The brigand leader stared out from the top of the tower, surveying the bleak lands of the Ashen forest. The area had become dead still, almost as if it was waiting for something. He shivered, for a moment. Life this close to the Blight was always a challenge and he had seen his fair share of Shadowspawn, but this...
Suddenly, he turned and called his men. "Pack your stuff. While this close to the Blight we live in relative safety from law enforcers, my gut tells me we should be clearing out. We're moving south. We can handle anyone who thinks they can bring us to justice."
He moved to his study and carefully folded the Golden Crane banner he had treasured for so long. His parents had been Malkieri, his mother had fled before the Seven Towers fell. His father likely died defending the city. This was the only keepsake he had saved all these years. Now, there were rumors Lan Mandragoran was roaming the lands with an Aes Sedai. Perhaps he could fetch a good price for this banner. But in order to do so, he would have to move closer to Tar Valon.
After weeks of moving south and south-east, they found a promising place to stay. Abandoned. Quiet. And not that far from Tar Valon.