Chapter 3 - At the Gardens
Summary
In Tel'aran'rhiod, Aran'gar arrives early at a dream construct of the Ansaline Gardens summoned by Moridin and observes Semirhage, Demandred, and Mesaana conferring intensely while Graendal watches them. After being served wine by a mind-reading zomara, Aran'gar approaches Graendal to propose an alliance, noting they are the only Forsaken without current partners. Graendal cautiously accepts the idea if convinced, prompting Aran'gar to flirt with her while secretly planning to eventually discard her. Mesaana soon arrives with Demandred and Semirhage, furiously confronting Aran'gar about allowing Egwene al'Vere to escape, which has jeopardized their plans for a rebel figurehead.
Characters
- Aran'gar / Lanfear — Arrives early at a dream construct of the Ansaline Gardens, reflects on her past identity and current desires, proposes an alliance with Graendal, and is accused by Mesaana of allowing Egwene to escape.
- Semirhage — Confers intensely in a corner before approaching Graendal alongside Demandred and Mesaana with a coolly amused demeanor.
- Demandred — Appears with an angry expression, wears a bronze silk coat with lace falls, and stands flanked with Semirhage as they confront Graendal.
- Mesaana — Shifts from pale to furious, angrily accuses Aran'gar of losing Egwene and ruining their plans for a rebel figurehead.
- Graendal — Wears a gray streith gown and emeralds from Delana, cautiously entertains Aran'gar's alliance proposal while maintaining her guarded demeanor.
- Moridin / Ishamael — Summoned the meeting but has not yet arrived; noted for his past alias and his preference for trusting zomara over human servants.
- Osan'gar — Mentioned as absent from all meetings since the failure at Shadar Logoth, with his current status unknown.
- Egwene / Egwene al'Vere — Referenced by Mesaana as the escaped figurehead whose loss threatens their rebellion plans.