Chapter 2 - The Dark One's Touch

Summary

Beonin Marinye begins her day with a disciplined routine to maintain control, then discusses the recent murders of two Blue sisters with Sitters Ashmanaille and Phaedrine before Traveling to Tar Valon. She disguises herself with Illusion, conceals her ability to channel, and reveals to Elaida that she knows the new weaves learned among the rebels. Elaida listens to King Mattin Stepaneos's complaints, reviews reports on harbor repairs and city cleanliness, and demands an oath of secrecy from Beonin regarding the new weaves while ordering surveillance on potential rebel conduits within the Tower.

Characters

• Beonin / Beonin Marinye — Wakes early and performs a meticulous morning routine to maintain self-control, then discusses the recent murders of two Blue sisters with fellow Sitters before Traveling to Tar Valon. She disguises herself with Illusion, hides her ability to channel, and reveals to Elaida that she knows the new weaves learned among the rebels, securing an oath of secrecy in exchange for political favor.
• Tervail (Warder) — Remains steadfastly loyal and calm through their bond, rides to the Traveling ground with Beonin, expresses concern over her plan to approach Elaida, and departs to secure an inn room as instructed.
• Ashmanaille — Approaches Beonin seeking insights on the recent murders, suggesting the killer might be a workman who learned to channel rather than an Asha'man, and agrees to investigate connections between the victims.
• Phaedrine — Accompanies Ashmanaille, interrupts with speculation about a male wilder learning to channel from admiring the Asha'man, and agrees to help locate the murderer by following connections.
• Turanine Merdagon — Appears as a spectral figure walking through a grove near the Traveling ground before vanishing, confirming her death and signaling the Dark One's influence on the world.
• Elaida / Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan / Elaida a'Roihan (Watcher of the Seals, Flame of Tar Valon, Amyrlin Seat, Mother) — Listens to King Mattin's complaints with feigned calm, reviews reports on harbor repairs and city cleanliness, and receives Beonin in disguise to learn about Egwene's Dreaming abilities and the new weaves, demanding an oath of secrecy.
• Mattin Stepaneos den Balgar / Mattin Stepaneos (King of Illian, His Majesty) — Rants about his treatment during transport to Tar Valon, accepts Elaida's claim that she saved him from Rand al'Thor, and agrees to dine with her to discuss reclaiming his crown.
• Tarna (Keeper of the Chronicles) — Serves as Elaida's Keeper, reports on harbor logistics and city rumors of dead walking, shields Beonin upon command, and questions teaching the new weaves to other sisters before departing to execute orders.
• Anemara (Accepted) — Enters Elaida's study to announce visitors with a petition and is instructed to offer them tea while the Amyrlin remains busy.
• Egwene / Egwene al'Vere / the al'Vere girl (Amyrlin Seat, Dreamer) — Referenced as a captive who can enter Tel'aran'rhiod without a ter'augreal, forbade any rescue attempt, and possesses genius for discovering new weaves like Traveling.
• Siuan Sanche — Referenced as having spoken to Egwene in her dreams, though Beonin doubts the claim regarding the World of Dreams.
• Lelaine / Lelaine Akashi — Referenced as a Sitter who previously struggled for the Amyrlin Seat and now finds herself politically isolated alongside Romanda due to Egwene's survival.
• Romanda — Referenced as another Sitter vying for the Amyrlin Seat, now left alone with the remainder of their Hall because neither she nor Lelaine can succeed while Egwene lives.
• Elayne Trakand — Referenced as possessing genius for discovering new weaves, comparable to Egwene and Nynaeve in this regard.
• Nynaeve al'Meara — Referenced alongside Elayne as having exceptional talent for discovering new weaves, particularly noted by Beonin and Elaida.
• Meidani — Invited to dinner by Elaida, indicating a renewed political overture or surveillance opportunity following past friendship disputes.
• Gareth Bryne (High Captain) — Referenced by Elaida as an infinitely better choice for commanding the Tower Guard than Jimar Chubain, showing her intent to absorb his army into the Tower.
• Jimar Chubain — Referenced as the current High Captain of the Tower Guard, whom Elaida considers inferior to Gareth Bryne for military command.
• Alviarin (Keeper) — Referenced as having driven the Tower into a mire and dared to blackmail the Amyrlin Seat, earning Elaida's intense resentment and desire for execution.
• Anaiya — Referenced as one of the two recently murdered Blue sisters whose deaths prompt investigation into connections with Moiraine and Rand al'Thor.
• Kairen — Referenced alongside Anaiya as a Blue sister who also had contact with Rand al'Thor, making her another victim in the recent string of murders.
• Moiraine Damodred — Referenced as a past connection tying the Blue Ajah victims to men who can channel, specifically linking them to Rand al'Thor.
• Rand al'Thor / the Dragon Reborn / the al'Thor boy (Dragon Reborn) — Referenced as having taken Illian and the Laurel Crown, prompting Elaida's regret over missing an opportunity to control him earlier and Beonin's suspicion regarding Asha'man.