Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Egwene, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Min face fear, temptation to channel, and news of turmoil beyond the Tower. Liandrin arrives with urgent claims that Rand, Mat, and Perrin are in danger and orders a secret departure to Toman Head, revealing the Black Ajah’s existence. Despite doubts, all four commit to go.
Summary
On a freeday in the Tower, Egwene secretly practices channeling with Nynaeve supervising, while Min and later Elayne visit. They discuss Galad, rumors of wars, and Elayne’s sighting of a weeping, gentled Logain. Nynaeve, angry over a slight from an Accepted, loses her temper and accidentally unleashes a gust of wind, frightening everyone.
Min and Elayne confess how afraid and exhausted they are by training; Min’s viewing suddenly shows imminent danger around all three. Nynaeve warns Egwene and Elayne to stop unsupervised channeling. Tension breaks when Liandrin of the Red Ajah unexpectedly enters, dismisses Min and Elayne, and confronts Egwene and Nynaeve.
Liandrin claims Rand, Mat, and Perrin are in danger from the Shadow and insists Egwene and Nynaeve can help, ordering them to meet her at the Ogier grove to depart for Toman Head and to tell no one. She further warns that the Black Ajah exists within the Tower. After she leaves, Egwene and Nynaeve debate her motives but resolve to go.
Min and Elayne, who overheard through a hidden hole, insist on joining. Min feels their fates are linked and the danger clearer because of their decision. Despite Nynaeve’s objections and concern for Andoran politics, Elayne refuses to stay behind. The four begin practical planning for a secret departure, while Egwene steels herself to aid Rand.
Who Appears
- Egwene al'VereNovice secretly practicing channeling; conflicted by desire and fear; resolves to help Rand and agrees to Liandrin’s summons.
- Nynaeve al'MearaAccepted with fierce temper; accidentally channels a dangerous gust; skeptical of Liandrin yet decides to go and leads practical planning.
- LiandrinRed Ajah sister who arrives unbidden; claims the boys are in danger, reveals Black Ajah, and orders a secret meeting for Toman Head.
- Elayne TrakandNovice Daughter-Heir; admits fear and exhaustion; insists on joining the mission despite political risks, eager for adventure.
- Min FarshawSeer who views imminent danger around the group; determined to leave the Tower and join the others, believing their fates are linked.