Contents
Chapter 53
Overview
During the Feast of Lights in Cairhien, Perrin discovers Rand has been abducted by Elaida’s Aes Sedai. Evidence of Colavaere’s coup and murders surfaces, prompting Perrin, Dobraine, Loial, and select Aiel to plan a rescue despite looming Shaido threats.
Meanwhile, Rand endures brutal punishments in a chest as Galina orchestrates his transport, manipulates Gawyn’s Younglings’ fate, and bargains with Sevanna. Sevanna consolidates power by having Desaine killed.
Summary
In riotous Cairhien during the Feast of Lights, Perrin pushes through the revelry, frustrated by Rand’s six-day absence and the Wise Ones’ evasions. Returning to his rooms, he finds Faile distant and Loial concerned. Lord Dobraine reports two noble deaths—Maringil poisoned and Meilan knifed—and that Colavaere is openly courting alliances for the Sun Throne.
Berelain arrives with Rand’s sword and buckle, confirming his disappearance. Sulin drops her servant guise, reveals herself as a Maiden, and urgently summons Aiel leaders. Berelain and Dobraine implicate Colavaere in murder; Berelain has proof of the poisoning. Perrin vows to rescue Rand. Dobraine offers five hundred men; Loial insists on joining. Rhuarc, pressed by Shaido incursions, can spare only Maidens and siswai’aman. Sorilea demonstrates the Wise Ones can channel, and planning begins despite limited forces.
Elsewhere, Galina oversees Rand’s captivity among an expanded Aes Sedai escort and keeps Min imprisoned. After discovering Min’s presence triggered Rand’s violent outburst and the deaths of two Warders, Galina allows Erian to punish Rand. He is hauled from a chest and savagely flogged with the Power. Rand endures in silence, resolves never to trust Aes Sedai again, and, in desperation, reaches a fragile accord with the voice of Lews Therin to study the six-point shield and feign submission for a chance to slip it later.
Galina meets Sevanna and a group of channeling Wise Ones, sealing a bargain while plotting the “regrettable” death of Gawyn and his Younglings. Afterward, Erian mistakes Rand’s strained laughter for weeping as Galina orders daily punishments en route to a triumphal entry in Tar Valon. In the Shaido camp, Sevanna, intoxicated by power and intent on collaring Rand, has Desaine killed to eliminate opposition, consolidating her control among the Wise Ones.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraDetermined to find Rand; organizes a rescue with Dobraine, Loial, and limited Aiel support.
- Rand al’ThorPrisoner in a chest; beaten by Aes Sedai; plans to feign submission and probe the shield.
- Faile (Zarine) BashereDistant and hurt toward Perrin; observes events while masking jealousy and disappointment.
- Berelain sur PaendragBrings Rand’s sword; exposes Colavaere’s poisoning; urges secrecy about Rand’s abduction.
- Lord Dobraine TaborwinReports noble murders; pledges five hundred men for Rand’s rescue despite Aes Sedai threat.
- SulinReveals Maiden identity; ends her toh; mobilizes Aiel response to Rand’s capture.
- RhuarcClan chief balancing Shaido incursion; can send only Maidens and siswai’aman.
- SorileaWise One leader; channels openly, signaling commitment against the Tower’s actions.
- LoialOgier friend; insists on joining the rescue to chronicle and aid Rand.
- Galina CasbanBlack Ajah leader of the embassy; directs Rand’s punishments; bargains with Sevanna.
- ErianGreen Ajah; two Warders killed; repeatedly flogs Rand, driven by grief and rage.
- Min FarshawGalina’s captive; her suffering is used to control Rand.
- Gawyn TrakandWith the Younglings; target of Galina’s planned ambush to ensure compliance.
- SevannaShaido leader; plots to claim Rand; consolidates power by killing Desaine.
- TheravaWise One with Sevanna; confirms they can replicate Aes Sedai weaves.
- AmysWise One; supports informing Perrin; present during planning.
- NanderaMaiden; prompts Sulin to end her toh; brings cadin’sor.
- DesaineWise One opponent to Sevanna; murdered to secure Sevanna’s dominance.