Contents
Chapter 24
Overview
Egwene, posing as Aiel in Cairhien, spots an Aes Sedai embassy bearing Ajah colors, including Red, heading to the Sun Palace. Fearing Elaida’s designs on Rand and herself, she alerts the Wise Ones and Berelain. The Wise Ones resolve to observe the embassy and keep Egwene concealed, while Rhuarc is summoned.
After strenuous health tests and a sweat tent, Egwene retires, anxious yet committed to returning to Tel’aran’rhiod soon.
Summary
Egwene moves through busy Cairhien streets in Aiel dress, enjoying rare freedom and anticipating her return to Tel’aran’rhiod now that her headaches are gone. Street rumors swirl about the Tower’s division and other chaos, heightening Egwene’s awareness of eyes-and-ears and the danger of being recognized by any Aes Sedai loyal to Elaida.
After she intervenes Aiel-style to halt a brewing brawl, Egwene spots a guarded party of Aes Sedai riding toward the Sun Palace, their dustcloaks showing Ajah emblems, including Red. Realizing it must be Elaida’s embassy meant to control or seize Rand—and potentially seize her—Egwene runs from the city to warn the Wise Ones.
At Amys’s tent, Egwene finds Berelain with Amys, Bair, and Sorilea. She reports the embassy’s arrival. Berelain prepares to return to receive them, while the Wise Ones caution her about relying on Rhuarc; nonetheless, Amys agrees to send Rhuarc to lend weight.
Egwene presses the danger: Elaida seeks to control Rand, and any sister aiding him might be made to disappear. Berelain promises to help, though Sorilea sharply rebukes Berelain’s insinuations about Rand. The Wise Ones decide the sisters must be watched and that Egwene must stay hidden among the tents; they consider direct opposition to Aes Sedai but prioritize protecting the Car’a’carn.
Concerned for Egwene’s recovery, the Wise Ones subject her to rigorous health tests; satisfied, they permit her normal duties. Egwene joins them in the sweat tent until Rhuarc and other clan chiefs arrive, prompting her modest retreat. Exhausted by day’s end, she eats, then falls asleep thinking of Gawyn, resolved to reenter the World of Dreams soon.
Who Appears
- Egwene al'VereIn Aiel garb in Cairhien; spots Elaida’s embassy, warns Wise Ones and Berelain; agrees to hide; undergoes health tests; plans return to Tel’aran’rhiod.
- Berelain sur PaendragMeets with Wise Ones; hurries to receive the Aes Sedai embassy; promises to aid Rand; cautioned by Sorilea; asks secrecy from Rhuarc.
- AmysWise One hosting the meeting; agrees to send Rhuarc to bolster Berelain; monitors Egwene’s recovery.
- SorileaDominant Wise One voice; urges caution with Aes Sedai and reliance on self; insists Egwene remain hidden; oversees Egwene’s testing.
- BairWise One; supports keeping Egwene concealed; participates in judging Egwene’s health.
- RhuarcClan chief summoned to lend authority when receiving the embassy; seen as imposing support for Berelain.
- RoderaShaido gai’shain serving the Wise Ones; tends the sweat tent and refreshments during discussions.
- TimolanMiagoma clan chief; arrives at the sweat tent, prompting Egwene’s departure for modesty.
- IndirianCodarra clan chief; accompanies Rhuarc to the sweat tent during Wise Ones’ gathering.
- Elaida’s embassyAes Sedai delegation, including Red Ajah, arrives in Cairhien to approach Rand; triggers Wise Ones’ countermeasures.