Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve face the Amyrlin, who confirms Liandrin’s treachery and the theft of ter’angreal with murders. To contain scandal, Siuan orders public punishments and scullion duty, yet elevates Egwene and Elayne to the Accepted.
Morgase’s outrage breaks tradition, but Siuan refuses to release Elayne, prioritizing training and secrecy.
Summary
Egwene, confined again to a novice’s cell, whispers with Elayne through an old peephole about punishments, the threat of stilling, and even fleeing the Tower if necessary. Their talk ends when Faolain arrives to escort them. In the vast corridors toward the Amyrlin’s study, they meet Nynaeve, and all three are brought before Leane and then Siuan.
In audience, Siuan confirms Liandrin and other deserters likely belong to the Black Ajah, recounting their theft of ter’angreal and the murders committed during their flight. She warns that if the women’s involvement with Liandrin became known, the Hall might vote to still them, signaling the stakes and the need for secrecy.
Siuan pronounces punishment designed to quell rumor: public announcement of switchings by Sheriam and indefinite scullion duty in the kitchens. Then, citing their rapid growth in the Power, she declares Egwene and Elayne will be raised to the Accepted, warning their studies will be grueling and that they must unlearn dangerous habits.
Siuan reveals Morgase’s fury: the Queen refused to take Elaida back, breaking tradition, and demanded Elayne’s return. Siuan refuses, insisting Elayne must achieve the shawl given her potential strength. Leane then escorts Elayne to Sheriam’s study for the first punishment, while Siuan keeps Egwene and Nynaeve to speak further.
Who Appears
- Egwene al’VereConfined novice; contemplates fleeing rather than risking stilling; faces Siuan; punished yet raised to the Accepted.
- Siuan Sanche (the Amyrlin Seat)Confirms Black Ajah thefts and murders; imposes public punishments; raises Egwene and Elayne; refuses Morgase’s demand.
- Elayne TrakandFears stilling but stands firm; learns of Morgase’s fury; punished and raised to the Accepted; sent to Sheriam.
- Leane SharifKeeper of the Chronicles; manages the audience; assigns Faolain penance; escorts Elayne to Sheriam.
- Nynaeve al’MearaNow Accepted; challenges Siuan about fairness; receives punishments; remains for further private words.
- FaolainAccepted guard who taunts Egwene; is reprimanded by Leane and sent to rake garden paths.
- TheodrinAccepted escort for Nynaeve; delivers her to the Amyrlin’s audience without comment.
- Sheriam BayanarMistress of Novices; designated to switch the women and receive Elayne for initial punishment.
- LiandrinOffstage antagonist; fled the Tower with others, stealing ter’angreal and committing murders.
- Morgase TrakandOffstage; furious over Elayne’s disappearance; dismisses Elaida; demands Elayne’s return, which Siuan denies.