Contents
Chapter 16
Overview
In Nynaeve’s room, Galad and Gawyn confront Elayne, but Nynaeve drives them out. Nynaeve then recruits Elayne into the secret hunt for the Black Ajah despite the Amyrlin’s orders, voicing distrust of the Tower’s motives.
Fearing the Tower may let Mat die, the three decide to attempt Healing him together, just as an Aes Sedai enters.
Summary
Egwene and Nynaeve enter Nynaeve’s larger Accepted room to find Elayne with her brothers’ presence already forced upon her: Galad, impeccably composed, and Gawyn, more open but insistent. Galad professes concern for their safety amid Tower murders and Black Ajah rumors; Gawyn presses Elayne to explain her absence and to reassure their mother, Morgase.
Nynaeve asserts her authority, threatening to report the brothers to the Master of Arms, Coulin, and counts them out the door. Afterward, Elayne warns that Galad will always do what he believes right, regardless of consequences. Egwene’s fluster over Galad contrasts with Elayne’s suggestion that Gawyn secretly favors Egwene.
Turning to urgent matters, Nynaeve reveals to Elayne the Amyrlin’s secret charge to hunt the Black Ajah and the recent Gray Man attack. She argues they need someone the Black Ajah and possibly the Amyrlin will not suspect, defying the Amyrlin’s instruction to exclude Elayne. Elayne accepts the danger, invoking Andoran queens’ expected courage, and chooses to join.
Nynaeve voices distrust of the Tower’s motives and fears the Amyrlin may let Mat die for expedience. Despite the risks of channeling too much of the Power, Nynaeve intends to try Healing him, proposing they might share the flow together. Elayne and Egwene agree to act quickly before fear grows.
As they resolve to find Mat in the guest quarters and attempt the Healing, an Aes Sedai abruptly enters Nynaeve’s room, cutting short their preparations.
Who Appears
- Nynaeve al'MearaTakes charge; expels Galad and Gawyn; recruits Elayne to the Black Ajah hunt; plans risky attempt to Heal Mat.
- Elayne TrakandAngry at her brothers; insists on joining the secret hunt; cites Andoran courage; agrees to help Heal Mat.
- Egwene al'VereNarrative viewpoint; conflicted over Galad; supports including Elayne; commits to attempt Healing Mat together.
- Galad DamodredGravely concerned for their safety; insists on doing right; reluctantly leaves under Nynaeve’s threat.
- Gawyn TrakandPresses Elayne for answers and safety; wary of Mother’s wrath; flees when Nynaeve counts them out.
- Unnamed Aes SedaiEnters Nynaeve’s room abruptly at the end, interrupting the women’s plan to Heal Mat.