40 The Wheel Weaves

Nynaeve dodges Galad in Samara, then confronts him in an alley with Uno and Ragan guarding her. Galad declares he will not harm her, reveals his duty in Ghealdan, and swears by his mother’s name to find a boat to get Nynaeve and Elayne safely toward Altara and then Caemlyn. Nynaeve, weighing his oath against Whitecloak loyalties, tells him they are with Valan Luca’s menagerie and orders him to stay away and bring word at night asking for “Nana.”

On the road back, Nynaeve resolves to stop hunting Moghedien and the Black Ajah herself and to go to Salidar, leaving the matter to the Blues. She brings Uno and Ragan to heel under her rules and learns there are fifteen Shienarans nearby. She commands them to avoid the show, report nightly for “Nana,” and race to her only if a boat appears.

At the menagerie, Nynaeve notes new acts—a contortionist named Muelin—and hears that Luca, Thom, and Juilin went searching for her after rumors. She recounts to Elayne and Birgitte her meetings with Masema and Galad, the plan for a boat, the Shienarans’ aid, and the destination of Salidar. Elayne is skeptical but accepts Galad’s oath; Birgitte approves retaining the Borderlanders.

Before sunset, Birgitte performs the arrow-shooting act, outlining Nynaeve against a fence. The crowd roars as Nynaeve quails internally but holds still. Afterward, she retreats shaken, determined that Galad or Masema must find a riverboat quickly. That night, she orders Uno to press both men to hurry the vessel.