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| Setting: The White Tower in Tar Valon |
Summary[]
Point of view: Egwene al'Vere
Egwene continues her efforts to unite the Aes Sedai. She wonders where Gawyn is, but then puts the thought aside. She is given several lessons from sisters in the application of logic. She visits the quarters of Bennae Nalsad, who asks Egwene's advice in dealing with a hypothetical problem in which a Sister is under scrutiny from one's own Ajah. Egwene quickly realizes this is due to Bennae having asked questions regarding the Thirteenth Depository. She provides an apt solution to the problem, and in the process calls Bennae Nalsad by her name without getting punished. She also meets with Nagora and Suana Dragand, who is a Sitter. Egwene addresses Suana by name and is not admonished for it. Suana even suggests that Egwene should join the Yellow Ajah once she is made Aes Sedai. When Egwene says the Amyrlin is of no Ajah, Suana simply agrees and says she is always raised from an Ajah. Egwene sees this as Suana accepting her legitimacy as an Aes Sedai and encourages Suana, as a Sitter, to try to ease tensions between the Ajahs by eating with others or just being seen together. Suana then dismisses her but, like Bennae, does not prescribe any punishment for addressing her by name.
Amazed at her success, she continues to her meeting with Meidani, and quickly wins her over. It is apparent that something is preventing Meidani from telling Egwene why she hasn't fled the Tower, being part of the Rebel faction. It appears that somehow her oaths are preventing her from speaking. Egwene then asks why Meidani has dinner with Elaida so often and she explains that she was pillow friends with her as a novice and the "others" decided to use that information to keep her near. Egwene circumvents Meidani's oath by ordering her to show her why she's remained in the Tower. She quickly teaches Traveling to Meidani after extracting a promise not to teach anyone else. Though Egwene is too weak to actually create the Gateway because of the forkroot she is forced to drink, Meidani is strong enough and re-creates the weave to take them both to the basements of the White Tower. Once there, they arrive in a room wherein Seaine, Doesine, Yukiri, and Saerin are meeting; they are shocked to see Egwene and angry with Meidani. The sisters begin speaking among themselves and admonishing Meidani, but Egwene realizes they forced her to take a fourth oath to obey them. It is soon revealed that they are hunting the Black Ajah. They are naturally reluctant to speak to Egwene, but are soon won over, at least partially, admitting that Elaida is not a legitimate Amyrlin, having been raised with the help of Black sisters. Egwene urges their help in uniting the tower, telling them the best thing they can do is merely to be seen talking to sisters of other Ajahs. Meidani admits, once they leave, that Egwene truly is the Amyrlin Seat.
Characters[]
- Egwene al'Vere
- Meidani
- Bennae Nalsad
- Nagora
- Suana Dragand
- Adsalan
- Seaine Herimon
- Doesine Alwain
- Yukiri
- Saerin Asnobar
Referenced[]
- Elaida a'Roihan
- Siuan Sanche
- Rand al'Thor
- Gawyn Trakand
- Halima
- Artur Hawkwing
- Silviana Brehon
- Nynaeve al'Meara
Places[]
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