Chapter 32 - To Keep the Bargain

Summary

Birgitte senses Elayne's bond go limp and unsteady, takes command of the Warders, and rides urgently to the palace where she convinces a reluctant Dyelin and Captain Guybon to strip Caemlyn's defenses for a rescue. After securing a massive gateway from the Sea Folk Windfinders by invoking Zaida's bargain, Birgitte leads twelve thousand troops through to a ridge east of the city. She demonstrates the horrific reality of balefire to Chanelle to force her compliance, and as the Darkfriends' lightning strikes disrupt their formation, Guybon charges while Birgitte rides toward Elayne's wagon, noting her captive remains unafraid.

Characters

• Birgitte — Senses Elayne's bond go limp and takes command of the Warders, rides to the palace, convinces the Windfinders to open a massive gateway by invoking Zaida's bargain, and leads twelve thousand troops through to the ridge east of Caemlyn.
• Elayne (Daughter-Heir) — Captured by Darkfriends attempting to carry her out of the city, moves toward the Sunrise Gate in a wagon, and feels unsteady but completely unafraid through her bond with Birgitte.
• Ned Yarman — Feels Sareitha grow weak through his bond, runs toward the ambush site with the other Warders, and draws his blade in fury upon realizing the Aes Sedai are dying.
• Venr Kosaan — Initially suggests waiting for Elayne's signal, then sheds his cloak and charges into the street after recognizing the Warders' intent.
• Cieryl Arjuna — Notes Elayne's increased confidence before joining the charge alongside Venr and Ta-van.
• Jaem — Gives a wild cry, unsheathes his sword, and races after the other Warders at a speed that belies his age.
• Ta-van — Follows Venr and Cieryl into the street with his blade drawn during the initial rush toward the house.
• Yurith — Obeying Birgitte's order to sheathe her sword, explains her reluctance to stand idle if the Aes Sedai are dying.
• Hark / Samwil Hark — Attempts to slip away into the darkness near the dead Aes Sedai but is seized by Guardswomen before he can escape.
• Guybon / Charlz Guybon (Captain) — Coordinates city defenses in the Map Room, accepts orders to strip forces for the rescue, and charges toward the wagon despite the barrage of lightning and fireballs.
• Dyelin — Argues against stripping Caemlyn's defenses, warns of Arymilla's advantage, takes command of remaining troops and young High Seats to hold the wall.
• Anford / Mistress Anford — Silences murmuring clerks in the Map Room and steadies herself when an ink jar is knocked over during the shock of Elayne's capture.
• Julanya Fote — Reports that Ellorien, Luan, and Abelle broke camp early and are marching north toward Caemlyn.
• Keraille Surtovni — Confirms that Aemlyn, Arathelle, and Pelivar are also marching on the city to support Ellorien for the throne.
• Chanelle (Windfinder) — Initially protests Guardswoman threats, agrees to form a massive gateway only for transport after Birgitte invokes Zaida's bargain, and shields the remaining Darkfriends from channeling.
• Renaile / Rainyn — Arrives late in mismatched clothes, wears an expression of stoic endurance, and follows Chanelle's lead into the Map Room.
• Kurin — Reacts with visible outrage to the order for a massive gateway, his face like black stone.
• Rysael — Normally dignified but visibly quivers at the prospect of transporting thousands of soldiers.
• Senine — Finger her jeweled dagger while reacting to the Windfinders' orders.
• Reene Harfor / Mistress Harfor — Runs breathlessly to Birgitte carrying a wounded Guardsman on a litter, reporting mercenary attacks at the Far Madding Gate.
• Conail — Young High Seat who rides with Dyelin to defend the wall instead of joining the rescue, disappointed he cannot charge.
• Catalyn — Protests being ordered to stay behind, but sullenly follows Dyelin when reminded of her duty to secure the throne.
• Branlet — Young High Seat who rides with Dyelin to help hold the city defenses.
• Perival Mantear — Wears gilded armor and rides with Dyelin to defend the wall, chuckling quietly with Conail.
• Caseille — Salutes Birgitte, leads the Daughter-Heir's Bodyguard into the charging ranks despite the lightning strikes.
• Brannin Marfan — Nobleman who rides down from the ridge to lead his men in the charge toward the Darkfriends.
• Kelwin — Rides down from the ridge with Brannin to join the charging ranks.
• Laerid — Rides down from the ridge to lead his men in the charge.
• Barel — Rides down from the ridge to join the charging ranks alongside other noblemen.
• Sergase — Moves her horse forward as if intending to join the charge when her banner appears from the gateway.
• Careane — One of the Darkfriends ambushing Elayne, later revealed to be Black Ajah and killed by Vandene in the previous division, but here referenced as part of the group using balefire.
• Sareitha — Feels weak through Ned's bond, participates in the ambush, and is shielded by Chanelle at the ridge.
• Asne — Arrives with three other Black sisters using a ter'angreal to disrupt channeling, kills Shiaine, and questions Falion and Marillin about their delay.
• Temaile — Expresses interest in capturing Elayne while dismissing others as burdens, arriving with the rescue party.
• Chesmal — Displays icy arrogance, kills Vandene and Sareitha with a complex weave, and prepares to deal with the Warders.
• Eldrith — Realizes the raiders have discovered a way to hide their channeling glow and expresses interest in this development.
• Ellorien — Mentioned as having convinced other nobles to support her for the Lion Throne, marching on Caemlyn with Luan and Abelle.
• Luan — Mentioned as breaking camp early and marching north toward Caemlyn alongside Ellorien.
• Abelle — Mentioned as marching on Caemlyn with Ellorien and Luan.
• Aemlyn — Mentioned as marching on Caemlyn alongside Arathelle and Pelivar.
• Arathelle — Mentioned as marching on Caemlyn with Aemlyn and Pelivar.
• Pelivar — Mentioned as marching on Caemlyn with Aemlyn and Arathelle.
• Zaida din Parede Black Wing (Mistress of the Ships) — Mentioned as having commanded the Sea Folk to take no part in Andor's war, her authority now invoked by Birgitte to secure the Windfinders' cooperation.
• Arymilla — Mentioned as having stripped her camps and massing forces at the Far Madding Gate, threatening Caemlyn while Elayne is captured.