Chapter 15 - A Different Skill

Summary

Elayne struggles with pregnancy-induced confusion as she loses her way in the Caemlyn palace, prompting concern through her bond with Birgitte before she finally reaches her apartments. After a thorough security sweep by Guardswomen led by Devore Zarbayan, her maid Essande and younger maids attend to her needs while Aviendha examines a cache of ter'angreal from Ebou Dar. Elayne discovers that Aviendha possesses an innate ability to intuit the functions of these artifacts, culminating in proof when Aviendha channels to project the Old Tongue words Ansoen and Imsoen from a bronze statuette. Their session is interrupted by Wise One Nadere and Roofmistress Dorindha, who announce that their clan is departing Andor immediately under orders from Rand al'Thor. Nadere reprimands Aviendha for neglecting her traditional training, and Elayne endures a bland, strictly regulated meal prepared to protect her unborn children while reflecting on the loss of her autonomy.

Characters

• Elayne (Daughter-Heir of Andor, Lady) — Pregnancy fogs her wits, causing her to get lost in the palace and experience intense mood swings. She tests Aviendha's innate ability to identify ter'angreal functions and endures a bland, strictly regulated diet imposed by palace staff to protect her unborn children.
• Birgitte (Bannerwoman) — Senses Elayne's distress through their bond and leaves to change into dry clothes, hinting at underlying concerns about the situation.
• Devore Zarbayan (Bannerwoman in charge) — Commands the palace Guardswomen and leads a thorough search of Elayne's apartments for assassins or Aes Sedai before allowing her entry.
• Aviendha (apprentice) — Demonstrates an innate talent for intuiting the functions of various ter'angreal, successfully proving it by channeling to project Old Tongue words from a bronze figure. She is reprimanded by Nadere for neglecting her traditional training and must leave immediately with her clan.
• Essande — Attends to Elayne's needs, manages the household staff, and enforces strict dietary rules for the pregnant Daughter-Heir.
• Sephanie — Assists in dressing Aviendha and becomes fascinated by Aviendha's ter'angreal demonstrations while serving meals.
• Naris — Fetches food from the kitchens and delivers a large tray to the dining table, nearly dropping it upon seeing the Aiel women.
• Nadere (Wise One of Goshien) — Enters with Dorindha to announce her clan's immediate departure from Andor and reprimands Aviendha for neglecting her traditional training.
• Dorindha (Roofmistress of Smoke Springs Hold) — Informs Elayne that Rand al'Thor sent a sealed letter regarding their destination and asserts her authority to take Aviendha away from the palace.