Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Nynaeve’s accidental Healing of Logain is confirmed when she restores Siuan and Leane to the One Power, though both are weaker than before. The Yellow Ajah descends to dissect her method, and the Hall faces new ethical dilemmas about gentling men. Siuan regains Aes Sedai status, maneuvers politically for influence, and reveals limits to her restored strength. Delana is suborned by the mysterious Halima, hinting at Forsaken interference.
Summary
Nynaeve struggles to hold her accidental shield on Logain as he pushes against it, binds him with Air, and anxiously summons Sheriam. A crowd of Aes Sedai arrives; her control collapses, and they re-shield Logain. Dragged before the Yellows, Nynaeve is goaded to prove her claim and Heals Siuan, who embraces saidar again and breaks down in relief. Nynaeve then Heals Leane with the same novel weave using all Five Powers.
The Yellows immediately interrogate Nynaeve’s technique and debate refinements, sidelining her even as they accept the impossible has been done. Carlinya raises the ethical and strategic problem of continuing to gentle men while hoping to win over Rand and Logain, and Nynaeve flees the scrutiny. Outside, word spreads, and Yellow sisters begin scheduling Nynaeve for repeated demonstrations, intent on breaking her block and mastering her method.
Siuan, newly able to channel but notably weaker, tests her limits against Gareth Bryne, fails to move him, and is overwhelmed by resurging grief for her dead Warder. She composes herself with Leane’s support and pushes to reengage politically, aiming to leverage her restored Aes Sedai status. Later, Siuan and Leane visit Nynaeve and Elayne: they confirm the Hall has recognized them as Aes Sedai again, discuss Ajah reassignment, and ask Nynaeve to try Healing them further, but a repeat attempt the next morning fails.
They also reveal news: Elaida’s embassy has reached Cairhien; the Salidar leadership managed a steadier meeting with the Wise Ones, and Egwene will attend next. Siuan seeks to steer relations and access the Wise Ones, warning of subtle hierarchies now that her strength is reduced. Elayne considers but rejects flight; Nynaeve resigns herself to the Yellows’ regimen.
At dawn, Siuan privately enlists Delana to help ensure the Hall doesn’t mishandle the Wise One meetings. After Siuan departs, Delana is confronted by Halima Saranov, who leverages hidden knowledge and the name Aran’gar to coerce Delana into accepting her as a close companion and conduit for instructions, signaling covert, likely Forsaken, manipulation within Salidar.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaAccidentally Heals Logain’s gentling; then Heals Siuan and Leane partially using all Five Powers; becomes target of Yellow Ajah study.
- Siuan SancheRestored to channeling but weaker; emotionally rocked by Warder’s death; regains Aes Sedai status and maneuvers for political influence.
- Leane SharifAlso restored to channeling at reduced strength; considers choosing Green Ajah; supports Siuan’s political plans.
- Logain AblarPushes against his shield; confirmed Healed; requires six sisters to hold; central to debate on gentling and alliances.
- Sheriam BayanarLeads handling of the situation; helps verify Nynaeve’s Healing; comforts Siuan; balances Hall politics.
- Myrelle BerengariHelps manage Nynaeve and the Yellows; acknowledges the shock; involved in escorting and controlling proceedings.
- Romanda CassinSkeptical Yellow leader; oversees shielding Logain; focal point for Yellow Ajah reaction.
- CarlinyaRaises the ethical and strategic dilemma of continuing to gentle men while courting Rand and Logain.
- Delana MosalaineAids Siuan’s plan to manage Wise One access; later coerced into accepting Halima as her companion.
- Halima Saranov (Aran’gar)Mysterious newcomer who blackmails Delana using secret knowledge and the name Aran’gar, imposing control.
- Elayne TrakandSupports Nynaeve; considers escape; learns of Rand meeting Elaida’s embassy; reflects on bonding and politics.
- Gareth BryneUnmoved by Siuan’s display; presses for steadier relations despite her restored channeling.
- Nisao DachenYellow sister challenging Nynaeve; initially skeptical; participates in managing outcomes.
- Dagdara FincheyYellow sister scrutinizing Nynaeve’s weave; vocal in technical critique.
- Shanelle HagulYellow sister analyzing the Healing method; suggests refinements.
- Larissa LyndelYellow who seizes Nynaeve to schedule demonstrations; determined to break Nynaeve’s block.