Chapter 21 - Listen to the Wind

Description

Following their escape from Shadar Logoth, Nynaeve tracks the group to the banks of the River Arinelle, where she discovers Lan and Moiraine discussing the alarming presence of a thousand Trollocs in the region. After confronting them, Moiraine reveals a startling truth: Nynaeve possesses the ability to channel the One Power, explaining her exceptional healing abilities and weather predictions as Wisdom of Emond’s Field. Though initially resistant, Nynaeve reluctantly accepts this reality as Moiraine details the dangers untrained wielders face and reveals how she tracks the boys through magical tokens. Despite her distrust of the Aes Sedai, Nynaeve chooses to continue south with them to find Rand, Mat, and Perrin, knowing they must prioritize helping those in immediate danger from the Myrddraal over searching for Egwene, whose fate remains unknown.

Characters

  1. Nynaeve al'Meara - Awakens in a hollow by the river, discovers she slept through the night, then has a tense confrontation with Moiraine where she learns she can channel the One Power and must choose between searching for Egwene or helping those she knows are in danger.
  2. Lady Moiraine, Mistress Alys, Moiraine Sedai - Reveals Nynaeve's ability to channel, explains the mortal danger untrained channelers face, and discusses her tracking of the boys through magical tokens while deciding to prioritize helping those in immediate danger from Myrddraal.
  3. Lan, Elyas Machera - Returns from scouting to report the Trollocs have vanished, discusses military implications with Moiraine, and helps detect Nynaeve's presence.
  4. Egwene - Mentioned as potentially being safe with others or capable of making her way alone to Whitebridge.
  5. Rand al'Thor - Mentioned as one of the boys Moiraine is tracking south.
  6. Mat Cauthon, Matrim - Mentioned as one of the boys Moiraine is tracking south.
  7. Perrin Aybara - Mentioned as one of the boys Moiraine is tracking south.
  8. Padan Fain - Briefly mentioned in Nynaeve's recollections of the night's events.

Takeaways

  1. Moiraine reveals to Nynaeve that she can channel the One Power, explaining her healing abilities and her past experiences with fever and chills as reactions to first touching the Source.
  2. Moiraine explains that untrained women who can channel will likely die within a few years if they don't receive proper training at Tar Valon, which is why Egwene must go there.
  3. Through tokens given to the boys, Moiraine knows one is across the river and two others went south, but she's lost the connection to the southern pair and must pursue them because Myrddraal are on their trail.
  4. Nynaeve reluctantly joins Moiraine and Lan to help find the boys and Egwene, despite her distrust of Aes Sedai, choosing to pursue those she knows are in danger rather than search for Egwene whose fate remains unknown.
  5. Nynaeve secretly vows to use her newfound power against Moiraine if any harm comes to her villagers, showing her continued distrust of the Aes Sedai despite accepting the truth about her own abilities.