Chapter 27 - A Plain Wooden Box

Summary

Rand al'Thor waits on a hilltop in Altara with his diverse retinue of Maidens, Asha'man, and bonded Aes Sedai while preparing to meet the Daughter of the Nine Moons. He wears the Crown of Swords and carries the Dragon Scepter, bracing against Lews Therin's warnings and Min Farshaw's presence as they debate the risks of a potential trap. After Logain Ablar urges them onward, the group rides through quiet farmland to Lady Deidru’s manor, where Tuon appears flanked by sul'dam and damane. Nynaeve al'Vere detects a single masked channeler among the Seanchan party, confirming their presence but leaving the nature of the meeting uncertain.

Characters

• Rand / Rand al'Thor — Wears the Crown of Swords and carries the Dragon Scepter while waiting on a hilltop with his retinue to meet the Daughter of the Nine Moons, bracing against Lews Therin's warnings and Min Farshaw's presence.
• Lews Therin — Echoes inside Rand's mind with wild laughter and warnings about walking into a trap, occasionally offering sane murmurs about love and violence before being shoved down.
• Min / Min Farshaw — Rides nearby on a gray mare, her bond carrying suspicion and anger that quickly shifts to wry amusement and dangerous feelings as she defies Rand's order to stay behind.
• Nandera — Voices concern about the meeting smelling like a trap while keeping watch with other Maidens on the hilltop.
• Alivia — Mutes herself after almost cursing the Daughter of the Nine Moons, her bond radiating unfiltered anger as she remains behind due to Rand's distrust of High Blood.
• Bashere — Notes Tuon's status as Imperial heir and worries about her potential army, but nods in agreement when Rand reminds him they have forces as well.
• Toveine — Scowls at Logain Ablar while riding among the mixed group of Asha'man and Aes Sedai on the hilltop.
• Logain / Logain Ablar — Urges Rand to descend from the hill, rides with his Warders Narishma and Sandomere, and seizes saidin alongside them as they approach the manor.
• Gabrelle — Talks companionably, perhaps coquettishly, with Logain Ablar while riding among the assembled forces.
• Adrielle — Stands with her arm around Kurin's waist, displaying a close bond despite his forced dedication to her.
• Kurin — Has gray at his temples and stands with Adrielle's arm around him, representing the uneasy but functional bonds forming between Asha'man and Aes Sedai.
• Beldeine — Reaches out to touch Manfor periodically, smiling whenever he responds, despite having bonded him without asking Rand's permission.
• Manfor — Recently raised to Dedicated and wears the red-and-gold dragon on his collar, willingly accepting Beldeine's bonding.
• Jenare — Laughs at something Kajima says while riding among the group, showcasing a Red sister joking with a male channeler.
• Kajima — A clerkish man with braided hair and silver bells who shares a laugh with Jenare, further illustrating the shifting dynamics at the Black Tower.
• Ayako — Glares at Rand with almost black eyes, fearing for Sandomere's life given the unknown effects of an Asha'man's death on his bonded sister.
• Sandomere — Speaks quietly to Ayako before mounting his dapple, wearing the red-and-gold dragon and silver sword as a newly Dedicated man.
• Elza — Frowns at Rand while gripping her Warder Fearil's shoulder, worried about potential threats despite Rand's orders and her oath.
• Fearil — Stands tall and lean beside Elza as her bonded Warder, serving as a guard dog she considers loosing if necessary.
• Merise / Merise Haindehl — Firmly instructs Narishma about something in a low voice before letting him ride over to Logain, ignoring Rand's authority over her Warder.
• Narishma — Rides straight as a sword to meet Logain after receiving instructions from Merise, his dark belled braids making him look younger than his years.
• Nynaeve / Nynaeve al'Vere — Practices Aes Sedai calm while wearing ter'angreal jewelry, detects a masked channeler among the Seanchan party upon arrival at the manor.
• Cadsuane / Cadsuane Melaidhrin — Watches Rand with intimidating calm, gives him a look calling him an idiot when he suggests embracing the Source, and leads the group down the hill.
• Deidru — Owner of the manor house where the meeting is to take place, though she remains unseen as her estate appears quiet and deserted.
• Tuon (Daughter of the Nine Moons) — Appears in pleated white with a shaven head and transparent scarf, flanked by sul'dam and damane, confirming her presence to Bashere.