Contents
Chapter 39
Overview
Nynaeve Heals the Aiel Dailin, earning the Maidens’ debt. Soon after, brigands capture Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne to sell them, drawing in three Myrddraal. Aiel raiders and the women’s channeling destroy the Fades—Nynaeve unleashes unknown balefire—though Dailin dies. Rhuarc appears, mentions Wise Ones’ dreams, and helps them reach Jurene, where they secure passage to Tear while concealing their Aes Sedai rings.
Summary
Nynaeve Heals the gravely wounded Aiel Maiden Dailin, astonishing Aviendha and her companions and earning a pledged debt. The Aiel speak of seeking He Who Comes With the Dawn and react tensely when the women reveal they head to Tear after Darkfriends. As the trio departs for Jurene, Elayne theorizes Rand fits an Aiel prophecy.
Ambushed by brigands using slings, the women are captured and taken to a palisaded camp. Adden, the leader, plans to sell them, and three Myrddraal arrive to claim the “Aes Sedai.” Egwene subtly breaks the lock while Nynaeve rouses from drugged sleepwell root and, desperate, Heals a dying Elayne without herbs.
Aiel attack the camp, killing the brigands. The Myrddraal stand back-to-back until the women emerge. Egwene engulfs them in fire; Nynaeve, consumed by fury and fear, unknowingly unleashes balefire, erasing the Fades. After the battle, two Aiel lie dead, including Dailin, slain by Shadowman steel, enraging Nynaeve.
Rhuarc, a Taardad clan chief driven by Wise Ones’ dreams, leads the Aiel party. He notes Nynaeve’s Malkieri ring and speaks cautiously of change and dreams. At dawn, the Aiel provide horses and escort the women toward Jurene before parting.
In Jurene, Andoran Guards hold a small refuge for fleeing villagers. The women hide their Great Serpent rings to avoid notice in Tear. They secure passage on the Darter, a slow, laden ship, learning the Blue Crane is grounded upriver, and set off toward Tear.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaLeads, Heals Dailin and later Elayne; unleashes unknown balefire on Myrddraal; arranges ship passage; hides Aes Sedai ring with Lan’s.
- Egwene al'VereCaptured, breaks the lock with Earth; attacks Myrddraal with fire; reflects on Aiel prophecies; travels to Jurene.
- Elayne TrakandSeverely injured, Healed by Nynaeve; links Rand to Aiel prophecy; conceals identity and ring; helps secure passage.
- AviendhaMaiden of the Spear; owes a debt for Dailin; tracks and brings Aiel aid; explains Aiel customs and fears of rivers.
- RhuarcTaardad clan chief; arrives per Wise Ones’ dreams; aids in rescue; remarks on Malkieri ring and coming change.
- AddenBrigand leader planning to sell the women; killed during Aiel assault.
- BainMaiden; helps Dailin; later fights in the raid; bids farewell at parting.
- ChiadMaiden; tends Dailin, fights brigands; departs with Aiel after escorting the women.
- JolienMaiden who assists Dailin and acknowledges Nynaeve’s Healing; present at the aftermath.
- DailinAviendha’s secondsister; Healed from gut wound, later killed by Myrddraal blade.
- MyrddraalThree Fades arrive to claim the captives; destroyed by the women’s channeling, including Nynaeve’s balefire.
- Captain of the DarterRound, practical merchant; takes them aboard his slow, laden ship to Tear.