Chapter 28 - In Maiden
Summary
In the Shaido camp near Maiden, Faile and her fellow gai'shain Alliandre and Maighdin subdue a suspicious servant named Dairaine before preparing to escape. Outside, Bain and Chiad discreetly handle Dairaine so Faile can proceed into the ruined town alone with two other supporters. They navigate desolate streets to a collapsed inn basement where Galina Casban awaits to collect a white rod in exchange for their freedom. Upon receiving it, Galina ascends the stairs and deliberately collapses the structure above them, trapping the women under rubble. After failing to dig through the unstable debris, Faile urges Maighdin to use her faint channeling ability to make a red scarf flutter and attract attention. Meanwhile, Galina slips out of the camp triumphant, reflecting on her escape from Therava and fleeing as wolves howl around her, signaling an ominous arrival.
Characters
- Faile / Bashere — Prepares to escape captivity with companions, retrieves a white rod from a hidden alcove, and is subsequently trapped in a basement by Galina. Rallies the group to dig out and encourages Maighdin to channel faintly to signal for help.
- Dairaine / Saighan — Enters Faile's tent claiming a misplaced book, but facial expression reveals deception. Subdued and bound by the escaping women before being wrapped in a blanket by Bain and Chiad.
- Alliandre / Taborwin — Assists in subduing Dairaine, helps gather supplies for the escape, and is trapped in the basement. Defiantly discards a golden belt and collar before helping to clear rubble.
- Maighdin — Channels weakly but successfully makes a red scarf flutter to attract attention after being trapped in the basement. Previously helped secure supplies for the escape.
- Bain — Communicates via handtalk with Chiad to subdue Dairaine, allowing Faile to proceed into town alone. Delivers a coded message regarding Gaul before departing.
- Chiad — Carries the trussed-up Dairaine away in a blanket while communicating tactical plans with Bain through rapid handtalk.
- Galina / Casban — Betrays Faile and her companions by collapsing the stairs above them after receiving the white rod, then slips out of the camp feeling triumphant and free.
- Therava — Mentioned by Galina as a sleeping Shaido leader she deliberately left alive to avoid suspicion, though Galina briefly imagines killing her.
- Sevanna — Referenced as the gai'shain's current master whose potential wrath drives their need for a hidden burial spot for Dairaine.
- Perrin / Aybara — Mentioned by Faile as her intended destination and the one she trusts to eventually rescue her from captivity.
- Rolan — Referenced by Faile as a potential obstacle who might interfere with her escape or try to keep her in gai'shain robes.
- Gaul — Mentioned in Chiad's coded message regarding his connection to Chiad, though Faile misinterprets the romantic implications.
- Manderic — Referenced by Faile as a man with bad breath who starts drinking upon waking, dismissed from her thoughts during the escape preparations.
- Great Lord — Signaled by a sudden chorus of howling wolves surrounding Galina as she flees the camp, indicating his imminent arrival or influence.