Contents
Chapter 43
Overview
Merana’s embassy regroups after meeting Rand, who imposes a strict ban on Aes Sedai contact with the Black Tower. Alanna confirms Rand remains in Caemlyn and reveals his agonizing, half-healed wound.
To secure Andor’s future and Elayne’s claim, Salidar sisters quietly engage key nobles, urging unity and peace under Rand’s shadow.
Summary
Returning from the Royal Palace, Merana leads Seonid, Masuri, Alanna, and Verin to the Crown of Roses to assess their position with Rand. Merana fears his resolve and the implications of the Black Tower, while Min slips away, likely to return to the Palace. Power dynamics surface: Merana tries to assert precedence over Alanna, and Verin’s quiet authority complicates control.
Merana reports Rand’s new restriction: Aes Sedai must avoid the Black Tower and his Asha’man. The term “Asha’man” and Alanna’s estimate of over a hundred men alarm the group, but Merana prioritizes managing Rand over confronting Taim. Alanna, sensing through the bond, says Rand remains in the Palace and bears an old, half-healed wound that causes constant pain.
They debate strategy. Merana dismisses replacing Moiraine’s role because Alanna’s coercive bonding heightened Rand’s suspicion. Seonid and Masuri recall Rand’s confidence, Aiel protection, and claim of sensing women channeling. They judge his suspicion an advantage against Elaida’s embassy in Cairhien, believing their foreknowledge makes them better positioned. Alanna worries she ruined everything, but the others reassure her and postpone action against the amnesty while focusing on bringing Rand “to heel.”
The narrative shifts to covert outreach: Kairen counsels Dyelin about Elayne’s prospects; Rafela urges Luan to choose unity and peace so Rand leaves Andor stable; and Demira presses Ellorien with Aes Sedai fatalism about the Lion Throne. The sisters begin aligning Andoran Houses toward Elayne and stability, advancing the embassy’s political strategy under Rand’s constraints.
Who Appears
- Merana AmboriLeader of the Salidar embassy; manages fallout with Rand, sets strategy to court Andoran nobles.
- Alanna MosvaniIllicitly bonded Rand; senses he is in Caemlyn and reveals his half-healed, agonizing wound.
- Verin MathwinObservant Brown sister; counsels caution handling Rand, informally influences discussion.
- Seonid TraighanPractical Green; comments on Rand’s arrogance and Aiel threat, supports cautious approach.
- Masuri SokawaQuiet Brown; notes Rand’s claims and advocates staying focused on strategy over distractions.
- Min FarshawDeeply attached to Rand; departs to walk Caemlyn, likely returning to the Palace.
- Kairen StangSalidar Aes Sedai who privately urges Dyelin to consider Elayne and Aes Sedai solutions.
- Dyelin TaravinAndoran noble; worries over Elayne’s claim while pressed by Kairen for unity.
- Rafela CindalSalidar Aes Sedai; covertly urges Luan to choose unity and peace for Andor.
- Luan NorwelynAndoran lord; cautiously hears Rafela’s appeal in secret, wary of trust.
- Demira EriffSalidar Aes Sedai; confronts Ellorien privately, hinting Elayne’s fate rests with the Pattern.
- Ellorien TraemaneAndoran lady; pressed by Demira about the Lion Throne and Elayne’s prospects.
- Mistress CinchonineInnkeeper of the Crown of Roses; hosts the sisters and provides their privacy.