Chapter 14

Siuan Sanche weighs whom she can trust after Liandrin’s thefts and the Tower murders, lamenting rumors and vowing to root out Darkfriends. When Nynaeve asks about further punishment, Siuan warns that being raised comes with the “bite of the thorns,” then pointedly tests Nynaeve’s temper and judgment.

Siuan admits she can trust only Egwene and Nynaeve as certainly not Black Ajah because Liandrin tried to entrap them. She even muses she would have raised Nynaeve to Aes Sedai but cannot, given Nynaeve’s need for anger to channel and the calm required for the tests. Despite their power, both women lack training.

Siuan reveals her plan: Egwene and Nynaeve must secretly hunt the Black Ajah. Egwene protests obligations and study, but Siuan notes Accepted set much of their own schedules. Nynaeve volunteers to act alone; Siuan refuses and insists on both. After debating risks, Egwene commits as well, unwilling to live in fear of hidden Darkfriends.

Siuan outlines methods: watch, listen, and report suspicions directly to her; Verin will provide known details about the thirteen deserters and the stolen ter’angreal. She excludes Elayne for now due to Morgase’s sensitivities, promising a possible later inclusion. Siuan stresses the threat—these women have already killed.

To offset limitations of Accepted status, Siuan issues each a sealed writ bearing her authority, to be used only in emergencies. She warns the writs could draw lethal attention and will not deter Darkfriends. Finally, when Nynaeve asks about Mat’s critical illness, Siuan curtly says she will send word. The meeting ends with orders for the women to rest and keep their scheduled punishments and appointments.