Chapter 23

In the deep chamber beneath the White Tower, Sheriam prepares Nynaeve for the Testing ter'angreal of three silver arches. Sheriam warns that once begun she must finish, some women never return, and she must not channel inside. Nynaeve enters to seek the rank of Accepted.

First arch: Nynaeve appears naked in a vast maze under a swollen red sun and is hunted by the Forsaken Aginor. Fear turns to anger; she channels fire and redirects lightning to drive him back, then sees the silver arch and chooses escape over pursuit. She returns drenched by ritual water. Sheriam, surprised she remembers channeling, reveals past dangers and urges Nynaeve not to channel again.

Second arch: Nynaeve returns to Emond’s Field, now neglected and cowed by Malena Aylar, a bullying Wisdom who likely poisoned Bran and Haral. Marin al’Vere begs for help; Nynaeve resolves to rally the Women’s Circle. As Malena approaches, the arch appears. Torn between saving her people and the test’s demand, Nynaeve flees through the arch, haunted by Marin’s screams.

Third arch: Nynaeve is Queen of Malkier, married to Lan, with children. Overwhelmed by love and stability, she nearly yields to this life. Remembering her purpose and friends still in peril, she refuses. When the arch vanishes, she risks everything, channels saidar to recreate the gateway, and escapes despite Lan’s anguished pleas.

Back in the chamber, Nynaeve collapses, furious at Aes Sedai. Black thorns pierce her palms—marks of the price paid—leaving small scars after Healing. The Amyrlin Seat completes the ritual washing and declares Nynaeve al’Maera an Accepted of the White Tower.