Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
In Caemlyn’s Royal Palace, Rand hones his swordwork, endures sycophantic Andoran nobles, and is abruptly tested by Davram Bashere, stopping a thrown dagger with saidin. Rand rejects trusting Aes Sedai yet admits needing them, considers plans for Illian with Bashere and Mat, and unsettles nobles by naming Rahvin. The chapter ends with the shocking news that Mazrim Taim has come to the gates.
Summary
In the Royal Palace at Caemlyn, Rand trains with five hired blades, defeating four before one lands a blow, ensuring honesty by paying bonuses to anyone who touches him. Maidens of the Spear, led by Sulin, watch protectively while Andoran nobles crowd in with flattery and veiled maneuvering.
Davram Bashere interrupts, questioning Rand’s obsession with multi-opponent swordwork. He suddenly hurls a dagger; Rand seizes saidin and stops it midair, then restrains both nobles and Maidens from retaliating. Bashere argues assassins won’t reach Rand through the Aiel and that Rand should not risk his skull for practice.
Reeling from intrusive thoughts of Lews Therin, Rand steadies himself while the Maidens fuss and the nobles eye him for signs of madness. Bashere presses the need to work with Aes Sedai; Rand insists he will use but never trust them. The possibility of a Tower split is whispered, and Rand hints at support from rebels while refusing details.
To redirect fear, Bashere turns talk to war: Illian will “crack like a nut,” building on a plan refined by Mat and Bashere. Rand’s blunt revelation that Gaebril was Rahvin shocks the Andorans; some nearly faint. Despite their fear, Rand maintains that people must know the Forsaken are loose.
As Somara brings Rand his coat and the Maidens resume their watch, Bashere warns that few resist Aes Sedai designs for long. A Saldaean officer then reports startling news: Mazrim Taim himself has presented at Caemlyn’s gates.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorDragon Reborn; trains with swords, halts Bashere’s dagger using saidin, rejects trusting Aes Sedai, plans against Illian.
- Davram BashereSaldaean general; tests Rand with a thrown dagger, counsels alliance with Aes Sedai, discusses Illian campaign.
- SulinMaiden leader; pays the sparring men, disapproves of swords, oversees Rand’s security in the courtyard.
- EnailaFiery Maiden; tends Rand with towel, vigilant toward nobles and Saldaeans, likely to press herb tea later.
- SomaraTall Maiden; brings Rand his shirt and coat, watches protectively during political exchanges.
- Elenia SarandAmbitious Andoran High Seat; flatters Rand and postures knowledgeably, eyes the Lion Throne.
- Jarid SarandElenia’s husband; supports her ambitions, nearly charges Bashere during the dagger incident.
- Naean ArawnAndoran High Seat; suspicious and sharp, advocates treating non-supporters as enemies.
- ArymillaAndoran noble; fawns over Rand’s prowess, later faints at mention of a Forsaken.
- Lir BarynSmooth Andoran lord; urges identifying enemies early, flatters Rand’s wisdom.
- HenrenHard-eyed Andoran lord; echoes praise, momentarily threatens Bashere after the knife throw.
- Nasin CaerenAging Andoran High Seat; addled, compares Rand to legendary Jearom.
- KarindBlunt Andoran lady; lauds Rand’s skill, helps Arymilla after she collapses.
- CarlysShrewd Andoran lady; offers smooth praise while calculating.
- ElegarNervous Andoran lord; echoes compliments, nearly swoons at Rahvin’s revelation.
- Tumad AhzkanSaldaean officer; delivers the news that Mazrim Taim is at the gates.
- Mazrim TaimRenegade channeler; arrives at Caemlyn’s gates, triggering immediate tension.