Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Min secretly reenters the White Tower, foresees Aes Sedai deaths, and informs Amyrlin Siuan of Rand’s move toward Tear and Callandor. Siuan compels Min to stay disguised to watch for the Black Ajah. Meanwhile, Elaida maneuvers against Siuan, Whitecloaks march into the Two Rivers under Ordeith, and Seanchan High Lady Suroth consolidates power and schemes about the Dragon.
Summary
A wind over Dragonmount leads to Tar Valon, where Min arrives in disguise, dreading the Tower. Inside, she sees ominous visions around several Aes Sedai and Warders—clear signs of multiple deaths soon. She claims her right to see the Amyrlin and, guided by novice Sahra, encounters Gawyn, learning Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve have vanished again. Min also foresees Gawyn bloodied and burdened by sword and banner.
Min reaches Amyrlin Siuan Sanche and reports her viewings: Aes Sedai and Warders will die, danger pervades the Tower, and she glimpsed a Seanchan collar and chains. Siuan concludes the Black Ajah is the immediate threat. Min relays Moiraine’s message that Rand left for Tear to take Callandor on his own. Siuan laments losing control but insists guiding Rand is vital to save the world.
Pressed about her feelings, Min admits she is fated to love Rand. Siuan, needing trustworthy eyes, orders Min to remain in the Tower disguised as “Elmindreda,” fully remade by Leane, to quietly aid the hunt for the Black Ajah. Siuan plans to silence gossip by spinning a tale of sanctuary from suitors.
Outside the study, Elaida observes Min’s arrival and, joining clues—ta’veren from Emond’s Field, Moiraine’s ties to Siuan, Elayne’s disappearance—concludes Siuan is endangering the Tower. She recruits Alviarin’s interest to move against the Amyrlin.
Elsewhere, Dain Bornhald leads Whitecloaks across the Taren Ferry into the Two Rivers, driven by vengeance and forced to “cooperate” with the unstable Ordeith, who abuses Tinkers and raves about Perrin. Far away on Cantorin, High Lady Suroth consolidates Seanchan forces, uses damane for control, interrogates a captured ex–Aes Sedai about the Dragon, and schemes how to handle him as she prepares for the Return.
Who Appears
- Min (Elmindreda)Returns to the Tower in disguise, has dire viewings, warns Siuan, and is compelled to stay disguised to watch for the Black Ajah.
- Siuan SancheAmyrlin Seat; hears Min’s warnings, learns Rand headed for Tear, and drafts Min into a covert hunt for the Black Ajah.
- Gawyn TrakandFurious over Elayne and Egwene’s disappearance; Min foresees him bloodied with sword and banner, urged to be cautious.
- Leane SharifKeeper of the Chronicles; recognizes Min, aids Siuan’s plan to refashion her as Elmindreda.
- Elaida do Avriny a’RoihanRed Ajah; suspects Siuan’s secret dealings with ta’veren, recruits Alviarin to move against the Amyrlin.
- SahraNovice who escorts Min; likely to be sent away to curb gossip.
- Dain BornhaldWhitecloak commander; crosses into the Two Rivers, resents but cooperates with Ordeith, seeks vengeance involving Perrin.
- OrdeithSinister advisor to the Whitecloaks; cruel with Tinkers, unstable, fixated on drawing Perrin to him.
- Jaret ByarWhitecloak officer; executes Bornhald’s orders securing Taren Ferry and advancing south.
- FarranWhitecloak hundredman; enforces control over Tinkers and prepares the crossing.
- High Lady SurothSeanchan commander on Cantorin; consolidates forces, interrogates a damane, schemes about controlling or claiming the Dragon.
- PuraCollared ex–Aes Sedai damane; interrogated by Suroth about the Dragon and the Tower.
- AlwhinSul’dam elevated to so’jhin; serves as Suroth’s Voice, resented but indispensable.
- TaisaSul’dam controlling Pura during Suroth’s interrogation; metes out punishment via the a’dam.