Chapter 29

While working punishment in the White Tower kitchens, Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne endure Laras’s stern oversight. The Amyrlin Seat storms in, cowing the room and contriving to separate Egwene and Elayne by having Laras punish them, leaving Siuan free to speak privately with Nynaeve.

Siuan quietly reports dire news: another Gray Man has been found, this time arranged in Sheriam’s bed. She also reveals she never sent a message via Else Grinwell—Else was shipped home ten days ago—so the helpful “Else” was a Black Ajah impostor who planted a trap in the storeroom. Nynaeve absorbs the danger but maintains her plan to spring the trap to catch the Black Ajah.

Siuan agrees to support the move toward Tear, placing gold in their room and spreading a cover story that the women are sent to hoe cabbages. Pressed by Nynaeve about Callandor, Siuan discloses that it is a sa’angreal of terrifying power, and that while only the Dragon can touch it, the Black Ajah may be after other ter’angreal in the Stone. She outlines Tairen hypocrisy: they fear the Power yet hoard ter’angreal and perform rites around Callandor.

Before departing, Siuan publicly restores Laras’s standing and praises the kitchens. Egwene and Elayne return, having had their mouths washed with soap, and Nynaeve orders a swift departure after washing up and gathering their belongings, determined yet wary of the trap awaiting in Tear.