Contents
Chapter 20
Overview
Elayne and Nynaeve depart Tear aboard the Sea Folk raker Wavedancer, unexpectedly joined by Thom and Juilin—sent by Moiraine and Rand/Lan to aid them. At sea, Windfinder Jorin openly channels to speed the voyage, revealing the Sea Folk secret. Elayne swears to protect it, and their swift run to Tanchico begins.
Summary
Amid aftershocks from Rand’s unseen act in the Stone, Elayne and Nynaeve reach Wavedancer’s deck as the Sea Folk secure the ship. Thom Merrilin and Juilin Sandar appear seeking passage: Juilin, paid and threatened by Lan on Rand’s behalf to ensure the women’s safe return; Thom, sent by Moiraine. Nynaeve allows them aboard only on their promise to obey.
Wavedancer departs Tear, ignoring a Tairen pilot’s fretting through the Fingers of the Dragon and out to the Sea of Storms. At sea, customs shock Elayne, while she spars verbally with Thom, whose talk of legends and change deepens his mystery and familiarity to her. He offers knowledge of Tanchico and practical help.
Feeling saidar, Elayne finds Windfinder Jorin channeling massive flows of Air and Water to weave a wind that drives the ship hard. Jorin admits some Windfinders can channel and fear Tower interference; Elayne, invoking House Trakand’s honor, vows to protect their secret if possible.
Jorin recounts a deadly encounter with Seanchan, a damane breaking masts before Wavedancer escaped as the enemy ship burned, leaving Elayne pondering captives and the sea’s perils. Jorin boasts of raker speed—seven to ten days to Tanchico if winds and currents favor—and, impressed by Elayne’s candor, agrees they may learn from each other’s weaves.
Who Appears
- Elayne TrakandAccepted posing as Mistress Trakand; negotiates passage, questions Thom, vows to protect the Sea Folk Windfinders’ secret.
- Nynaeve al'MearaAccepted; asserts authority over Thom and Juilin, distrusts Moiraine, manages operational secrecy to Tanchico.
- Thom MerrilinGleeman sent by Moiraine; offers streetwise aid and Tanchico knowledge; muses on legends and change.
- Juilin SandarTairen thiefcatcher compelled by Lan/Rand’s gold and threat to guard Elayne and Nynaeve.
- Coine din Jubai Wild WindsSailmistress of Wavedancer; agrees to carry them swiftly for the Coramoor despite risk.
- Jorin din Jubai White WingWindfinder who channels to weave winds; reveals Sea Folk secret; agrees to mutual learning with Elayne.
- ToramCargomaster; grim, capable, led crew in past fight with Seanchan.
- Tairen PilotRequired river guide; anxious and ignored as Sea Folk navigate expertly.