Chapter 12 - A Bargain

Summary

Elayne arrives at her Caemlyn apartments and takes a bath with Aviendha while Birgitte reports on merchant supplies and Aes Sedai gathering at the Silver Swan inn. She reflects on the precarious situations of Gawyn and Galad before Zaida din Parede, Wavemistress of Clan Catelar, arrives unannounced to demand twenty teachers from the White Tower per a bargain with the late Nesta din Reas. After a tense negotiation, Elayne secures nine Windfinders for half a year in exchange for one square mile of land on the River Erinin, ensuring Caemlyn's supply lines remain open while asserting her authority over the Sea Folk women left behind.

Characters

• Elayne Trakand / Elayne Sedai — Takes a bath with Aviendha while Birgitte reports on merchant supplies and Aes Sedai at the Silver Swan. She reflects on Gawyn and Galad, then negotiates fiercely with Zaida din Parede to secure nine Windfinders for half a year in exchange for one square mile of land on the River Erinin.
• Essande — Waits in Elayne's bedchamber and helps her undress. She remains silent during the bath but later brings wine and tea for the meeting with Zaida, displaying quiet indignation at the Sea Folk's intrusion.
• Naris / Nans — A young tirewoman chosen to serve Elayne, she assists with bathing and later carries a silver teapot into the sitting room during the negotiation.
• Sephanie — Another young tirewoman who fetches hot water, scrubs Elayne's back, and brings wine and tea trays for the meeting with Zaida din Parede.
• Aviendha — Bathes cautiously due to her Waste upbringing, channels saidar when disturbed by Zaida's arrival, and joins Elayne in mocking the Sea Folk before helping seal the bargain with a grin.
• Birgitte Silverbow / Birgitte — Reports on merchant trains and Aes Sedai movements while bathing, then stands guard during Zaida's intrusion. She remains scowling throughout the negotiation but is secretly impressed by Elayne's bargaining success.
• Rasoria — A stocky Tairen Guardswoman who searches Elayne's apartments before her arrival and angrily shuts the door when Zaida's party enters.
• Zaida din Parede / Zaida — Arrives unannounced with two Windfinders to demand twenty teachers from the White Tower per a bargain with the late Nesta din Reas. She negotiates firmly, ultimately securing nine Windfinders for half a year in exchange for one square mile of land on the River Erinin.
• Shielyn — One of Zaida's Windfinders who arrives barefoot and silent, marking her rank with eight earrings. She remains quiet during the negotiation but is noted as one of the few who might be spared to stay in Caemlyn.
• Chanelle — Zaida's other Windfinder who carries an honor-chain and reacts with a glare when Aviendha mocks her. She is ultimately chosen to command the Sea Folk women left behind in Caemlyn under Elayne's authority.
• Merilille — Mentioned as one of the Aes Sedai at the Silver Swan who agreed to be a teacher before reaching Caemlyn. Zaida insists she will leave with them, though Elayne reserves the right to demand her return if Black Ajah ties are found.
• Cadsuane / Cadsuane Melaidhrin — Murmured in fear by a watcher at the Silver Swan; Elayne wonders why her name is being whispered and notes her legendary reputation for dealing with Rand al'Thor.
• Gawyn — Elayne reflects on his potential return to Caemlyn, hoping he escapes the White Tower's siege by Egwene before Elaida discovers his aid to Siuan. She notes his military training would help her manage the mercenary captains.
• Galad — Elayne recalls his past as a protective brother and his recent decision to start a war to rescue her and Nynaeve from Samara. She hopes he survives as a Whitecloak and finds his way back to Caemlyn.
• Egwene — Noted as having besieged Tar Valon with her army for over a week, creating a dangerous situation where Gawyn might be caught between his oaths to Elaida and his love for Egwene.
• Elaida — Referenced as the current Amyrlin whose suspicion could ruin Gawyn's standing if she learns he aided Siuan's escape. Elayne notes that most sisters remain confused about the Tower's internal divisions.
• Darlin — Mentioned as claiming the title of Steward in Tear for the Dragon Reborn while being besieged by nobles who want him removed from the Stone of Tear.