Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
Egwene returns from Tel'aran'rhiod resolved to seek training from Amys in the Waste, while Elayne and Nynaeve commit to pursuing the Black Ajah in Tanchico. Moiraine reports the brutal murders of Joiya and Amico, confirming peril and uncertainty. A summons from Wise Ones forces Aviendha toward Rhuidean as Moiraine secures a swift Sea Folk ship.
Summary
Egwene wakes from Tel'aran'rhiod exhausted, alarming Elayne, Nynaeve, and Aviendha. She reveals meeting the Wise One Amys, who urged her to come to the Waste for training. Aviendha explains Aiel customs—sisterwives, marriage, and women proposing—sparking awkward reflections about Rand and highlighting cultural divides.
Egwene shares Amys’s warning of a great evil in Tanchico. She argues that true dreamwalking training could let her locate the Black Ajah precisely and help her friends more effectively. After debate, Egwene proposes going to Amys while Elayne and Nynaeve pursue the Tanchico lead, using the ter’angreal ring to stay in contact.
Moiraine arrives with grim news: the captive Black sisters Joiya and Amico were murdered in their cells, their tongues nailed and throats cut, implying the Shadow’s reach and silencing. The women weigh whether this confirms the Tanchico lead, punishment for failure, or a ploy to mislead, but decide to proceed.
Plans crystallize: Nynaeve and Elayne will sail for Tanchico; Egwene will go to the Waste. Aviendha offers to guard them to Tanchico, but Moiraine produces a letter—months foreseen—signed by Wise Ones Amys, Bair, Melaine, and Seana, summoning Aviendha to Chaendaer above Rhuidean. Rhuarc supports the summons, leaving Aviendha upset and cornered.
Despite Aviendha’s reluctance, Moiraine advises compliance with Rhuarc and the Wise Ones. The group divides their tasks: Egwene prepares for the Waste, while Nynaeve and Elayne ready for sea. Moiraine identifies a swift Atha’an Miere raker to speed their journey, and notes Rand will reveal his intentions tomorrow, leaving them braced for new turns.
Who Appears
- Egwene al'VereReturns from Tel'aran'rhiod; resolves to seek training from Amys in the Waste to better hunt the Black Ajah.
- Elayne TrakandSupports Egwene’s training plan; commits to traveling with Nynaeve to Tanchico; analyzes motives behind the murders.
- Nynaeve al'MearaUrges caution with dreamwalking; agrees to Tanchico mission; weighs the implications of Joiya and Amico’s deaths.
- AviendhaExplains Aiel customs; wants to protect Elayne and Nynaeve, but is summoned by Wise Ones to Rhuidean, leaving her distressed.
- Moiraine DamodredReports the brutal murders; reveals Wise Ones’ letter summoning Aviendha; secures a fast Sea Folk ship; awaits Rand’s announcement.
- RhuarcOffstage; supports the Wise Ones’ summons, effectively compelling Aviendha toward Rhuidean.
- Joiya ByirBlack Ajah prisoner; found murdered in her cell, silenced before justice.
- Amico NagoyinBlack Ajah prisoner; murdered in her cell, contributing to uncertainty about Black Ajah plans.
- AmysWise One dreamwalker who summons Egwene; central to Egwene’s planned training in the Waste.