17 Watchers and Hunters

On the way to meet Nynaeve, Min pulls Rand aside, warning that Nynaeve’s arrival intensifies the “sparks” and danger around the group. Rand rejoins the others and they enter a tense room where Moiraine and Nynaeve face each other across a table, with Lan, Egwene, and the boys hovering uneasily.

Nynaeve reveals she tracked them to Baerlon, impressing even Lan. A bitter exchange follows: Nynaeve insists on taking the youths back to Emond’s Field, while Thom warns that Whitecloaks would endanger everyone associated with an Aes Sedai. Rand declares they cannot return because Trollocs hunt them, proposing Tar Valon as their only hope. Moiraine counters that near her they are protected from Shadowspawn, though not from every danger.

Moiraine clears the room to speak privately with Nynaeve. Outside, the others wait under Lan’s watch, speculating and worrying. Rand frets over what is being said and whether Min told Moiraine anything more.

When Nynaeve emerges, she and Rand speak alone. Nynaeve explains Emond’s Field split over how to respond, and that the Women’s Circle sent her while the men argued. She adds that Moiraine tried to learn if any of the boys were born outside the Two Rivers.

Pressed, Nynaeve tacitly confirms Rand was born outside the Two Rivers, stirring his turmoil over Tam’s fevered words. She reassures Rand of Tam and Kari’s love, refuses to share this with Moiraine, and neither commits to joining the journey nor to forcing a return. For now, she delays her decision.