Contents
Chapter 41
Overview
Min arrives in Caemlyn with a nine-sister Salidar embassy and delivers Elayne’s letter to Rand. Rand warmly welcomes Min but vows distance from Elayne and Aviendha for their safety, then imposes strict terms on the embassy. Min warns Aes Sedai will hurt him; Melaine confirms Egwene goes to Salidar, and Min foretells Melaine will bear twin daughters.
Summary
Min rides into Caemlyn and, after facing Aiel guards, sees Rand in the throne room finishing with skeptical Andoran nobles. Rand joyfully greets Min, and they retreat to his apartments. Min delivers Elayne’s brief letter urging Rand to trust Min. Speaking candidly, Rand admits love for both Elayne and Aviendha yet resolves to keep away to shield them from danger.
Min pointedly asserts she’s no mere friend and presses Rand on his choices. She then reports her mission: a nine-sister Salidar embassy led by Merana has taken rooms at The Crown of Roses. Min believes they mean no harm, but she also viewed that women who can channel will hurt Rand, possibly more than once. Rand accepts the audience but sets terms: no more than three Aes Sedai at once, none to enter the Inner City without leave, and no channeling around him.
Sulin arrives with refreshments, bristling at the sight of Min with Rand; Rand firmly names Min under his protection. Melaine enters with news from the Wise Ones: Egwene has gone to Salidar and the Salidar Aes Sedai are fractious. In a spontaneous viewing, Min foretells Melaine will bear twin daughters, startling Melaine; Min then explains her ability in detail.
Min and Melaine evaluate the embassy sister by sister: several are cautious or conflicted, yet all acknowledge Rand as the Dragon Reborn, with a few showing potential goodwill. Rand concludes he will be respectful without yielding and will not trust them until they prove themselves. Melaine urges vigilance and asks Rand to protect Min, then departs, leaving Rand and Min in a newly awkward quiet.
Who Appears
- Min FarshawBrings Salidar embassy and Elayne’s letter; warns Aes Sedai will hurt Rand; foretells Melaine’s twin daughters.
- Rand al’ThorWelcomes Min, confesses conflicted loves, sets strict terms for Salidar Aes Sedai, asserts Min’s protection.
- MelaineWise One; reports Egwene’s move to Salidar, debates Aes Sedai motives, learns she will bear twin daughters.
- SulinMaiden serving in livery; bristles at Min with Rand; is warned Min is under Rand’s protection.
- EnailaMaiden who escorts Min into the Royal Palace to meet Rand.
- SomaraMaiden on guard outside Rand’s rooms during Min’s visit.