Contents
Chapter 45
Overview
Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min ambush a sul’dam, discover an a’dam works on her, and coerce Seta to masquerade as a damane for an infiltration to free Egwene. Meanwhile, Rand’s party infiltrates a Seanchan lord’s mansion, reclaim the Horn and Mat’s dagger, and Rand kills Blademaster High Lord Turak.
They escape with the Horn, but Rand spots Egwene collared across the street, setting up a rescue amid rising alarms.
Summary
At dawn in Falme, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min lie in wait. Nynaeve channels to spring a damane’s collar, the damane flees, and the trio subdue the sul’dam, Seta. In a hidden shed, Nynaeve discovers the a’dam works on Seta, forcing her compliance through shared sensations. Refusing to collar Elayne, Nynaeve compels Seta to don a gray dress and act as their “damane” so they can infiltrate the kennels and free Egwene.
Down at the harbor, Bayle Domon prepares his ship for a fast departure, warning his crew to be ready for the women or to run if soldiers appear.
At the same time, Rand, Ingtar, Mat, Perrin, and Hurin enter Falme separately, following Fain’s scent through sparse morning streets. They pass damane and grolm, then identify a guarded mansion where Mat senses his dagger; Hurin confirms Fain’s recent presence. Ingtar leads them through rear alleys, kills an overconfident garden guard, and they slip inside the house.
They find the Horn of Valere and Mat’s ruby-hilted dagger in a screened chamber, but High Lord Turak arrives with soldiers. When a soldier reaches for the Horn, Mat slashes him with the dagger; the man dies horrifically as corruption spreads. Fighting breaks out on both sides of the room.
Rand faces Turak in single combat. Avoiding saidin, Rand enters the void and matches Turak’s forms, then presses an all-out attack and kills the Blademaster with The River Undercuts the Bank. Turak’s servants ritually kill themselves. Ingtar and the others regroup, hearing alarms, and retreat with the Horn and dagger.
Before fleeing, Rand glimpses Egwene collared among damane across the street. He insists he will return to free her, but allows Ingtar to pull him out as gongs sound and shouts rise, setting the stage for the rescue.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorInfiltrates a Seanchan mansion, duels and kills High Lord Turak, retrieves the Horn with the others, and vows to save collared Egwene.
- Ingtar ShinowaLeads the infiltration, kills a garden guard, prioritizes the Horn’s recovery, and forces a swift retreat as alarms rise.
- Mat CauthonSenses and recovers his Shadar Logoth dagger and the Horn; his dagger fatally corrupts a Seanchan soldier.
- Perrin AybaraFights Seanchan with his axe during the mansion escape; supports the group’s withdrawal.
- HurinTracks Fain’s trail to the mansion, scouts guards from the window, and guides movements through Falme.
- High Lord TurakSeanchan Blademaster who confronts the intruders; duels Rand and is killed.
- Nynaeve al'MearaSprings a damane’s collar, captures sul’dam Seta, discovers the a’dam binds her, and coerces her to aid Egwene’s rescue.
- Elayne TrakandAssists Nynaeve’s ambush and preparation; ready to disguise herself but defers when Seta is forced to act as damane.
- Min FarshawHelps subdue and bind Seta, supports the risky infiltration plan, and remains composed under pressure.
- SetaCaptured sul’dam; the a’dam works on her, proving sul’dam can be bound. Forced to pose as a damane for infiltration.
- Bayle DomonPrepares his ship for a rapid getaway, determined to wait for the women but ready to flee if soldiers arrive.
- Egwene al'VereSeen collared among the damane across from Turak’s house; her plight drives Rand’s resolve to rescue her.