Chapter 20

Mat, newly healed and still weak, is surprised by the entrance of a stunning woman in white who calls herself Selene. She flatters and unsettles him by asserting he is important and warning that Aes Sedai will use him. Selene hints at wealth, power, and glory if Mat trusts her instead, scoffing at Darkfriends while refusing to name her true allegiance.

Pressing her case, Selene claims Abell Cauthon and Tam al'Thor came to Tar Valon and were sent home without answers, that Rand is trying to escape, and that the Black Ajah infests the Tower. When Mat questions her, she grows sharp, seems poised to use the Power, then abruptly withdraws and departs, urging Mat to remember he has choices.

Shaken, Mat prepares to leave with his meager coins and dice cups, but the Amyrlin Seat, Siuan Sanche, and the Keeper, Leane Sharif, arrive. Treating him as a patient, they insist he is not yet strong and quietly ensure he cannot depart Tar Valon by alerting guards and dockmasters. Siuan explains the risks of lingering taint from the Shadar Logoth dagger and offers to send a letter to his parents; Leane confirms Abell’s visit.

When Mat asks about Rand, Siuan deftly deflects and warns him against dangerous talk. She forces him to admit he remembers the Horn of Valere, then reveals he is linked to it: because he first sounded it, it will answer only him while he lives. She insists on secrecy, warning that Darkfriends and Shadowspawn would take or kill him to control the Horn.

After Siuan leaves, Mat weighs Selene’s temptations against the Amyrlin’s control and intentions. Feeling like a rope in a tug-of-war, he rejects being used by either side. Despite orders to rest and recover, he resolves to find a way out of Tar Valon as soon as he can stand.