ChapterTrack

Chapter 38 - Maidens of the Spear

Summary

Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne are confronted by Aviendha, a Maiden of the Spear, who demands they heal her gravely wounded companion, Dailin. The group exchanges cultural misunderstandings regarding concepts like water and first-sisterhood, with the Aiel revealing their historical subservience to Aes Sedai and their taboo against harming them. Nynaeve, displaying her formidable wilder abilities, heals Dailin completely, surprising the Aiel and Egwene with the display of raw One Power integration, after which Nynaeve orders the women to clean the blood from Dailin's wounds.

Characters

  • Egwene / Egwene al'Vere (Daughter of Marin al'Vere) — Egwene channels saidar to defend herself and her friends upon encountering the Aiel, then learns of their customs through confused dialogue with Bain and Chiad. She observes Nynaeve's healing of Dailin with awe, noting the Weaver's skill with the Power and the Aiel's fear of flowing water.
  • Nynaeve — Nynaeve confronts the Aiel with calm authority and later heals Dailin using a mixture of herbs and the One Power. She expresses disdain for the Aiel's warrior mentality while commanding them to care for the healed woman, revealing her wilder heritage through her integrated channeling.
  • Elayne / Elayne of House Trakand (Daughter-Heir) — Elayne introduces herself as the Daughter-Heir of Andor and clarifies the Aiel custom of first-sisterhood to Egwene. She engages in diplomatic conversation with the Aiel, confirming their taboo against harming women and observing the healing process.
  • Aviendha (Far Dareis Mai) — Aviendha, a Maiden of the Spear, leads the group to the injured Dailin and negotiates for their aid. She explains Aiel history and beliefs to the Aes Sedai, asserting their prohibition against harming women and their ancestral fear of flowing water.
  • Bain — Bain, a Maiden of the Spear from the Shaarad Aiel, accompanies Aviendha and explains the ritual binding of first-sisters. She clarifies that the Maidens' bond prohibits men from approaching without the other's knowledge and notes the Aiel's lack of understanding regarding water.
  • Chiad — Chiad, a Maiden of the Spear from the Goshien Aiel, stands with Bain and Aviendha. She participates in the explanation of Aiel culture and expresses puzzlement at the Wise Ones' decision regarding first-sisters.
  • Jolien — Jolien, a Maiden of the Spear from the Nakai Aiel, watches over the injured Dailin. She reacts with visible fear and confusion when Egwene suggests swimming, revealing the Aiel's deep-seated aversion to large bodies of flowing water.
  • Dailin — Dailin lies gravely wounded from a sword strike, having chosen to die near the river. Nynaeve heals her completely with herbs and the Power, leaving no scar, and the woman falls into unconsciousness after drinking the medicinal mixture.