Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Nynaeve’s frustrating morning in Salidar reveals growing tensions and political maneuvering. Lelaine publicly leverages Logain’s tale to undermine the Red Ajah before Altaran nobles. Siuan and Bryne clash over inaction, Theodrin forces Nynaeve to face her block, and Nynaeve trains with Moghedien. The stakes spike when Red sister Tarna Feir arrives as Elaida’s emissary to the Hall.
Summary
At dawn in sweltering Salidar, Nynaeve wakes irritable, brooding over faltering weather-sense and a fruitless Tel’aran’rhiod night. She and Elayne review the risky raid on Elaida’s study and the nightmare rescue, then argue about Rand and responsibilities. Nynaeve checks on Moghedien—disguised as Marigan—relegated to hard laundry work by Myrelle, and keeps the a’dam on despite the strain.
Avoiding being tasked by sisters, Nynaeve detours into a converted inn where Lelaine showcases Logain to powerful Altaran nobles. Logain calmly details how Reds—naming Javindhra and Barasine, hinting Elaida—groomed and fed him intelligence to proclaim and sustain a false Dragon, then betrayed and gentled him. The nobles leave shaken, and Lelaine intends the tale to erode support for Elaida.
Outside, Nynaeve overhears Siuan and Gareth Bryne quarrel over the Hall’s delay; Siuan refuses to spy for him, and Bryne warns he won’t keep an idle army caged. Leane arrives to inform Siuan they will not meet the Wise Ones that night. Lelaine then corners Nynaeve with probing questions about Rand, Egwene, and the Two Rivers ta’veren, and discourages attempts to Heal Siuan and Leane. Theodrin later presses Nynaeve to face her block, scheduling relentless training despite Nynaeve’s evasions.
Retreating to her room, Nynaeve resumes secret lessons with Moghedien, working through a complex, shifting weave to detect men channeling. The effort gives both headaches but yields progress, and Nynaeve forces herself to work without drawing on Moghedien’s strength.
The village erupts when word spreads that Red sister Tarna Feir has arrived as Elaida’s emissary to address the Hall. Elayne reports Tarna’s chilling presence and the Aes Sedai’s alarm. Nynaeve dismisses Moghedien and debates the implications with Elayne, fearing the Hall’s response while insisting a return to Elaida is unthinkable, even as uncertainty mounts over Tarna’s message.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaFrustrated in Salidar; manages Moghedien via a’dam; witnesses Logain’s testimony; pressures Siuan; trains to detect male channeling; faces Theodrin’s push to break her block.
- Elayne TrakandReports Tel’aran’rhiod raid outcomes; teaches novices; brings news of Red emissary Tarna Feir; debates implications with Nynaeve.
- Moghedien (as Marigan)Disguised and bound by a’dam; forced to laundry duty; instructs Nynaeve in detecting male channeling; fears exposure.
- Lelaine AkashiBlue Sitter; stages Logain before Altaran nobles to undermine Reds; questions Nynaeve; discourages Healing stilled women.
- Logain AblarRecounts Red Ajah manipulation of his rise and capture; used as political leverage; burns with contained hatred.
- Siuan SancheArgues with Gareth Bryne over the Hall’s inaction; barred from meeting Wise Ones; reluctantly agrees to be studied later.
- Gareth BryneConfronts Siuan about delays; warns he won’t keep his army idle; demands clarity from the Hall.
- LeaneDelivers news to Siuan that their Wise Ones meeting is canceled; maintains tense rivalry with Siuan.
- TheodrinIntermediate rank between Accepted and Aes Sedai; insists on daily work to break Nynaeve’s block.
- Tarna FeirRed Ajah emissary from Elaida; arrives to address the Hall, alarming Salidar’s Aes Sedai.
- Myrelle BerengariAssigns Moghedien to chores; exerts influence over Nynaeve via Theodrin.
- Burin ShaerenLelaine’s Warder; guards Logain’s presentation and deters threats.
- Lady Sarena (Altaran noble)Challenges Logain’s claims; represents stunned noble reaction to Red Ajah manipulation.
- Uno NomestaShienaran officer training cavalry in Salidar; briefly interacts, highlighting Nynaeve’s restlessness.