Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Sheriam brings Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne to a secret chamber where the Amyrlin leads a circle of Aes Sedai, using a powerful sa'angreal wand to sever Mat’s bond with the Shadar Logoth dagger.
Mat survives after violent resistance and Old Tongue outbursts, but his recovery is uncertain; the women are dismissed to continue their covert duties.
Summary
Sheriam escorts Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne through the White Tower’s deep, seldom-used corridors to a hidden healing chamber. There, Mat lies gaunt and failing, still wearing the Shadar Logoth dagger. The Amyrlin, Leane, and a circle of Aes Sedai, including Verin, Anaiya, Alanna, Serafelle, and a cool-eyed White named Brendas, prepare a dangerous Healing using a powerful white, fluted sa'angreal wand.
The Amyrlin warns that the necessary Power is close to lethal. As the Aes Sedai link and channel, the overwhelming flow tempts Egwene and Nynaeve, who restrain themselves. Mat convulses, arches in agony, and his hand is forced from the dagger. He shouts battle cries in the Old Tongue, invoking Manetheren, and then opens his eyes to rage at the Aes Sedai before screaming.
When the dagger rips free and floats, Anaiya uses tongs to seize it and locks it in a thick metal box, after which Mat collapses and the flows cease. Exhausted Aes Sedai confirm the bond is broken. Verin remarks on the Old Blood’s strength. The Amyrlin orders Mat returned to his room, saying only time will show the taint’s effects; he needs rest and food and should live.
Questioned about Mat’s outbursts, the Amyrlin explains he was both in the present and the distant past, at least partly aware of the Aes Sedai and demanding freedom: “I am a free man, Aes Sedai. I am no Aes Sedai meat.” Tensions flicker among the sisters at the insult, and the novices are reminded of their “chores.” Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne are dismissed, leaving Mat breathing easier but still frail.
Who Appears
- Mat CauthonNear death from the Shadar Logoth dagger; violently resists Healing, speaks Old Tongue; bond severed; survival likely but uncertain.
- Egwene al’VereObserves the Healing; struggles against the lure of saidar; questions and seeks to stay with Mat.
- Siuan Sanche (the Amyrlin Seat)Leads a circle with a powerful sa'angreal to sever Mat from the dagger; sets guarded prognosis.
- Nynaeve al’MearaHolds back from joining the link despite desire; insists they trust the Aes Sedai; questions Mat’s words.
- Elayne TrakandAttends the Healing, restrains Egwene; asks about Mat’s Old Tongue outbursts.
- Sheriam BayanarGuides the girls to the chamber; enforces silence and later dismisses them to ‘chores.’
- Leane SharifStands in the circle at Mat’s feet; reacts sharply to Mat’s insult in the Old Tongue.
- Verin MathwinParticipates in the circle; notes the Old Blood’s strength; confers with Serafelle.
- AnaiyaPart of the Healing circle; secures the floating dagger into a thick metal box.
- Alanna MosvaniChannels in the circle; shows strain during the dangerous Healing.
- SerafelleBrown sister in the circle; discusses the significance of Mat’s Old Tongue with Verin.
- BrendasCool-eyed White sister; summons bearers to move Mat after the Healing.