Chapter 51 - Bait for the Net

Summary

Nynaeve al'Meara navigates the muddy streets of Tear, frustrated by the local apathy and her inability to access the One Power due to shielding, before being alerted by Juilin Sandar that the Black Ajah sisters are guests of High Lord Samon within the Stone of Tear. She attempts to confront the traitors at the Wisdom Ailhuin Guenna's house but is swiftly shielded and beaten by Liandrin al'Sooan and Rianna Colborn, who reveal they have also captured Egwene al'Vere and Elayne Trakand. Following Liandrin's threats against Ailhuin and Sandar, the three captured women are forced into a coach bearing Samon's sigil as Liandrin taunts Nynaeve about the impending arrival of thirteen Myrddraal sent by the Forsaken Be'lal.

Characters

• Nynaeve / Maryim — Nynaeve struggles through the mud of Tear while buying meat, then confronts Juilin Sandar before rushing to the Wisdom's house to find Liandrin and Rianna waiting. She is shielded, beaten, and captured along with Elayne and Egwene, who are forced into a coach under threat of death.
• Egwene (girl) — Egwene is found crumpled and bruised on the floor of the Wisdom's house after being captured. She is hoisted over a soldier's shoulder and placed into the coach with Nynaeve and Elayne, her head lolling in a limp heap.
• Elayne — Elayne stands between Liandrin and Rianna with visible bruises and torn clothing, apologizing weakly to Nynaeve for not seeing the attackers sooner. She is forced into the coach and helps Nynaeve's ruse by stopping her friend from revealing they are bait and pretending to be frightened.
• Liandrin (sister) — Liandrin steps into the Wisdom's house with Rianna, effortlessly shielding Nynaeve and beating her with invisible winds. She threatens Ailhuin and Sandar to ensure their silence, then taunts the captured Nynaeve about the coming Myrddraal.
• Rianna — Rianna accompanies Liandrin into the house, helping to beat Nynaeve and later threatening to stop her heart. She laughs at Ailhuin's submission and accompanies the captives to the coach.
• Juilin (Master Sandar) — Juilin Sandar nervously warns Nynaeve that the Black Ajah are guests of High Lord Samon in the Stone. He is physically abused by Liandrin to force his compliance.
• Ailhuin / Guenna (Mother Guenna, old woman) — Ailhuin sits bound by invisible Air inside her house, trembling with fear as Liandrin threatens her life if she speaks of the capture. She eventually agrees to keep silent and stares at her hands in her lap.
• Joiya — Joiya Byir stands in the front room with Amico Nagoyin, shining with the Power. She chides Nynaeve for her demands and bad language as the captives are led out.
• Amico — Amico Nagoyin stands beside Joiya Byir in the Wisdom's house, looking innocent and pale. She is part of the group that captures the three women and escorts them to the coach.
• Samon (High Lord) — Samon is not physically present but is the High Lord of Tear who is hosting the Black Ajah. His sigil, a silver-gauntleted fist clutching lightning, is seen on the coach door, and he is named as the one sending Myrddraal.