A summons (Attn: Durent Asha'man)

[Jack]

Jerid Walker Asha'man Jerid stared across the meadow and forest beyond the walls of the Tower battlements. The sun had just risen, the cold autumn air nipping around him.

The First Seeker was oblivious to the elements. While part of him still longed for the warmth of Ebou Dar, the Indigo had become accustomed to the cooler climate over the course of more than a century.

He had risen early, enough to tell Lysira he would be at the battlements. His Warder and wife lingered not far but he had requested privacy in this moment. Two highly trained Sa'Ji'dar were stationed near by, as well as four veteran Tower Guard sergeants.

Jerid had been very specific in his orders.

Just as his request had been for a very senior Green Asha'man. There were certain motions at work within the Hall, as of yet until still in their latent stages.

The Indigo wasn't among the most senior of Asha'man; most were at least a century since they were raised. Jerid had only been that when he earned the Cord.

The man he summoned was older, if not by much.

His letter had read simply: Durent Asha'man, you are summoned by your Brother, Jerid Walker Asha'man, to the battlements shortly after dawn, on matters relating to the Hall.

Of course, Durent could ignore the call from an Ajah head, he certainly had the right if it didn't come from the Green. And he was much stronger than Jerid, as well as older. Both men were veteran soldiers, heroes of the Battle of Lights, both once part of the Sovin Tar mission to rescue the Seven.

And Jerid had been his Keeper. The man had a knack for slipping away, much to Jerid's annoyance. Perhaps it was his penance, for slipping away from his own Warder from time to time.

At this moment, he needed to know the man Durent had become. In a time when the Shadow seeped into every corner, Jerid needed to know whom he could trust. At this point, it was limited to very few, including one who defied death itself.

Times changed, and so too did the Indigo. Lys was nearby, and he was surrounded by some of the Tower's finest. Jerid was a soldier, since the day the Seanchan invaded Ebou Dar, and he prepared. Two long knives were at his hips, ready to be unleashed.

He was aware of everything.

Jerid turned slightly, not so much hearing but feeling the approach of someone. It was the rustle of the Tower guard cloaks, the shift in their footsteps.

His gold-green eyes glanced at the Asha'man entering his range.

"Good morning, Brother," Jerid said casually. "How fares your day?"