Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Perrin confronts Davram Bashere and Lady Deira, proves his resolve, and secures reluctant parental approval of his marriage to Faile. Rand receives Min’s dire viewing that Perrin must be present twice to avert disaster, while Lews Therin’s voice presses him toward violence. An Aes Sedai, Demira, is ambushed by Aiel; healed, she and Merana’s embassy decide to pressure Rand quietly by withholding visits, signaling they won’t be cowed.
Summary
Perrin meets Davram Bashere in the Sun Palace and is immediately tested over his marriage to Zarine (Faile). Bashere threatens to kill Perrin if Deira refuses consent; Perrin, enraged, declares he will reclaim Faile even from nine thousand Saldaean horse. Bashere, approving the steel he sees, takes Perrin to Deira.
Inside, Faile and her mother have literally traded slaps. Lady Deira challenges Perrin to prove strength without cruelty; Perrin refuses to trample Faile but vows love and constancy. Bashere ends the standoff, and Deira, conceding Faile is no longer a child, accepts the marriage. Faile pointedly displays submissiveness that unsettles Perrin.
Elsewhere, Rand broods over needing Perrin or Mat in Tear and battles Lews Therin’s intrusive urgings to strike at Aes Sedai. Min arrives, teasing, then delivers a grim viewing: when Rand and Perrin are together, his “fireflies” hold the darkness, and twice Perrin must be there or something very bad will happen to Rand. Rand worries over the Salidar sisters meeting nobles and fights the growing instability of Lews Therin’s voice.
On Caemlyn’s streets, Demira Eriff seeks a palace librarian contact but, after being shadowed, slips into alleys and is ambushed by Aiel spears. A planted informant alerts her Warder, and Berenicia’s swift Healing saves Demira from blood loss. The wording of the warning makes clear the attack was meant to cow the Salidar embassy into staying away from Rand.
Back in the palace, Sulin plays an awkward servant guiding Perrin and Faile to lavish rooms. Faile suggests spying on Rand; Perrin forbids it, and Faile promises obedience before the couple turn to intimacy.
Recovered, Demira confers with Merana, Berenicia, and Verin. Rejecting a hunt for the specific Aiel, they infer Rand’s culpability by proxy and decide on a measured answer: say nothing publicly and skip palace visits for days to keep Rand guessing and off-balance while they consider how to make him respect Aes Sedai.
Who Appears
- Perrin AybaraStands up to Davram Bashere and Lady Deira, asserts love for Faile, forbids spying on Rand.
- Faile (Zarine) BashereArgues with her mother, supports Perrin, promises not to spy on Rand, shows teasing submissiveness.
- Davram BashereFaile’s father tests Perrin harshly, threatens him, then accepts the marriage after Perrin proves resolve.
- Lady Deira BashereFaile’s mother challenges Perrin’s strength; after confrontation, acknowledges the marriage.
- Rand al’ThorWorries over strategies and Aes Sedai; hears Min’s warning; struggles with Lews Therin’s murderous urgings.
- Min FarshawDelivers viewing: twice Perrin must be present to avert disaster for Rand; keeps visiting covertly.
- Demira EriffSalidar Aes Sedai ambushed and stabbed by Aiel; healed; urges a quiet, strategic response to pressure Rand.
- Merana AmbreyLeads the embassy; agrees to avoid open accusation and to unsettle Rand by withholding visits.
- Verin MathwinSteps in to steer the embassy’s response; supports subtle pressure over rash retaliation.
- BereniciaYellow sister who Heals Demira; initially favors retribution, then accepts the quieter plan.
- SulinMaiden awkwardly playing at being a servant; escorts Perrin and Faile to their rooms.
- StevanDemira’s Warder; fetches help and brings her back for Healing after the alley attack.
- Lews Therin Telamon (voice)Intrusive voice in Rand’s mind, urging him to kill Aes Sedai and sow fear.
- Aiel attackersGroup that stabs Demira in the alleys; their assault serves as a warning to the embassy.