The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

~Fragments of Power~

The air inside the Ways was thick and oppressive, a strange, unsettling silence surrounding the group as they moved forward. Moiraine led them at a quiet, determined pace, occasionally glancing back at Lan, who carried Elara carefully in his arms. Driven by urgency, they all agreed not to stop until they reached the Waygate.

At the exit, Moiraine stepped forward, channeling the One Power with swift, practiced movements. The archway of the Waygate shimmered, rippling as it responded to her touch. The group stepped through, leaving the dark, foreboding confines behind them. The portal closed with a soft hiss, sealing the exit, and the city of Cairhien stretched out before them.

Before they could even take a breath, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

"Moiraine."

Moiraine turned to see Alanna Sedai, flanked by her Warders, Maksim and Ihvon. Her face was unreadable, her gaze moving from Moiraine to Elara, unconscious in Lan's arms.

"You and your company are summoned to the White Tower immediately," Alanna said, her voice clipped with urgency. "By order of the Amyrlin Seat."

Lan stepped forward, his voice low and protective. "We've just come through the Ways. The least we're owed is a moment's rest."

Alanna's eyes softened as she glanced at Elara, but her voice remained firm. "I'm sorry, but there can be no delay."

Moiraine and Lan exchanged a look. Moiraine sighed, muttering under her breath, "Siuan." There was a mix of affection and frustration in her voice. She knew Siuan would be displeased, and likely, this was the start of a conversation she wasn't prepared to have. But orders from the Amyrlin were not to be ignored.

"Very well," Moiraine said, straightening her shoulders. "Lead the way."

They followed Alanna through the streets of Cairhien. Elayne kept close to Elara, her eyes filled with worry. She glanced at Moiraine, searching for reassurance, but Moiraine's expression remained distant, already thinking of what awaited them at the White Tower.

Perrin broke the silence, his voice cautious. "We really don't have a choice, do we?"

"No, Perrin," Moiraine said, shaking her head. "We are not just summoned. We are commanded."

Mat muttered under his breath, "Of course. After everything we've done, they still can't give us a break." He cast a sidelong glance at Moiraine. "Not that I'm surprised. The White Tower's never been big on letting people catch their breath."

"Nor should they," Moiraine replied sharply.

Mat rolled his eyes but stayed quiet as they made their way onward.

After hours of travel, Tar Valon came into view, the setting sun casting long shadows over the island city. As they crossed the bridge, Alanna spoke again, her voice softer this time. "Once the Amyrlin sees of Elara's condition I'm sure she will be understanding of what happened in Caherien."

Moiraine gave a curt nod, understanding the unspoken meaning. Whatever her duty as Amyrlin, Siuan would be torn as Elara's mother. Moiraine could only hope Siuan would find a balance between the two.

The towering spires of the White Tower loomed over them as they entered the courtyard. Their exhaustion was palpable. Leane Sharif, the Keeper of the Chronicles, awaited them. Draped in her blue shawl, she regarded them with an unreadable expression.

"The Amyrlin Seat will meet with you all tomorrow," Leane announced, her voice calm yet authoritative. "She will hold council then."

A wave of frustration rippled through the group.