Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Egwene invents a weave to enter Tel’aran’rhiod in the flesh and rides a dreamed Bela across nations to Salidar overnight. There, the Salidar leaders reveal Nynaeve Healed Siuan, though weakened, and rush political plans. They declare Egwene the new Amyrlin Seat, setting a bold challenge to the Tower.
Summary
Egwene packs to leave the Wise Ones and, determined to act, weaves Spirit to merge a spot of her tent with its reflection in Tel’aran’rhiod. She steps through in the flesh, confirms the World of Dreams’ strange stillness, and summons a dreamed Bela to speed her journey.
Riding with dream-swift leaps guided by the map in her head, Egwene crosses Cairhien and Altara by moonlight. Near Salidar, she slows, dismounts to avoid startling anyone, and returns to the waking world, accepting the discomfort she refused to erase to honor her toh.
In the village, Nildra leads Egwene to a meeting of Sheriam, Anaiya, Morvrin, Beonin, Carlinya, Myrelle, and a youthful-looking Siuan. They question her condition and discuss verifying effects later, while Siuan bluntly warns of Hall politics and Romanda’s aggression before apologizing under cold Aes Sedai stares.
Sheriam and the others explain that Nynaeve Healed stilling, restoring Siuan but with much-reduced strength. Urgency mounts: the Hall will move at dawn, and their plans must proceed. Amid Egwene’s confusion about what “has begun,” the leaders reveal their purpose—Egwene has been summoned to be raised as the next Amyrlin Seat.
Who Appears
- Egwene al'VereProtagonist; enters Tel’aran’rhiod in the flesh, travels to Salidar, honors toh, and is declared the new Amyrlin Seat.
- Sheriam BayanarLeads the Salidar group receiving Egwene; coordinates the plan to raise a new Amyrlin.
- Siuan SancheFormer Amyrlin, now Healed yet much weaker; presses political urgency, then yields to the others’ authority.
- AnaiyaWelcomes Egwene warmly and supports the plan surrounding her arrival.
- MorvrinPragmatic Brown; questions ill effects and signals readiness to proceed.
- BeoninCautious; insists on seeing the method work and suggests Healing if needed.
- CarlinyaCoolly suggests Yellow Ajah examination; part of the political circle.
- MyrelleUrges focus amid Egwene’s fatigue; praises Nynaeve’s discovery.
- NildraSalidar local who escorts Egwene to the Aes Sedai meeting.
- BelaEgwene’s dreamed mare in Tel’aran’rhiod, enabling swift, near-instant travel.