Netland Towers Library: Dreams of the Past

Dreams of the Past
by Jonathan Azbell

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave birth comes again. In one age, called the third age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose above the Aryth Ocean. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor ending to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.

East the cold wind blue across the cold gray-green ocean swells, towards where Tarabon, would be, in continued on passing traveling lone the mounts of Mist reaching ever northward before turning east again dancing along the World’s End mountains crossing ever so before swooping down into a camp of carefully arranged tents. It continued through the camp, flickering the camp fires and blowing out some of the lanterns till it blows past a man and a woman talking around a fire.

This icey wind seemed to cut into Sabian through his very clothes, he shivered instinctively from its effect. Aeiryn looked up; she could always feel when ever he was uneasy his shoulder seemed to flex slightly and his eyes seemed to get a little harder then usual, these movements always seemed to be causing his sword to move from its position on his back ever so.

“What is wrong?” She asked her own shoulder length black hair unaffected by the wind; her eyes were intent on him, those green orbs that seemed to know his every thought, his every feeling. Those same eyes that has studied him all those years since their first meeting. The same eyes that watched over him and could not stop a smile from crossing her lips. The eyes that reflected a certain softness when every they fell on each other.

“The wind.” was all that Sabian could reply with. He did not like the feel of this one, something was wrong about it. It did not even come close to tasting right, if that was even the right word for it. This time, the wind just felt…wrong. Sabian shook his head; this was not the first time that he had been guided with the wind. It was often what caused him to be in the correct place during the battle. It was what kept the two alive. “Something just doesn’t feel right,” he finally voiced his concerns not keeping anything from Aeiryn. He had done that before and the consequences had caused an argument to break out between the two, something he had no desire to try again. The only reason why he even considered keeping it from her is it caused her to worry needlessly and might draw her into a mistake. It was long withstanding for Sabian to accept what ever comes after all the Wheel did weave in mysterious ways.

“Do you know what it might mean?” The woman asked crossing around the fire to sit near him, she had grown to use to their private chats around the fire and the other soldiers seemed to give them the space they needed to be together when the stars came out to watch over the soldiers.

Sabian just shook his head standing up to pick up his shield and starting to polish it, it was always something he did when he was nervous. This habit kept all their equipment in almost perfect order because despite how much he hated to admit was constantly worried about her safety. “No, but I don’t like it. It was chilling, we need to keep a careful eye out… I think, I think it might have been a warning.” He sat down next her and starting moving the polishing rag across the metal wiping away the days travel from it and bringing it to a bright polish again.

The green eyed woman leaned her head on his shoulder, circling one of her arms around hers. “It will be okay, the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills. We can only hope for the best, prepare for the worst and accept what comes. We have lasted this long together, lets take joy in what we have.” She took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. His scent was always comforting even after he had worked hard. It smelled of the outdoors, of the smell of fresh dark soil being turned out into the warm sunlight for the first time. Underneath all of it was the hint of vanilla, from what she could not imagine, after all she was the only one who could ever smell it. It smelled like home, it smelled safe. She was soon lost in the smells before she was dragged back into the conscious world by the movement of his shoulders.

The soldier gave a slight sigh. “Do you always have to be so bloody insightful all the time? I know what you say is the truth but don’t you ever think about how it would be without this war. If we had met differently if you were not of the tower?” He let the words fall it has been almost a ritual between the two, every night before a battle they always talked about this.

“Yes I do. A normal life without all this fighting…I grow tired of it Sabian. All this death and destruction it is starting to feel normal and that scares me.” As she spoke he placed his shield down beside him, always ready to be gathered at the moments notice. Sabian then wrapped an arm around her shoulder holding her closer to him. “I don’t want this to be normal, I want nothing more then to spend the rest of my days studying the books from the great library and enjoying life.”

“Someday A’gara, someday it will be that way. If I have to fight ever last trolloc, every last fade or even the Dark One himself to give it to you ,I will.” He gave her a soft squeeze as he looked into the crackling fire. Aeiryn seemed to all but sigh at the term of endearment he shared with her, leaning heavily into him resting her weight on his powerful frame as she began taking comfort in his presence and enjoying the feel of him again this night. The fire crackled unaffected by the conversation of the two, silentely keeping watch in its own way. Tomorrow they both knew that they would be riding into a fight most likely. Tonight could be their last night together.

“We should get to bed; it could be a long day tomorrow.” Sabian reached up, pressing his free hand to her cheek softly. Aeiryn leaned into it opening her eyes and looking up at him, offering a small nod. “Who knows what tomorrow holds but one thing was for certain we will face it together.” He stands and offers an outstretched hand to Aeiryn helping her up and leading them both to the tent. After making sure she was safe, and all matters of forest creature was not there with them he picked up his shield and brought it into the tent.

It was a long night for the two, both of them concerned about what Sabian had felt in the wind wondering what it could mean. They held each other close during the night, as the sounds of silence filled the tent. They held each other as though it was the last time.

“I love you Sabian,” She soft words whispered into his ear, pressing her lips to his. It did not take much for the corner of his own mouth to be upturned into a smile at the feel of her.

“And I you. A’gara” He returned the kiss continueing to hold her close.

“An amhain” was her only reply before the blanket was pulled over and the night enveloped them both.

* * * * Sabian awoke bright and early with the sun, putting his clothes on he started the fire with some flint and steel for the breakfast for them two rested warriors. He then went about packing up the parts of their camp that he could before he needed to wake up Aeiryn. Let her sleep a bit more she will need t, He thought as he smiled looking at the tent. The soldier could not help but think back on all the times they had shared as he began to hum a tune softly. It was a tune he had hummed time and time; it was soothing to the veteran. The sounds of ruseling canvas took him away from the chorus of the tune as he turned to look up.

Aeiryn pushed the tent flap aside; she had pulled the sheet around her to preserve some amounts of pride to anyone who might be looking. She smiled as she watched Sabian work around the camp. The new fire caused a glint off the ring he wore on his hand, the mere sight of it brought a smile to her face. She was watching her husband after all, all this time and they were still together. Even in the hottest of battles we have always persevered, it should say something about the two of us, she mused to herself. “Good Morning Sabian, I trust you slept well,” she spoke with a slight grin on her lips.

“Yes, it was odd not having to take watch this time. It is something that I could get used to, I hope I am not growing soft in my old age,” He chuckled to himself as he brought some warm dinner over to Aeiryn. “Eat up; it’s going to be a long time before we can have a hot meal again so we should make sure we enjoy the ones we have.” Sabian looked down at her seeing her still unclothed form behind the sheets he gave her a slight grin. “You should really think about getting dressed Aes Sedai, it would not be good to start any rumors.”

“Rumors? Oh yes Sabian, rumors that an Aes Sedai cannot enjoy a night with her Husband even in the camp hmm? I do believe all of those rumors started a long time ago when we first started sharing a tent, after this long who cares they are just jealous” She gave him a wink and took the plate of breakfast inside of the tent letting the flap close right in his face. Sabian could only chuckle again as he thought about following her but there were many things he still needed to do. “Dear… I am going to need some help with this dress. To this day I will not be able to understand how exactly you talked the armorer into making something that fits over a dress but after that hail of arrows caught us all off guard,” Sabian muttered at the mention of that incident, he had still not completely forgivin himself for his lapse of awareness to let such an attack go through “I wont ever go out to the front lines without again. You saved my life with your forethought something that I can never forget. I still remember how much of a fight I put up when you first showed it to me.” Aeiryn hesitated a moment, remembering the two of them catching the attention of the entire camp with their heated words. It was not proper for an Aes Sedai to speak in such a way but that wool headed man… She grinned as the tent flap opened to admit Sabian. “Here I need you do make the ties in the back for me” She turned and let his fingers tie her into it.

She turned after he finished and gave him a smile, leaning forward to press her lips to his. “Now if I am putting my armor on, you’re putting yours on. What would I do if anything happened to you? And don’t even start with me saying that you’re not going to need it you never know, besides I still remember the arguments you used on me. I can use them right back dear.”

Sabian smiled and just shook his head for a moment he chose not to speak and let the her enjoy her slight moment of victory, “No I would never think of going into battle without it, I just haven’t put it on yet there is still the tent to pack after you are done primping in here.” He laughed and ducked a playful slap that came from his companion. “When your ready go ahead and come out, and don’t forget your cloak its going to be cold today”

Aeiryn all but rolled her eyes in a very un-Aes Sedai like fashion, “You can’t stop at protector and husband you have to try to be a mother too hmm?” She laughed softly and all but shoed him out of the tent so she could finish her food and begin packing the inside of the tent. The two of them worked as a single unit, no longer needing to speak anything between the other as they expertly finished breaking down the camp. They had set up and taken down many camps before. Light how long have they been fighting this accursed battle, it seems like lifetimes at some moments. She paused a moment and took account of all the time. It has been four years; four years of constant battle with the Shadow and what have they gained from it. They have lost ground, it seemed to be a lousing battle and their only hope was that either Lewis figured out some way to end it with that crazy scheme of his or the Choden’kal would be used. Aeiryn repressed a shiver from either of the ideas, both of them seemed drastic but she could not help but imagine they were needed. Something needed to be done because it was all ready a loosing battle.

“Do you realize it has been four years since we have fought this war together Sabian? Four years of constant battle.” She shook her head as she spoke, trying to forget the list of names that she had to say goodbye to because of this accursed war and that accursed Shadow.

“I stopped keeping track of the days, and the months a long time ago Dove, I think of each day now as perhaps the last day of the conflict. That perhaps one day it will all be over and we can live in peace again.” Sabian sighed, “It is a foolish hope but it is a hope none the less. We can still have dreams right?”

Aeiryn smiles and reached down to squeeze his hand, “Yes we can always still have dreams. That is what keeps us both going, keeps us both fighting. Neither one of us wants our children to grow up in a world ruled by fear and darkness.” She released his hand after another squeeze and handed him the last of the tent ware to put on the horses. “When will we be moving back to the front lines, I just knew we would not have more then just a few days rest? You would think that the other Aes Sedai would at least try to change and develop into some form of combat no matter how detestable it might be.” It was her turn to shake her head with a sigh.

Sabian gathered the light chain male, and walked it over to Aeiryn. “Hold your hands up so I can slide this on you,” he gave her a reassuring smile knowing how much she hated having to wear it in the first place but she let him do it anyway. He finished working all the hooks then gave her a slight spin as if they were dancing to take a look to see if anything needed being mended “How does it feel anything poking you anywhere? Can you still move despite the extra weight?”

Aeiryn thought a moment then quickly embraced the source, spinning a quick net of air around the links of metal to make them weigh far less and to reinforce it. She gave him a smile as she tied off the weave. “Yes, it's fine now. I am surprised how fast you got the armorer to fix the problem with the shoulder clip; you would think they relied heavily on us or something.” She all but rolled her eyes as she spoke. “Your turn to suit up”

The veteran picked up his own much heavier chain and brought it over his head, he turned his back so that she could use the catches to make sure they all held fast. Sabian felt her hands trace over his neck, giving it a slight massage before bringing the catches to where they need to be. The next thing was his sword. She walked over to where she stored the sword where he had last let her take of it off. She gave a smile and walked over to where Sabian could see. She then took the blade out a small amount from the scabbard, pressed her lips to the blade then presented it to him. “I give you your blade, my protector. To ward me from all harm.”

Sabian took the blade and scabbard and put it across his back setting it to where it could be drawn with ease. “And I accept it and pledge myself to protect you until my last breath this day.” He gave her a nod and their solemn faces were dropped as they put their cloaks on and began to lead the horses to the train that train that was starting to form. They took their position near the front where they normally happened to be. They were always some of the first group ready. Almost always at least, there was one day that they had been a bit late... It had been the day after their wedding night but no one said anything about it as strode up to take the place they normally hold out of plain timing.

They smiled to each other as they walked, and, as soon as Sabian was out of the area that was cleared away for camp, his eyes became alert as he scanned the area. He was on duty now, and his duty he took very seriously. Even in camp, there was always a chance of an attack. The two of them had learned that the hard way when one of the guards had tried to kill Aeiryn and had to be put down. The Shadow seemed to reach farther indeed, corrupting even the most stalwart of hearts.

* * * *

The old leader narrowed his eyes, unfortunately this time his instincts were correct. There would be a battle before the sun even rose to its peak. The scouts had spotted the moving force long before they could even be seen and reported back. The army stood at ready, waiting for The Shadow to make its move. The smell was the first thing that reached them long before the sight of the other army. The trollocs and Fades all had distinct smell and that stench multiplied the more that got together. It was hard for an army of that size to truly sneak up on anyone, unless they were upwind.

They beatmen were in view now; there were thousands of them. The shadow seemed to have a never ending supply of the foul creatures. For each one that was cut down there seemed to be five more behind it to take its place. Sabian smiled as they came into full view. They were driven hard. That was good. They would be tired. That would give an advantage.

Sabian took a deep breath, checking to make sure his scabbard was clear if his sword needed to be drawn. He looked down checking the straps of his shield one last time.

“Its fine, it's always fine. You never leave without checking it untold time save your energy we are going to need it if this doesn’t work.” Aeiryn replied. She did not even have to look at the man to know what he was doing.

* * * *

The trollocs horns all blasted at once. Had this force not been practiced it would have struck fear into the soldiers, but the men held fast. The army charged then, guttural screams coming from the beasts. “Wait for it… a little closer NOW AEIRYN!”

With a quick flick of her wrist Aieryn sent up a weave of earth, air, and fire formed into a green flare. The flare was the signal. One of the younger male Aes Aesdai tugged on a weave of spirit. The ground in the middle of the would-be field began to rumble and crack. The very earth buckled underneath the beasts until it would give no more. The dirt exploded in a shower of earth and fire, obliterating the ranks of reinforcements, tearing down the numbers that the shadow would have used to its advantage to overwhelm the men. The male Aes Sedai, was almost bouncing with pride, “Eureka! It worked! It really worked! I knew it would!”

Sabian drew his sword, holding it high above in the air, “Let's dance this dance you and I” the rest of the army joined in, unsheathing their blades and in perfect chorus. “For we are not afraid.” There were no other words said among the men, just a wordless charge into the chaos that the One Power wrought. While the men advanced, archers took their positions next to Aes Sedai and rained fire and arrows down upon the Shadow’s Force. This was easily turned aside, but the hidden weave had done its job, taken the channelers by surprise and unable to protect the vulnerable troops. Now the channelers were at a stalemate constantly countering each others moves like an intricate dance. Had it not been terrifying in origin, it could have been described as breath taking. Powerful storms sprang into being from nothing only to be turned aside by a magical breeze. Fire streaks painted the sky and were extinguished into nothing more then a smoldering cloud of smoke. The two sides were at a stale mate without either one giving or retreating. This fight would be determined by steel like it was almost every time before

* * * *

The smoke began to clear finally. The sound of grunting pain and slicing swords was heard everywhere. In the middle of the army seemed to be a perfect ring where no Trolloc nor Fade could enter and live to tell the tale. Inside of that ring were Sabian and Aeiryn. They worked almost as if they were one person, relying on each other's movements perfectly. Aeiryn was the Mistress of Fire at the tower, and it was during this time that she truly shined. Not a single beast could find its way without her power searching it out and casting the flame. Those that could stand the heat were met with the cold steel of Sabian’s sword. That was how it has been before.

In the heat of battle Sabian shivered. The wind blew across his face and it almost froze his heart as he saw the weave of fire out of the corner of his eyes. In a heartbeat he threw Aeiryn down, covering her from the fireball. When he looked up he saw a man, dressed in simple black coat, contrasting perfectly with his solid pure white shirt. The man was grinning the smile that Sabian knew all to well. “Daroir Urithair…” the name was all but grunted out as he stood up. Aeiryn was behind him, the source now blazing within her.

“Well, I am glad you remember me. Or has it become easier as I stood over your brother's corpse after he failed? Have some solace though. He fought decently. He almost caused me to break a sweat.” Darior's lips curled up in a smile. “Well, shall we?”

* * * *

Sabian drew the fallen body of his beloved close to his chest, burying his head into her hair and smelling that sweet scent for what was going to be the last time. “Aeiryn…A’gara…I am sorry…I …I failed you…”

She smiled back up at him, her face not showing the pain she had to be feeling, “Shhh my dearest, my only, hold me…I need to feel you close…” They looked deeply into each others eyes, burning the memory of each other in these last moments.

“Aeiryn, don’t leave me, please…” he presses his face to hers, wetting that perfect cheek with his tears that the old warrior did not know was even there.

“I will never leave you. We will meet again, that I promise…” Her next breath was pained; it was getting harder and harder to draw each one. Sabian just nodded to her, watching her, not wanting this moment to have ever come. He was supposed to have given his life for hers, not this way...Light not this way!

“I will find you, and I swear I will not fail you again,” He leaned forward then pressing his dry lips to hers. Even this close to death they still were as beautiful as ever. The kiss was hard, breathing in while taking her last breath inside of him. He closed his eyes laying, her down on the hard ground. “Be at peace, my love.”

He stood up slowly, his eyes still closed knowing full well that the dark man was watching him, feeding off his pain. “This will end.” Sabian said quietly, his face was cold, dead to the world. His eyes once windows to the core of his very being, now forever shut. “Let's dance this dance”

Without even a scream or a rush Sabian held his shield out in front of him and rushed the man. His feet carried him fast, perhaps faster then he has every moved. It seemed like Aeiryn’s last breath gave him the strength he needed, the strength he would need for his last task. The black coated man's eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but it was quickly dismissed. Saidin blazed within those eyes as he was lost in the ecstasy that was his own power. He grasped for several threads, fire, air, and oh yes spirit. Throwing it in a complex weave that seemed to be second nature to the man. He sent it flying into the charging warrior striking his shield hard.

Sabian gave in with his arm, absorbing some of the blow, and turning it. The protected shield held firm and the weave started to slide but not without consequences. There was a loud snap, followed by a pop as the weave passed by him. His left arm dangled lifelessly by his side, the shield still attached. A fleeting thought drifted over the sea of controlled rage that his arm was dislocated, that he should be feeling the pain from it, but his mind would not listen. It refused anything that wasn’t the death of the man that he held in his gaze.

* * * *

There was not a single wasted movement by either of the two combatants. It had seemed that the rest of the battle came to stand still as either side watched in awe as these two titans were locked in combat. Every thrust was turned; every slash was countered. Time to time there would be a small explosion as a weave was used to try to turn the advantage to the Dread Lord but to no avail. It was a stale mate. On one side was riotous fury of loss and desperation; on the other was cold determination. Nothing else existed except this fight, everything that these two former friends had been through, had done to each other, came to this one moment.

Sabian knew there was no way for him to win this fight. He had to take a risk. It was the only way. Playing it safe was getting him no where. He let the next weave take him fully, the ground slipped from his sure footing as the earth dissolved under him. Sabian controlled his fall, landing on his back. The air attempted to escape from his lungs but it was held in.

Darior loomed over him now, his own blade held down to a point. He licked his lips, tasting a trickle of blood that had escaped from a cut on the cheek, “Now this is familiar. Oh, yes, now I remember your brother, looked the same way. Now, with no one left, who will protect that dear sweet sister of yours?” He smiled again and drove the sword down.

Sabian shifted his position lying on the ground to his side, his blade following the movement. It found its mark, sliding perfectly in-between the ribs of the Dread Lord's left chest finding the beating organ deep within. The steel punctured what would be called the man’s heart if he indeed could be said to have one. Unfortunately, Sabian was not quick enough. Darior’s own blade found the cavity of Sabian’s abdomen cutting apart any last hope of living without immediate Healing. With a quick twist of Sabian’s sword Talon, the nightmare was over. Darior had taken his last breath, he would harm no more.

* * * *

Jonathan woke up with a start, bolting strait up in the overly comfortable bed situated in the First Reasoner’s quarters. It took him a moment to realize where he was and immediately he looked over to see the still sleeping form of Jericho Sedai. Jon let out a breath of relief. She was still alive, thank the Light. It had only been a dream; he was sure of that now. The Saldaean reached down to his stomach. He could feel the sticky liquid of a thin line of blood that was beginning to form. Perhaps, it was not just a simple dream.

Epilogue: Anya touched the headstone that was now wet with her tears. The lone Aes Sedai still remembered how she found the two of them. They were close enough, Sabian reaching out trying to grasp Aeiryn’s hand. She had lost three people that day. Three people that were perhaps the closest to her heart. Her only brother, his wife who had become more like a sister in every sense of the word, and the only man whom she loved and could never truly heal. How many more people would she have to bury like this? What worth was a longer life if there was no one to truly share it with?