ChapterTrack

Chapter 10 - Secrets

Summary

Egwene al’Vere, Nynaeve al'Meara, Elayne Trakand, and the unconscious Matrim Cauthon, accompanied by Hurin and Verin Sedai, ride toward Tar Valon while sensing impending trouble. They are ambushed by Children of the Light led by Dain Bornhald, who accuses them of killing his father at Falme. Fearing for Mat's life and the secrets of a mysterious sack, Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne channel the One Power to create explosions of dirt and stone, scattering the Whitecloaks. Verin reprimands the women for violating the White Tower's laws against using the Power as a weapon against humans, while Bornhald vows vengeance before retreating, warning them that the real danger has only just begun.

Characters

  • Egwene al’Vere — Egwene fears losing her freedom and spots Tar Valon in the distance before sensing trouble. When Whitecloaks block their path, she channels saidar to create explosions of dirt that scatter the attackers, then apologizes to the wounded officer before being rebuked by Verin for her impulsive use of the Power.
  • Bela (shaggy mount) — Bela, Egwene's shaggy mare, dances sideways as Egwene channels the Power and later continues to pull the litter with the others.
  • Nynaeve — Nynaeve travels as an Accepted and uses her weather-sensing abilities to sense a storm of men. She channels the Power during the attack to harass the Whitecloaks and expresses concern for Mat's worsening fever and her own inability to Heal him without her medicines.
  • Elayne (Daughter-Heir of Andor) — Elayne rides beside Mat's litter, worrying over her friend's condition. She channels during the attack and initially threatens the Whitecloak officer with her mother's authority before Verin stops her, later looking shocked at her own actions.
  • mat (Mat) — Mat lies unconscious in a litter slung between two horses, his fever worsening and his grip tight on a golden dagger. The group rushes to reach Tar Valon to heal him and protect a mysterious sack he carries.
  • Verin Sedai — Verin leads the group on horseback, maintaining a calm demeanor while sensing the approach of trouble. She stops Hurin from attacking, talks to the Whitecloak officer, and later furiously reprimands Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne for using the Power as a weapon against humans.
  • Hurin (thief-taker) — Hurin rides with the group, using his senses to detect tracks and warn of trouble. He attempts to draw his sword when confronted by the Whitecloaks but is restrained by Verin, showing fear and reluctance to fight Aes Sedai.
  • Dain Bornhald (officer) — Dain Bornhald leads the Children of the Light in blocking the group's path, accusing them of killing his father at Falme. He is struck down by Egwene's channeling but survives, vowing vengeance before riding away.