The Wheel of Kin: A Daughter's Journey

Sewing the sails

Meanwhile, Moiraine and Lan stood near the bow of the ship, their voices low as the wind swept across the deck. The distant shoreline of Tar Valon shimmered on the horizon, drawing ever closer.

"I think I want Elara to stay at the White Tower," Moiraine said quietly, her gaze fixed on the distant city.

Lan tilted his head slightly, studying her. "Why's that?"

"It's too dangerous for her to be anywhere else," Moiraine replied, her voice edged with concern. "I don't want her alone or in a place where we cannot protect her. At least in the Tower, there is knowledge—people who might be able to help her if things... worsen."

Lan was quiet momentarily before saying, "There's no place truly safe for her—not if the Forsaken are free." His voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of worry beneath his usual calm. "And if her connection to the True Power is what it seems, the only way forward is for her to learn to control it. Keeping her locked away won't change that."

Moiraine exhaled softly, torn between her instincts to shield her daughter and the bitter truth Lan spoke. "I know," she admitted. "But what if she loses herself before she masters it?"

"Then we fail her," Lan said. "And we cannot afford to."

❃

Below deck, Elara sat against the wooden wall of her cabin, her body still humming with the remnants of power. Lanfear's words echoed in her mind.

"No dream-walking for now."

"Don't lose your grip."

She clenched her fists, forcing herself to push the encounter aside. She needed to think—about Tar Valon, about what she would say, and, more importantly, what she would not say.

She couldn't tell Moiraine the truth. Not yet. If she knew the extent of Elara's mistake—of her alliance, however unwilling, with Lanfear—it would break her. And if the Amyrlin Seat knew...

Elara shook her head, standing and smoothing her dress. She wouldn't let that happen.

When she stepped onto the deck, the cool breeze brushed against her skin, steadying her nerves. She took slow steps along the railing, trying to find some clarity.

Moiraine spotted her and crossed the deck, her hand resting gently on Elara's back. "How are you feeling, love?"

Elara turned to her with a soft smile—one that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Fine. I heard we'll arrive in the city tonight."

Moiraine gave a small nod, her touch lingering in reassurance. "Are you worried?"

"I'm not sure. I... I..." Elara hesitated, her throat tightening.

Moiraine's expression softened, her voice quieter. "What is it, love?"

Elara's heart pounded. She wanted to tell her—about the dream, about the shadow growing within her—but to do that meant revealing everything.

And so, she lied.

"I had a dream," she said carefully. "A dream of foresight."

Moiraine's brow furrowed. "I thought you could only view the past through your dreams?"

"Apparently not," Elara said, her tone brittle. "Ever since I learned the truth—about the True Power and where I come from—it's like something has... shifted inside me. I can do things I never thought possible." She paused, lowering her voice. "I'm more afraid of myself than ever."

Without hesitation, Moiraine took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You are not alone in this. Not while I am here."

Elara's resolve wavered, but she kept her expression steady. "I don't think we should all go to the Tower immediately," she said after a moment. "Maybe we can explain what happened to Mother first. Make a plan."