51 Against the Shadow

The Green Man guides Rand, Moiraine, Lan, Egwene, Nynaeve, Mat, Perrin, and Loial through his tranquil domain to a stone arch marked with the ancient Aes Sedai symbol. He refuses to enter, recalling the Eye’s creation by male and female Aes Sedai at the Breaking and sensing his own end is linked to it. The group descends to a vast cavern holding the Eye: a glass-smooth pool Moiraine identifies as the pure essence of saidin.

Confronted with the terrifying power of the Eye, Rand, Mat, and Perrin recoil. Moiraine explains that only a man could channel it and that it was made for a desperate future need. She urges them back outside, warning that the Shadow will strike here.

Two cowled men appear: Aginor and the masked Balthamel—Forsaken newly loosed as the seals weaken. Aginor contemptuously hurls Lan aside and Balthamel seizes Nynaeve, torturing her. When Mat and Perrin charge, Aginor flings them back with invisible force. Egwene tries to intervene; Rand tackles her to stop her rushing to her death.

The Green Man arrives, declaring the place his, and grapples Balthamel. Though burned by Balthamel’s touch, the Green Man unleashes rampant growth—fungi, lichens, and weeds—that consume Balthamel. Mortally wounded, the Green Man plants an acorn that instantly becomes a massive oak, his living tomb; Nynaeve lies cradled on its roots.

Aginor turns to finish the rest, but Moiraine opens a flaming chasm beneath him, straining to hold him. She orders everyone to run. Egwene, attempting to channel, hesitates until Rand drags her into the trees. Aginor strides through the fire toward Egwene; Rand distracts him in desperation and flees as Moiraine’s screams echo behind.