Shadow Awaits - Part 1

[Nynaeve]

 

Argath Yaldin sat in his office, his long pale fingers tapping impatiently on his refined wooden desk. The day was filled with the stench of mediocrity and wastefulness; ever so displeasing. A filled tea cup was situated to his left, untouched and probably unfit to be consumed at that point. Lost beyond saving, as so many people seemed to be nowadays. Infecting themselves and anyone that surrounded them.Such a shame. Argath picked up the cup and walked to the window, his mouth twisted in distaste at the sight of sparring trainees and the observing instructors. With the tilt of his wrist he emptied the content of the cup outside and turned away, placing the cup back on the tray.

 

A tiny knock on the door made Argath's thin lips curl into a small smile. It was too faint to be called a knock, in truth, but it served well at identifying his assistant. "Come in, Brile", he replied with a touch of anticipation, sitting back down. This was going to take the better time of the day and he had no intention of spending it on his feet. Argath rarely took on questioning subjects himself. Not ever since he got appointed to High Inquisitor. He had bigger fish to fry. Literally. But this person required his undivided attention, due to his claim of having information on spies within the fortress. A matter that always occupied a fragment of Argath's mind and that had to be handled as discreetly as possible.

 

Argath's brow wrinkled as Brile walked in unaccompanied. His assistant bowed, a frown decorating his face. A normal occurrence. Brile always seemed displeased with the world. "Where is he?!", Argath asked with an irritated tone, his hands closing down to a fist. Brile bowed again. "My deepest apologies, Master. I'm afraid I bear grim news." Argath matched Brile's frown with one of his own. "The prisoner has been cleansed of his sins. He's no longer with us." Argath got up from his chair and started pacing back and forth, his mind working, thoughts colliding into each other, creating thousands of scenarios. Brile went on casually. "He had help in leaving this world, though." Those words snapped Argath back into reality. "Name him!", he demanded, his tone more forceful than he intended. "Halent Roglans, Master. The Lord Capitan Commander."

 

Argath felt dazed. He gripped the back of his chair tightly, digging his fingernails into the wood. He couldn't believe the travesty that was unfolding. "It would seem that the Lord Capitan Commander was attempting to question the prisoner. And his enthusiasm got the better of him." Argath ignored Brile. For all him being an excellent assistant, sometimes he didn't know when to keep his mouth sealed shut. He took a deep breath and with that he exited his study, making his way to Halent's office. He would be displeased to find him there, of course. Halent appreciated appointments and schedules. But he was going to meet with Argath, whether he cared to or not.

 

Argath walked briskly, getting closer to his destination. He still couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening. Questioning had always been the Hand's responsibility. Never had there been interference in that respect. Quite a few within the Children quirked their eyebrow regarding their methods of extracting information but none could argue with the efficiency of their ways. Nor claim to be able to do a better job. Why would Halent ever interfere in such a crucial questioning was beyond him. Was he really that eager or was he trying to cover up for something. Or someone.

 

The High Inquisitor stopped in his tracks as he heard Halent's muffled voice from afar. It sounded as if he was shouting at someone. Peering from around the corner to the hall leading to his door, Argath waited as the shouts continued. He couldn't make out any words though, the distance and the door being closed shut made sure of that. Suddenly, the shouts stopped. The silence seemed to stretch for a long moment but just before Argath decided to wait no more, the door slammed open and a man walked out. He wasn't a child of the Light, that much Argath could tell. He was wearing unwashed clothes and his whole appearance seemed dirty. His presence in the Fortress made no sense, but then again, the High Inquisitor wasn’t familiar with Halent's business, nor did he care to, as long as he kept out of his.

 

Halent suddenly appeared at his office doorway, but his visitor paid no mind to him ordering him back. Instead, he kept walking away, until he suddenly fell back awkwardly. Argath blinked and eyed the man as he sat up, his left cheek red with the slightest promise of a bruise to come. None of it made sense. The man fell backwards, yet his face was injured. And there was nothing in the hall he could have tripped over. All signs seemed to indicate him smashing into something. But what? Before Argath could decide how to proceed, Halent helped the man up and ushered him back into his office, the door closing behind them. The High Inquisitor leaned back against the wall, unsure what to think, reciting a short warding prayer.

 

 

Argath Yaldin

The High Inquisitor

[Juan Hangslow]

The corridor echoed to the sound of his heels clicking on the marble floor as Halent Roglans, Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light, made his way, determinedly, back to his office. The pitiful excuse for a towel in his hands was stained red from his attempt at trying to clean the blood from his hands. It wasn't to hide what he had done. His blood stained tabard, emblazoned with the golden sunburst, was evidence enough of the grizzly deed which he had completed only minutes before.

 

The whole episode had left a sour taste in his mouth. Not the fact that man he was questioning had died, nor was it the fact that Halent had been forced into excessive measures trying to extricate the truth, for that was one of the perks of his position. No, because for once Halent had been trying to conceal the truth. His only worry now was that his apparent loss of control could cast doubts regarding his temperament. A Lord Captain Commander did not lose control in such a way. Least ways not in public.

 

To make matters worse, that simpering fool Brile will waste no time in scurrying back to his bloody leash-holder, Yaldin. But Yaldin will be dealt with in due time. Halent smiled darkly to himself as he arrived at his office and thrust open the door. His entry was so abrupt that Tylar, his secretary bolted upright, wide eyed, before standing and saluting with his fist to his chest. "My Lord. I trust every thing is well?" this only earned him a stony glare from Halent. Bowing his head and, noticing the blood on his hands and tabard and sensing his master was not in the best of moods, Tylar continued. His voice faltered showing signs of his trepidation as he had faced the wrath of Halent several times. "M-my Lord, you have a visitor. He was most... Insistent that he should see you. He said he 'Bears a message from a mutual friend in Illian'. He is waiting inside."

 

The Lord Captain Commander Glared at Tylar. He demanded privacy at all times, unless otherwise prearranged, or for his Special Contacts. Luckily for his secretary, this was the latter. "At ease, Tylar. Prepare me a clean tabard. I expect a summons to will arrive soon from the High Inquisitor himself." With that he turned and entered his office.

 

The room was bereft of all personal effects. Halent was not one for sentimental attachments, nor for ornamentation. To call it utilitarian would be an understatement. Halent stood with the blood-stained towel clasped in a white knuckled fist as he saw his 'visitor' standing at his desk, a sheet of paper in his hand. "That is of no interest to you." The man turned and was seemingly unconcerned by the blood on Halent. The man was unkempt and swarthy-looking, most definitely not the type of person one would expect to have a private audience with the Lord Captain Commander of the Children of the Light. Nor indeed any self-respecting person. "I beg to differ My Lord, it has everything to do with me considering this document incriminates my good friend and business partner. Since we both share a certain contact, I feel it would be most unwise for you to follow up on any interrogation of him, lest he or I were to divulge information of a sensitive nature regarding your good self." He paused with a smug, self satisfied smile on his face.

 

"I would hate for your position to become... compromised, or even untenable, should this information fall into the wrong hands." Halent, his anger almost at boiling point, was about to bear down on this impudent fool and kill him where he stood, when the other man raised a hand to forestall him. He forced down the urge to tear out his heart and decided to see exactly what made this oaf so confident. That this man was well connected was in no doubt, otherwise he would not be so brazen as to assume he could make demands of Halent on his own grounds. "Well, you have me intrigued," Halent said in a cold level voice "Please go on and enlighten me as to why I should release a man who has admitted being linked with a Darkfriend."

 

The other man just smiled and said "Because I know you to be a Darkfriend. Also, if I do not return, with my partner, to the Inn we are staying in by dawn... Well, let us just say that there are people there with less patience than myself. They will make sure you will pay, no matter who you are." with that, he replaced the sheet of paper he still held and walked out of Halents office. Halent stood for a moment, gathering his thoughts. A dark smile spread across his face. He thinks I am a mere Darkfriend, that he has a higher standing in his service to the Great Lord? Oh, I think I will enjoy disabusing the disillusioned fool of that notion. He turned and hastened after the departing man.

 

As he walked, he opened himself up and felt the glorious wave of ecstasy as was filled with Saidin, to him even the Taint could not mar the feeling as he was filled with the power. He walked past Tylar who was just about to proffer the clean tabard and strode out into the corridor. The other man was only a few paces away as Halent called to him "Stop where you are or I will stop you myself." The man only half turned, enough for Halent to see the smile on his face. His rage would be contained no longer. Weaving a bar of Air, at chest height and in front of the other man, he slowly drew it back towards himself. His anger betrayed him as he was somewhat more forceful and took the other man clean off his feet.

 

He walked over and drew the, would be blackmailler, to his feet. He was shaken and dazed as he was led back to Halents office. Halent paused as he drew level with Tylars desk "You know where the man who was put to the Question was staying?" Tylar nodded. "Good. It has come to my attention that there are more Darkfriends staying there. This man will be providing descriptions of each and every one. Coupled with the signed statement I received from the Questioning earlier is sufficient to warrant the execution of every one of them." He took the clean tabard and, pushing the still-dazed man ahead, he entered his office and shut the door firmly behind him.

 

Halent pulled a chair over with a flow of Air and forced the man to sit before binding him, once more with a flow of Air. The face of the seated man was ashen, his eyes wide in horror "You... You can..." he stuttered "Channel?" Halent finished his sentence for him "Of course I can Channel. I would advise you to be more careful and to make sure just who it is you threaten in future. Your friend has also learned his mistake as it is his blood you see on me. Now, I need names, descriptions, and the room of each man you were staying with... If indeed there were any." At that a ball of fire appeared in front of the terrified man in the chair.

 

Halent paused, cocking his head to one side as he heard voices in the adjoining room, one was Tylar the other... He wasn't so sure. There came a tentative knock, and Halent spoke with quiet menace "You say one word and I will kill you, and you will wish for death long before it comes, am I understood?" as that was met with a nod, the weaves were released and Halent called out "Enter!" Tylar opened the door before making the one announcement that Halent had looked for least of all.

 

"My Lord, The High Inquisitor, Argath Yaldin, is here to see you"

 

 

Halent Roglans

CotL LCC

[Nynaeve]

"My Lord, The High Inquisitor, Argath Yaldin, is here to see you"

 

Argath barged in, lacking the patience to await a proper admission. The situation allowed no more delay and the High Inquisitor wanted answers right away. He tried not to stare as he noticed blood stains decorating Halent's uniforms. Not that he doubted Brile's report, but it appeared that Halent's lack of judgment was more severe than he had thought. An accidental action or an exaggerated extraction wouldn't have resulted in his uniforms looking that way. Something was amiss. There were no missing puzzle pieces, but some of them felt awkwardly out of place.

 

Surveying the room, Argath's eyes fell on the man he saw trying to exit the study earlier. He was sitting so still and so quietly that had he not looked straight at the man, he wouldn't have noticed his presence. The man's mouth seemed to be working, trying to produce words, but none seemed to form. His earlier defiant expression was no more and the one he currently had could only be described as pure terror. What in the light was going on? Any added detail seemed to make matters even more obscure.

 

Argath cut off Halent as he opened his mouth to speak. He didn't care to hear any excuses or half truths. Not until he could say what he intended to. "It is astounding to realize how every strand in the pattern has a purpose to serve, wouldn't you agree, old friend?. Small as it may seem, its presence is crucial and therefore cannot be dismissed. It cannot be denied. Any disturbance will collapse the basis of the pattern. The basis of our world. Creating unbalance." Argath spared the man on the chair one last glance before ignoring his presence completely. "I like the concept of purposes. It simplifies matters. Makes the path clear and keeps the fog away. It keeps men from wandering in directions they shouldn't. Purposes save lives." The High Inquisitor gave Halent a disgusted look.

 

"The Hand's purpose has always been to do all and beyond to find the truth. For centuries we've been trained to extract it. That is our duty, that is our legacy, that is our gift. Anyone that tries to snatch it away, for whatever reason, is culpable. In these uneasy days one must be wary and learn to distinguish erratic behavior. And I have to say that your conduct as of late has attracted considerable attention. The prisoner and now this individual. Now I don't know what drove you to meddle in my business, Halent, but unless you want to be put to the question I suggest you be very concise in explaining what you've been doing as of late."

 

 

 

Argath Yaldin

High Inquisitor

[Juan Hangslow]

As the High Inquisitor, unceremoniously, barged his way into his office Halent felt his anger rise, as well as his contempt for the man. To keep it in check, Halent took a deep breath and employed the technique known as the Flame and the Void. A method that he had been shown as a way to embrace Saidin by a man long dead... Dead at Halents own hand. The benefit was that he was all but bereft of emotion, but the drawback was that the temptation to obliterate the obnoxious, belligerent Light-Blinded fool standing before him, was almost too much to bear.

 

One thing, of many, that irritated Halent about Argath Yaldin was his penchant for preaching to others. True, it was his passion that drew Halent and convinced him to follow the Light... Albeit as a way to gain a true position of power. But as Halent had climbed up through the ranks, rather too quickly it had been said, Argath had started to become... Wary of Halent, thus the two never saw eye to eye. The fact that the Inquisitors often held themselves aloof from the rest of the Children was but one factor.

 

The High Inquisitors words washed over Halent, only half aware of the mans pretentious rambling as boredom threatened to overwhelm him. That was... until Argath uttered the words "...unless you want to be put to the question I suggest you be very concise in explaining what you've been doing as of late."

 

So, you show your hand at last. You have wanted this for quite some time I'll wager. I would not be surprised if that is the thought that sends you off to sleep at night. That will happen the day I marry the Amyrlin Seat. I could tear you apart right now before you even knew what was happen... Halent reigned in his thoughts, pleasurable as they were, he needed to convince this man of his own innocence. Had he not assumed the Void he may have laughed at the thought. Innocent was not a word associated with Halent since he was a lad of fifteen.

 

"High Inquisitor, may I call you Argath, as one friend to another?" that brought a satisfyingly affronted look to the face of the High Inquisitor, who nodded reluctantly. The corner of Halents mouth twitched, almost becoming a smile of satisfaction. "Argath, as you are aware, there was a man whom I personally put to the Question. While I am aware that the Inquisitors claim the right to extract information, and confessions, from suspected Darkfriends, I was on hand to carry out the questioning without the need to wait for assistance. As you know yourself, I even trained to become an Inquisitor before I was asked to be Lord Captain Commander. Therefore I am more than capable, if not more so than some within your ranks."

 

Yes, let us see how that barb stings Argath Halent continued "I also know that this man was with others, who have yet to be detained. This fact alone was enough to warrant some sense of urgency. There was no time for further delay, lest his accomplices disappear into the shadows only to be allowed to spread their filth amongst those who walk in the Light!" Halent was rather pleased at his pretense of an impassioned devotee. Unfortunately Argath was as easy to read as a stone

 

"Now, in my defense, I admit to a modicum of over zealousness in my line of questioning. But I have always found that when a man has become somewhat more intimate with a cleaver than he would prefer, and finding he is a finger tip or two shorter that when he woke, then the answers we seek flow much faster. My only fault however was in underestimating the mans tolerance to pain." Halent gave a disappointed shrug, which was actually genuine.

 

"I did, however, glean some vital information and a signed confession, which was the point after all was it not? Regardless of who extracted the truth, be it the Hand or the Children we both strive for the truth under the Light!" Halent paused and walked over to his desk which held a decanter of the finest Brandy, which was his one true pleasure. He offered the other man a drink, which was declined before pouring himself a drink, and using the opportunity to cast a warning glare at the man still trembling visibly in the chair.

 

Halent drained his glass in one long slow swallow, savoring the taste and the burning sensation as it flowed down his throat. He replaced his glass with a satisfied sigh, using the few moments to mentally arrange the remainder of his story.

 

"After the success of the Questioning, I returned to my office and was met with this... Visitor demanding the release of his friend. What he thought to achieve I can not even begin to speculate. But I was intrigued, and my curiosity led me to allow him to plead his case which, of course, is a total fabrication concocted from the mind of one who has long walked under the Shadow. I was about to allow him to leave so that we could follow him to this lair of Darkfriends. However, I feared that may give them prior warning as to what has become of their accomplice. So I decided that detaining him, then apprehending the rest of them, using evidence provided my this man would offer the better solution."

 

Halent spread his hands as one who has been misjudged "So, you see, Argath there was nothing untoward in my actions lest it be that of the pursuit of truth in the name of the Light. Now, excuse me while I change my tabard as I can almost feel the touch of the Dark one himself emanating from this blood."

 

Halent turned and removed his soiled tabard and donned the fresh one Either believe it or let it drop old man or you will force my hand earlier than I planned

 

Halent Roglans

CotL LCC

[Nynaeve]

Argath's lip curled up into a sneer as Halent spoke of his training as questioner. The man was as fit to be a questioner as he was to be a gleeman. And if he had half a decent singing voice than even that comparison fell short. He lacked the discipline, drive and thirst for such a trade. It was a trade, in a way. Not everyone was equipped to do such a fine delicate task. Few could even understand the refinement that torture techniques required, not to mention the focus and state of being one had to assume. It was an overpowering sensation. The spirituality that enveloped you when you did the Creator's work was overwhelming at times, but ever so rewarding.

 

"...Therefore I am more than capable, if not more so than some within your ranks." Argath gave him a flat stare. If you were indeed more capable than most of the questioners, the Darkfriend would be alive until his full informational potential had been exhausted. Basic interrogation fact, halfwit. With every word Halent spoke, the more Argath was convinced that he overestimated the Lord Captain Commander. Not only was he a deluded foolish of a man, he also lacked the basic tact any sensible man possessed from birth. No matter. Something smelled foul and Argath was not going to back down until he found out just what Halent had been up to. Argath remained silent, letting Halent speak to his heart's content, his words washing over him like water on a dam.

 

Once Halent was done spewing his nonsense, Argath let the silence stretch before he spoke. "You seem to be quite informed concerning the Hand's affairs. How fortunate. And I am delighted to find you so interested and concerned regarding this specific Darkfriend. An interest you have never displayed towards the hundreds of Darkfriends we've had pass through the dungeons in the past. Quite peculiar." Argath paused purposefully, his cold blue eyes fixed on Halent.

 

"There was information to be had, that much was known but if you are searching for recognition regarding your discoveries, you will find none originating from me. There is one truth you have spoken that weighs the most, though. You chose your path, a path that did not lead you to the Hand. It is too late to backtrack. I will not allow it. You know the structure of the Children better than anyone. Knowing doesn't seem to be the problem, though. Following, on the other hand..." Argath left the sentence unfinished.

 

He took a few steps towards Halent and leaned in to whisper in his ear."You worry about knowing which end of the sword to hold. Let me worry about what questions to ask." With that, Argath turned and walked to the door. He opened it and then turned around. "Two of my men will be here shortly to collect this man and retrieve the signed confession you so skillfully attained. May the light shine on you, Lord Captain Commander." And with that, Argath was off.

 

 

 

Argath

High Inquisitor