Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
Perrin commits to the Ways to save the Two Rivers, but Faile’s oath-bound demand forces her inclusion; Gaul joins, raising their odds. Meanwhile, Nynaeve and Elayne depart for Tanchico as Lan confesses his love and obedience despite conflict. Egwene sets out for Rhuidean with Aviendha, cementing parallel quests.
Summary
Perrin wakes from a night of nightmares and guilt over Faile. Seeking Loial, Perrin finds the Ogier honored with flowers for defending women and children during the attack. Perrin asks Loial to take him through the Ways to the Two Rivers to stop Whitecloaks hunting him; Loial agrees despite fear of Machin Shin.
Faile reveals she tricked Loial into swearing to take her first wherever she wished via the Ways. She demands Perrin ask her to join. Perrin refuses, vowing to follow at a distance rather than bend. Loial, bound by his oath, must take Faile; they plan to leave within hours from the Dragonwall Gate stable.
Outside, Gaul the Aiel offers to accompany Perrin after Rand quietly warned of dangers. Perrin gratefully accepts, despite Gaul’s stoic acceptance of the risk of the Ways.
Elsewhere, Elayne, Nynaeve, and Egwene finish preparations. Lan bursts in, furious that Nynaeve is sailing to Tanchico. He offers to protect her, but Nynaeve wields the Amyrlin’s letter of authority and insists he remain with Moiraine. Lan confesses love and kisses her, vowing he would not live long if she dies, then departs.
The women share tearful farewells. Egwene leaves for Rhuidean with Aviendha; Nynaeve and Elayne head to Tanchico, likely on a Sea Folk raker. Elayne steels herself over Rand, resolving firmness even as she considers another letter.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraDetermined to return to the Two Rivers via the Ways; refuses to ask Faile; accepts Gaul’s aid.
- Faile (Zarine Bashere)Tricks Loial into an oath to take her first through the Ways; demands Perrin ask; forces inclusion.
- LoialOgier honored for defending families; agrees to guide the Ways despite fear; bound by oath to Faile.
- GaulAiel who volunteers to accompany Perrin after Rand’s warning; accepts the risk of the Ways.
- Nynaeve al'MearaPrepares to sail for Tanchico; wields Amyrlin’s letter; rejects Lan’s offer and insistence, yet moved.
- Lan MandragoranConfronts Nynaeve, offers protection, then confesses love and kisses her; remains bound to Moiraine.
- Elayne TrakandPrepares to depart for Tanchico; conflicted over Rand; plans firmness despite lingering feelings.
- Egwene al'VereFinalizes plans to journey to Rhuidean with Aviendha; bids farewell to Nynaeve and Elayne.