ChapterTrack

Chapter 18 - Healing

Summary

Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne are led by Sheriam Sedai to the depths of the White Tower to witness the Healing of Matrim Cauthon, who lies on a stone table surrounded by ten Aes Sedai, including the Amyrlin Seat and Keeper Leane. Siuan uses a powerful sa'angreal to focus the combined power of the sisters to break the bond between Mat and the Shadar Logoth dagger, causing Mat to awaken in his Manetheren past and command the Aes Sedai to release him before the dagger is sealed in a lead-lined box. After the Healing concludes, Siuan informs the women that Mat is stable but requires rest and food, noting his Old Tongue shouts were commands from two thousand years ago, and dismisses Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne to their kitchen chores while Mat is taken away by bearers.

Characters

  • Egwene — Egwene walks through the dark passages of the White Tower with Nynaeve and Elayne, feeling dread about the Black Ajah and the severity of Mat's condition. In the healing chamber, she clutches the hands of her friends, observing the Aes Sedai and the immense power of the sa'angreal. She watches in horror as Mat struggles against the Healing, shouting Old Tongue battle cries, and listens as Siuan explains the nature of his past-life memories before being dismissed to kitchen labor.
  • Nynaeve — Nynaeve is escorted by Sheriam to the healing chamber, where she feels the overwhelming pull of the Power used to break the dagger's bond. She watches Mat's struggle with the urge to channel herself, eventually restraining her desire to interfere. After the Healing, she asks about Mat's survival, and the Amyrlin confirms he will live, noting that he spoke of Aes Sedai, not just battle, before leaving with the others.
  • Elayne — Elayne accompanies Egwene and Nynaeve to the chamber, trembling under the pressure of the Aes Sedai's power. She is held by Egwene's hand and watches Mat's ordeal, later asking Siuan about the Old Tongue phrases Mat shouted. She receives a curt dismissal to kitchen duties after Siuan confirms Mat will likely live.
  • Mat — Mat lies unconscious and gaunt on a stone table, his hand clenched around the Shadar Logoth dagger. During the Healing, he arches his back and shouts commands in the Old Tongue as Manetheren soldiers, commanding the Aes Sedai to release him. When the dagger is sealed in a box, he collapses, and Siuan declares he is as well as can be expected, requiring only rest and food.
  • Siuan Sanche (Amyrlin, Mother) — Siuan Sanche stands at the head of the table, melding the flows of ten Aes Sedai and wielding a sa'angreal to perform the difficult Healing. She focuses the power to break the dagger's bond, watching Mat's struggle with a hoarse determination. After the dagger is removed, she informs the women that Mat is stable and dismisses them to their punishments.
  • Leane — Leane stands at Mat's feet during the Healing. She sniffs loudly when Mat calls the Aes Sedai 'meat' in his past-life persona, while some of the other Aes Sedai mutter angrily under their breath.
  • Sheriam — Sheriam leads the three women through the dark passages and joins the circle of Aes Sedai. She instructs them to stay against the wall and remain silent, warning them not to interfere. She reminds the Amyrlin that it is late and the cooks are waiting before leaving with the others.
  • Verin — Verin stands among the Aes Sedai assisting in the Healing. She observes the flow of the Old Blood in Mat with fascination and confers quietly with Serafelle about the nature of the events.
  • Anaiya — Anaiya, a Blue sister, participates in the Healing, looking tense. After the dagger is removed, she lifts a heavy dark metal box from under the table, places it beside Mat, and uses tongs to seal the Shadar Logoth dagger inside, wiping her face with a linen handkerchief afterward.
  • Serafelle — Serafelle, a Brown sister, stands among the healers and later confers with Verin regarding the Old Blood flow in Mat. She leaves the chamber with the other Aes Sedai after the procedure is complete.
  • Alanna — Alanna Mosvani, a Green sister, stands at the table during the Healing, her expression tight with uncertainty. She leaves the chamber with the other sisters after the task is finished.
  • Brendas — Brendas, a White sister who was previously unknown to Egwene, is commanded by Siuan to ensure Mat is taken back to his room. She leaves to summon bearers with an emotionless curtsy, her demeanor cool and detached throughout the scene.