{A fly-through of the landscape surrounding The Fingers of the Dragon Delta, in the country of Tear. A small village can be seen next to the river. A small house apart from the village is shown.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Inside their small bamboo house, Berden Sanche wakes up a young Siuan Sanche who is sleeping in a hammock.}

[Berden] Up you get, Siuan.

[Siuan] Are the fish stirring, Papa?

[Berden] Aye. Kissing the surface.

[Siuan] Jumping for their breakfast?

[Berden] Best we catch them, then.

[Siuan] Before some other bastard does.

{Berden grabs his knife and walks out the front door.}

[Berden] Come on.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Berden and Siuan are fishing on the river in a small boat.}

{Berden struggles with a knot in his net. Siuan channels to undo the knot.}

{Dogs bark in the distance.}

[Berden] Siuan.

[Siuan] Nobody saw.

[Berden] Just the two of us. Out of sight of the village. That's the rule.

[Siuan] But Papa...

[Berden] A wise woman knows the breaking point of her line. Don't push yours.

You couldn't unravel them knots a week ago. You're getting better.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Berden and Siuan return home from fishing.}

{They stand on the dock and hear an ominous sound.}

[Siuan] Papa?

{They find their house burned to the ground and notice a red Dragon Fang painted onto a burnt fence.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Berden says goodbye to Siuan at their dock.}

[Berden] Practice your lures and your knots every day. Don't get lazy and... and use the power instead.

[Siuan] How will you get the catch in by yourself?

[Berden] I'll manage.

[Siuan] But without the boat and the house?

[Berden] Don't you worry yourself about me.

[Siuan] When can I come home?

[Berden] When it's safe in Tear for girls like you.

[Siuan] Come with me, Papa.

[Berden] Lass... I'd no more do that than a fish could touch the moon.

[Siuan] Fish touch the moon's reflection every night.

[Berden] See? Too bloody clever for this place. Time to go.

[Siuan] I don't belong there. At the White Tower. I should be here with you.

[Berden] Siuan. Look at me. You're gonna do great things. And if any of them bastards tries to shame you, you show them who you are. Siuan Sanche. Daughter of the river. Clever as a pike. Strong... as the tides.

{Berden and Siuan both cry. Siuan gets into the boat and floats away.}

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine, Alanna, and Liandrin stand in the center of the Hall of the Tower surrounded by other Aes Sedai, including Elena, whose standing to the side by a pillar.}

[Leane] Attend you, all. She comes. The Watcher of the Seals, the Flame of Tar Valon, the Amyrlin Seat.

[I would be putting up pics and gifs here, and in this chapter but Wattpad is being a bitch lately and won't let me!]

{Siuan Sanche enters the Hall and sits in the Amrylin Seat.}

[Leane] Bring the false Dragon.

{Female guards lead a chained Logain into the Hall and kneel him before Siuan.}

[Siuan] Why is this man chained? Gentled as he is, he... poses no threat.

{The guards remove Logain's chains.}

[Siuan] Logain Ablar. Do you know why you're here?

[Logain] Do you know what they say about you, Aes Sedai, the further you get from this Tower? That you are weak. Weaker than you have ever been. A hundred years ago, if a man stood up and said he was going to the White Tower to throw the Amyrlin Seat from her throne, no one would follow. They'd kill me for even suggesting it. But when I said I was coming for you... I had an army at my back within the year. And even your little parade, showing off your prize...

You know what the people will remember? They will remember that one man fought against nine women, nine mighty Aes Sedai, and that I still staked that Green bitch to the wall.

{People gasp and Leane strikes her staff on the floor for silence.}

[Siuan] Whatever they say outside this Hall, this city... I am not so easily fooled. If it's the release of death you seek... you won't find it here. No matter what foulness you spill.

{Logain begins to cry and whimper.}

[Siuan] You will serve as an example to all other false Dragons and men who dare to channel. You will live out your days, watched and studied, never free, until you lose yourself entirely to the madness.

This is my judgment. Remove him.

[Logain] Kill me. Please kill me. I beg you.

{The guards grab Logain and begin to escort him out of the Hall.}

[Logain] No. No. Kill me. Please! I beg you! Kill me! Please! Kill me! Kill me!

{With Logain gone, everyone turns their attention back to Siuan.}

[Siuan] Liandrin. Alanna. Moiraine. Approach.

The rest of you, depart now in the Light.

{The other Aes Sedai who traveled with Liandrin leave the Hall, all but Elena and the Sitters remain in their seats.}

[Siuan] That man deserved a fair trial before me, not battlefield justice.

[Liandrin] We had no choice, Mother. He was the most powerful man I've ever seen. He's lucky to be alive.

[Siuan] You took the shawl many years ago, Liandrin. Have you forgotten your training? Shield first, gentle second, kill last of all.

{Liandrin interrupts Siuan.}

[Liandrin] But you didn't see what he did to her!

{Gasps and whispers are heard in the Hall and Siuan stares at Liandrin.}

[Liandrin] Forgive me, Mother.

[Alanna] I beg the Amyrlin's clemency. Kerene died to protect us because she knew that the false Dragon was too strong. Liandrin made the right choice. We all did.

[Moiraine] If we hadn't tamed him, Mother, all of our sisters would've been killed, not just Kerene.

[Siuan] Our laws don't exist to protect our lives, our comforts. They exist to protect our people from us. Liandrin, when Kerene fell, you were in command. The fault lies with you, as will the punishment. I will think on your penance.

{Liandrin fidgets and appears to have something to say.}

[Siuan] You have something more to say, Daughter?

[Liandrin] I'm just surprised. You don't care about the girl.

When we found Moiraine, and Elena, they were traveling with the most powerful channeler we've seen in a thousand years. More powerful even than you, Mother. And yet Moiraine said nothing of the girl's skills, neither did Elena. We knew nothing. Until Nynaeve al'Meara healed us of our wounds.

[Moiraine] I was unaware she could channel...

[Liandrin] Sorry, Sis, what did you say?

[Moiraine (louder)] I was unaware that she could channel.

[Liandrin] But you must've known she was more than a simple village girl. You must've known she was something special.

[Moiraine] I suspected.

[Liandrin] Mm.

[Siuan] Is there a point, Liandrin?

[Liandrin] Moiraine... has flitted back and forth to the Tower for... 20 years? Her purpose- the purpose of all Blues- is to gather secrets and discover danger before it strikes at the heart of us, before it strikes at you, Mother. But Trollocs invaded from the west, and Logain's army swelled from the south, without even a warning from Moiraine.

Why? Well, I suggest you ask her, Mother.

[Maigan] This is Blue business, Mother. Not for scrutiny in this Hall.

[Liandrin] All business is judged here, Maigan. Unless you're suggesting the Amyrlin does not wish to question Moiraine because Mother was once Blue herself.

{Gasps and whispering are heard throughout the Hall. Leane strikes her staff on the floor for silence.}

[Siuan] Moiraine Sedai.

You left the Tower two years ago. Where have you traveled?

[Moiraine] From Tear to the Two Rivers. And many towns between.

[Siuan] What is the purpose of your travels?

[Moiraine] Forgive me, Mother, I cannot say.

[Siuan] Cannot... or will not?

On your knees.

{Moiraine kneels on the floor.}

[Siuan] I will ask you one more time. What is the purpose of your travels?

[Moiraine] I cannot say.

[Siuan] You dare to challenge me? Perhaps it is your noble blood, Lady Moiraine Damodred... that breeds contempt for those you consider beneath you.

Outside this Tower, it seems you do as you please. But I am the Amyrlin Seat. This is my Tower. My city. My world. From Tear to the Two Rivers and every town between. Remember that well while you are here. Remember that well when your forehead and your lips touch this marble and you beg your Mother for mercy!

{Moiraine bows her head to the floor.}

[Siuan] I will think on your penance and deliver judgment tomorrow. Depart now in the Light.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine leaves the Hall with Elena and Alanna.}

[Alanna] Apologize to her. Publicly. While you still can.

[Elena] What good would that do to her?

[Alanna] Don't be stubborn, like her Moiranine.

{Lan and Alanna's warders begin to follow them as they approach Liandrin and some other Red sisters. Moiraine chuckles softly.}

[Liandrin] What? Oh. Did you expect me to thank you for saying what you did? That, like everything else you do, was for your own benefit.

You forget... I know you. And whatever it is you're up to, old friend, you should accomplish it quickly. Tomorrow, your reckoning comes.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Elena and Lan walk out to the street.}

[Elena] How bad is he?

[Lan] Worse than expected.

{They enter The Light's Blessing Inn.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Elena, Lan, and Basel Gill stand in a hallway of The Light's Blessing.}

[Elena] This is the room?

[Basel] Yes, Aes Sedai, but, uh...

[Elena] Go downstairs. No matter what you hear, do not come up.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Elena and Lan enter Mat and Rand's room. Rand and Mat are both laying on their beds.}

[Rand] Nynaeve, you're back already. Did you...?

{Rand looks over and sees Elena.}

[Rand] Elena.

[Lan] Well, it's nice to see you, too.

[Rand] Egwene, Perrin- are they here?

[Elena] Myself and Moiraine have watchers. We'll  know when they arrive.

{Mat moans on his bed.}

[Elena] How long has he been like this?

[Rand] A month. Maybe more. It's nothing. It's just a fever.

[Mat] I know what you're doing here. I know what Aes Sedai do to men like me.

{Elena approaches Mat. Rand suddenly grabs his sword and unsheathes it. Lan moves between Rand and Elena.}

[Lan] Don't be stupid.

[Rand] I'm not going to let you hurt him!

[Lan] Put that down.

[Mat] Bless his heart. He tries.

{Lan quickly disarms Rand and pushes him onto the bed, holding him down.}

[Lan] Stay down.

[Rand] He hasn't channeled.

{Rand struggles to get free.}

[Lan] Easy.

[Rand] Mat, tell her! He hasn't channeled!

[Mat] The world doesn't need a Dragon like me.

{Elena approaches Mat cautiously. Mat sits up suddenly, brandishing his ruby hilted dagger.}

{Elena quickly channels to subdue Mat and the dagger floats in the air. Mat screams. Lan runs over and holds Mat down.}

[Rand] What's happening to him?

[Elena] Oh, you really are stupid aren't you. You took this from Shadar Logoth. Hold him down! Both of you!

{While Rand and Lan hold Mat down, Elena channels to remove a black substance from Mat, which comes out of his mouth. It sticks to her mouth, but then is redirected into the dagger.}

{Once finished, the dagger drops to the floor and Elena gasps. Lan covers the dagger with a blanket. Mat lays on his bed breathing heavily and then sighs.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Elena recovers on a balcony overlooking a bustling alley. Rand approaches her.}

[Rand] Thank you.

[Elena] For what?

[Rand] For helping him.

[Elena] What did you expect me to do?

[Rand] I saw the darkness moving over you. You took on that evil... for Mat.

{Elena gives him a hard-soft look}

[Rand] So if Mat can't channel, then he's not the... It was just the darkness from Shadow City all along?

[Elena] I don't know. He's stronger than he has any right to be. If he weren't, that dagger would've consumed him weeks ago.

You have to be careful. You have to watch him. I've healed him of his connection to the dagger, but it was feeding off the darkness in him as much as he was off it. If he touches it again... he may be lost forever.

{Nynaeve and Loial approach.}

[Nynaeve] Of course.

[Moiraine] Nynaeve. Builder.

[Nynaeve] How did you find them?

[Elena] A better question might be why didn't you find me or Moiraine as soon as you saw the darkness in Mat? Your pride would have killed your friend. If Wisdom is the title you claim... I suggest you start using some.

{Elena leaves the balcony.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine sits in a steam room while women attend her. Maigan enters the room and joins her.}

[Maigan] I wish you'd take meetings in the Tower like the rest of us.

[Moiraine] I've been on the road for years, Maigan. Don't begrudge me this.

{Maigan nods to the attendants, signaling them to leave.}

[Maigan] My time is limited. I don't enjoy wasting it, imagining your fate after that display in the Hall. Siuan's losing her grip.

[Moiraine] On sanity... or power?

[Maigan] A Green spoke on behalf of a Red today. And so did you. The whole world's gone mad. Ships are disappearing off the West Coast. Aiel have been spotted this side of the Spine. Trollocs invaded the Two Rivers. And an Aes Sedai sank the Taren Ferry.

[Moiraine] Your informant network has improved.

[Maigan] We've sent money on your behalf as recompence. How exactly did the Trollocs reach the Two Rivers undetected?

[Moiraine] I don't know.

[Maigan] The Amyrlin is not alone in wondering exactly what you're doing out in the wilderness.

[Moiraine] I brought her the most powerful channeler in living memory, for one.

[Maigan] Hate her all you want, but Siuan Sanche was once a Blue. We owe her our protection and loyalty. Old alliances are shifting and we must present a united front.

I'll intervene with Siuan on your behalf. Make her see reason. And your value to us. We need you here in the Tower permanently.

[Moiraine] For what reason?

[Maigan] I may need to go west to track the ships disappearances. You've traveled long enough. Time to settle down, Moiraine. Make yourself comfortable. You're home again.

{Moiraine picks up a towel and an object falls out. Moiraine picks up the object and holds it near her face.}

[Maigan] More secrets?

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine walks through a hallway with a Yellow sister.}

[Moiraine] How long do you think they've been here?

[Yellow Sister] Only a day. Maybe two. I sent the message as soon as I saw them.

{They enter a large room filled with plants and herbal medicines. Perrin is on a bed and Egwene is standing over him. The Yellow sister leaves.}

[Egwene] Moiraine. Rand and Mat, are they...?

[Moiraine] Myself and Elena have people watching for their arrival. But I have it on good authority that they're alive.

[Egwene] Thank the Light.

[Moiraine] My Yellow sister said you were taken by Whitecloaks.

[Egwene] I took something from them.

{Egwene takes out the Great Serpent rings that she took from Eamon Valda and gives them to Moiraine}

[Egwene] Valda won't hurt any more of your sisters.

{Moiraine examines Perrin.}

[Moiraine] There are no greater healers on earth than the Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah. It will be like the damage never happened.

[Egwene] On the outside, at least.

I'm worried about him. His eyes. When Valda was torturing him, they went golden. Like a wolf's.

[Moiraine] Did anything else unusual happen?

[Egwene] Wolves attacked the Whitecloaks while we were there. But he wasn't afraid of them. It's like they... they listened to him.

[Moiraine] Tell no one. There are many in this city- Aes Sedai included- who would do him harm if they knew.

[Egwene] Is he the Dragon?

[Moiraine] There is much we don't know of the Dragon Reborn. What shape she or he will take, what power they will wield. For now... rest. Heal. And let him heal.

Tomorrow when I call for you, come. But tell no one where you're going.

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine prepares for bed in her room. Lan enters.}

[Lan] You masked our bond.

[Moiraine] It's been at least two years. I thought you'd welcome the break.

[Lan] This place isn't as safe as it once was. Everyone's watching you.

You're not safe here, Moiraine. And I can't protect you if I can't feel you.

[Moiraine] You're right.

[Lan] Well, that's a first.

[Moiraine] Our enemies are everywhere. You're priority has to be protecting our friends from the Two Rivers. Now we finally have them back.

Good night, Lan.

[Lan] Be back before dawn.

[Moiraine] Is that an order?

[Lan] Did it sound like a suggestion?

{Moiraine laughs.}

[Lan] I'll stand watch until you return. Give her my love.

{Lan leaves the room.}

{Moiraine closes a door thats on the frame of a painting on her wall and begins to channel. The frame begins to glow and a portal forms. She walks through the portal.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Moiraine enters a room with bamboo walls that looks like Siuan's childhood home. Siuan is sitting on a bed.}

[Siuan] What were you thinking?

I'm on a knife's edge here, and that... that display you forced me to put on has made everything we're trying to do much hard... Don't smile. Skin me and salt me if you don't take idiotic risks.

[Moiraine] Am I forgiven, Mother?

[Siuan] I hate it when you call me that. So much for the Amyrlin Seat remaining neutral without favorites.

No life. No love of one's own. Nothing but the Seat.

[Moiraine] When have we ever followed the rules?

{Siuan strokes Moiraine's face and they kiss.}

{Moiraine examines some tattoos on Siuan's shoulder.}

[Moiraine] These are new.

[Siuan] A year, maybe two. You've been gone such a long time.

{Siuan goes to kiss Moiraine again.}

[Moiraine] On your knees.

{Siuan smiles and drops down.}

≿————-　❈　————-≾

{Later on, Moiraine and Siuan have a conversation in bed. Moiraine is drinking ale.}

[Moiraine] Light, your taste in ale hasn't improved.

[Siuan] What's wrong?

[Moiraine] I found the Dragon.

[Siuan] The girl from the Two Rivers?

[Moiraine] Perhaps. It's complicated. I found five potential Dragons in the same village.

[Siuan] Five?

[Moiraine] But only four the right age. Nynaeve's too old, but how can we discount her power?

I don't know. Every town has a different legend about where the Dragon will be reborn, how they will appear to us, and the way in which they'll break or save the world.

[Siuan] Our prophecies are clear.

[Moiraine] They're 3,000-year-old prophecies. They've been translated again and again, by hundreds of different Aes Sedai. From a gleeman, I heard the tale of a many-headed Dragon.

[Siuan] The last Dragon was one man. Why would the Wheel split the Dragon's soul into many?

[Moiraine] What if Gitara's vision was wrong?

[Siuan] You were there. You were there when