Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Elayne candidly declares her feelings to Rand and claims a first kiss, setting a new romantic course before her departure. Rand then asserts control over Tear’s nobles, imposing tax cuts and redirecting grain trade toward Illian/Altara with Mayene’s ships. Separately, Egwene advises a shaken Mat to seek careful answers from the redstone doorway, but he refuses further dealings with the Power.
Summary
After Egwene leaves, Elayne composes herself and remains with Rand. Haltingly, they navigate wounded pride and expectations until Elayne admits she is more than fond of him and asks for a kiss. Rand responds, and they share an intense first kiss. Elayne pointedly warns him to beware women who see him as a bauble, while promising she will return.
Elayne heals the soreness she caused earlier, then withdraws as Gaul announces the arrival of High Lords. Leaving with new resolve, she plans to secure Rand’s thoughts before she departs Tear, shedding concern for her mother’s disapproval.
Confronting the Tairen lords, Rand abandons patience and dictates policy: slash taxes—three-quarters for farmers, half for others—and redirect surplus grain to Illian or Altara, hiring Mayener ships and offering a treaty respecting Mayene in exchange. The High Lords grind their teeth but acquiesce under the weight of Callandor and Rand’s authority.
Elsewhere, Egwene encounters an uncharacteristically subdued Mat, who worries about memory gaps and Old Tongue outbursts. Seeking advice, he rejects involving Moiraine. Egwene reveals the twisted redstone doorway that grants three answers, stressing its lethal pitfalls and forbidding questions touching the Shadow.
Mat balks at any use of the Power, promising not to go near the ter’angreal unless his life depends on it, and affirms he will not run from Tear. He asks Egwene to keep their talk from Moiraine, and they part with the old rhythm of wary friendship intact.
Who Appears
- Elayne TrakandConfesses strong feelings to Rand, initiates their first kiss, heals his soreness, and resolves to secure his regard before leaving.
- Rand al’ThorFlustered yet responsive to Elayne; then decisively orders tax cuts, grain exports, and a Mayene treaty to force reform in Tear.
- Egwene al’VereAdvises Mat about the redstone doorway’s peril and extracts a promise; reflects on responsibilities and friendships.
- Matrim CauthonAnxious over memory gaps and Old Tongue slips; seeks advice, refuses using the ter’angreal or Power, vows not to flee.
- GaulAiel guard who announces the arrival of the Tairen High Lords, unintentionally interrupting Rand and Elayne.
- SunamonTairen High Lord; timidly objects to reforms, embodies nobles’ reluctance yet yields to Rand’s commands.
- MeilanHard, resentful High Lord; argues against tax cuts and trade shifts but is overruled.
- CarleonHigh Lord focused on profit; complains of surplus grain and farmers, revealing noble indifference.
- TedosianHigh Lord scandalized by dealing with Illian; another voice of resistance to Rand’s policies.