Chapter 25 - Questions

Summary

Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne analyze the list of suspected Black Ajah sisters and the ter’angreal stolen from the Tower, concluding that the selection of the thirteen women was too deliberate to be random and that more traitors remain hidden within the White Tower. After retrieving a twisted stone ring from a chimney stocking, they agree that Egwene should use it to enter Tel’aran’rhiod to investigate, despite Nynaeve’s reluctance. Their discussion is interrupted by Else Grinwell, who delivers a message from the Amyrlin Seat revealing the location of Liandrin’s stolen belongings in the library’s basement. Egwene chases Else down the galleries but is intercepted by Selene, who commands her to leave before vanishing, leaving Egwene alone and searching the empty corridors.

Characters

• Egwene — Egwene spends the morning analyzing lists of Black Ajah suspects and ter’angreal with Nynaeve and Elayne, then retrieves a striped stone ring from a chimney stocking. She successfully persuades her friends to let her use the ring to enter the World of Dreams, and later chases Else Grinwell through the White Tower galleries before being confronted by a mysterious, striking woman in silver and white silk.
• Nynaeve — Nynaeve paces the room while discussing the Black Ajah list with her friends, expressing frustration at the lack of obvious patterns in the suspects' details. She agrees to let Egwene use the Dreaming ring despite her own stronger channeling ability, and later agrees with Egwene that suspicion should not be cast on Alanna without more evidence, before Else arrives.
• Elayne — Elayne sits by the fireplace reviewing the list of Black Ajah suspects, deducing that the diversity of their backgrounds suggests a deliberate pattern rather than random selection. She helps Egwene retrieve the stone ring from the chimney and agrees to accompany Egwene into the Dreaming.
• Else / Else Grinwell (novice) — Else Grinwell enters Nynaeve's quarters to deliver a message from the Amyrlin Seat regarding the location of Liandrin’s stolen belongings in the library basement. She leaves abruptly, prompting Egwene to chase her down the galleries before the novice vanishes.
• Selene — Selene, a tall and striking woman in silver and white silk, intercepts Egwene in the galleries. She speaks to Egwene with an air of superiority and command before vanishing into thin air, leaving Egwene searching for her in the empty corridors.