Chapter 28 - A Way Out

Summary

Mat Cauthon, having recovered from his illness, is visited by Egwene, Nymaeve, and Elayne, who scheme to smuggle him out of Tar Valon despite the Amyrlin's confinement orders. After feigning reluctance and deflecting their attempts to persuade him through charm and authority, Mat agrees to carry Elayne's letter to Queen Morgase once they free him, particularly after they present him with an order bearing Siuan Sanche's seal that they assert grants him permission to leave. The women depart after a brief discussion of their shared past and future, leaving Mat alone with the documents and a sense of anticipation for his escape.

Characters

• Mat / Matrim Cauthon — Mat Cauthon finishes a breakfast snack and is visited by Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne. He deflects their initial attempts to persuade him to carry a letter to Caemlyn by citing the Amyrlin's confinement orders until Nynaeve channels him to prove his health. Eventually, he agrees to the escape plan after Nynaeve reveals an order bearing Siuan Sanche's seal, dancing in victory once the women leave.
• Egwene — Egwene al'Vere visits Mat alongside Nynaeve and Elayne to orchestrate his escape. She attempts to guilt-trip and coax Mat into carrying Elayne's letter, feigning amusement when Mat makes a joke about women's logic, and finally presents him with the forged order from the Amyrlin that allows him to leave the White Tower.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve al'Meara leads the effort to smuggle Mat out of Tar Valon, using a stern, authoritative demeanor to pressure him into accepting their plan. She channels the One Power to prove to Mat that he is healthy enough to travel and reveals the order bearing Siuan Sanche's seal that will facilitate their departure.
• Elayne — Elayne Trakand joins Egwene and Nynaeve in visiting Mat, initially trying to persuade him with charm and then with her status as Daughter-Heir. She provides the letter for her mother, Queen Morgase, which Mat will deliver, and shares in the group's lighthearted moments before they depart.