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Hi,

This is Ken Kofman, sending out yet another _As The Wheel Turns_
posting.  I suppose I should put some sort of copyright notice
on this, so here goes:

Copyright, Ken Kofman (c) 1994.  All rights reserved except for
those that Tor and Robert Jordan deserve, and except that anyone
who wants to copy this material may do so, so long it remains
unaltered, including this notice, and so long as no fees of
any kind are charged for its use.

In other words, enjoy it, show it to all your friends, be inspired
to run your own game, but since I'm not making any money off of
this, you shouldn't either.

I hope I did that right.

Anyway,

KenK        [e-mail]

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The Nine Rods of Dominion

One to come and one to go
One above and one below
One a friend and one a foe
One to hide and one to know.


Creation

Nine Rods rule over all
Eight Ajah preserve and fall
Seven Ages of the Wheel
Six Bound to serve the dead
Five Flows create the Weave
Four Peoples born to live
Three Supports of all the worlds
Two Powers never to be whole
One Dragon on the winds of Time.


Summary of Session 10 of _As the Wheel Turns_  28-7-94

And so it was that Phil David, even after he did lower his
bow, did look about and see that preparations had already
been made to leave.  Much time had passed since Phil had
entered the Void, though he knew it not.  Exhausted was he
from his inward journey, and his thoughts bent toward some
inward sight.

But Ulric Druss, Blademaster and once captain of mighty Tear
did stand at Phil's side during his recent effort, and did
guide him toward the other companions.  Then did Ulric Druss
and the others speak about matters more prosaic, of supplies
and of watches and of other issues of great practical import,
until Akhel did burst forth in impatient speech.  For Akhel
saw not a discourse of strategy or even tactic, but a craven
aversion from a topic none wished to discuss, the reason why
Trollocs and Myrddraal, foul creatures of the Dark One created
during the War of Power that brought the Age of Legends to its
close, would venture so deep into this beautiful but unfrequented
place, the Mountains of Mist, to follow and indeed, attack
the company of travellers.

Then did Jennifer of that distant place her people name Earth,
though some say America, admit that the question had great
merit and was not asked in foolishness, yet did she also admit
to her lack of an adequate answer.  Yet strong was her belief
that their purpose and presence in this beautiful but desolate
place was to some measure related to their own.  For Jennifer
understood little of the designs of Elaida Sedai of the Red Ajah,
who sent her into these mountains to avoid the doom Foretold by
Kareina Sedai of the Green Ajah.  For Kareina Sedai had the Gift
of Foretelling.  From beyond the grave did she issue her warning
to Jennifer and to Randy Carter, both of Earth, distant Mirror
of the Wheel.  And Kareina Sedai of the Green Ajah did command
them to follow not in the footsteps of Elaida Sedai of the Red
Ajah, nor to travel along her road, for in so doing would death
swiftly overtake them.  Then did Elaida Sedai bind Jennifer and
Randy Carter to her purpose and to her will, even as the goose
binds her goslings to her.  For such is the way of geese, and even
of Aes Sedai.

And Telas did avail himself of the opportunity to remind those who
stood with him that he knew of dark Aes Sedai manipulations here,
in these mountains, and that never could Aes Sedai be trusted in
full measure.

Yet Ulric cared not for the question, nor did he harbor any desire
to hear the answers.  Whatsoever the Wheel set before him, for that
did he stand ready.  Thus did he speak, and more.  Eager was he to
reach his destination, for he did believe the Horn of Valere to be
hidden in ancient Manetheren, that selfsame Horn of which the songs
sing, of which much is remembered in myth and legend.  Eager was he
to walk that ancient road toward the once great City, though the
day was wet with mist and the cold did sink beneath even the warmest
garment.  Also did the clouds press heavily upon the land, as it had
done for many a day, sealing off the world from sight.

Thus did the companions travel, with Keilyndra Din Djanin of the
Atha'an Miere and Akhel silently stalking the rear, and with Telas
the Warder and young Haemish of the Taardad Aiel in the vanguard,
searching as much for game as for enemies.  Yet no animal did the
hunters find.

But even as the day drew onward, did Telas mistake himself for hunter
no more.  A foul presence did he feel growing in the distance, far
and still tiny, yet always is the foulness of the Dark One and his
servants too close and too great.  And so it was, even as the
company readied themselves for the night, that the minions of the Dark
One, Trollocs and Myrddraal and perhaps abominations more terrible
did increase their force twofold.

And young Haemish of the Water Seeker sept of the Taardad Aiel did
spend the night in disturbed sleep, for he dreamed of the wise ones
of his people, and their merciless gaze.  No word did they speak
unto him, yet did he wither beneath their disapproval.  For him
was there no escape, twist and turn though he might.

And so it was, on the morning of that new day that Telas arose from
his slumber and knew that the foul presence had doubled again during
the darkness, yet was a great distance kept.  No taint of the Shadow
could Telas discern that was not far distant, save for that upon
Phil.  Yet did Telas keep his counsel.

And even as the companions continued their journey, so did the servants
of the Dark One increase their number and presence.  And when the
company did halt their progress for the night, Telas knew that the
foul presence had again increased twofold.  Again was it difficult
to forage and hunt, for the clouds lay heavy upon the land.

Thus did the companions seat themselves about their fire.  And at
the request of Jennifer did Keilyndra Din Djanin of the Atha'an
Miere speak of her people who are born, live and die upon the waters.
Time spent upon the land, to them, is at best uncomfortable, and to
die upon dry land the most terrible fate of all, yet was the young
woman of the Sea Folk far from sea or ocean.  For her people had
sent her to find a man, the Coramoor, and never would she forsake
her search, save death find her first.  Thus did she speak unto
Akhel, who wondered what she would do when she failed, for Akhel
believed in neither prophecy nor legend.  Then was there silence.

And Ulric Druss spoke of death, and the betrayal of life, and the
whittling away of the years upon dreams of greatness, upon hope
itself, until little remains.  And again was there silence.

And so it was that Selene spoke soft words into that silence, into
that starless night, and she was like unto a radiant star.  And
she said that she had always found life to be more than that,
more than inescapable misery.

And Keilyndra Din Djanin looked upon the radiant Selene, undampened
by the weather and unbowed before the travails of her journey.  Then
did she remember the words of the foxlike Aelfar, and his answer to
her question.  And so it was that Keilyndra Din Djanin smiled upon
Selene, and said she had the appearance of a woman in love.  And
the gracious Selene smiled warmly in turn, declaring her love of
life itself, her love of the world and its wonders.  And though life
brought hardships and the world not always ease, still was the
world a place of glory, and life itself a wondrous gift.

But Keilyndra Din Djanin said that most others amongst the company
seemed not to share this perspective, indicating those about her
and their grim yet desparate resolve.  Yet Selene asked Keilyndra
Din Djanin of the Atha'an Miere of her own perspective, and whether
she too no longer noticed the wonders of life on behalf of the
Aelfar's dire prophecy that never would she find the Coramoor.
Also did she ask if she would not try her utmost, though the outcome
be already known.

And Keilyndra Din Djanin did agree with Selene, that her own feelings
were similar, yet did she not remember Selene standing with her in
the realm of the Aelfar, nor did she speak aught of the Aelfar's
words.  But even as she made mention of this discrepancy to Selene,
and even as Selene answered, did Keilyndra Din Djanin realize that
Selene did stand amongst the company in that mysterious place.

For always did Selene hold herself back from the center of things,
and always did she prefer to let her actions speak on her own
behalf, rather than speak much yet say little.  Thus was her manner.
Though her knowledge of the outdoors was slight as was her
strength, still did she help as she could, though most might consider
such assistance far beneath the dignity of a noble and gracious
lady, such as Selene must surely be, though she asked only to be
called Selene.  And her beauty was akin to the very dawning of
innocence, to that first shining forth of the Light.  Had ever the
Creator given unto the world a surety, a sign of His being and of his
kindness, surely could Selene embody the very promise of Creation.

Yet did Keilyndra Din Djanin speak harshly unto Selene, and all could
feel the strident mockery in her words.  But Selene's countenance
remained unclouded by anger or by shame, and she bore the insolent
manner of Keilyndra Din Djanin as she would any other.  And Selene
answered the questions of Keilyndra Din Djanin with calm dignity
and serene demeanor.  She spoke of her teachers, of the wise and
patient Ogier, as great in size even as the foul Trollocs, yet do
they not serve the Shadow, and even Keilyndra Din Djanin did listen
in wonder, though her foul temper did not abate.

Thus did their conversation end, yet did Keilyndra Din Djanin feel
great shame over her conduct.  For it was not her way to insult
one who had done her no harm or who was in some way less able than
she.  Nor was it her way to be jealous of another woman, even one
so beautiful as Selene, compared to whom even the most beautiful
woman is but ordinary.  And also was it not her way to let her
temper flare on account of her own failings, for great pride did
Keilyndra Din Djanin take in her ability to see that which is hidden
yet remain hidden from others' purvey, but Selene she noticed not
at all in the realm of the Aelfar, though surely she was there.

Other matters were discussed upon that evening.  Telas poured forth
his heart unto Keilyndra Din Djanin and spoke of his sisters' death
at the hands of the Aes Sedai, at the hands of the Black Ajah.  None
speak of the Black Ajah, and all Aes Sedai deny its very existence,
yet did Telas speak with the conviction of truth.

Also did Jennifer speak unto Phil regarding that which she, Randy
Carter and Selene did learn from the great and ancient tome, _The
Nine Rods of Dominion_, given into their care by Elaida Sedai of
the Red Ajah.  Much did they learn yet not enough did they know.
Indeed was their knowledge akin to the wisdom of the book itself,
vague and shrouded in mystery.  Whether the Rods seek their wielders
or the converse is unknown, yet are both possibilities presented.
The appearance of the Rods also is unknown, yet were they sufficienty
described to be unmistakable.  Each Rod had been concealed in a
place specifically designated and contstructed solely for that great
purpose, against the time the Rods shall again be recalled unto
the world of men.  But the nature of these places is as clear as
the mysterious purpose against which first the Rods were hidden.
It is said that the Great Citadel of Manetheren was built as a
bulwark for its people.  But it is not certain whether its great
walls served as a defense against the dark legions of the Shadow,
or against that which lay within.

Such is the way of wisdom, to be understood only after it first
is needed.

Yet much was written about that which lay above and that which
lay below, and also was there much mention of thing hidden.
Thus was Jennifer reminded of the great peaks of the Mountains
of Mist, heart of ancient Manetheren, now gone, and the gaping
valleys and chasms below, and the mists that could conceal
armies and even entire nations within, save for when they
parted for brief moments of time.

Yet when these and all manner of other words failed, still was
there a matter to consider.  Food for three days was carried
forth from the cabin, and for two days little new food had been
found.  Thus did the company cease their travelling to hunt.
For two days did they remain in this place, intent upon
finding food that they not starve on their journey.  Yet upon
each night and upon each day did the servants of the Dark One
double and redouble their forces.

And so it was, on the morning of the third day, even as they
set forth once again toward ancient Manetheren, did Telas
know that they could remain no longer, for now the hunt had
changed.  No longer would their enemy wait, for an overwhelming
force had been prepared, against which no attack could succeed,
from which there could be no hiding.  No longer could distance
be a protection, so great was the foul presence.

Then did the company flee toward ancient Manetheren, flee from
the foul minions of the Dark Ones.  Stealth did they eschew in
favor of haste, yet were they followed.  On the first night
they slept but little, for the legion arrayed against them
drew ever closer.  And on the second day the horses tired, for
horses lack the endurance of man or women, only wolves and
Ogier can run better.  Yet were the foul Trollocs bred by
the Forsaken during the Age of Legends.  From man and from
beast were they bred, combining the most terrible aspects of
all.  And so it is that Trollocs sport all manner of beastial
features, from the horns of goats to the snouts of wolves,
each different in its abomination.  Yet foullest of all are
the eyes, often human in shape and form that peer forth from
beastial faces.  Thus were the Trollocs bred, to have the strength
to kill and the endurance to obey the unspeakable wishes of
their masters.

Then did Selene ride her horse no longer, and ran alongside the
others, and wonder manifest upon her face.  The thrill of the
chase shone forth in her eyes, and even the pleasure of an
achievement never before considered, for she had been a scholar,
a woman of knowledge.  And on the second night they slept not
at all.

And so it was, on the morning of the third day that the horses
could travel no further, though they carried no rider save
Randy Carter, too weak to run yet too light to be a burden.
Then did Ulric Druss, Blademaster and once captain of mighty
Tear choose to abandon the horses, and continue onward.  The
few provisions still borne upon their backs were removed, and
Haemish began to redistribute them in haste.

But Jennifer spoke quiet words unto Phil.  And she did urge him
to create a great fire using saidin, and that she would conceal
his doings by claiming that she had channelled the One Power.

And so it was that neither Jennifer nor Phil prepared to flee
with the others, but stood together.  And Jennifer pretended
to raise saidar, even as Phil attempted to gain the Void.
But Ulric saw that Jennifer no longer fled before the Trollocs
and the Myrddraal, and he too stood fast, drawing his sword
marked with the heron.  Yet did he urge the others to flee.

But they too heeded not his words, even Akhel who laughed at
Ulric's grim boast that though he should die in this place,
he should show that he be no easy prey.  Long did they stand
waiting for Jennifer to do what she would, but also waiting
for Phil to assume the Void, even as the small army approached.
Grimly did Keilyndra Din Djanin unsheathe her sword, curved
in the manner of her people and prepared to meet her end, to
meet the fulfillment of the doom pronounced in the realm of
the Aelfar.

Then did Akhel laugh.  Loud and wild was his laugh, filled
even with madness.  And he bowed unto Keilyndra Din Djanin,
even as he asked if this is to be their place of death.  In
sadness did Keilyndra Din Djanin attest to the truth of her
death, so far from the sea, so far from the Coramoor,
prophesied to save her people.  And Akhel, who believed not
in prophecy, or in the Light or even in the Shadow, laughed
yet again the laughter of a man already dead or mad.  Then
did he pledge himself to the search for the Coramoor, should
he live and should Keilyndra Din Djanin deign to accept him.

Yet Keilyndra Din Djanin could speak no word in response.  For
even as Akhel pledged himself to search for the Coramoor, Phil
did seize saidin.  Still was saidin beyond all other pleasures,
yet now was it different than ever it had been.  Like life
itself was saidin, but also was it like unto the sewers of all
the worlds.  Overwhelming was the stench, was the foulness of
saidin, yet was it life itself.  Like a fly to a midden was
Phil attracted to this horror, a horror only hinted at in legend,
or in the ter'angreal of Earth that portrayed in stark black
upon white the atrocities of their own world.  The foulness of
saidin was like life itself, yet did Phil's very stomach rebel
and spew forth its unseemly contents, unseemly save in comparison
with the abomination of saidin itself.

And still did Phil retain his hold on wretched saidin, concentrating
all of his being upon the one use of the One Power he knew, to
create a holocaust.  More and more saidin did Phil take unto
himself, more and more of the reeking foulness did he seize unto
himself, and he did hurl it outward, seeing in his heart a great
tidal wave of flame.

Then did Phil find himself not in the mist shrouded forests of
Manetheren, but seated upon a carpet, high above the world.
And with him did Ishmael sit.

"Rome was not enough for you, was it," Ishmael growled in
disgust and contempt.

With great amusement did Phil answer, "Actually Rome was just fine..."

But Ishmael would not let him continue.  "Actions have consequences,
Phil.  I think many people are going to die before you figure that
out.  As for now, take a look at your own actions.  And this you
can't blame on me.  Look, Phil."  And Ishmael gestured outward
and below.

"I'd rather not destroy anyother cities today." he replied.

"You just did, Phil. Look, damn you, look!"

And so it was that Phil looked downward toward the world below.
Arrayed far below him was a great continent, yet even as he
gazed downward, did the carpet on which Phil did find himself
also move downward, toward a mountain range not too distant
from one coast of that great land, even as Phil saw a bright
pinprick of flame appear amidst the mountains.

But when the carpet drew nigh unto the world, the tiny flicker
of flame was then discerned for what it was, a great wave of
fury blazing over mountain and valley, already large, yet
slowly increasing in size.  A great swath of forest failed
before the furious blaze, and still did the wave continue to
the west, out of the mountains and across the plains.  Villages
and even entire flames were reduced to cinders before the
tidal wave of flame that swept across the land, more than
a mile wide.  Only the sea itself halted the conflagration
in an angry boil.

"It's good thing it is no longer summer," noted Ishmael.  "Or
all of the Tarabon Plain would be ash, and the Mountains
of Mist also.  I'd estimate the deaths at no more than 50,000."

Long did Phil stare at the destruction he had wrought.  Then
he whispered, "I never knew Greylight was so powerful... but
the desert.. and... it was all like some kind of a dream."

Then did Ishmael explain,  "You almost killed yourself doing
that. Fire is easy, Phil."

"then that means that the city.....millions and millions of people..."

"Actually, that was a world. Billions, Phil. I just showed you Rome."

Then did Phil mutter unto himself, overwhelmed by the import of
Ishmael's words, and the evidence of his own eyes.  He said that
he asked not for the Power, and that he deserved not this
terrible fate, that all his life he had lived according to the
just and the proper.  And he further spoke, admitting that the
choice before him, the only choice before him is Ishmael, or
death, which still is Ishmael.

And Ishmael waited for Phil to again come unto his senses.

"If I join you you'll just use me to do even more harm
than if I was on my own..."

"You don't know what I will do."

"Thousands will die... thousands will be in slavery... I've already
seen what you've done.  The Trollocs were evidence enough for me.
No one would create something like that if they had good intentions."

Ishmael shook his head.  "You don't know what I want.  You don't
know my intent.  But you do know your own actions.  You really have
only two options.  Serve me, or murder."

"No.  Send me back.  You will find that you will soon have no
more need of my services."

Then did Ishmael laugh.  "To be gentled is to die, Phil, and then
you will serve me still."

"Maybe.  But Its the way I can serve you least."

Still did Ishmael smile upon Phil.  "I'm not after quantity of
service, Phil, but quality.  And you will serve me just fine
gentled.  Quantity is also nice, I will admit.  Which is why
I would return to you your world which you destroyed.  Its people,
yours.  I do not seek their deaths, Phil, and the Great Lord of
the Dark can return them to you, for he is not bound by time or
death.  You need only serve, and billions will live on your account."

Then did Phil ask in defiance, "Why is the dark one so intent on
sending Trollocs to stop us then?"

"Because, Phil, Ages of imprisonment have grown tiresome, and they
shall be ended. Willing or unwilling, you will serve.  For the
sake of billions gone, and billions more to come, I suggest
you recognize that the universe is not as you know it.  That
there are things beyond your comprehension, that you have ties
and loyalties you neither know or understand, that you have a
pretty good place in the grand scheme of things, if only you accept
it.  But if you do not then billions more will pay the price.  And
you will exact it from them."

"Are you trying to tell me that I am reborn?"

"No.  I'm trying to tell you that you will cause the deaths
of many people if you do not serve me.  The people of your land
are not used to that.  Everyone is not equal.  The world doesn't
work that way."

Then did Phil moan, "Why me?"

And Ishmael looked down upon Phil.  "You are not the only one,
nor even the most powerful.  But you are who you are.  We are going
in circles.  You ignored my warnings, and only now behold the
truth of my words, engraved in charred flesh and bones."

"I seem to live in a circle. What else do you expect when your
fate is written for you."

"I offer you the chance to break that circle."

"Not really.  It seems to be the same circle to me.  Serve you if
I don't, serve you if I do."

"No, it is not. We will end the circle."

"What does the Dark One plan on doing when he gets out?  If I did
serve you, what would you want?"

"No, Phil, I do not accept conditional service.  The Great Lord of the
Dark is not quite what you think he is.  It is too bad that you never
extended your education on Earth, that you never investigated the
greater mysteries.  But that is water under the bridge.  You will be
called upon to do some hard things, like any soldier, and you will do
them.  But I won't have you obliterate cities."

"What would you have me do first?"

"I would have you swear.  And then I would use you as I see fit.
Naturally, I would command you to speak nothing of this to your
companions.  Other than that, I have no immediate plan for you."

"And what would i get in return, besides not obliterating cities?"

"That isn't enough?  I will also teach you controlled use of
the Power.  You will be protected from the taint and from the
madness.  You will have eternal life.  I will spare the lives
of your friends."

Then did Phil think to unto himself bereft of all hope.  And finally
he spoke forth a torrent of words.

"It is an offer I can't refuse.  I have 50,000 deaths, maybe billions
more on my head, but if what you're saying is true then I don't control
my own destiny.  It's all controlled by the Dark One.  I either choose
to serve him, or to serve him."  With great bitterness did Phil laugh
and also with madness beyond that of saidin.  "I just take my pick.
Well...since there is no order to the universe as I see it, that is, we
are all just pawns to some omnipotent being off in some far corner of
the universe, and that there is no free will, or at least the only free
will is use or be used, I guess I'm going to have to be a raving lunatic
then.  But, hey, at least it will be fun.  Sure a few people will be
killed.  But it will be one great show.  And in the meantime, I'll
enjoy spectaular views from flying carpets, deserts, atomic bombs.
Imagine: how many people have seen atomic bombs and lived to tell
about it?  What an experience!  Personally I think that they should be
green, maybe a nice shade of blue, but anyway, it will be interesting."

And then Phil smiled unto Ishmael.  "No.  I decline.  But thanks for
the view."

But Ishmael smiled all the wider.  "After a monologue like that, I think
you can no longer deceive yourself into believing that you are anything
like the person you once believed yourself to be.  I don't need your
oath anymore, Phil.  I'll accept it, of course, and even give you what
I promised, but I don't need it.  Should you want me, pray to me, and I
will be your salvation.  I will send you back now."

And Phil just stared, and even madness left him.  "You win.  I'll take
you up on your offer."

"Kneel to me, Phil."

"You said that you would spare my friends.  To what extent does that
promise go?"

In a gentle voice did Ishmael answer, "I will not kill them, and will
prevent you from doing so, accidentally.  And if they die, I will bring
them back to you."

Then did kneel and abase himself before Ishmael.  And Ishmael bade
Phil to repeat his words.

With solemn dignity did Ishmael begin.  "The Great Lord of the Dark
is my Master," he intoned, and waited for Phil to follow.

For a long moment did Phil hesitate, yet did he force forth the
words from within.  "The Great Lord of the Dark is my Master..."

But Phil did think unto himself to lie whilst uttering these
foul words, to speak falsely in speaking this oath.  And Ishmael
seemed not to notice his perfidy, but did continue, "and most heartily
do I serve him..."

But then a terrible thought came unto Phil, that perhaps a false
oath made unto the Dark One, unto the Father of Lies, might in some
way be worse than such an oath made truly, for never before had he
sworn falsely, yet did he slowly repeat the next phrase, with more
difficulty than before.

Still did Ishmael continue, "to the last shred of my very soul..."

Then did Phil rise from where he knelt before Ishmael.  "I cannot
tell a lie.  Even now."

"You only thought you were lying."

"I suppose in a way I wish I could serve you, but I can't."

Ishmael smiled.  "You already do."

Then did Phil sigh, bereft of hope.  "Maybe I am serving you.  But us
mortal minds at least have to have the pathetic delusion that we are
doing what is right.  The answer is no.  Please, stop asking.  I will
call you if I change my mind."  And Phil shook his head in abject
sadness.

But Ishmael smiled all the wider, his aspect pleased.  "Like I said, I
no longer need your oath.  Take care."

And Phil was with Ishmael no longer.

And so it was that all amongst that company halted even as Phil
spilled forth his previous meal upon the ground, and even as
a hot wind hurled them away and to the ground, even as a great
sheet of flame arose like a great wave and coursed across the land,
more than twenty score paces across.  Great was the swath of
destruction left in the wake of those terrible flames, yet was
the forest suffused with water.  The nearby trees did smoulder,
yet the forest would not catch.

And so it was after a few moments, after the wave of Fire had
left for other places, that the company rose unto their feet,
and stared outward at a great expanse of burnt forest, charred
and desolate, a wide avenue of devastation extending into the
mists.  For a moment did the mists part, yet did the devastation
extend beyond what the eye could see.  And Phil lay upon the
ground in a deep sleep from which he could not be awakened.

But no longer could Telas discern the presence of the Dark One's
foul minions, save for a foul residue.  And so it was that
a device was constructed to bear Phil's recumbent form, even as
the thoughts of all this company turned again toward Manetheren.