NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Weaving Shadows
In the stillness of a moonlit grove, Mordeth's eyes fell upon the abandoned child. The infant, left to the mercy of the night, cried with a ferocity that spoke of his lineage. Mordeth approached, his curiosity piqued by the sense of power that seemed to emanate from the child's very essence. As he lifted Naravoss into his arms, the cries ceased, as if recognizing the presence of a kindred spirit.
"Mordeth," he whispered to himself, "what have you found here?"
The years passed, and Naravoss grew under Mordeth's watchful eye. His training began with simple lessons in controlling his inner fire, touching Saidin, the male half of the One Power. Mordeth taught him the flows of Air and Fire first, the building blocks of many powerful weaves.
"Concentration, Naravoss," Mordeth instructed during a particularly difficult session. "Visualize the weave, feel its energy converge at your fingertips."
Naravoss, his brow furrowed in concentration, extended his hand, his mind racing through the patterns Mordeth had taught him. With a flick of his wrist, a spark ignited, then roared into a blaze. The fire danced between his fingers, controlled and powerful.
"Excellent," Mordeth praised, though his voice betrayed no warmth. "You will need such control if you are to confront the Dragon."
As Naravoss's mastery grew, so did the complexity of the weaves he learned. Mordeth introduced him to the weaves of Compulsion, a delicate and dangerous skill that could bend others' wills subtly to their own.
"The mind is as malleable as clay, my student," Mordeth explained. "But wield this power wisely, for it can just as easily shatter."
Each lesson was a building block towards a greater end. Mordeth was sculpting Naravoss not just into a channeler, but into a weapon. A weapon aimed at the heart of Lews Therin Telamon.
The final lesson before their grand plan was set into motion was the most dangerous. Naravoss was to channel a complex series of weaves simultaneously, a test of endurance, skill, and will.
"You are ready," Mordeth declared once Naravoss completed the weave without error. "The time will soon come for us to step out of the shadows."
Naravoss stood tall, his eyes alight with the fires of Saidin. He felt no fear, only the burning purpose that Mordeth had instilled in him. Together, they would change the course of the world.