Chapter 13 - Siege
Summary
Elayne commands defenses from Caemlyn's wall during Arymilla's siege, struggling with channeling due to her pregnancy while Birgitte fights alongside her and Kinswomen guard the rear. After the battle ends, Elayne confronts lazy mercenaries on a tower roof, orders crossbows to be used in future attacks, and watches Aviendha disperse magical storm clouds over the palace. They return via gateway only to find Captain Guybon has arrived with nearly ten thousand loyal soldiers, instantly doubling her forces and earning his promotion.
Characters
- Elayne — Directs defenses from the city wall during Arymilla's siege, struggles to channel due to pregnancy, and is relieved when Captain Guybon arrives with nearly ten thousand loyal reinforcements.
- Fireheart — Serves as a black gelding ridden by Elayne that dances impatiently in the crowded street but steadies under her firm hand during the battle.
- Birgitte (Captain-General) — Fights on the ramparts, directs mercenaries to secure the wall, and admits exhaustion over leading every counterattack while mirroring Elayne's emotions through their bond.
- Caseille (Guardswoman Lieutenant) — Grabs Elayne's bridle to keep her from the fighting, then helps open a tower door and leads armed Guardswomen out after the siege ends.
- Aviendha — Rides a dun mare, uses saidar to disperse magical storm clouds over the palace, and deflects Elayne's jealousy by claiming she needs the practice.
- Mageen / Daisy — Functions as a gentle, stout dun mare ridden by Aviendha that stands placidly during the battle and waits patiently with the other horses in the rain afterward.
- Ajise — Rolls her eyes ostentatiously when noticed, sparking laughter among the group about Elayne's pregnancy-related mood swings.
- Caiden — Laughs so hard she must hold onto Kumiko while watching Elayne's emotional reactions to the siege and her condition.
- Kumiko — Supports Caiden as they both laugh at Elayne's pregnancy-related mood swings, maintaining composure despite the tension.
- Rhys a'Balaman / a'Balaman (Captain) — Recognizes the dead Aldin Miheres, explains mercenary tactics regarding crossbows, and is ordered to use them on future attacks before stalking off.
- Alise — Argues against Elayne's presence on the wall earlier, then waits for Birgitte's nod before linking with her sisters to open a gateway back to the palace.
- Charlz Guybon / Guybon (Lieutenant, Captain) — Arrives through a displaced gateway with nearly ten thousand loyal Queen's Guards and discharged soldiers, earning immediate promotion to Captain and second-in-command for his resourcefulness.