyes grow steely. "Maeslyn." she says in a warning voice.

"Nadira Sedai," Maeslyn says with some forcefulness, but nevertheless politely and with respect. "I would no go unprepared. Would you risk the plan to failure?"

Nadira pauses at this and then slowly shakes her head. "Very well. Meet me in an hour," Nadira sighs. "I will do what I can."

"Thank you." Maeslyn curtsies and you all leave the room.

"Well," Keb says, looking at you and the bag while standing in the hallway. "Are you going to just hang onto that forever?"

"Keb." Maeslyn says. "Remember, you have already been paid."

"But-- But, there's enough for everyone," Keb argues.

"No. We've already been through this. You have already hired out your services to me until this task is through."

"Fine!" Keb says with a touch of petulance on her face and goes down the stairs.

"Maer," Maeslyn asks. "We should probably leave on the morrow. Gather any supplies you think we may need. We will leave for Tobin's Hollow soon. I would like to go there and see what clues we have on Megda's disappearance."