Chapter 9

In Amador, Pedron Niall rebuffs Lord Captain Abdel Omerna’s push to host Taraboner Illuminators, maintaining a strict Tarabon quarantine. Omerna recites overconfident reports about Dragonsworn, wavering rulers, and internal order, which Niall privately distrusts. After Omerna departs, Niall reflects on failed efforts to slow Rand al’Thor and the risks of assassination.

Sebban Balwer, Niall’s true spymaster, enters. He coolly assesses Illian’s king Mattin Stepaneos hedging between Niall and the White Tower and notes Davram Bashere in Caemlyn. Niall discards a frantic report from Varadin about strange invaders and leashed Aes Sedai. Balwer adds three curiosities: Ogier Stumps convening, Sea Folk ships idling, and “reliable” sightings of Rand in multiple cities. Most importantly, Balwer reports that Salidar Aes Sedai are showing Logain and claiming the Red Ajah created him.

Niall seizes on the opportunity. He decides to spread four simple rumors: the Tower split began with a Black Ajah uprising; the Black Ajah controls the Tower; the Salidar Aes Sedai reject being Aes Sedai; and they seek Niall’s mercy and protection. He orders Balwer to find Elayne and Gawyn and to proceed with the rumor campaign. Rejecting haste with Morgase, he aims to bind her by appearances rather than force.

Scene shifts to Morgase hawking under heavy Whitecloak guard near Amador. Surrounded by reluctant Amadician ladies-in-waiting, she is nettled by Lady Marande’s barbs about Andoran nobles courting Rand and news that Galad has joined the Children. Morgase publicly belittles Galad’s importance to hide vulnerability, concluding Niall could use him as leverage.

On the road back to the city, Morgase notes rising numbers of displaced locals. Captain Norowhin grudgingly explains they are refugees abandoning bonds in response to belief in the Dragon Reborn. Confronted with the human cost and the danger of delivering Andor to the Children, Morgase steels herself, memorizing the refugees’ faces and recommitting to reclaiming her throne without surrendering Andor’s freedom.