Chapter 40

Mat meets Thom in Salidar, demanding help to sway Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve from a dangerous plan. Thom counters with a cautionary tale and reveals the women will depart for Ebou Dar soon, urging Mat to help keep them alive instead of trying to control them. Mat, frustrated, realizes Egwene faces internal Salidar factions and storms off, half ready to argue further.

Outside, Mat attempts to get answers from Nynaeve, who pointedly avoids him. He orders Vanin to quietly reach the Band of the Red Hand with instructions to wait and avoid any rescue attempt, deciding he must remain near Egwene and Elayne to mitigate risks. Salidar Aes Sedai and servants gossip about Mat being ta’veren and Aviendha’s strength, unsettled that Rand knows their location.

Elayne, hearing Aviendha is being pressed toward novice white, extracts her from a circle of sisters, promising it will not recur. Birgitte intercepts Elayne to report that Vandene and Adeleas will accompany the Ebou Dar mission, effectively as chaperones. Birgitte refuses to confirm her true identity to Egwene, fearing expectations tied to legend, though Elayne presses for the Amyrlin’s trust.

In private, Aviendha declares toh to Elayne for having slept with Rand and offers punishment, but Elayne refuses. They confront their feelings: Aviendha proposes the Aiel concept of sisterwives and insists they must be like firstsisters if they are to share Rand. Elayne introduces Min’s love for Rand; after initial fierceness, Aviendha agrees to meet Min and consider sharing if they can be as firstsisters.

The chapter closes with Elayne and Aviendha finding unexpected humor in the complications, even as plans for Ebou Dar move forward under new scrutiny and Mat quietly positions himself to safeguard the mission.