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Chapter 29 - A Trap to Spring

Summary

Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne endure kitchen scrubbing duties, which are interrupted by a stern inspection from the Amyrlin Seat that terrifies the staff and briefly punishes Egwene and Elayne with their ears being seized. After the Amyrlin departs, she privately reveals to Nynaeve that a recent message from Else Grinwell was a fabrication to test them, details the immense power of the angreal Callandor, and authorizes the trio to leave Tar Valon for Tear under the cover story of agricultural work, effectively springing a counter-trap on the Black Ajah.

Characters

  • Nynaeve (Daughter, Wisdom) — Nynaeve turns the spit in the kitchen, hiding her frustration with Laras until the Amyrlin appears. She privately reports her findings to the Amyrlin, expressing distrust regarding the fabricated message and the presence of Black Ajah members like Sheriam, before accepting the order to depart for Tear.
  • Egwene — Egwene bastes the roasts in the kitchen alongside her companions. She is seized by the ear and pulled out of the room by Laras after attempting to speak to the Amyrlin, later returning to resume her duties with disgust over the taste of soap used to clean her mouth.
  • Elayne — Elayne skims grease from the roasting pan and glowers at Laras. She is reprimanded by the Amyrlin for using intolerable language and is dragged out of the kitchen by Laras, returning later to help Nynaeve with the kitchen tasks.
  • Laras (Mistress of the Kitchens) — Laras inspects the roasts with disdain and directs the staff with her spoon. She obeys the Amyrlin's authority, dragging Egwene and Elayne out of the kitchen for speaking disrespectfully, and receives formal commendation from the Amyrlin for her management of the kitchen.
  • Siuan Sanche (the Amyrlin, Mother) — The Amyrlin conducts a terrifying inspection of the kitchen, intimidating the staff into faster work. She privately informs Nynaeve that the Black Ajah set a trap using Else Grinwell, explains the danger of Callandor, and authorizes Nynaeve, Egwene, and Elayne to leave for Tear under the pretext of farming.