Chapter 13 - Punishments

Summary

Egwene, Elayne, and Nynaeve are held in confinement in the White Tower, where they discuss their fate and resolve to avoid being stilled before being summoned by the Amyrlin Seat. Siuan Sanche reveals to them that Liandrin has fled with suspected Black Ajah sisters who stole ter’angreal, then announces their punishments: they are to be raised to Accepted status but assigned to kitchen scrubbing, with their disobedience made public as part of their punishment. Siuan also reveals that she convinced Queen Morgase to allow Elayne to remain for training to keep her from her mother's immediate recall, before privately warning Nynaeve and Egwene that she has unpleasant words for them.

Characters

• Egwene — Egwene lies in her cell-like novice room, discussing the possibility of stilling with Elayne before they are summoned by the Amyrlin. She attempts to maintain dignity while being escorted by Faolain and witnesses Nynaeve’s defiance, ultimately obeying Siuan’s commands to be raised to Accepted and punished with kitchen work.
• Elayne (Daughter-Heir of Andor) — Elayne speaks through the wall with Egwene, expressing fear of being stilled and hope for her mother’s protection. She accompanies Egwene to Siuan, asserts her desire to be Aes Sedai despite the punishment, and learns that her mother’s order to return to Caemlyn has been overridden by the Amyrlin.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve stands before Siuan, where she defiantly argues against the fairness of her punishment and mentions Liandrin’s betrayal. She accepts the order to be raised to Accepted and assigned to the kitchens, though her nostrils flare in anger at the prospect of scrubbing pots.
• Siuan Sanche (Amyrlin Seat) — Siuan sits behind her table, interrogating the three women about their actions and Liandrin’s treason. She announces their punishment of public scrubbing and promotion to Accepted, reveals Queen Morgase’s desire to recall Elayne, and privately indicates that Nynaeve and Egwene face further unpleasantness.
• Leane — Leane waits in the antechamber, dismissing Faolain and the other Accepted with orders to rake paths. She escorts Elayne to Sheriam’s study and stands by in the antechamber before Elayne's departure, displaying stern serenity throughout.
• Faolain (Accepted) — Faolain enters Egwene’s room to summon her, mocking her whispering with Elayne. She escorts Egwene to the Amyrlin, reporting that Egwene had to be pulled by the scruff of her neck, and shoots a furious look at Egwene after being dismissed by Leane.
• Theodrin (Accepted) — Theodrin escorts Nynaeve to the Amyrlin’s presence. When asked if there was trouble, she and the other Accepted report that there was none, standing silently during the sentencing.