Contents
Chapter 31
Overview
Eamon Valda returns to Amador, where Rhadam Asunawa quietly courts him against Pedron Niall. Niall receives a troubling cipher and dispatches a courier. Morgase’s escape is ruined when her contacts are hanged, forcing her to sign Niall’s harsh treaty. Niall unexpectedly delays marching, while Asunawa plots her public downfall.
Summary
Eamon Valda rides into Amador, angered by news of Rand and unrest, and disgusted at Pedron Niall’s restraint. A Hand of the Light subtly directs him to the Dome of Truth, where High Inquisitor Rhadam Asunawa hints that Niall endangers the Children and suggests later, secret talks. Valda, ambitious and contemptuous, listens.
Elsewhere, Pedron Niall receives a red-wax cipher from his hidden agent Varadin mentioning “Forerunners” and sealed cities, linking to Asidim Faisar. Weighing his maxims on action and intelligence, Niall orders a risky courier to Tanchico and trusts a renewed intuition, then burns the message.
Morgase finalizes a simple escape plan arranged by Paitr and his uncle Torwyn Barshaw. Before she can move, Inquisitor Einor Saren summons her to Niall and deliberately routes her past a mass hanging. Among the executed are Torwyn and Paitr, killing the escape and warning Morgase of the consequences for her followers.
Resolved to save her people and Andor from worse fates, Morgase tells Niall she will sign. She accepts a treaty granting Whitecloaks perpetual rights in Andor—garrisons and separate courts—in exchange for restoring her throne. Niall signs, but unexpectedly delays deploying, citing other developments. Morgase masks her resolve, invites a game of stones, and plans to regain ground by feigning submission.
Afterward, Asunawa reviews the outcome with Saren, dissatisfied but hopeful Morgase will keep resisting Niall. He envisions a grand trial and execution to serve his designs, even as his quiet intrigue against Niall gathers pace.
Who Appears
- Morgase TrakandPlans escape from Amador; sees her allies hanged; signs Niall’s treaty to protect her people; resolves to feign compliance.
- Pedron NiallReceives a cryptic report about “Forerunners,” sends a courier, secures Morgase’s treaty, but delays marching for broader strategy.
- Rhadam AsunawaHigh Inquisitor; probes Valda against Niall, orchestrates intimidation, and plots Morgase’s eventual trial and execution.
- Eamon ValdaReturns from Tar Valon; contemptuous of Niall; listens to Asunawa’s overtures; ambitious and eager for harsher action.
- Einor SarenInquisitor who escorts Morgase, parading her past a mass hanging to break resistance; reports to Asunawa.
- Sebban BalwerNiall’s precise secretary; handles Omerna’s reports and files Morgase’s signed treaty.
- Dain BornhaldGreets Valda while reeking of brandy; a once-promising officer now dulled by drink.
- PaitrYoung contact arranging Morgase’s escape; hanged as a Darkfriend, ending the plan.
- Torwyn BarshawPaitr’s uncle and main fixer for the escape; hanged with other alleged Darkfriends.
- TallanvorAdvises distrust of Paitr; ready to aid the escape; spared when Morgase changes course.
- LiniMorgase’s nurse; preps for the escape while offering sharp, grounding commentary.
- BreaneAssists Lini and Morgase’s group; present during planning, wary and attentive.
- Basel GillPart of Morgase’s retinue; alerts her to Saren’s arrival; slated as an escapee.
- Lamgwin DornAssigned to wait outside for the escape; stands by as plans collapse.
- OmernaInept decoy spymaster; mishandles secure deliveries, irking Niall.
- VaradinHidden agent whose cipher about “Forerunners” prompts Niall to dispatch a courier.
- Asidim FaisarNiall’s man in Tarabon; reportedly hidden in Tanchico, linking threads in the cipher.