Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min free Egwene from the kennels and expose the truth that sul'dam can channel, leaving Renna and Seta collared as rough justice. Their escape ignites open battle as Egwene strikes Seanchan and damane retaliate. At the docks, Domon holds Spray. Outside Falme, Bornhald advances, while Ingtar confesses Darkfriendry and sacrifices himself so Rand can continue with the Horn.
Summary
Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min infiltrate the damane house with captive sul'dam Seta. They reach Egwene’s cell, where Nynaeve opens the a'dam collar using the One Power and outfits Egwene in her dress. Egwene explains the collar’s catches and deduces that sul'dam can channel, proven by Seta’s reaction to the a'dam.
Renna enters unexpectedly. Egwene smashes her with a pitcher, collars Renna with Egwene’s former a'dam, and nearly kills her through the leash before Nynaeve stops her. Nynaeve declares this justice and leaves both sul'dam collared with their bracelets hung out of reach, then leads the others out.
Outside, streets are suddenly deserted as Seanchan soldiers close in from both sides. Egwene refuses to risk recapture and erupts the street under the soldiers. Damane respond with fireballs, scattering the women. Nynaeve counters with lightning and flees through alleys toward Bayle Domon’s ship, praying it still waits.
At the harbor, Domon restrains his panicked crew and keeps Spray moored, honoring his promise amid lightning and explosions. Outside Falme, Geofram Bornhald orders a cautious advance of his legion and sends Byar away on reluctant duty.
Elsewhere, Rand, Ingtar, Hurin, with Mat and Perrin ahead, try to reach their horses as Seanchan patrols converge. Sensing Egwene and others in peril, Rand is torn. Ingtar confesses he is a Darkfriend, joined the Shadow out of despair for the Borderlands, and sought salvation by sounding the Horn. Seeking redemption, he chooses to hold the narrow alley alone. Rand gives him a Shienaran farewell and departs with Hurin while Ingtar prepares to buy their escape.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaLeads the rescue, frees Egwene, reveals sul'dam can channel, restrains Egwene’s vengeance, counters damane with lightning, and directs escape to Spray.
- Egwene al'VereFreed from the a'dam; deduces sul'dam can channel; collars Renna in fury and attacks Seanchan, triggering battle as she refuses recapture.
- Elayne TrakandAssists the infiltration and Egwene’s change of clothes; grapples with the morality of killing; escapes amid the ensuing chaos.
- Min FarshawGuides the group through the kennels; supports the rescue; urges departure; flees when damane attack.
- SetaCaptured sul'dam forced to pose as damane; inadvertently proves sul'dam can channel; left collared, terrified.
- RennaEgwene’s former sul'dam; surprised, collared by Egwene, nearly killed through the a'dam; left restrained as Nynaeve’s "justice."
- Bayle DomonKeeps Spray docked despite crew panic, honoring his promise while chaos erupts in Falme.
- Geofram BornhaldCommands Whitecloaks advancing on Falme; sends Byar away, maintaining formation despite unnatural lightning.
- Rand al'ThorSenses Egwene and others in danger; hears Ingtar’s confession; accepts Ingtar’s sacrifice and withdraws with Hurin.
- Ingtar ShinowaConfesses Darkfriendry born of despair; seeks redemption by holding off Seanchan alone to buy time for the others.
- HurinScouts patrol movements; urges withdrawal; departs with Rand after Ingtar’s decision.