Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Rand faces the Amyrlin and is bluntly named the Dragon Reborn. He chooses to ride with Ingtar to recover the Horn and Mat’s dagger, and the Amyrlin lets him go rather than risk the Prophecies. Nynaeve resolves to train in Tar Valon after Lan gifts her the Malkieri ring, and Egwene and Rand share a fraught farewell before both parties depart.
Summary
Lan escorts Rand to the Amyrlin. At the women’s apartments, Leane bars Lan and sends Rand in alone. Before the Amyrlin, with Moiraine and Verin present, Rand maintains composure but bristles when they eye his heron-mark sword. The Amyrlin offers Rand a choice to ride with Ingtar after the stolen Horn and Mat’s tainted dagger; Rand immediately agrees for Mat’s sake.
The Amyrlin then confronts Rand about channeling. Rand denies intent but admits it happens. Moiraine says no woman can teach him; Verin digresses. The Amyrlin declares he is the Dragon Reborn, recounting Gitara Moroso’s Foretelling at Dragonmount and Moiraine’s search that led to the Two Rivers. Rand rejects being used but is told the Prophecies demand his freedom.
The Amyrlin promises no Red Ajah will be set on him and warns many would kill him if they knew. Rand departs, vowing not to be used. After, the Amyrlin, Moiraine, and Verin admit the necessity and fear what he may become.
Elsewhere, Nynaeve senses a paradoxical storm and chases Rand in vain. She encounters Lan, who presses his Malkieri signet ring on her, swearing aid if she calls. Shaken, Nynaeve meets Moiraine, who coolly urges packing for Tar Valon and hints at the danger to Rand if mishandled. Nynaeve resolves to learn the Power to oppose Moiraine.
Egwene prepares to leave, pondering her path and gifts from Lady Amalisa. Called to the entrance, she finds Rand causing a stir by calling to her from outside the women’s apartments. Away from the crowd, Rand evades details about the Amyrlin, insists he won’t be used, and bleakly predicts separation. Egwene vows to help him as an Aes Sedai and begs him to be careful; he asks her not to choose Red. They part emotionally as both groups ready to depart Fal Dara.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorConfronted by the Amyrlin, told he is the Dragon Reborn; chooses to ride with Ingtar for Mat and the Horn; refuses to be used.
- The Amyrlin SeatDeclares Rand the Dragon Reborn, permits his freedom to fulfill Prophecies, and warns of dangers if others learn the truth.
- Moiraine DamodredSupports revealing the truth; recounts Gitara’s Foretelling and her search; prepares to depart with Egwene and Nynaeve.
- Verin MathwinObserves Rand’s strength, discusses tests, and fears what his unchecked power could mean; accepts necessity of Prophecies.
- Nynaeve al'MearaSenses a strange ‘storm’; receives Lan’s Malkieri ring; resolves to learn in Tar Valon and opposes Moiraine’s manipulations.
- al'Lan MandragoranGuides Rand to the audience; gives Nynaeve his Malkieri signet ring, pledging aid; prepares for the Amyrlin’s departure.
- Egwene al'VerePacks for Tar Valon; meets Rand for a tense farewell; vows to help him and promises discretion; asked not to choose Red.
- Leane SedaiKeeper who admits Rand, blocks Lan from entering; teases about Greens bonding young Warders.
- Lord Agelmar JagadUpholds women’s apartments customs; counsels Rand on duty over glory; oversees preparations to depart.
- NisuraLady-in-waiting who escorts and enforces women’s apartments rules; fetches Egwene to speak with Rand.
- KajinShienaran lord who explains customs to Rand outside the women’s apartments.