Chapter 12

In her austere study, Amyrlin Siuan Sanche anxiously considers contingency documents, aware of the peril surrounding her secret involvement with Rand al'Thor. Keeper Leane announces Verin’s arrival, and Siuan dismisses the Keeper to speak privately with the Brown sister.

Verin reports that Rand has proclaimed himself the Dragon Reborn. Siuan links this to simultaneous sky visions during which both remaining false Dragons were abruptly captured, confirming the Pattern’s turn. Siuan resolves to rely on Moiraine’s guidance of Rand while guarding the secret conspiracy.

Verin then presents the Horn of Valere. She explains Mat Cauthon sounded it at Falme, binding it to him; while Mat lives, none else can use it. Mat is dying from the Shadar Logoth dagger’s taint unless Healed in the Tower. Siuan, weighing risk and need, decides to hide the Horn for now and consider future use.

Verin warns that the Seanchan used the One Power as a weapon and speak of a Return, but Siuan, lacking evidence of their immediate presence, sets that threat aside to address urgent Tower matters. She focuses on the “three runaways” — Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne — declaring they will face severe consequences.

Siuan ends by ordering Verin to recount everything the women said and did, seeking complete information to shape the Tower’s response while protecting the fragile plans surrounding Rand, Mat, and the Horn.