Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
Elaida’s embassy springs a trap: disguised Aes Sedai link to shield Rand, seize him under Red Ajah control, and spirit him to a hidden basement cage. Bain and Chiad are bluffed, Perrin remains ignorant, and Sorilea grows uneasy when Min disappears. Rand studies the shifting shield, seeking weakness.
Summary
Rand prepares to meet Coiren, impatient for Min to view the Aes Sedai. Sulin fusses over his coat and reluctantly obeys his order to fetch Min from Sorilea, revealing her ongoing penance. Rand plans to deflect Coiren and then train, wary of Alanna’s approach and Lews Therin’s mutterings.
Coiren arrives with Galina and Katerine, plus a dozen “serving women” carrying chests. When Galina mentions a Green sister, the Aes Sedai spring their trap. A shield slams into place despite Rand holding saidin, impossible for three—until a “serving woman” reveals the ageless face of Aes Sedai. Fifteen are present: thirteen to link and maintain the shield, two for binding. Galina declares the Red Ajah in charge and has Katerine take the Dragon Scepter.
Outside, Bain and Chiad are confronted by two Aes Sedai who coolly warn that if Rand returns soon, they will as well; otherwise, their patience ends. The women and chests depart, leaving the Maidens unsettled but unaware of the abduction, and they hurry into Rand’s chambers.
Elsewhere, Perrin stays by Faile, hoping to mend their rift while she plays stones with Loial. Nandera notes Rand sometimes slips away without guards and seeks Perrin’s knowledge, which he lacks. Perrin remains frustrated and ignorant of Rand’s fate.
In a hidden cellar, Rand awakens in an iron cage with six Aes Sedai holding the shield in rotation. Galina orders him to eat to keep him fit for delivery to the Tower. Rand maintains the Void, probing the barrier and discerning six soft points where the shield is sustained, searching for an exploitable weakness.
At dusk, Sorilea passes the stone house where constant channeling continues and grows uneasy: Rand has vanished and, ominously, Min has disappeared from between the tents and the palace. She hurries toward the Wise Ones’ tents, sensing troubling coincidences around the Car’a’carn.
Who Appears
- Rand al'ThorAmbushed and shielded by linked Aes Sedai; seized under Red Ajah control; imprisoned in an iron cage; analyzes the shield’s sustaining points.
- GalinaRed Ajah leader of the ambush; assumes control of Rand’s captivity; orders his transport and care.
- CoirenFronts the embassy to distract Rand; expresses disappointment; facilitates the trap before yielding control to Galina.
- KaterineRed sister assisting Galina; takes Rand’s Dragon Scepter; helps manage the operation.
- SulinAttends Rand, continues penance; sent to fetch Min; highlights Wise Ones’ expectations.
- BainMaiden at Rand’s door; confronted and cowed by an Aes Sedai’s warning; discovers Rand is gone too late.
- ChiadMaiden on guard with Bain; misled by Aes Sedai and hurries to check Rand’s chambers.
- Perrin AybaraUnaware of Rand’s capture; stays by Faile; queries Nandera and learns nothing of Rand’s whereabouts.
- Faile BasherePlays stones with Loial in tense silence; continues marital stalemate with Perrin.
- LoialPlays stones with Faile; stays out of the conflict while Perrin frets.
- NanderaMaiden noting Rand’s habit of slipping away; irritated and intent on following if she learns more.
- SorileaSenses continual channeling at a stone house; grows suspicious as Rand and Min both vanish; hurries to the tents.
- Min FarshawAbsent; expected to view Elaida’s Aes Sedai but vanishes en route, deepening suspicion.
- Lews Therin TelamonVoice in Rand’s mind; rages and then flees at the thirteen-linked threat.