Chapter 39

Egwene meets Mat, who urges her to flee Salidar and avoid execution by Aes Sedai. She asserts authority, labels him effectively Dragonsworn for following Rand, and refuses any notion of Aes Sedai swearing fealty. When Egwene and Elayne try to restrain Mat, Egwene realizes a ter’angreal he carries causes saidar weaves to vanish on contact.

After Mat departs in anger, Egwene removes her stole to speak candidly with Elayne and Nynaeve. She unveils a plan to exploit Mat’s promise to return Elayne to Caemlyn: they will deny him access to Elayne unless he cooperates, keeping him and his Band close and useful. Egwene offers Elayne the choice to leave for Rand later, but Elayne prioritizes the Ebou Dar search for the bowl, hoping to study Mat’s ter’angreal.

The women debate taking Mat to Ebou Dar as protection. Elayne favors bringing soldiers; Nynaeve objects, doubting Mat’s obedience. Egwene argues Mat’s proximity to Elayne will force his compliance and provide security. They also note Moghedien’s fearful cooperation on lost Talents and that Egwene now holds the a’dam bracelet to limit public handoffs.

Sheriam arrives, prompting Elayne and Nynaeve to withdraw. Egwene informs Sheriam that Mat commands the nearby “Dragonsworn” and that Rand wants the Aes Sedai in Caemlyn with oaths of fealty, which she firmly rejects. Egwene then highlights the danger of Bryne’s army clashing with Mat’s Band and the rumors such tension could spark.

Pressing the risk, Egwene floats relocating by gateway, mentioning Ebou Dar, which Sheriam rejects as politically explosive. Egwene continues to stress the peril of remaining, implying Rand might Travel to Salidar. Under mounting pressure, Sheriam reluctantly concedes they may have to leave sooner than planned, likely moving north to avoid confrontation. Egwene closes by affirming she will chastise Rand, while subtly maintaining control of the strategy.