49 To Boannda

Nynaeve secures passage for a crowd of refugees on Captain Neres’s Riverserpent, coercing him with coin, Shienaran presence, and implied leverage. She then forces open the hold, dumping much cargo to make room and bedding, despite Neres’s fury. Refugees praise Nynaeve, while Elayne suspects—correctly—that Neres is a smuggler.

Cramped quarters, Neres’s misogyny, and the women’s frayed tempers create tension that gradually eases as they care for the injured and children. Elayne secretly weaves wind to hasten them, drawing Nynaeve’s ire, then reluctant approval. Nynaeve tends wounds discreetly, Heals some, and the trio bond with refugees. Three women’s stories stand out: Nicola (bereaved weaver), Marigan (herbwoman with silent sons Jaril and Seve), and Areina (young Hunter battered by the road).

Each night Nynaeve and Elayne enter Tel’aran’rhiod. They scout Elaida’s study, glimpsing angry orders, an emissary to Salidar, and hints about Whitecloaks and distant rulers. Practicing dream control, they improve cautiously. On one night, using a different ter’angreal weakens Nynaeve’s presence. Meeting Egwene and Amys in the Heart of the Stone, they hear confirmed news: Rand’s victory at Cairhien, Mat killing Couladin, Shaido retreating, and Rand sending Aiel south toward Tear while keeping his counsel. Amys is wary; Egwene chastises them for loose tongues and urges caution about Salidar.

They reach Boannda at dawn of the third day; Neres avoids excisemen while the refugees disembark, uncertain of their futures. Nicola, Marigan (with Jaril and Seve), and Areina choose to remain with Nynaeve and Elayne. Nynaeve compels Neres to continue downriver toward Ebou Dar with an unannounced stop for Salidar, stinging him with horseflies via the Power when he protests.

Below Boannda, with wilderness closing in, Riverserpent anchors near the marked point. After paying Neres—Elayne even gifting a necklace—they and their companions go ashore. With Uno to clear a path, they prepare to push two miles through dense forest toward the long-abandoned village of Salidar, confident their news and connection to Rand will matter.