Towers of Midnight/Chapter 39

Book Index
0 I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV
Chapters
Distinctions 1 Apples First 2 Questions of Leadership 3 The Amyrlin's Anger 4 The Pattern Groans 5 Writings 6 Questioning Intentions 7 Lighter than a Feather 8 The Seven-Striped Lass 9 Blood in the Air 10 After the Taint 11 An Unexpected Letter 12 An Empty Ink Bottle 13 For What Has Been Wrought 14 A Vow 15 Use a Pebble 16 Shanna'har 17 Partings, and a Meeting 18 The Strength of This Place 19 Talk of Dragons 20 A Choice 21 An Open Gate 22 The End of a Legend 23 Foxheads 24 To Make a Stand 25 Return to Bandar Eban 26 Parley 27 A Call to Stand 28 Oddities 29 A Terrible Feeling 30 Men Dream Here 31 Into the Void 32 A Storm of Light 33 A Good Soup 34 Judgment 35 The Right Thing 36 An Invitation 37 Darkness in the Tower 38 Wounds 39 In the Three-fold Land 40 A Making 41 An Unexpected Ally 42 Stronger than Blood 43 Some Tea 44 A Backhanded Request 45 A Reunion 46 Working Leather 47 A Teaching Chamber 48 Near Avendesora 49 Court of the Sun 50 Choosing Enemies 51 A Testing 52 Boots 53 Gateways 54 The Light of the World 55 The One Left Behind 56 Something Wrong 57 A Rabbit for Supper And After

<<<   In the Three-fold Land    >>>

Setting: Aiel Waste

Summary

Point of view: Aviendha

Aviendha arrives in the Aiel Waste. Rather than Traveling straight to Rhuidean, she runs much of the way. She appreciates the familiarity and constancy of the dust, sweat, sun, and even dangers of the Three-fold Land. As she sets up camp and settles in for dinner, she reflects upon Aviendha the Maiden becoming Aviendha the Wise One and her new role helping lead her people through their most trying time. She is caught off guard by a woman in Aiel garb suddenly appearing near her camp, almost without a sound. The middle-aged woman asks to join her and introduces herself as Nakomi.

As they share water and food, Nakomi asks about the Car'a'carn and the wetlands. Aviendha believes the wetlands are very dangerous because it makes the Aiel weak and soft. But Nakomi says the wetlands are part of the destiny of the Aiel. In a way, the Three-fold Land was named because of the 3 things it did to the Aiel. It punished them. It tested their courage. It forged them into a strong people before returning to the wetlands. Aviendha asks from what sept Nakomi comes from and where she is traveling. But, Nakomi evades by saying she is far from her roof and that she cannot give this truth. Instead she turns the topic to wondering about the Aiel's great toh for breaking their ancient oath to follow the pacifist Way of the Leaf. Aviendha replies that the Aiel will meet their toh by fighting in the Last Battle of course. Nakomi wonders if the Three-fold Land is the Aiel punishment, then what is the point returning after meeting their toh. Aviendha has no answer.

Meanwhile, curious events continue to occur. The fire seems stronger, dinner is ready faster, and the meal is uncommonly delicious. Nakomi excuses herself to go to the toilet. Aviendha worries about the Aiel after the Last Battle. What will be their purpose? After too long a time, she realizes Nakomi has disappeared without a trace. Aviendha falls into a troubled sleep.

Characters

• Aviendha
• Nakomi

Referenced

• Elayne Trakand
• Rand al'Thor

Places

• Aiel Waste

Referenced

• Rhuidean