36 A New Name

Elayne keeps vigil over the gravely weakened Birgitte while Nynaeve returns distraught and sleepless. Outside, Elayne tells Thom and Juilin the truth about Tel’aran’rhiod, the Black Ajah, and Moghedien hunting them, giving the men the choice to leave. Both refuse to abandon them, pledging to stay despite the danger.

Back inside, Elayne forces an exhausted, guilt-ridden Nynaeve to sleep. Birgitte wakes, recalls being torn from Tel’aran’rhiod, and grieves for being sundered from Gaidal Cain. Elayne reveals she bonded Birgitte to save her life and confesses she is only Accepted; Birgitte accepts the bond, promises secrecy and service, and offers friendship while vowing to provide caution and protection.

At dawn, the menagerie readies to move toward Samara. Luca, frantic about rival shows, confronts them and scoffs at Birgitte until she challenges him to an archery wager. Despite using his poor arrows, Birgitte splits two shafts at a hundred paces, astonishing the camp. Thom and Juilin collect on side bets as Luca, overjoyed, hires her for an arrow act.

To avoid revealing her identity, Birgitte chooses the alias “Maerion” and asks for a red dress, while Elayne quietly breathes relief at the concealment. Nynaeve continues to care for Birgitte, keeping her turmoil mostly contained, as the group strengthens their cover within Luca’s show.