Chapter 1 - When Last Sounds

Summary

A fierce wind sweeps from Dragonmount over the Aes Sedai camp near Tar Valon, carrying the news that the Amyrlin Seat has died after her boat was found overturned in the Erinin River. Siuan Sanche wakes to grief and anxiety but finds renewed purpose when she recalls Egwene's Dreaming message confirming the captive Amyrlin is alive. After removing fresh boot polish from Gareth Bryne's tent with a weave of Air, Siuan rides urgently to Myrelle's tent to inform Sheriam, Morvrin, Carlinya, and Myrelle that Egwene and Leane are prisoners in Tar Valon and have forbidden any rescue attempt. Lelaine Akashi arrives, privately questions Siuan about the group's loyalty, and reveals she has extracted information from Faolain. Lelaine demands Siuan's allegiance to her should Egwene die or be stilled, securing a pledge that Siuan and her allies will support Lelaine's bid for the Amyrlin Seat over Romanda.

Characters

• Siuan Sanche — Wakes to grief over Elaida's presumed death but finds hope in Egwene's Dreaming message. Removes fresh boot polish from Gareth Bryne's tent with Air, rides urgently to Myrelle's tent to report Egwene's survival, and refuses a rescue plan. Lelaine tests her loyalty, securing a pledge that Siuan will support her bid for the Amyrlin Seat if Egwene falls.
• Gareth Bryne — His tent is visited by Siuan, who notes his freshly blacked boots and reflects on his stubborn honor and her own flustered feelings toward him.
• Myrelle Salrani — Sits in her tent listening to Siuan's news, agrees a rescue is too risky, and prepares to channel while maintaining calm authority over the group.
• Sheriam Norson — Initially eager to rescue Egwene and argues against Siuan's refusal, but later blushes when Lelaine questions her failure to wear the Keeper's stole.
• Morvrin Taretjain — Observes the situation calmly, notes Elaida cannot abolish an Ajah, and taps her chin thoughtfully as Lelaine enters the tent.
• Carlinya Maresis — Coldly accuses Siuan of eavesdropping, argues for capturing Elaida to try her, and drinks tea hastily when news of blocked harbors is mentioned.
• Lelaine Akashi — Enters the tent, pulls Siuan aside for a private walk, reveals she coerced information from Faolain about the group's loyalty, and demands Siuan's allegiance should Egwene fall, securing support for her own Amyrlin bid over Romanda.
• Faolain — Mentioned as having been pressed hard by Lelaine to reveal bits of information about the sisters' plans before being released from confinement.
• Elaida a'Roihan — Her boat is found overturned in the Erinin River, leading the camp to believe she is dead and sparking panic over the Tower's future.
• Egwene al'Vere — Confirmed alive via Dreaming message; holds Leane as a prisoner in Tar Valon, forbids any rescue attempt, and calls for a Hall sitting.
• Leane Sharif — Confirmed alive alongside Egwene, held captive inside the Tower.
• Romanda — Mentioned as a potential rival for the Amyrlin Seat should Egwene die or be stilled, though Lelaine believes she can forestall her.
• Nemaris — Owner of the mare Nightlily, noted to be on the delicate side regarding frisky mounts.
• Arinvar — Sheriam's Warder, a lean Cairhienin who attempts to take Siuan's reins but is waved away.
• Avar Hachami — Myrelle's Saldaean Warder, noted for his eagle-like nose and gray-streaked mustaches.
• Jori — Morvrin's short, bald Warder who ignores Siuan upon her entry.
• Burin — Lelaine's Domani Warder, described as a copper-skinned stump of a man who follows Siuan and Lelaine on their walk.
• Nuhel Dromand — Myrelle's new Illianer Warder with a distinctive beard, replacing Avar during the meeting.
• Chesa — Egwene's maid, mentioned as weeping uncontrollably in the camp.
• Min Farshaw — Mentioned as having advised Siuan to stay close to Gareth Bryne.
• Beonin — Sister mentioned as absent because she went to bed after being too tired to talk.
• Nisao — Sister not invited to the meeting due to her perceived distance from the core group, despite sharing their oaths of fealty.
• Ny-naeve / Nynaeve — Mentioned as having recently Healed Siuan, restoring her ability to channel.