Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
Nynaeve, under pressure in Salidar, clashes with Aes Sedai expectations while Thom and Juilin return reporting Niall consolidating forces and rumors that Morgase lives with the Whitecloaks. Strained control over Moghedien and Nynaeve’s block frustrate progress.
While probing Logain, Nynaeve unexpectedly Heals his gentling using Fire and Spirit, a breakthrough that could transform the balance of power.
Summary
Nynaeve enters the Little Tower in Salidar, ill-tempered from heat, chores, and her faltering progress with Theodrin. Brendas coolly questions her lack of new discoveries, and Vandene rebukes her after a minor collision. Nynaeve sees Sheriam, Myrelle, Morvrin, and Beonin hush talk that likely concerns Egwene, deepening Nynaeve’s sense of exclusion.
Outside, Thom Merrilin and Juilin Sandar return, dusty from Amadicia. They report that Pedron Niall is concentrating Whitecloak forces around Amadicia, leaving the Eldar lightly held, and that Ailron gathers his soldiers. Pressed by Elayne, Thom admits a pervasive rumor: Morgase is alive in the Fortress of the Light and might lead Whitecloaks to Andor. Elayne, resolved in her grief, dismisses the rumor’s likelihood and maintains composure as Sheriam summons the men to brief the Sitters.
Nynaeve and Elayne trade apologies: Elayne for laughing at Nynaeve’s recent drunken failure during Theodrin’s attempt to break her block; Nynaeve for her behavior. They discuss Moghedien—“Marigan”—whom Birgitte has physically punished, prompting Elayne to remove the a’dam bracelet. Nynaeve suggests fleeing for Ebou Dar, but Elayne refuses, citing their promise and fear of being branded runaways. Birgitte’s order to Uno to deny Nynaeve horses thwarts any escape.
They visit Logain’s guarded cottage. Nynaeve, embracing saidar in angered resolve, probes him with all Five Powers, sensing the familiar “hole” left by gentling. Distracted thoughts of Egwene and prior observations of Siuan and Leane’s cut connection guide her intuition. Bridging that cut with Fire and Spirit, she inadvertently restores what was severed.
Logain’s startled reaction confirms the change. Realizing the enormity of her act, Nynaeve snaps a shield into place and urgently sends Elayne to fetch Sheriam, declaring she has Healed Logain.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaFrustrated and under scrutiny; probes Logain and accidentally Heals his gentling with Fire and Spirit.
- Elayne TrakandSupports Nynaeve; dismisses rumor of Morgase with composure; removed Moghedien’s bracelet after Birgitte’s punishment.
- LogainGentled man under Salidar’s care; is unexpectedly Healed by Nynaeve, shocking both women.
- Thom MerrilinReturns from Amadicia with news of Niall’s troop concentrations and a rumor Morgase lives.
- Juilin SandarTravels with Thom; corroborates reports from Amadicia; uneasy about rumors.
- Sheriam BayanarLeads administrative efforts; summons Thom and Juilin to brief the Sitters; key authority Nynaeve seeks.
- BirgittePunishes Moghedien for insolence; her order to Uno blocks Nynaeve’s attempted flight.
- Theodrin DabeiAttempts to break Nynaeve’s block; recent effort left Nynaeve drunk and humiliated.
- BrendasWhite Ajah sister who critiques Nynaeve’s stalled discoveries and questions Theodrin’s methods.
- VandeneWhite-haired Aes Sedai who sharply rebukes Nynaeve after a minor collision.
- Myrelle BerengariSeen with leaders; appears intent on confronting Nynaeve before being restrained.
- MorvrinWith Sheriam’s group; helps manage sensitive discussions after meeting the Wise Ones.
- BeoninWorks alongside Sheriam and others; part of the leadership managing reports.
- Uno NomestaOrdered by Birgitte to deny Nynaeve horses, thwarting plans to run to Ebou Dar.
- AreinaPerforms chores with novices; present in the bustling Little Tower.
- NicolaNovice sweeping the waiting room; part of Salidar’s daily routine.
- TabithaMessenger who summons Thom and Juilin to the Sitters on Sheriam’s orders.
- Marigan (Moghedien)Forsaken held in secret; suffers Birgitte’s retaliation; bracelet control briefly removed.