Chapter 38

Startled by a figure on the river road, Egwene seizes saidar and readies lightning as Elayne and Nynaeve assess the threat. The stranger is Aviendha, an Aiel Maiden of the Spear, who calmly asks if they are Aes Sedai and requests help for a gravely injured companion. Hidden Maidens—Bain and Chiad—reveal themselves, weaponed and wary, and arm Aviendha before leading the women back to a riverside thicket.

On the way, Bain and Chiad exchange names and explain Aiel kin terms and customs, including becoming firstsisters across feuding clans and the vows of Maidens “wedded to the spear.” Egwene and Elayne struggle to parse the traditions, hinting at cultural gaps and differing views on men, battle, and bonds.

In the copse, Jolien watches over Dailin, who has taken a sword wound after soldiers mistook the Maidens for bandits. Nynaeve scolds the Aiel for moving Dailin to the river, then mixes herbs, brusquely asserting her methods. The Maidens reveal deep unease with the river, coming from a land without flowing water, and show reverence for Aes Sedai and Wise Ones while keeping weapons ready.

As Nynaeve works, Aviendha declares Aiel will not harm Aes Sedai, recalling old stories of serving them and a doom if they fail again. Asked about “balefire,” Aviendha only knows it as a fearsome thing from legend. Nynaeve’s anger spikes; she seizes the Power, Dailin screams, and within heartbeats Nynaeve Heals her completely, erasing wound and scar.

Exhaustion masked as irritation, Nynaeve orders Dailin cleaned, clothed, and fed, predicting hunger. The tense meeting ends with Dailin saved and a bridge formed: the women gain crucial insight into Aiel customs and their oath never to fight Aes Sedai, while the Maidens witness Aes Sedai Healing power firsthand.