Contents
Chapter 22
Overview
Moiraine retreats to Adeleas and Vandene’s secluded library to seek answers and reveals she has arranged for Lan’s bond to pass to Myrelle if she dies. Her research points tentatively toward Toman Head, while discussion ranges from Shadar Logoth to Lanfear and Mazrim Taim. A warded Draghkar attacks, proving the Black Ajah’s hand; Lan and Jaem slay it. Moiraine departs urgently, believing she has found a crucial hint.
Summary
In seclusion at Tifan’s Well with the scholars Adeleas and Vandene, Moiraine pores over histories and prophecies, frustrated by scattered clues. She and Lan revisit their first meeting, and Moiraine reveals she has arranged for Lan’s bond to pass to Myrelle at her death, provoking his anger before they reaffirm their shared purpose.
Moiraine probes Lan’s motives for grooming Rand to face the Amyrlin as a lord, and they ascribe it to ta’veren pull and necessity. After Lan leaves, Moiraine reflects on Nynaeve’s unintended effect on Lan and her own unexpected jealousy before returning to study.
Consulting Vandene, Moiraine confirms that the Horn is not tied to the Dragon by prophecy, hears a translation nuance linking “watchers” to the Watchers Over the Waves—implying Toman Head—and discusses Shadar Logoth’s deadly hatred and the Forsaken, especially Lanfear. Vandene notes rising signs of Tarmon Gai’don, including Mazrim Taim.
Outside in the garden, a Draghkar ambushes Moiraine. Its croon nearly overwhelms her before Lan and Jaem drive their swords home. The creature had been warded against detection, leading Moiraine, Adeleas, and Vandene to the grim conclusion: the Black Ajah is involved.
With villagers approaching, Adeleas manages the aftermath while Moiraine orders preparations to leave. Believing she has found an unlooked-for answer—pointing her next steps—she writes letters for the Tower and departs quickly with Lan.
Who Appears
- Moiraine DamodredSeeks prophetic answers, reveals plans to pass Lan’s bond to Myrelle, debates implications, survives a warded Draghkar, and departs urgently.
- Lan MandragoranConfronted with bond transfer; defends his loyalty; helped school Rand’s bearing; kills the Draghkar with Jaem.
- Vandene NamelleAes Sedai scholar; discusses prophecies, Toman Head nuance, Shadar Logoth, and rising signs; Heals and aids after the attack.
- Adeleas NamelleAes Sedai historian; hosts Moiraine, examines the slain Draghkar, coordinates concealing the incident from villagers.
- JaemElderly Warder to Adeleas and Vandene; practices with Lan and helps slay the Draghkar; assists managing the aftermath.
- DraghkarShadowspawn assassin warded from detection; nearly enthralls Moiraine before being slain by Lan and Jaem.