Chapter 10

Approaching Tar Valon under Dragonmount’s shadow, Egwene frets over troubling dreams of Rand and the urgency of reaching the White Tower for training and safety. The group’s secrecy and Mat’s dire condition weigh on them. Nynaeve senses a coming “storm,” while Hurin’s wariness and reports of many horse tracks hint at danger along the road.

As they press on, the women debate using the Power if threatened, despite fear of Tower punishment. Mat’s fever rises; Nynaeve admits Healing fails without her herbs, and Verin can barely keep him alive. Their goal is clear: get Mat and a secret sack to the Amyrlin before it’s too late.

Two dozen Children of the Light confront them within sight of Tar Valon. Verin tries to parley, but when the officer, Dain Bornhald, moves to seize them, Egwene embraces saidar and detonates the ground before the Whitecloaks. Nynaeve and Elayne join, surrounding the men with eruptions and sending them fleeing. Bornhald, thrown and humiliated, accuses them of killing his father at Falme and vows vengeance.

Verin, furious, condemns their use of the Power as a weapon and the risk to Tower law and public perception. Egwene’s attempt to mollify the officer backfires when she mentions Toman Head, confirming their link to Falme. As they ride on, Verin warns that rumors travel faster than they do, hints that Morgase’s stance may have shifted, and declares that the true peril begins at Tar Valon’s very threshold.