Chapter 21 - A World of Dreams

Summary

Egwene al’Vere travels from the kitchens to Verin Sedai’s cluttered quarters to discuss the hunt for the Black Ajah and her potential as a Dreamer. Verin shares fragmented records regarding Ba’alzamon and Liandrin, then introduces the concept of Tel’aran’rhiod, the Unseen World, explaining that a true Dreamer can enter it. She gifts Egwene a twisted stone ring ter’angreal that facilitates entry into this dream world, warning of the physical dangers involved before dismissing Egwene to her duties. After Egwene leaves, Verin reflects on the hidden notes of the previous Dreamer, Corianin Nedeal, regarding the ring, deciding to keep her findings secret.

Characters

• Egwene — Egwene arrives at Verin’s quarters seeking guidance on the Black Ajah investigation. She questions why Verin is explaining the nature of the Dream World if it is unrelated to her potential status as a Dreamer, leading Verin to clarify that the concept of multiple worlds and the One Dark One is central to understanding Tel’aran’rhiod, which she describes as a 'better translation' than 'the Unseen World'. Egwene accepts a stone ring ter’angreal intended to help her navigate this dream world, despite her apprehension about the associated risks, and leaves the room with the items and the instruction to hide them.
• Verin (Verin Sedai) — Verin reveals a fragmented page about Ba’alzamon and provides files on Liandrin to Egwene. She explains the theory of Tel’aran’rhiod and gifts Egwene a twisted stone ring ter’angreal to aid in dreaming. After Egwene departs, Verin conceals Corianin Nedeal’s research notes within her red box, deciding to leave the events of the Pattern as they are.