Chapter 46

Mat circles the Royal Palace in Caemlyn, spots a climbable “cliff” wall into a garden, and slips inside, evading guards. Hiding beneath a window, he overhears a commanding man order Comar to quietly kill Elayne—and also Egwene and Nynaeve—before another rival can act, revealing concern over Tear and Callandor.

After the men depart, Mat confirms the speaker inside is a tall, hard-looking man and realizes Elayne is in danger. He abandons stealth, intent on warning Queen Morgase, and is intercepted by Guardsman-Lieutenant Tallanvor. Brandishing Elayne’s sealed letter, Mat insists on delivering it personally and is escorted under threat of the sword.

In a court with nobles, Mat presents the letter to Morgase, who is attended by a handsome, imposing man named Gaebril. Morgase reacts sharply to Elayne’s news, then Gaebril takes the letter, calms her with a touch, and comments that Elayne has left the Tower on Amyrlin business. Mat recognizes Gaebril’s deep voice as the one that ordered the assassinations.

Questioned, Mat adopts the alias Thom Grinwell and claims ignorance of Elayne’s mission. Morgase forbids Gaebril from “putting him to the question.” She softens, asking after Elayne’s health and sending a conciliatory message for her daughter. Gaebril rewards Mat with a purse and dismisses him.

As Tallanvor leads Mat away, Gaebril urges Morgase and the assembled lords and ladies toward action against Cairhien, hinting at his influence. Mat departs knowing Gaebril plans to have Comar kill the three young women in Tear and that Gaebril holds disturbing sway over the Queen.