Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
Egwene is summoned before the Salidar Hall and, despite being only Accepted, is lawfully raised Amyrlin through an exacting ceremony. Initial resistance from Romanda and Lelaine yields after Egwene performs the ritual service, securing unanimity. Sheriam, Morvrin, and Myrelle pledge for her, and Egwene accepts the stole, poised to confront Salidar’s politics.
Summary
Egwene is startled when Sheriam and allied Aes Sedai reveal the Hall intends to raise her Amyrlin despite her being only Accepted. Beonin and Carlinya argue Tower law permits it, while others drill Egwene on the ceremony. Though anxious, Egwene complies as Siuan is sent to summon the Sitters.
Escorted at night to the makeshift Hall, Egwene begins the ritual responses before the assembled Sitters. The women bare themselves per tradition to affirm only women are present. Egwene declares her willingness to serve and, at first call, only nine of eighteen Sitters stand, signaling partial acceptance and a warning of independence.
Following custom, Egwene kneels and washes each Sitter’s bare feet, asking to be allowed to serve. On the second call, more Sitters rise, with Lelaine and finally Romanda relenting to complete unanimity. The tension breaks as the Hall consents to raise Egwene.
Romanda and Lelaine lead Egwene to the chair, place the seven-striped stole on her shoulders, and move her Great Serpent ring to the right hand as all proclaim her titles. One by one, Sheriam, Myrelle, Morvrin, and the Sitters offer service and kiss her ring before departing, the remainder of the ceremony deferred to morning.
Left with her sponsors, Egwene learns that refusal would likely have led to her exile and that her backers might have been cast out as well. Now accepted, Egwene changes from Accepted’s dress to silk and agrees to be briefed on the political situation in Salidar.
Who Appears
- Egwene al’VereSummoned by the Hall in Salidar and, after full ritual, raised Amyrlin despite being Accepted.
- Sheriam BayanarLeads the process, pledges for Egwene, orchestrates ceremony details, and offers guidance afterward.
- Romanda CassinEldest Sitter; initially withholds assent, then relents and helps invest Egwene with the stole.
- Lelaine AkashiPowerful Sitter; holds out alongside Romanda before consenting; assists in the investiture.
- MorvrinSponsor who pledges for Egwene; sternly ensures ceremonial precision and supports her elevation.
- Myrelle BerengariSponsor pledging for Egwene; manages garments and ceremony flow; aids Egwene after the raising.
- Beonin MarinyeExplains Tower law enabling a non-Aes Sedai to be raised; supports the plan.
- CarlinyaInsists on strict wording and logic; helps drill Egwene for the ceremony.
- AnaiyaComforts Egwene and assists with preparations; supportive presence throughout.
- Siuan SancheSent to rouse the Sitters; observes Egwene’s elevation with contained satisfaction.
- KwamesaYoungest Sitter; conducts the women-only verification and initiates ceremonial steps.
- Delana MosalaineFirst Sitter to rise in acceptance during the vote.
- Janya FrendeSupports Egwene early; appears distracted while her foot is washed.
- SamalinGreen Sitter who initially withholds assent; receives Egwene’s ritual footwashing.
- MalindGreen Sitter; one of the feet Egwene washes during the service round.