Contents
Chapter 52
Overview
Nynaeve enters Tel’aran’rhiod to confer with Egwene and Wise Ones, learns to navigate by “need,” and discovers a male a’dam and a cuendillar seal hidden in the Panarch’s Palace. She narrowly avoids Temaile and encounters Moghedien, then meets Birgitte and Gaidal Cain, confirming a Forsaken’s presence. Awake, Nynaeve briefs Elayne and Egeanin; after a Seanchan agent is foiled, they finalize a plan to infiltrate the Palace.
Summary
Nynaeve enters the Heart of the Stone in Tel’aran’rhiod, unsettled by Egeanin being Seanchan. Egwene arrives with Wise Ones Amys and Bair, reporting Trolloc attacks, Seana’s death, and Rand pushing the Aiel toward Alcair Dal. Seeking an edge against the Black Ajah in Tanchico, Nynaeve asks about invading dreams; the Wise Ones forbid it but teach her the dangerous “need” method to find what she seeks.
Nynaeve uses need and lands in the Panarch’s Palace, witnessing Temaile Kinderode tormenting Amathera. She flees, then appears in the exhibition hall where a mist-clad woman—Moghedien—studies a display. Overwhelmed by sudden memories of having been compelled by Moghedien earlier, Nynaeve prepares to strike but is warned off by Birgitte, who confirms the woman is Moghedien and names Asmodean at Rhuidean.
Birgitte, joined by Gaidal Cain, explains they are bound to the Wheel and limited in Tel’aran’rhiod. She cautions that Moghedien is subtle, strikes from shadows, and is especially dangerous in the World of Dreams. After they vanish, Nynaeve returns to the hall, notes a cuendillar seal on the Dark One’s prison, then uses need again to a pedestal bearing a black metal collar and twin bracelets. Touching them radiates pain and suffering; she deduces it is a male a’dam and the Black Ajah’s prize.
Nynaeve wakes and tells Elayne and Egeanin everything: Moghedien’s presence, the male a’dam, the seal, and Temaile holding the Panarch. Egeanin identifies the item’s function and admits a man would not normally be collared. They resolve to infiltrate the Palace, recover the items, and free Amathera.
A commotion in the hall reveals Thom struck by a would-be thief; Juilin and Bayle Domon subdue a pale-haired Seanchan man likely hunting Egeanin. Nynaeve orders him dumped in an alley and directs preparations. Despite the men’s likely objections, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egeanin finalize a covert plan to slip into the Panarch’s Palace and seize the targets before the Black Ajah realize.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaLeads Tel’aran’rhiod search; learns “need”; identifies a male a’dam and a cuendillar seal; encounters Moghedien; plans palace infiltration.
- Egwene al’VereReports Aiel turmoil and Rand’s haste; attends with Wise Ones; worries for Rand; departs as Nynaeve continues searching.
- AmysWise One and dreamwalker; cautions Nynaeve and teaches using “need” to locate what is sought in Tel’aran’rhiod.
- BairWise One; warns against invading dreams and bringing others; reluctantly permits Nynaeve to try the dangerous “need” method.
- MoghedienForsaken seen in the exhibition hall; previously compelled Nynaeve and Elayne; secretly interested in the male a’dam.
- BirgitteLegendary hero in Tel’aran’rhiod; warns Nynaeve about Moghedien; confirms Asmodean in Rhuidean; limited to the dream.
- Gaidal CainLegendary hero; rebukes Birgitte for breaking precepts; appears briefly and departs with her.
- Temaile KinderodeBlack Ajah sister; tortures Panarch Amathera in her bedchamber within Tel’aran’rhiod.
- AmatheraPanarch of Tanchico; bound and abused by Temaile; potential ally to be rescued.
- Elayne TrakandLearns of Moghedien and the male a’dam; helps plan covert entry to the Panarch’s Palace.
- EgeaninSeanchan ship captain; confirms the collar’s purpose is unprecedented for men; helps refine the infiltration plan.
- Thom MerrilinOn watch; struck by a thief; recovers and follows Nynaeve’s orders for preparations.
- Juilin SandarHelps subdue the intruder; recognizes him from an earlier encounter; assists with security.
- Bayle DomonAids in knocking out the Seanchan agent; stands ready to help the group’s plans.
- Unidentified Seanchan agentPale-haired man seeking Egeanin; knocked unconscious and removed to the alley.