Chapter 10 - A Blazing Beacon
Summary
Elayne Trakand prepares to depart Lord Aedmun’s manor for Caemlyn, reflecting on her pregnancy, political campaign, and the distant surge of saidar indicating Rand al’Thor is in danger. She discusses the risks of intervening with Aviendha, who warns against it based on ominous Rhuidean visions. Accepting that securing Andor’s loyalty must take precedence, Elayne dismisses her immediate urge to travel west and instead focuses on her duty as a ruler-to-be before she and Aviendha open a gateway back to the palace.
Characters
- Elayne / Elayne Trakand (Daughter-Heir) — Prepares to travel back to Caemlyn while reflecting on her pregnancy, political campaign, and the distant surge of saidar indicating Rand is in danger. She heeds Aviendha's warning against intervening immediately, choosing instead to focus on securing Andor's loyalty before opening a gateway home.
- Elsie — Buttons the Daughter-Heir's riding dress and later screams upon seeing the apparition of Lady Nelein in the hallway before calming down when dismissed as a harmless ghost.
- Aviendha — Waits in the manor hall, discusses Rand's safety and pregnancy concerns, and ultimately opens a gateway to Caemlyn after warning against rushing to the distant channeler due to ominous Rhuidean visions.
- Fridwyn Ros / Ros (Master) — Reports that Lord Aedmun has departed for Caemlyn with his men and provides an escort of local men and an all-female Queen's Guard, expressing unwavering loyalty to House Trakand.
- Caseille Raskovni (lieutenant) — Leads the Queen's Guard escort, confirms the area is clear, and stands ready to fight for the claim to the Lion Throne despite an uneducated background.
- Fireheart — The black gelding rears and snorts steam in the cold before being reined in sharply during a moment of heightened emotion regarding Rand.
- Siswai / Siswameek — The gray mare dances in the snow and nips at Fireheart before being mounted for the journey.