Chapter 25

Egwene, exhausted and wary after the testing, reflects on disturbing dreams of Rand, Perrin, and Mat that feel significant. She hesitates to seek help interpreting them, fearing any sister might be Black Ajah. Meanwhile, Elayne re-reads Verin’s lists as Nynaeve paces, frustrated by the scant leads.

They debate Verin’s notes on the thirteen Black sisters and the stolen ter’angreal. Elayne infers the selection of the thirteen looks deliberately randomized, implying more Black Ajah remain in or beyond the Tower. They agree to search for a pattern but not be trapped by it, and to avoid confronting Verin without proof.

Turning to the ter’angreal list, they note numerous sleep-related objects and repeated references to Corianin Nedeal. Egwene retrieves the striped stone ring they had hidden, linking it to Dreaming. After weighing risks, they decide Egwene—possibly a Dreamer—will use the ring while Nynaeve and Elayne watch over her.

They review whom to trust: Verin’s omissions arouse suspicion; Alanna’s behavior troubles them; they hesitate to accuse Elaida or Sheriam. They resolve to share only minimal concerns with the Amyrlin and otherwise act independently.

Else Grinwell arrives with a message “from the Amyrlin” directing them to Liandrin’s stored belongings in a library basement storeroom. When Egwene pursues Else through the galleries, she instead meets a tall, stunning woman in silver and white whose cool command forces Egwene to retreat before she can question her. Moments later, the woman is gone without a trace, leaving Egwene unsettled and the Tower’s dangers more palpable.