You're not alone

Chapter 19 - You can't be serious

Moiraine and Lan's calm days are over, and Anvaere isn't happy to hear about their departure. What will await the pair in the Sun Palace?

The sun slowly faded when Moiraine and Lan returned to Anvaere's house. The Aes Sedai and the Warder had stayed at the lake for hours, and Lan had even been able to lighten the mood after his failed attempt at teasing Moiraine.

When the woman of the Blue Ajah saw the house of her sister through the trees, she turned her head to Lan. "It was a wonderful idea to go riding. Thank you."

The uncrowned king of Malkier smiled at her, then took her hand and brought it to his lips. "Even though I ruined the day with my behavior at the waterfall?"

Moiraine took a deep breath. "I didn't like that. But the rest... I liked the rest of the day. And everything before you went swimming." A smile appeared on her lips, and she repeated softly, "Thank you."

Lan kissed her fingers again. "Anything for you, my Aes Sedai."

When the two travelers returned, Anvaere and Eliza waited in front of the house. And the oldest Damodred sister didn't seem happy. Angrily, she stormed toward them while Eliza tried to stop her.

"Here it goes," Moiraine murmured, bracing herself for the storm. "Perhaps we should turn around and run."

"Just say it, and we're out of here."

The Aes Sedai smirked at Lan's answer. She had no doubt this man would immediately get her out of there if she asked him. Instead, she dismounted Aldieb, meeting her sister eye to eye.

"Where have you been all day?! This-!"

Moiraine's eyes widened when she saw her sister freezing in motion. She couldn't even move her mouth anymore! And then she saw the weaves of air wrapped around her sister. Someone used the One Power!

She followed the weaves with her eyes until they fell on Alanna, who crossed the distance, and Moiraine felt sick all of a sudden.

"Forgive me, but she is driving me nuts for hours. I can't listen to her any longer." The Green Sister sighed, frustrated. "She isn't very good with people, is she?"

"Please, release her."

Light, her voice sounded so weak! The sight of Alanna – and she recognized Maksim and Ihvon in the distance, standing beside their horses – reminded her why her friend had returned. The Green Sister would bring her to Cairhien and Siuan!

Alanna grimaced at Moiraine's request yet undid the weaves. And Anvaere didn't need long to speak her mind.

"What in light's name was that?! What did you do to me, woman?!"

"I used weaves of air to keep you from moving and using your mouth – since you constantly forget when it's a good time to shut up," the Green Sister answered sweetly.

Moiraine led Aldieb aside and tied her reins to the fence. It was useless to release her from the saddle. Alanna wouldn't wait for the morning to return to Cairhien – they would leave tonight. Lan followed her example.

"I'm assuming she has arrived in Cairhien?"

Immediately, the smile faded on Alanna's lips, and she was serious again. She nodded with a clear apology in her eyes. "I'm here to bring you to her."

"Her?! Where do you take my sister?! Moiraine!"

"I...." Her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat and tried again – this time, a little bit firmer. "I need to grab a few things."