Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
Nynaeve and Elayne fail to pierce the Hall’s ward, while Moghedien boldly urges them to flee to Rand, hinting the Salidar Aes Sedai may trade them to Elaida. Nynaeve considers a secret departure and seeks Birgitte’s help, but is refused for spying.
Interrogated by Janya and Delana for new insights on Rand, Nynaeve later eavesdrops and learns Tarna is sent away with a request for time. After Tarna leaves, Sheriam’s group debates summoning a “biddable” girl and the dangers of Elaida, the Hall, and Rand. Theodrin catches Nynaeve but lets it pass.
Summary
At dawn in Salidar, Elayne and Nynaeve attempt to slip listening flows through the Little Tower’s ward but fail. Moghedien, unexpectedly bold while Elayne holds the a’dam bracelet elsewhere, warns that the Salidar Aes Sedai might trade Nynaeve and Elayne to Elaida and urges them to flee to Rand in Caemlyn. Shaken, Nynaeve resolves to act cautiously and keep Moghedien controlled.
In the tense, rumor-filled village, Nynaeve seeks Birgitte. Worried that Seve and Jaril could expose Moghedien’s alias, she asks Birgitte to ready horses for a quiet departure to Caemlyn without Uno’s soldiers. Birgitte agrees to procure mounts once Elayne concurs but refuses to spy on the Hall, recalling past danger with Aes Sedai. Nicola interrupts, summoning Nynaeve.
Janya and Delana subject Nynaeve to a prolonged, fruitless interrogation for unique insights on Rand. Afterward, Nynaeve, still determined to learn the Hall’s stance, sneaks behind the Little Tower and eavesdrops through an open window on Sheriam, Myrelle, Beonin, Morvrin, Carlinya, and Anaiya with Tarna Feir. Tarna departs to report that Salidar requests more time.
Once Tarna leaves, Sheriam’s group debates next steps, insisting on strict forms and legality while hinting they intend to “summon” a “biddable child,” fearing errors could mean death by Elaida, the Hall, or Rand. The ward drops; as Nynaeve retreats, Theodrin catches her but says nothing, instead moving to continue efforts to break Nynaeve’s block. An unseen woman observes them from a window.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaProtagonist; fails to eavesdrop, rattled by Moghedien’s warning, plans flight to Caemlyn, is interrogated about Rand, and secretly overhears Tarna and Sheriam’s group.
- Moghedien (as Marigan)Boldly advises fleeing to Rand; reveals shrewd assessment of Salidar politics, unsettling Nynaeve despite the a’dam.
- Elayne TrakandAttempts to penetrate the Hall’s ward, teaches ter’angreal making, keeps the a’dam bracelet; target of Nynaeve’s planned escape to Caemlyn.
- BirgitteRefuses to spy on Aes Sedai; agrees to procure horses after Elayne agrees; counsels caution about traveling without guards.
- NicolaNovice who summons Nynaeve to Aes Sedai; observant and ambitious, subtly tests boundaries.
- Janya FrendeBrown Sitter; questions Nynaeve for fresh insights on Rand, offers placating tone but seeks leverage.
- Delana MosalaineGray Sitter; sharply interrogates Nynaeve about Rand, implying divided loyalties.
- Tarna FeirRed Ajah envoy; departs to report Salidar’s request for more time, skeptical of the Hall’s independence.
- Sheriam BayanarLeader within Salidar; with allies, debates next moves and the summoning of a ‘biddable’ girl after Tarna leaves.
- Beonin MarinyeInsists on strict legality and forms; part of Sheriam’s faction plotting controlled action.
- MorvrinUrges patience and adherence to proper ceremonies while stalling Elaida.
- CarlinyaWarns that one mistake could mean death; presses urgency over waiting.
- AnaiyaCoolly weighs threats, asking whether Elaida, the Hall, or Rand is most dangerous.
- Theodrin DabeiCatches Nynaeve after eavesdropping but ignores it; proceeds with a more direct plan to break Nynaeve’s block.
- Gareth BryneVisible outside the Little Tower, a steady reminder of the army supporting Salidar Aes Sedai.
- Areina NermasivBirgitte’s admirer-companion; present during Nynaeve’s approach, bristles at being excluded.