17 Heading West

Nynaeve and Elayne disguise themselves, slip out the back of the Sienda inn, and head west on foot to avoid Galad and any Whitecloaks. Thom and Juilin catch up with a shabby wagon; Thom reports widespread talk that Pedron Niall is rallying nations against Rand, prompting the women to press on covertly.

They reach Valan Luca’s menagerie, where Luca taunts them for their earlier deception. Elayne offers to fund the troupe’s expenses plus a hundred gold marks if Luca carries them straight to Ghealdan without delays, posing their flight as escape from a political marriage.

To blend in, Thom demonstrates juggling and other skills; Elayne ascends the highwalker rig and, secretly using the Power, crosses and performs cartwheels, while a terrified Juilin follows to sell the act. Luca accepts them as performers; Nynaeve controls the purse and refuses menial work.

Introduced to the troupe—Petra, Clarine, Latelle, Aludra, and others—Nynaeve focuses on Cerandin, the woman handling the massive boar-horses. Recognizing her accent, Nynaeve and Elayne press her and confirm she is Seanchan, left behind after Falme. They resolve to question her about sul’dam, damane, and a’dam.

When Elayne promises safety, Cerandin submits in Seanchan fashion, acknowledging Elayne as a “High Lady.” Elayne insists on proper local conduct while securing Cerandin’s cooperation. With their cover established and new intelligence at hand, the group prepares to head for Ghealdan within Luca’s show.