You're not alone

Chapter 24 - A bundle of knots

Moiraine tries to solve her situation with Rand's help.

Rage rolled through Lan's veins when he left the throne room. Nothing went as planned! Moiraine had revealed to her sisters that she couldn't channel anymore. He was forced to leave her side, though he had sworn not to take his eyes off her. She had been attacked by the False Dragon, and now, they couldn't even leave that place because Siuan wanted Moiraine to stay. What was she thinking?

"Lan."

Perhaps he should consider pulling Siuan's anger on himself. How bad could it turn out? She wouldn't separate him from Moiraine, right? He knew too much about them and their mission.

"Lan."

Well, whatever he decided, he would have to wait until night had fallen, and Siuan paid them a visit. Otherwise, she would send all available sisters and Warders after them.

"Lan."

The touch of Moiraine's hand on his cheek pulled the uncrowned king of Malkier out of his thoughts. The woman of the Blue Ajah had placed her head in the crook of his neck, feeling so fragile in his arms. "I'll get you to your room. There, you can rest before she checks on you."

"No."

Surprised, the Warder stopped and looked at his Aes Sedai. "What do you mean 'No'?"

"Not my room. The kitchen."

"What do you want there?"

Moiraine sighed and moved her thumb gently over his cheek. "Siuan's plan wasn't bad. It was just... the wrong man."

Finally, Lan understood what she was saying. She wanted to see Rand, and since the sheepherder worked in the kitchen, she wanted him to get her there.

"Later. First, you need rest." He continued his path until Moiraine pulled at his earlobe slightly. "What was that for?"

"You know Rand as well as I do. Now that we know about him working here, he will disappear to get away from me as soon as possible."

Growling, Lan stopped. Why did Moiraine always have to be right? "What makes you think that Rand can help you? Logain said he didn't see any weaves."

"Logain has been gentled. Like me, he is stripped of...," Moiraine gulped. "... the One Power. He probably can't see the weaves anymore. But Rand can still channel. If someone can see what has happened to me, it is the boy."

The Warder turned silent for a moment while organizing his thoughts. "What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Can you still see the weaves of your sisters?"

The Aes Sedai bit her lip. She knew where Lan was going with his questions. "I can still see but not touch them." Immediately, Lan opened his mouth, but she cut him off, "It could be because Saidin and Saidar are very different. Or something totally different. We probably will never know."

Again, she was rewarded with silence. In the end, he lowered his shoulders in defeat. That woman wouldn't give up until she got exactly what she wanted.

"I need you to guide me. I have no idea where to find the kitchen, and I can't ask anyone."

"At the next crossing, you need to turn left." Moiraine smiled at her victory.

Sighing heavily, Lan started walking. "If the boy tries to strangle you, too, I will get you to your room and tie you to the bed. And everyone who dares to enter has to fight against my sword."