Chapter 28

Mat, recovering and ravenous, is surprised by Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne visiting his room. After wary banter, they admit they want a favor: for Mat to carry Elayne’s sealed letter to Queen Morgase in Caemlyn. Mat resists jokingly, then explains he cannot leave Tar Valon because the Amyrlin has restricted him.

Nynaeve delves Mat with the One Power and confirms he is healthy, if still regaining strength. Pressed, Mat clarifies that the Amyrlin prohibited him from crossing bridges or boarding ships without her order, likely due to his long illness and the Shadar Logoth dagger’s effects.

The women confer privately, then hand Mat an Amyrlin-signed writ commanding obedience and silence. Satisfied it is genuine, Mat agrees to carry the letter and asks about coin; he plans to manage despite reports of turmoil and high prices downriver. Nynaeve warns him to keep the letter secret, and he swears to deliver it.

They pass time speaking of Emond’s Field and of Caemlyn’s palace protocols. Before leaving, Mat promises to help them if ever needed, which amuses them. After they depart, Mat exults over the writ, delighted that it frees him from Tar Valon—and from unwanted entanglements—and he resolves to head for Caemlyn at once.