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| <<< An Unexpected Letter >>> |
| Setting: Royal Palace of Andor in Caemlyn |
Summary[]
- Point of view: Elayne Trakand
Elayne Trakand is nonplussed at the letter she has received from Ellorien Traemane, in which Ellorien demands that Elayne release prisoners into Ellorien's care. The prisoners are high seats of Andoran houses who cannot afford to pay their ransoms after squandering their respective assets opposing Elayne in the succession of Andor.
Dyelin Taravin mentions that the Windfinders are asking for their Andoran land Elayne promised them. Elayne dodges the question, instead deciding to focus on uniting the Andoran nobility behind her. She intends to seize Cairhienin and the Sun throne, suggesting that would unite the Andoran nobility either through intimidation or redirecting their attention. Dyelin and Birgitte Silverbow both disaprove of this plan. They suggest that it is too soon to attempt the seizure of another throne. Though Elayne's claim to the Sun throne is legitimate, Dyelin argues that seizing the throne might be perceived as Rand handing it to her, and worries that Elayne may overextend herself. Though she considers Dyelin's advice useful, she has already decided the Sun throne will be hers.
Halwin Norry knocks at the door, arriving with interesting updates. First, Samwil Hark has tracked down where Duhara Basaheen has been staying in Andor. Elayne has thus far refused to accept Duhara as her Aes Sedai advisor, as she was sent by Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan. Norry had her watched, in case she was a member of the Black Ajah. In addition, Norry highlights that Duhara likely had a hand in Ellorien's letter, as they have been meeting "secretly", and with increased frequency. He suggests that Duhara may be attempting to ingratiate herself to some of the Andoran nobility, to save face with Elaida. After pointed questions about Duhara's arrivals at the meetings, Elayne gently tells Norry that the meetings were actually quite blatant. Thus, she reasons that Duhara is likely meeting with Elayne's enemy on purpose and almost publicly to announce her displeasure at her rejection by Elayne.
Norry's next order of business is the mercenary bands that have been drawn to Andor. Elayne cannot afford to pay them all, so she has set them up just outside the castle walls with the promise that she will "eventually" meet with them. Elayne intends to draw them into her armies for Tarmon Gai'don and after (if Rand won't survive). As a woman, she is terrified by these thoughts, though she is foremost a queen and must thus be hard. Norry passes her over a more personal letter from one of the mercenary captains. It is from Matrim Cauthon, asking to meet with her, reminding her that he saved her pretty little backside in Tear. He is also asking for all her bellfounders. Elayne asks Norry to set up a meeting with her and Mat. Elayne plans to use Mat's Band, due to a number being native to Cairhien. She is determined to unite the two nations, due to the possible effects of Rand falling during the Last Battle. She then wishes to set up a meeting with Sumeko Karistovan and Alise Tenjile about the future of the Kin.
Characters[]
Referenced[]
- Ellorien Traemane
- Melfane Dawlish midwife
- Jarid Sarand
- Rand al'Thor
- Colavaere Saighan
- Artur Hawkwing
- Duhara Basaheen
- Samwil Hark
- Elaida a'Roihan
- Egwene al'Vere
- Thom Merrilin
- Mat Cauthon
- Olver
- Darlin Sisnera
- Sumeko Karistovan
- Alise Tenjile
Places[]
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